THE AGENDA

Four new hotels we can't wait to visit. Plus: What to read over winter break.

MEXICO

Otro Oaxaca is the latest project from Grupo Habita, the hospitality firm behind such design-driven Mexican destinations as nearby Hotel Escondido and the capital's Condesa DF. This 16-room boutique property in Oaxaca City was designed in collaboration with a local architect, João Boto Caeiro of RootStudio, with a focus on regional materials including brick, limestone, and reclaimed wood. If bouncing between the underground spa and rooftop pool isn't your cup of tea, perhaps the cuisine, much of it prepared over charcoal by chef Saúl Carranza, will stoke your interest.  -Sean Santiago otrooaxaca.com

LONDON

Built of 26,000 tons of Portland stone, London's Old War Office has a history as monumental as its massive footprint: This is where Winston Churchill holed up during World War II and intelligence officer lan Fleming was inspired to create the character of James Bond. Now the 1906 building has been reborn as Raffles London at the OWO, a hotel complete with a ballroom, nine restaurants, and a Guerlain spa; it took eight years to restore historic features like the marble staircase and mosaic floors. Meanwhile, the spectacular project was one of Thierry Despont's last-the late designer oversaw the decor of the public spaces and 120 guest rooms and suites. Now visitors can make like Daniel Craig in Skyfall and head to the OWO's roof-or descend to the basement's Spy Bar for a cocktail, shaken, not stirred. -Ingrid Abramovitch raffles.com

VERMONT