congrats on hot travel magazine picks!!

this time of the year, they seem to be everywhere. they tell the good, they tell the bad, and sometimes, they tell the most bizarre. they are of course, lists. this year, garrett hotel group is fortunate enough to have two properties, lake placid lodge and the inn of the five graces appear on two of those lists recognizing the highest caliber hotels around the world, travel + leisure’s “ t+l 500: world’s best hotels 2009,” and condé nast traveler’s “gold list: world’s best places to stay,” respectively.

the newly rebuilt lake placid lodge only reopened its doors this past october following a devastating fire in 2005, but the relais & châteaux property wasted no time in reclaiming its rightful spot amongst the crème de la crème of hotel elite. the historic adirondack property is one of only two new york hotels outside of new york city listed among travel + leisure’s “t+l 500” in the january issue.

centuries in the making, the air of invigorated traditionalism flows throughout the main lodge and 13 newly rebuilt and enlarged guest suites, as well as the 17 historic cabins [that were not affected by the fire]. as in the same style of the “great camp era,” all of the guest quarters have been authentically dressed with handcrafted contemporary and antique adirondack furnishings created by local artisans and craftsmen. the lodge’s private collection of hudson river school paintings adorn the walls of the grand staircase and dining room. the newly rebuilt lodge has been resurrected in the same style and spirit as the original 1880s structure, and its rustic elegance represents “adirondack style at its best,” according to the magazine.

the inn of the five graces has been honored as one of the “world’s best places to stay” on condé nast traveler’s 2009 “gold list” and timing is of the essence as the enchanting santa fe retreat has just recently been accepted into the prestigious relais & châteaux association.

the inn of the five graces, whose name derives from the tibetan celebration of the five senses, is comprised of historic rose-colored adobe structures, intimate courtyards, and a sea of ever changing textures ranging from smooth river rocks to grainy adobe walls and brilliantly colored tiles. each antique door leads to private retreats offering a kaleidoscope of hand-crafted textiles, mosaics, and antique carved furnishings from around the world. a new spa treatment room intermingles seamlessly into this intricate compound, blending ancient ritual with contemporary opulence.

the point, lake placid lodge, and the inn of the five graces, all operated by the garrett hotel group, are members of relais & châteaux, the prestigious international association of privately owned hotels and restaurants embodying the highest culinary standards and the french “art de vivre.”

diva readers, you're going to want to book some time at these two lovely hotels before they're completely overrun due to these great reviews!!