Five Frivolities: October 1
Five Frivolities: October 1
My Thailand hotel list, Zannier hotels, a Big Sur hidden gem hotel, luxury hotel openings in 2024, and a hidden gem hotel on a private island in Georgia.
1. My Thailand hotel list
I’ve only been to Thailand once, but I loved it. It’s a country of immense beauty, culture, food (as long as you’re not allergic to nuts like myself), beaches, wildlife…and it’s notoriously affordable. It will be the place on people’s radar in 2024, when the next season of The White Lotus, set in Thailand, is released. Here’s my Thailand hotel list, a mix of locations, prices, aesthetics - each place I would either stay myself or send a client or friend.
Keemala, Phuket
Amanpuri, Phuket
COMO Point Yamu, Phuket
Phulay Bay, Krabi
Rayavadee, Krabi
Six Senses Samui, Koh Samui
The Library, Koh Samui
Napasai, Koh Samui
Karma Samui, Koh Samui (vv affordable!)
Six Senses Yao Noi, Koh Yao Noi
Cape Kudu, Koh Yao Noi
Zeavola, Phi Phi
Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood
Villa Mahabhirom, Chang Mai
137 Pillars House, Chang Mai
Rachamankha, Chang Mai
Four Seasons Chang Mai, Chang Mai
Tamarind Village, Chang Mai
Phu Chaisai, Chang Rai (vv affordable!)
InterContinental Khai Yao, Khai Yao
2. The Lodge on Little St. Simons
As a California girl who’s never been to The South, I really can’t shut up about it, can I? This week’s obsession has been unwavering for the last 58 weeks, give or take. It was one of my first TikTok videos, but it flopped, my ego won and I deleted it. But now it’s back, and forever alive in the archive.
This is a private island, rustic luxury boutique hotel-meets-resort, and that’s a lot of adjectives. I just can’t choose – it ticks a lot of boxes. Family getaway? Couples trip? Solo adventure? Check, check, check. The Lodge at Little Saint Simons seems realllllly special. You can stay in either a hotel room, cottage, or rent the full island. It all seems magical. Georgia’s calling.
3. Luxury hotel chain openings I’m curious about for 2024
It’s October first which means its essentially Christmas which means it’s essentially the new year. There are a lot of luxury hotels slated to open next year, but as always, I’m only excited about a handful. I’ll post about them on the clock app as they start to unveil their curtains, and share whether the properties are still a yes or not.
Belmond: Hotel Romazzino - Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, Italy
Auberge Resorts: The Dunlin - Johns Island, South Carolina; Collegio alla Querce - outside Florence, Italy
Six Senses: Six Senses Svart - Norway
Rosewood: Rosewood Amsterdam - Amsterdam, Netherlands; Rosewood Schloss Fuschl - Austria; Rosewood Miyakojima - Okinawa Archipelago, Japan
One & Only: One & Only Kéa Island - Greece; Moonlight Basin - Montana, USA
Four Seasons: The Biltmore Santa Barbara - Santa Barbara, California, USA (supposed re-opening)
4. A spotlight on Zannier hotels
This is a hotel group that I don’t hear a lot of buzz about, but piques my curiosity above and beyond. They don’t have a large portfolio, which I like. They pay attention to detail, and don’t play into trend, which I really like.
There’s Le Chalet, in the French Alps, above Megève. 12 rooms only, which is lovely. Understated elegance, and while this wouldnt’t be my personal top choice for an Alps stay, it would be for many of my more minimalist clients and friends. Plus, it’s cozy, while still remaining clutter-free.
Then, a world away literally and figuratively is Omaanda, in Namibia. I am OBSESSED. I use that word a lot, but I always mean it, at least in the moment. This one has been a whole lot of moments. Wild and beautiful, with Mother Nature on stunning display.
Also in Namibia, but in tented form, is Sonop. The pool. THE POOL. F-ing incredible. This is the kinda camping that I can really get in to.
On the edge of Angkor Wat in Cambodia (on my bucket list!), is Phum Baitang. It’s exactly what I look for in a non-beach Asian destination. Native building techniques, a sense of place, and a high regard to honoring the culture. I want go go.
The property I’m least interested in but not uninterested in is Bãi San Hô, beachfront in Vietnam.
In 2026, they’re slated to open Île de Bendor, an island off the coast of the South of France. I have so very many high hopes for this.
5. Glen Oaks, Big Sur
People think Post Ranch Inn or Alila Ventana when they think Big Sur. Or, Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn if you’re in the know. But, there’s another good option. Glen Oaks. Especially, if you stay in the River View Suite in the Redwood Cabin, the Big Sur Cabin, or The Bridge House. Nature? You got it, right outside your door. Something to have on your radar! I first discovered this hotel when I was in college and working at Nasty Gal, it’s one of Sophia Amoruso’s favorites.
Thanks for being here, you rock.
xx Your pen pal,
Marissa