"Last year, Boston was abuzz with the opening of the Raffles Boston, the ultra-luxe brand’s North American flagship hotel. Located in the Back Bay, this 147-room stunner has classic New England design touches (think wainscotting, wood flooring, and warm tones) mixed with glam all-marble bathrooms and black soaking tubs. Its signature restaurant, Amar, is a delicious ode to Massachusetts’ Portuguese community — the largest in the country. Must-orders include the Jamon Iberico (aged five years) with housemade sourdough, the Arroz de Mariscos with local seafood, and the chef’s take on a pasteis de nata." - Katie Lockhart