You know that Robert Frost poem?
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference.
It’s a popular sentiment in today’s travel industry, and one that has carried over to the end of the road as well, with nontraditional accommodations (i.e., boutique and lifestyle hotels, Airbnbs) one of the decade’s trends de rigueur. And the big chains have finally begun to take note.
Last week, Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced its acquisition of Two Roads Hospitality, an international hotel management company named after the Frost line that deals in exactly the type of unexpected, off-the-beaten path lodgings vacationers have been tacking onto their bucket lists.
In a press release, Hyatt notes the purchase includes “the majority of [Two Roads’] 85 properties in eight countries.” On first glance, that may not seem like a game changer for Hyatt, a globally recognized hospitality company currently touting over 600 properties in over 50 countries. But with brands Alila, Destination, Joie de Vivre, Thompson and Tommie under its banner, Two Roads isn’t just any niche hotel proprietor. While the majority of the company’s offerings are here in the U.S., the other seven countries — India, Oman, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Mexico and Puerto Rico — play host to the type of accommodations we’d rather keep to ourselves than tell you.
But because it’s our job, we’ve enumerated five Two Roads properties you need to get on your itinerary, stat, below.
(And if you’re not yet a World of Hyatt member, you’ve got some time: as The Points Guy notes, Two Roads will be integrated into the loyalty program in 2019.)
Photo: Alila Hotels and Resorts
Alila Fort Bishangarh
Bishangarh Village, Jaipur District, India
A 230-year-old military fort converted into a 59-suite luxury resort, where some pieces have been left intact (such as the battlements) and others have been repurposed (the granite dungeon is now a spa). The four restaurants are themed — Amarsar is inspired by the Silk Road, for example — though, thankfully, not on wartime rations.
Photo: Alila Hotels and Resorts
Alila Purnama
Indonesia
If traditional cruise ships are the public buses of seafaring, Alila’s Purnama is a vintage Aston Martin. The 10-guest, 16-crew vessel is crafted in the traditional Indonesian phinisi style, but includes five thoroughly modern suites and amenities, like satellite wifi.
Photo: Alila Hotels and Resorts
Alila Yangshuo Hotel
Yangshuo County, Guilin City, China
A restored 1960s sugar mill in China’s Karst Mountains, the 117-room Yangshuo Hotel is one of Alila’s more recent additions. The brick and concrete structures from the mill now serve as a reception, cafe, bar, library, gallery and swimming pool.
Photo: Thompson Hotels
Thompson Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico
The former Viceroy Hotel on Playa La Ropa is being reopened under the Thompson brand this December. The beachfront accommodations will now include 54 suites, 11 of which are accessible by a private swim-up pool, and many of which will have their own plunge pools.
Photo: Alila Hotels and Resorts
Alila Villas Koh Russey
Koh Russey (Bamboo) Island, Ream, Cambodia
This villa community set to open next month will become Hyatt’s second Cambodian property once the acquisition is finalized. But unlike the Park Hyatt Siem Reap, Koh Russey is a mix of tropical forests, secluded beaches and 63 pavilions and villas, each with their own pool.
Main photo: Alila Hotels and Resorts
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