OTPYM Founder Michaela Guzy was interviewed by Randi Naughton LIVE on FOX2News in studio for the first time since March 2020 in her hometown, St. Louis, MO. There was too much news to cover in just 5 minutes,  so check out all 7 NEW hotels that she didn’t have time to cover during the interview. WATCH the TV Segment HERE.

Michaela just returned from the International Luxury Travel Market in France where the top hotels, destinations and sellers of travel from around the world re-met for the first time in almost 2 years and the news is so good!

Despite the pandemic so many companies opened new hotels, launched expedition ships – keep an eye out for Explora Journeys who are redefining ocean travel + classics like The Orient Express will begin her legendary Train rides across Italy both in 2023. Heck even airlines like American have doubled down on routes across Mexico! 

The travel industry acknowledges that the way we travel has forever shifted, and Michaela was excited to learn that in response to COVID-19, the digital health company, Sharecare has developed a health security verification with Forbes Travel Guide enabling hotels to monitor their protocols and earn a VERIFIED™  badge. So when traveling, start looking for this seal of safety.

Check out more of OhThePeopleYouMeet’s Travel Safe Tips HERE. 

One very strong theme emerged and has never been more relevant, the hotels that are opening during this crazy time all have something in common – it’s all about wellbeing. The Global Wellness Institute has predicted a 21% annual growth rate for wellness tourism through 2025, and a recent survey by American Express found that 68% of world travelers are likely to base their next trip around improving their mental wellbeing. 

Michaela’s TOP 7 hotels that have opened during the pandemic + focus on a traveler’s wellbeing are:

#1 Chenot Palace (WEGGIS, SWITZERLAND) is where Michaela went to get her zen on before the holidays and she left feeling grounded, focused and fabulous. Chenot is right on Lake Lucerne at the base of the Swiss Alps + Mt. Rigi – the views are incredible. She participated in their Advanced Detox program combining science, medicine and eastern + western wellness modalities. What’s more is that Michaela learned so much from all the tests + treatments at their medical spa facility, and appreciated how they taught her to apply to her everyday life.  She can now speak from first hand experience that they earned their World’s Best Spa Award for “World’s Best Detox Program.” And a new favorite find is the anti gravity treadmill which professional athletes and astronauts also use these machines to train!

AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION opened 2 new hotels in the past month: 

#2 Etereo (RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO) is a set in a protected mangrove forest on a pristine white stretch beach on the Caribbean Sea with the region’s largest reef just 250 feet offshore and just 30 miles from Cancun International Airport.  The resort is inspired by traditions of the local Mayan people of the Yucatan Peninsula whose ancient belief is that renewal stems from active exploration of the elements – including every room is oceanfront or ocean view!

#3 Hacienda Alta Gracia (COSTA RICA): If you want a side of adventure with your wellbeing escape…then head on down to  Hacienda Alta Gracia which is tucked away in the lush mountains of Perez Zeledon in the southern region of Costa Rica with 180 acres of land including a coffee farm, 3 pools and equine stables. Hacienda Alta Gracia is a holistic wellbeing resort located adjacent to one of Earth’s five Blue Zones, where locals live more than 100 years of age! Partnering with The WELL known to be one of the world’s top holistic wellness providers for healing treatments.

#4 AMAN (NEW YORK CITY): One of Michaela’s all time favorite hotel brands, AMAN is opening in New York City in May 2022. The hotel is designed by renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy who is paying homage to the Crown Buildings architecture. Such a great location + each room has a working fireplace which is a rarity for NYC! They are all about the interactive spaces. This spring, you’ll find Michaela at their the Jazz Club and live cooking counter at their signature Japanese restaurant Nama. With the focus on personal wellbeing never having been more important, AMAN New York are opening a three story spa (2,300 sq meters) which will be the new flagship Wellness Center in the Western Hemisphere with a spa house + 65 foot indoor pool. 

#5 Six Senses (IBIZA, SPAIN): The sustainable hotel opened in July 2021 in Xarraca Bay, a hidden secret on Ibiza’s northern tip with the most epic unobstructed views of sunset. They have a comprehensive list of amenities, including cliff jumping or their complimentary water activities like snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or underwater guided meditation. High on Michaela’s to do list are the paddle trip to the fishermen’s huts (Cala Xuclar), shop the local Sunday craft market in bohemian San Juan or take a boat trip to the mystical Es Vedra island. But Six Senses are known for their Spa which goes beyond traditional signature treatments to biohacking that optimizes the body’s natural recovery systems, multi-layered wellness workshops and bespoke skincare solutions. The 12,900 sq foot Rose Bar offers a one-of-a-kind longevity program, combining diagnostics with nutritional guidance and modern healing methods to optimize health and performance. There’s also rooftop yoga and an outdoor boxing ring. If traveling alone, you might explore their bi-annual Immersive Retreats. The heartbeat of the resort though are the Beach Caves with music event programming by recording artist Tomer Biran and music industry executive Shivas Howard Brown.

#6 Saint James (PARIS, FRANCE): The family owned Saint James is the only hotel still surrounded by gardens in Paris. Part Chateau, part family estate right in the center of the city – don’t miss the library bar, their private members club + art collection. The Guerlain Spa + Pool has views of the Parisian skyline. Saint James first opened in 1991, and was fully renovated with a soft opening in July 2021 and fully open this January. 

#7 Pendry Park City (UTAH): This Preferred Hotel & Resort is set to launch in January 2022 – so get those skis on! The Pendry is in the heart of Canyons Village at Park City Mountain, and is ski-in, ski-out. The hotel has a modernist take on a traditional alpine lodge. After a few morning runs, you’ll find Michaela at Spa Pendry or the heated rooftop pool + bar. And parents check out their Pinwheel Kids Club. 

Pack a bag (and a mask for now) + journey on with us,

@MichaelaGuzy + The @OTPYM Traveling Team