Layovers Worth Extending

Love them or hate them, layovers are part of every traveler’s life. And while no one likes to delay the start of their vacation, these hotels are well worth a few extra days of PTO. So next time you need a place to stay on your way to where you’re going, make sure you’re landing somewhere good.

Heckfield Place

Hampshire, United Kingdom

The best layovers are the ones that give you ample time to do nothing, in a really beautiful place. You don’t want the pressure of going out and exploring, but you also don’t want to fall victim to FOMO when the strong urge to take a nap compels you to dive head first into 300-thread count sheets. This is what makes Heckfield Place great. It’s a 25-minute drive from Heathrow, it’s located on 400 blissfully quiet acres, and it’s far enough from London that you won’t feel the urge to go to the V&A or try that new restaurant your friend recommended. Instead, the property serves as a friendly reminder that doing nothing is an art that can be perfected. For those in need of total relaxation, Heckfield is a masterclass in cozy read nooks and crackling fireplaces, and the Little Bothy Spa can soothe any post-flight woes. And for those who need to stretch their legs, Heckfield’s lakes, walled garden, and working farm are perfect for quiet strolls. At night, all parties can come together to enjoy the main attraction: a meal at one of  Skye Gyngell’s on-site restaurants.

Mandarin Oriental, Doha

Doha, Qatar

We can pretty much all agree that flying in one of Qatar Airways’ Q-Suites is reason enough to take a vacation across the world. But Doha is more than just a really really nice airport – something thousands of international travelers will experience in 2022, when the Qatari capital hosts the World Cup. Operating on a smaller scale than, say, Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Doha feels more intimately knowable than its Emirati neighbors. And despite its dazzling skyscrapers, glittering corniche, and modern shopping malls, Doha is also deeply rooted its Middle Eastern heritage. The traditional Souq Waqif is an atmospheric clash of old and new, where every stratum of Qatari society, and every imaginable market good, is displayed in colorful fashion. Plus, world class museums, like the striking Museum of Islamic Art and Jean Nouvel's hotly anticipated National Museum of Qatar. In the thick of it all, The intimate Mandarin Oriental, is stylish urban retreat located in the center of Msheireb, Doha’s newest lifestyle and cultural center.

Rosewood Hong Kong

Kowloon, Hong Kong

As a brand, Rosewood has a knack for establishing the kind of emblematic city hotels that stand alone in their own class of accommodation – properties so full of rich character, they take on their own identity. Joining the ranks of sister properties like The Mansion at Turtle Creek, The Carlyle, and the Hotel Crillon, the Rosewood Hong Kong is the crown jewel of Kowloon. Soaring over Victoria Harbour, the Tony-Chi designed property is Hong Kong’s new center of gravity, where exquisite design, destination dining, and premium amenities set the benchmark for residential luxury. It’s a place where see and be seen is met with incredible privacy – gracing guests with a thrilling combination of urbanity and exclusivity. Hong Kong is often a gateway to other harder to reach destinations in Asia, and its temperate climate, world class dining scene, and top notch hotels, make it a no-brainer for pre- and post-trip stays.

Al Maha

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai can be…intimidating. And if the world’s tallest, and longest, and largest isn’t your cup of tea, head out to the desert to Al Maha, for an only-in-Dubai tented camp experience you won’t soon forget. Amid rolling sand dunes and a tranquil palm-fringed oasis, Al Maha makes it hard to believe that the urban chaos of Dubai is only 45-minutes away. Located within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, this tented-camp-meets-luxury-resort is outfitted with Bedouin artifacts and antiques, but feature modern perks like private plunge pools and dune-view terraces. Amenities abound across the all-inclusive property, from varied dining options and an Arabian spa to an endless list of on-site activities, like falconry, camel trekking, and dune driving. Is it authentic and culturally engaging? Not really. But is that what you’re coming to Dubai for in the first place?

Mandarin Oriental, Santiago

Santiago, Chile

How do we say this nicely? Santiago is no Buenos Aires. But if you’re headed elsewhere in Chile, chances are you’ll have to spend a night or two here. Our local recommendation? Book a (newly renovated!) suite at the Mandarin, relax by the pool, treat yourself to a massage, and ask the top- notch concierge for a local dinner recommendation before you catch your next flight.

Legendary Lodge

Arusha, Tanzania

As much as we wish we could fly non-stop from New York to the Serengeti, there’s something really special about landing in Arusha. It’s almost like you need to introduce yourself to East Africa, before you’re invited inside. Whether you’re headed out on safari or gearing up to climb Kilimanjaro, a night or two at Legendary Lodge is the perfect way to acclimate to your new reality. Amid the tropical gardens of a working coffee farm, Legendary Lodge is our beloved stopover spot in Arusha. Sprawled across a lush property of purple jacarandas and fragrant coffee trees, the lodge’s 12 colonial-style cottages are the perfect home base to recharge and refresh before (or after!) your adventures further afield.

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The Washington DC to Dubai’s New York, Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, but it’s often overshadowed by its bigger, flashier neighbor. But just like DC, Abu Dhabi is home to a few culturally significant attractions that might be more appealing to travelers seeking a little more Emirati heritage than the Burj Khalifa can provide. The opulent Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of few in the region open to non-Muslim visitors. A work of art in its own right, the mosque provides a nice counterpoint to the city’s other great architectural achievement: The Louvre Abu Dhabi. Home to 12 galleries that showcase human achievement from the Neolithic period to the modern day, Jean Nouvel’s masterpiece waves in a near era of artistic significance in the Middle East. Stay at the Four Seasons for easy access to both sites. Or for those who’d prefer to avoid the desert’s scorching heat, the property is connected to The Galleria, Abu Dhabi’s most premier shopping center, via an indoor passageway.

Equinox Hotel New York

New York, New York

We love New York. It’s our home. But we’ll be the first to admit it’s probably the worst place on the planet to be stuck for a layover. The traffic, the noise, the constant construction -- by the time you get from the airport to your hotel, all you want to do is melt into a puddle of woe-is-me misery. What we love about the Equinox is that you can still totally melt in that puddle, but there are plenty of amenities to help pull you out. If your goal is to hit the hey before your next departure, Equinox has you covered with total soundproofing, next-generation blackout blinds, and cushy king-sized beds layered with temperature-regulating fibers to keep you cool while you sleep. Or, if you’d prefer to exercise your guest privileges at the gym, you can book a personal training session, join a SoulCycle Class, or take a dip in the indoor/outdoor pools.