The Best New Hotels In The South, According To Travel + Leisure

Here at Southern Living, we love to show off the South. From our food to our people, to our beaches, mountains, and every gorgeous landscape in between, we know just how lucky we are to call the South home. So, we’re always excited when others catch on to our region’s magic, and recently Travel + Leisure did exactly that with their It List Awards. The annual compilation recognizes the 100 best new hotels to visit anywhere in the world, and this year, Southern hotels crushed the competition. Eight of the 100 chosen hotels are located in Southern cities and towns.

The competition was steep. Winners included a chic Paris stay with balconies overlooking the Eiffel Tower, a dreamy InterContinental resort bordering one of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks, and a cluster of tropical villas on the white-sand shores of Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos. But our Southern stays held their own and made a mark in several categories, including Best Beach Getaways, Best Affordable Luxury Stays, Best City Hotels, and Best U.S. Resorts. Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia each nabbed one or two spots on the big list, but we have to give props to Florida for claiming four! If you’re looking to update your Southern travel bucket list, start here. These are the best new hotels in the South, according to Travel + Leisure.

Beach Getaways

Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Travel + Leisure praised this luxurious pick for its elegant but understated yacht-inspired design, oceanfront views from on-site restaurant Evelyn’s, and its commitment to honoring the South Florida town’s eclectic roots.

Affordable Luxury Stays

Life House, South of Fifth

Miami, Florida

This intimate boutique hotel in Miami’s lively South Beach neighborhood features 26 rooms in a renovated 1930s cottage. The decor is light and airy, the food and drinks from hip eatery Pretty Swell are excellent, and the vibe is always easy and breezy.

City Hotels

Mayfair House Miami

Miami, Florida

An iconic Miami hotel made its triumphant return this year after an extensive two-year renovation. Travel + Leisure gave the colorful hotel a shout out for its dramatic plant-filled courtyard and boldly decorated rooms.

Tampa Edition

Tampa, Florida

Edition Hotels are known worldwide for their high standard of excellence, luxurious rooms, and resort-like atmosphere. With seven dining options, a large gym and spa, and 172 rooms in the heart of Tampa’s Water Street District, the brand’s newest addition is no different.

Four Seasons Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee

Travel + Leisure describes the new Four Seasons, located just off Nashville’s famed Broadway, as “the height of contemporary luxury in town,” referencing its industrial-chic rooms, spa, rooftop pool deck, and Italian-Southern restaurant Mimo.

The Loren at Lady Bird Lake

Austin, Texas

The line between indoors and outdoors blur at The Loren at Lady Bird Lake, where views of Lady Bird Lake and the Colorado River make guests one with nature from the moment they step through the hotel’s welcoming front doors.

U.S. Resorts

Southall Farm & Inn

Franklin, Tennessee

Far from your average farm stay, Southall blends all the comforts of a modern luxury resort with a thriving agriculture program that lets guests dabble in everything from harvesting honey to planting seeds.

The Inn at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards

Bristol, Virginia

We’re not surprised to see our 2023 South’s Best Hotel getting more well-deserved attention. The Virginia Highlands retreat earns plenty of points for its well-appointed yurts, impressive inn, and on-property vineyard and wine program.