**Michelin Announces Top Luxury Hotels in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico**
Michelin has unveiled its latest selection of top-tier hotels across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with several properties earning the prestigious “three keys” rating, the highest honor in Michelin’s hotel ranking system. This marks the second wave of hotel selections by Michelin, which recently expanded its renowned rating system to include hotels, similar to its famous star system for restaurants.
### A New Era for Michelin Hotel Ratings
Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of the Michelin Guide, highlighted the diversity of the selected hotels, stating, “This selection shines through its incredible diversity and is a clear invitation to explore North America. From retreats in the wildest U.S. canyons, Canadian forests, or Mexican coasts to splendid architectural wonders, from flagship urban hotels to tiny properties nestled within former factories, campsites, or isolated islands, every hotel is a gem sculpted by talented professionals.”
Michelin’s hotel rating system uses “keys” to denote the quality of the establishments. One key signifies a “special” hotel, two keys indicate “exceptional” quality, and the coveted three keys are awarded to “extraordinary” hotels. Below are some of the newly honored hotels that have earned three keys, along with comments from Michelin inspectors.
### Three Keys: Extraordinary Hotels
#### United States
This year, five U.S. hotels have been added to the exclusive three-key club, bringing the total to 16. Three of these top properties are located in the American West.
– **Arizona: [Canyon Ranch Tucson](https://www.canyonranch.com/tucson/arizona-resort/)**
“While the serious health focus means there’s no alcohol served here, and the cooking is uniformly healthful, mealtimes are a source of pleasure all the same. The accommodations, a selection of rooms and suites in a soothing modern style, are equipped with luxuries that are substantial but always tasteful. Set on 150 acres of spectacular Sonoran Desert landscape, Canyon Ranch anticipates every creature comfort.”
– **Florida: [Little Palm Island Resort & Spa](https://www.littlepalmisland.com/)**
“This four-acre island is home to just 30 suites, with rules like no guests under 18 and no audible cell phones maintaining a tranquil atmosphere. The thatched-roof bungalows offer privacy, and the design is classic British West Indies. The comforts are low-tech, with no televisions, but luxurious with indoor and outdoor showers and the occasional outdoor tub.”
– **Hawaii: [Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort](https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/kona-village)**
“The 150 bungalows, designed by Nicole Hollis, blend Hawaiian elements with modern tropical chic. Even the basic rooms are spacious, and the signature suites come with private pools. The resort offers a spa, wellness center, and facilities for tennis, pickleball, and various seafaring activities.”
– **Montana: [Sage Lodge](https://sagelodge.com/)**
“Located along the Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley, the lodge offers modern-rustic style with plush comforts. Outdoor adventure opportunities abound, complemented by a luxe spa and two restaurants serving locally sourced meats and produce.”
– **Utah: [Amangiri](https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangiri)**
“Amangiri’s minimalist design, featuring concrete walls and rough timber furnishings, contrasts with the rugged Southwestern desert. For a closer-to-nature experience, Camp Sarika offers tented pavilions with private plunge pools and shared amenities like a restaurant, swimming pool, and spa.”
#### Canada
Michelin also recognized two Canadian hotels with three keys, both offering remote, adventure-filled experiences.
– **[Fogo Island Inn](https://fogoislandinn.ca/)** (Newfoundland)
“Fogo Island Inn’s remote location on a tiny island off Newfoundland might be its only obstacle to global fame. The 29 luxe rooms offer spectacular views, and the high-end locavore restaurant complements excursions like whale-watching and iceberg tours.”
– **[Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge](https://clayoquotwildernesslodge.com/)** (Vancouver Island)
“The lodge’s canvas tents evoke Victorian summer vacations or British explorers in Africa. The 20 tents are furnished with handcrafted and vintage antique furniture, connected by cedar plank walkways. Gourmet meals are served in a ranch-style log cookhouse, with seasonal foods prepared over an open fire.”
#### Mexico
Three Mexican hotels have also been awarded three keys, each offering stunning beachside locations with architecture that embraces the dramatic Mexican landscape.
– **[One&Only Mandarina](https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/mandarina)** (Western Coast)
“Located an hour from Puerto Vallarta, One&Only Mandarina combines eco-lodge sensitivity with luxury-hotel comforts. The treehouses and villas are stunning, featuring plunge pools and butler service. The resort offers three restaurants and activities ranging from nature walks to whale-watching and polo at the Mandarina Polo & Equestrian Club.”
– **[Xinalani Retreat](https://xinalaniretreat.com/)** (Puerto Vallarta)
“This peaceful retreat is geared toward yoga enthusiasts. The 33 guest rooms are open-air, with three walls and a curtain that invites the sea breeze and views of the night sky. The natural landscape is the main attraction, offering a serene escape.”
– **[Hotel Esencia](https://hotelesencia.com/)** (Playa del Carmen)
“Once the home of a European duchess, Hotel Esencia offers an intimate beachside escape. Accommodations range from Jungle Suites to beachfront bungalows. The organic spa uses ancient medicinal principles, and the hotel features three restaurants: the Mexican-Mediterranean Mistura, Japanese Taiyo, and the global steakhouse Beefbar.”
### Conclusion
Michelin’s hotel selections highlight the diversity and luxury available across North America, from secluded desert retreats to remote island getaways. These extraordinary hotels, each awarded three keys, offer unparalleled experiences for travelers seeking the best in hospitality.
Source: forbes.com