2019 Travel Awards: 33 Winners Who Wowed Us This Year

Sands Hotel & Spa, Indian Wells, CA

If Mad Men had ever filmed in Marrakech, the set would have looked a lot like Sands Hotel & Spa. Celebrity interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard reimagined the 1950s-era property as a 46-room, Moroccan-meets-midcentury-modern desert retreat with Bedouin-style pool cabanas, Beni Ourain rugs, and brass-accented furnishings. Forget the celebrity paparazzi of Palm Springs’ heyday. Instagram sensation interiors have made this a magnet for influencers who come just for selfies in the black-and-white Moroccan-tiled lobby. From $329.

The Carpenter, Austin, TX

If Ace Hotel Group created the blueprint for the hipster hotel, then the Portland-based hospitality firm Mighty Union, whose co-founder is an Ace veteran, is updating it. Their newest project rewrites the recipe for a next-gen indie hotel. Key ingredients: a third-wave coffee shop; an all-day menu of creative comfort foods at in-house restaurant Carpenters Hall; a lobby with living-room vibes (pictured); and an Instagram-worthy outdoor pool. We also love its old bones. All 93 rooms are housed in the terra-cotta-and-exposed-concrete shell of a former union hall, giving the space a clean, institutional aesthetic. From $195.

Outdoor dining—on rooftops, beachfronts, patios, and more—where your plate comes with a sense of place.

The Nomad Hotel Rooftop, Los Angeles

• View: The downtown L.A. skyline
• Order: The dry-aged burger and fries

The Harbor House Inn (pictured), Mendocino, CA

• View: Wharf Rock and the Pacific Ocean
• Order: A tasting menu of dishes such as seaweed with purple sea urchin

The Mountaineering Club, Seattle

• View: Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, downtown
• Order: Oysters with brown butter mayo

Alaska Wildland Lodges, Kenai Fjords National Park, AK

Don’t get us wrong, backcountry camping is great. But when it comes to the wilds of Alaska, we prefer the peace of mind and comfort of a lodge stay. Outfitter Alaska Wildland Adventures operates three eco-friendly properties on Kenai Peninsula: Kenai Backcountry Lodge, Kenai Riverside Lodge, and Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge (the only option inside the national park). Combining overnights lets you experience the best of the park’s nearly 670,000 acres, from a float trip through Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to hiking alpine tundra. Three-lodge combo package from $4,250.

Surya Spa at Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Santa Monica, CA

The latest spot from Kelly Wearstler’s Proper Hotel brand boasts a restaurant collab from Jessica Koslow of L.A.’s hit Sqirl and Gabriela Cámara of Contramar in Mexico City, but we’re even more excited about the 3,000-square-foot spa from renowned Ayurvedic doctor Martha Soffer, complete with transcendental meditation classes in partnership with the David Lynch Foundation.

Tofino, B.C. According to expert Kelly Slater, "In British Columbia, the quiet surf of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Long Beach, a vast stretch of sand with tons of driftwood and tidepools, has spots for every ability level and it's easy to get off the beaten path up there. The really adventurous can take a boat to get to more remote waves."

Huntington Beach, CA "It's not called Surf City U.S.A. for nada. This town is, like most Orange County beaches, in the upper 60s year-round, making for that perfectly peachy, beachy life. It's all about enjoyment in Huntington Beach, where the modus operandi is to not take your surfing too seriously, and to paddle with a Zen attitude and the perfect wave will come to you when the time is right (and you've practice enough!)." —Dakota Kim, staff writer

The Lodge at Blue Sky, an Auberge Resort, Wanship, UT

This new lodge just outside of Park City reinvents the dude ranch with an on-site whiskey distillery and helicopters that whisk guests to the Wasatch Range for yoga, hiking, skiing, and horseback riding. Spread across 3,500 acres, the lodge offers plenty of options for experiences authentic to the West. What you won’t find: Western kitsch. The 46 rooms eschew antler chandeliers and cowhide rugs in favor of modern interiors. From $800. 

Gear-lending programs have replaced the mini bar as the must-have hotel amenity.

Hotel Zags (pictured), Portland

A gear shed is stocked with fun, reservable toys like GoPros, binoculars, skateboards, fishing poles, cruiser bikes, and more.

Hotel Joaquin, Laguna Beach, CA

The Adventure Outpost satisfies all your beach needs with swim fins, boogie boards, kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards.

HALCYON, a Hotel in Cherry Creek, Denver

Borrow Piaggio scooters, Leica cameras, kitted-out Osprey packs, sleds, and snowshoes from the Gear Garage.

Dossier Hotel, Portland

Guests have complimentary access to adventure packs filled with trekking poles, headlamps, and dry bags for your valuables.

Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito, CA

This splashy new resort is the epitome of seaside elegance with its chauffeured Rolls-Royce Ghost and pool area inspired by the former Arrowhead Springs Hotel. Despite its exclusive address fronting Miramar Beach, you’ll still find plenty of casual-cool touches like a poolside scoop shop, an outpost of beloved restaurant Malibu Farm, and a Goop retail space. From $595.

The Society Hotel Bingen, Bingen, WA

Traditionally Hood River, Oregon, has been the base of choice for visitors to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. But the recently opened Society Hotel is giving travelers a reason to cross the river to the sleepier (and sunnier) Washington side. This 80-year-old former schoolhouse in the small town of Bingen (population 729) now has accommodations to fit all budgets, from bunk rooms to cabins. The bathhouse offers remedies for trail-weary muscles including a sauna, cold plunge, and saltwater soaking pool. From $25.

Watercourse Way, Palo Alto, CA

“This iconic bathhouse and spa has done a wonderful job staying true to Palo Alto’s hippie roots even as the town changes. Choose from eight gorgeous hot-tub and sauna rooms and a wide range of facials, massages, and body treatments. Highly recommended!” —Kendra Poppy, social media editor

Pendry, San Diego

Aimed at tech-savvy millennials, this two-year-old brand combines everything we love about boutique hotels with the five-star service of its parent company, Montage International. At its San Diego flagship, you’ll find sophisticated touches like bell captains and a Moët & Chandon Champagne vending machine alongside a beer hall and subterranean nightclub. “The new wave of luxury guest has a different set of values and needs than the previous generation,” says Pendry cofounder and creative director Michael Fuerstman. Properties in West Hollywood and Park City are slated to debut in the next two years.

Oga’s Cantina, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Anaheim, CA

“Guests can finally grab a drink inside Disneyland at the new Oga’s Cantina. This happening watering hole is exactly what you might expect from a Star Wars bar, from the ripped-from-the-big-screen decor to the well-executed cocktails (try the açai liquor and Patron-spiked “The Outer Rim”) to tunes spun by robot DJ R-3X.” —Chantal Lamers, home editor

OARS Cataract Canyon Whitewater Rafting Trip, Moab, UT

Legendary one-armed explorer John Wesley Powell first braved Cataract Canyon’s raging rapids 150 years ago. The six- or four-day trips from OARS allow modern-day explorers to channel his historic expedition (albeit with the perks of expert guides, hearty meals, and comfy beach camping) on one of the most underrated stretches of the Colorado River and in the least crowded parts of Canyonlands National Park. Expect family-friendly paddling from July through October, but come highwater season in May and June, the river’s famous big drops can make even the Grand Canyon’s Lava Falls Rapid seem mellow. From $1,599.

The Farm at Brush Creek, Saratoga, WY

Think of The Farm as the West’s answer to the South’s foodie mecca Blackberry Farm in Tennessee. Accessible to guests of The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch and its adults-only sister property, Magee Homestead, the new culinary venue features an on-site creamery, brewery, distillery, bakery, and a greenhouse that grows 100,000 pounds of produce annually. Guests can hang with goats, learn the basics of butchering, and sip rare whiskies from the Spirit Vault. The farm’s bounty is on display at the Cheyenne Club, a tasting-menu restaurant that’s complemented by a wine cellar with one of the most comprehensive collections of Bordeaux in the country.

North Coast Food Trail, Tillamook Region, OR

Oregon’s first official food trail launched last year and includes nearly 75 stops centered around farming, fishing, brewing, and foraging. We’ve narrowed down our top 10 essential detours.

1. North Fork 53 (Nehalem) for Oregon Coast Chai
2. Salmonberry Saloon (Wheeler) for Netarts Bay oysters
3. Garibaldi Portside Bistro (Garibaldi) for Smoked Ribs, only available Thursday–Saturday; (971) 265-1567
4. Fishpeople (Garibaldi) for Wild Alaskan Salmon Jerky
5. Debbie D’s Sausage (Tillamook) for Hot Pepper Beef Sticks
6. Blue Heron French Cheese Company (Tillamook) for Smoked Brie
7. Werner Beef & Brew (Tillamook) for The Werner burger paired with a Werner’s Coastal Brown Ale; (503) 842-7577
8. Nestucca Bay Creamery (Cloverdale) for slow-ripened, tangy Kiawanda-Welsh-style cheese
9. Meridian Restaurant & Bar (Pacific City) for Clam Chowder
10. Pelican Brewing Company (Pacific City) for Beak Breaker Double IPA

Modern Adventure, Portland

Founded by travel-industry veteran Luis Vargas, this new Portland-based company curates not just extraordinary itineraries, but they also enlist incredibly cool, in-the-know trip leaders, such as L.A. chef Ray Garcia and Oregon winemaker David Adelsheim. Expertise is what sets these trips apart. On our bucket list: A spring 2020 design-focused journey in Japan led by Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey, founders of San Francisco’s Heath Ceramics.

El Rey Court, Santa Fe

Opened in 1936 along the original Route 66, El Rey Court’s thoughtful revamp (courtesy of Jay and Alison Carroll, the creatives behind lifestyle brand Wonder Valley) pays homage to its motor inn past and the spirit of the Southwest with classic pueblo revival exteriors and painstakingly sourced Chimayo weavings, Navajo fabrics, and Saltillo hex tiles. A mezcaleria and swim club have made the hotel a destination for locals as much as it is for travelers. From $119.

San Diego, CA

Editor-in-chief Matt Bean stands behind the Readers' Choice vote for best beer city in the West. “San Diego has been a wellspring of beer innovation for decades,” he says. “The area counts more than 150 breweries and stands as a living lesson in the many waves of brewing tradition to wash over the country and into your glass.”

Bay Point Landing, Coos Bay, OR

Glamping gets a New Nordic twist at this resort located a 4.5-hour drive from Portland on Oregon’s wildest stretch of coast. In addition to tricked-out Airstreams and fully equipped RV sites, you’ll find Scandi-influenced cabins designed by acclaimed California studio OfficeUntitled. If Coos Bay is too chilly, there’s a heated indoor saltwater pool, and an on-site general store stocks everything from Pendleton blankets to local brews. RV sites from $49; cabins from $119; Airstreams from $149.

Caldera House, Jackson Hole, WY

“It would be easy to write off the Caldera House as a billionaires’ playground. The eight palatial suites, with their American West-meets-European-alpine-chalet interiors, go for a few grand a night. But the owners also made it accessible to the community, adding an alpine membership club with perks like valet parking in a town notorious for its lack of spots and a locker room with fun touches such as candy drawers and a costume closet. Even ski bums can take advantage of $3 beers and pizza-by-the-slice at its tram-side cafe.” From $1,500 in winter. —Jen Murphy, executive editor

Hobbit House at WeeCasa Tiny House Resort, Lyons, CO

Turns out you can live out your Middle-earth fantasies without flying to New Zealand. Of the 22 itty-bitty homes at WeeCasa Tiny House Resort, the Hobbit House is the most darling with its shingled exterior, ivy-rimmed roof, and a round front door that requires tall guests to watch their heads. With its lofted bed and sleeper sofa, the compact 170-square-foot space can sleep four. From $159.

REI Adventures Canyon de Chelly Hiking & Camping Trip, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, AZ

Offered May through October, this new four-day trip goes way deeper than just ogling the purple-blue badlands of Blue Mesa in Petrified Forest National Park and hiking slickrock trails. A Navajo guide provides context about native culture and folklore as you visit ancient cliff dwellings and the iconic ruins of Antelope House. The campsite has an unrivaled location next to a pictograph-decorated cave that was once an ancestral Puebloan ruin. From $1,874.

“Lesser-known pockets of California are helmed by some extremely talented and earth-conscious young growers, like Dani Rozman of La Onda wines, Gideon Beinstock and Saron Rice of Clos Saron, and Aaron and Cara Mockrish of Frenchtown Farms, who are yielding wines with a depth and character that’s really inspiring. The Sierra Foothills, North Yuba, and even up near Mt. Shasta and the Trinity Alps of Siskiyou all have demonstrated incredible, soulful wines.” —Los Angeles sommelier Ashley Ragovin

The Ruth Bancroft Garden & Nursery, Walnut Creek, CA

“My advice for when you visit this garden filled with cactus, agaves, aloes, and all types of botanical wonders: Take your time, look around, ask questions of the staff, and find some low-water desert specimens or offbeat plants to take home.” —Thad Orr, garden editor

Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve, Raton, NM

Conservationist and media mogul Ted Turner’s 550,000-acre reserve straddles the New Mexico-Colorado border and feels like a private national park. The vastness of the land almost guarantees you never see a crowd while mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding. But, safely accompanied by your skilled guide, you almost always will run into the resident bison, elk, black bear, mule deer, and pronghorn and bighorn sheep. From $1,200, all-inclusive.

Getaway Cabins, Big Bear, CA and Mount Adams, OR

“This collection of minimalist cabins recently debuted its first two outposts in the West. Exact locations are revealed upon booking, and cabins come stocked with purchasable provisions (coffee, firewood) and a lockbox for your phone so you can get lost in nature.” From $89. —Matt Bean, editor-in-chief

Sequoia National Park, CA

There’s no more humbling or awe-inspiring experience than standing in a grove of ancient, towering trees. Sequoia N.P. offers an abundance of neck-craning beauty, along with some of the most jaw-dropping lakes, valleys, and peaks in the West. A vast expanse of wilderness, 84 percent of the park is accessible only by foot or trusty steed, making it a true backpacker’s paradise.

North Cascades National Park, WA

“The North Cascades is way up there in terms of low visitation and amazing experiences—rugged peaks, expansive glacial systems, vast forests, and waterways abound. Plus, travel time is short from Seattle.” —Keith Eshelman, cofounder, Parks Project

We tip our hats to these three women who are helping to break down barriers in the outdoors.

Brown Folks Fishing

Determined to change the face of fishing, Vietnamese-American Tracy Nguyen-Chung launched this national angler-led initiative last year with the goal of cultivating access and community for black, indigenous, and people of color, and giving them a platform to lead conservation efforts.

Outdoor Afro

Oakland resident Rue Mapp started Outdoor Afro as a blog, hoping to connect with people of color who shared her love of nature. A decade later, her nonprofit spans the country, and its board of directors includes people from the Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, and Kaiser Permanente. 

Brown Girl Surf

Cofounders Farhana Huq and Mira Manickam-Shirley are recasting the tanned, blond-haired surfer stereotype with this Oakland-based nonprofit that cultivates respect for nature and the diverse groups who enjoy it through both surf lessons and beach cleanups.

Fire Tower Suite at Cloud Camp at Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO

The best vistas require effort, and Cloud Camp, a 9,200-foot elevation wilderness experience from Colorado’s historic Broadmoor hotel, is about as off the grid as it gets. Reaching the mountaintop hideaway requires a 3-hour hike, stomach-turning car ride, or retired Grand Canyon mule. For the ultimate view, you’ll need to climb 145 more steps to this one-of-a-kind suite, built on the stone foundation of a former fire tower. Wake up in the clouds and take in 360° views of Pikes Peak from the telescope in a dedicated observation room. From $1,400, all-inclusive.

The Manufactory Food Hall, San Francisco International Airport

“Opened in January, The Manufactory Food Hall allows travelers to try three of S.F.’s legacy restaurants without leaving the airport. The space offers coffee, breads, and pastries from Tartine Bakery, tacos from Tacos Cala (the team behind Mexico City–inspired Cala), and fried chicken from Kamin (the team behind Michelin-starred Thai restaurant Kin Khao).” —Maya Wong, assistant editor

Hot Hotels

• Proper Hotels & Residences
• Virgin Hotels San Francisco
• Hotel Amparo, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
• Thompson Seattle
• Vista Collina Resort, Napa
• Woodlark, Portland
• Timbers Kauai, HI
• Terranea Resort, Ranchos Palos Verdes, CA
• Palisociety
• The Ranch, Malibu
• MacArthur Place, Sonoma
• The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
• Lodge at Kukuiula, Kauai, HI
• Snowpine Lodge, Alta, UT
• SCP Hotels
• Casa Mami, Pioneertown, CA
• The Ramble, Denver
• The Francis House, Calistoga, CA
• Eritage Resort, Walla Walla, WA
• Atticus Hotel, McMinnville, OR
• Gold Diggers, Los Angeles

Essential Eating & Drinking

• Channel Islands Provisioners, CA
• Santa Barbara Picnic Co., CA
• Jordan Vineyard & Winery, CA
• Willamette Valley Vineyards, OR
• The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House, CA
• Basement Bar at Hoxton Hotel, Portland
• Barbershop Cuts & Cocktails at the Cosmopolitan Las Vegas
• Raised by Wolves, San Diego
• Taub Family Outpost, Sonoma
• Bad Harriet at Hotel Jerome, Aspen
• Porridge & Puffs, Los Angeles

Ultimate Experiences

• Spirit of the West Adventures Whales & Wilderness Glamping, B.C.
• Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area Super Bloom, Hill City, ID
• Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Garden
• Colorado riverfront revitalization in Yuma, AZ
• Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
• Fly-fishing the North Platte River, Casper, WY
• UnCruise Adventures; Denali National Park, AK
• Wine tasting in Temecula, CA
• Road trip through Southern Idaho
• Yosemite National Park, CA
• Ward Village, Honolulu