August Openings & Offers: Wellness, Pets & Far-Flung Escapes
We’ve officially made it to August. Some may dub it the end of summer; for others, it’s the height of the season. However you interpret it, though, it’s the perfect month for a last-minute getaway — or for planning your next big adventure.
The focus is on relaxation, family enjoyment, and creating memorable experiences in luxurious settings, making August a prime time for travel enthusiasts. For those interested, planning and booking can be managed through Novel Bookings to secure unique, tailored travel experiences.
New Openings:
Photo courtesy of Hotel Chelsea
Spa at Hotel Chelsea
The historical, vibrant, ever-playfual Hotel Chelsea announced the opening of its spa in June. The tranquil oasis sits on one of the hotel’s top floors, and is flooded with natural light — a rarity for hotel spas. The spa even has its own leafy outdoor terrace. Inside, there’s a sauna, fancy showers, giant soaking tubs and a cozy fireplace lounge. Treatments range from heavenly massages and facials to intuitive energy-healing modalities.
Raffles Jaipur
Photo courtesy of Raffles Jaipur
Raffles Jaipur, the brand’s second Indian property, officially opened its doors last month. The 50-room stunner, crafted out of white marble, is a study in craftsmanship. It’s ornate and intricately designed, with locally woven carpets, regal ceilings, artisanal artifacts and hand-carved sandstone columns. The hotel’s signature scent — a grounding blend of neroli, orange blossom and saffron — permeates the air, which only adds to the pervasive luxury. You’ll feel like royalty when you stay here, a feeling enhanced by Raffles’ exceptional (and iconic) butler service.
Family Friendly Options:
Photo courtesy of Mazagan Beach Resort
Guaranteed connecting rooms for families at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort
Mazagan is ideal for all types of travelers, but especially families. The sprawling resort lies about an hour outside of Casablanca, and is replete with numerous activities to keep everyone, regardless of age, occupied: surfing, paddleboarding, horseback riding, tennis (and pickleball), trampolining… There’s the Kidz Club for the 3–10 crowd, and the Rush Club for tweens and teens. The programs center on nature and enjoying the outdoors, with evenings dedicated to movies, games and wholesome parties.
Novel Bookings Perks: Welcome amenities, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Pet Friendly Options
Waived pet fee for August stays at Palihouse West Hollywood:
Photo courtesy of Palisociety WeHo
Palisociety’s WeHo property epitomizes the brand’s boutique charm and hip, youthful vibe. Bespoke furniture, fun patterns, handsome wood, colorful tiling and playful tchotchkes can be found throughout. There’s a chic outdoor pool surrounded by striped loungers and pink umbrellas; the whole scene calls to mind 50s Hollywood glamor. In between reading, relaxing, napping and swimming, help yourself to the complimentary candy bar at the indoor-outdoor pool lounge.
Novel Bookings Perks: Exclusive rates, a welcome amenity, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Exclusive Offers:
Complimentary room upgrade & 90-minute massage for 3+ nights at Amanera (Dominican Republic):
Photo courtesy of Amanera DR
This Dominican Republic escape, situated on the island’s northern coast, feels blissfully private. This Aman hotel masterfully combines the brand’s signature minimalism and overall zen with an island breeziness. Expect seasonal, sustainably sourced cuisine, a robust wellness program (don’t miss a punishing beach circuit session followed by a rejuvenating holistic spa treatment) and immersive experiences that explore the hotel’s lush environs — ocean and jungle alike. Guests can receive a complimentary upgrade and a massage for stays of three nights or more.
Novel Bookings Perks: $100 food / beverage credit, one 90-minute Holistic Massage for two, a guided nature hike, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fine print: valid for travel now through October 31. Blackout dates apply.
5th night free for suites and villas at Jumby Bay Island:
Photo courtesy of Jumbo Bay Island
Jumby Bay Island adds a new dimension to the art of arriving in style. You’ll touch down in Antigua, then board a yacht that will whisk you away to the private-island escape, a jewel in the crown of Oetker. The brand as a whole excels at refined taste, and this is especially true of Jumby Bay. Their sprawling suites and villas are soothingly nautical-chic — elegant white-washed spaces with ample light, ample views and well-placed pops of blue. Even better, multiple airlines have announced additional routes (if not in place already) to Antigua and Barbuda’s V.C. Bird International Airport.
Novel Bookings Perks: $100 food / beverage or spa credit, breakfast daily & access to the best room in its requisite category.
Fine print: valid for travel now through August 25, and from October 14 to December 15. Book by December 11th. Blackout dates apply.
5th night free at NIHI Sumba (Indonesia):
Photo courtesy NIHI Sumba
For barefoot luxury on an idyllic Indonesian island, head to NIHI Sumba. The resort consists of 27 villas, each of which is unique, and each of which is comfortable, laid-back and luxe. Your accommodations might include an infinity-edge pool on a sleek wooden deck, with views of the Indian Ocean, or a giant outdoor tub begging for a long soak coupled with a good book. NIHI’s Wild Wellness ethos combines rigorous (and fun!) activities like rock running and underwater strength training with balancing, grounding modalities like yoga, meditation and massage. You’ll leave feeling thoroughly nourished, which is no surprise, considering that NIHI’s food, much of which comes from the on-site organic garden, is meticulously sourced and prepared.
Novel Bookings Perks: $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fine print: valid for travel now through December 25, 2024, from January 8 through March 31, 2025. Book by September 15.
Booking Perks:
Most featured properties provide additional benefits through Novel Bookings, such as cash credits for food and beverage, room upgrades, and exclusive amenity offerings that enhance the travel experience.
