A theme emerging this year is that reopenings are as big as new openings; another is the rise of city hotels. Africa features prominently, and Japan is an important destination, thanks to the planned 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. But all of the openings listed here are not-to-be-missed, absolutely the best new hotels to check out this year — which means the TravelPlusStyle’s Top 100 New Luxury Hotel Openings 2020 is the perfect place to start planning your travels. Time to dust off your passports!
*Note: the hotel opening dates are subject to changes and delays.
*This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
One&Only Mandarina opened in a beachfront jungle in Mexico, with a full spectrum of facilities and accommodation options. Fifty-three guest rooms are split into three broad categories (Private Homes, Clifftop Villas, and Ocean Treehouses), offering expansive living spaces, private pools, and views towards the Pacific Ocean or mountains. Villa Pacifico is the top choice, designed to feel like its own private resort. It comes with two bedrooms, two swimming pools, and expansive terraces. Guests benefit from access to the Majahua Beach Club, numerous infinity pools, massage cabanas, bars, and restaurants, including the clifftop-positioned The Point — a perfect place to enjoy the Mexican sunset.
Alternatively, book One&Only Mandarina via:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: One&Only Mandarina. Opened: November 2020.
Photos (including the leading image at the top of the article) © One&Only Resorts
“While we will always remain true to the much-loved spirit and laidback ethos of Soneva Fushi, the new water retreats […] elevate our offering, ensuring that our guests’ experience is more memorable and special than ever before.”
— Sonu Shivdasani, founder/CEO of Soneva
In the review from our stay, we claimed that no other resort serves as idyllic an island holiday experience as Soneva Fushi and holds as true following Soneva Fushi’s update. It’s not a new opening, strictly speaking, but the big news is that Soneva Fushi has launched new overwater villas in the style and level of luxury of its sister property Soneva Jani (which, in our review, we listed among our favorite resorts in the Maldives).
The one- and two-bedroom villas of the refreshed Fushi wow first with their size — from 6300 sq feet (770 sq m) to 9200 square feet (855 sq m) — and second, with features. They come with private pools, sunken seating areas, catamaran nets strung over water, and retractable roofs, for guests to stargaze from the comfort of their beds (we loved this at Jani!). Finally, the uber-cool water slides let the guests splash directly into the Indian Ocean. Fun, and in style!
Read our review of Soneva Fushi here.
Alternatively, book Soneva Fushi via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Soneva Fushi. Opened: April 2020. Image © Soneva
The best places to stay in Bangkok
Following its recent entry into the competitive hospitality scene of the Thai capital, Capella has gained a reputation as one of the most attractive luxury hotels in Bangkok. And no wonder. The level of luxury and excellent amenities and facilities make Capella a true destination hotel. So what awaits the guests? The Veranda guest rooms have private plunge pools, while the Riverside Villas benefit from private gardens and swimming pools right on the river’s edge. One of two gourmet restaurants is helmed by a Michelin-starred chef. The hotel features a massive Auriga Spa and a large swimming pool fringed by white-on-blue parasols, from under which guests can watch the river traffic float by. The excellent concierge at Capella Bangkok includes Capella Culturist, who is here to personalize the stay for every guest.
Alternatively, book Capella Bangkok via:
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Capella Bangkok Bangkok. Opened: Oct 2020. Photo © Capella Hotels & Resorts
Raffles’ forayed into Bali with the resort located in Jimbaran Bay, perched on a hill that allows its guests to enjoy uninterrupted sea views and the famous Bali sunsets. Set up over twenty-three hectares of tropical land, the luxurious Raffles is a fully-fledged destination resort, featuring an exclusive restaurant, a wellbeing spa designed to celebrate Balinese healing rituals and wellness treatments, and a Writers Bar. The place feels very private, too — the Raffles Bali comprises only thirty-two villas (each with a private pool).
Alternatively, book Raffles Bali via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Raffles Bali. Opened: July 2020. Photo © Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Zannier Hotels, known for the wonderful Phum Baitang in Cambodia, and Omaanda and Sonop in Namibia, picked Vietnam for their next opening. Zannier Bai San Hô is located on a discrete peninsula, away from popular tourist destinations. With a stunning coastal location and direct access to a kilometer-long beach, this luxurious resort offers 71 villas inspired by different architectural traditions of the region. Surrounded by lush hills and paddy fields, Bai San Hô also features three restaurants and two bars designed to instill different moods. A variety of beach and water activities is on offer as well, including scuba diving.
Alternatively, book Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Zannier Hotels Bai San Hô. Opened: December 2020. Photos © Zannier Hotels
“We aimed to create a hotel that felt as though you were walking into the most elegant of Hong Kong homes when you arrived. Like a tailored suit, it brings a London attitude to Hong Kong.”
— Tara Bernerd, designer
The family behind The Hari London hotel launched their second property in a newly built skyscraper in HK, with an address between Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. The Hari Hong Kong emphasizes social spaces, with an excellent lobby lounge, two restaurants, and stylish interiors designed by the British creator Tara Bernerd (incidentally a protégé of the superstar designer Philippe Starck). The 210 guest rooms enjoy open-plan layouts, while the three signature rooftop suites benefit from separate sitting rooms, private terraces, and stunning city views. The food comes in Italian flavors in the timber-clad Lucciola Restaurant & Bar. The Japanese menu is at Zoku, where guests can sit on a terrace or a dining room lounge designed with sophisticated contrasts of playful pink and velvet khaki.
Alternatively, book The Hari Hong Kong via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Hari Hong Kong. Opened: December 2020. Photo © The Hari Hong Kong
Located in the Sariyer district, on Istanbul’s European side, this 45-key hotel occupies two 19th-century mansions, Kocatas and Sait Pasa. Both were given a new lease on life after a devastating fire and two decades of neglect. Exquisitely restored and brought back to their former glory, the interiors fuse the imperial style of 19th Century Istanbul with the signature chic luxury of Six Senses. The hotel facilities include three restaurants and an excellent Six Senses Spa (probably our favorite spa brand). Uninterrupted views of the Bosporus River are a bonus. Six Senses Kocataş Mansions is the brand’s second opening in Turkey, following Six Senses Kaplankaya.
Alternatively, book Six Senses Kocatas Mansions via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul, Turkey. Opened: Spring 2020.
Photos © Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
“[Xigera is] the most exclusive safari lodge on the continent, designed and built with guest comfort at the fore. Every day at Xigera is a unique adventure. Guests are free to design their day as they wish, doing as much or as little as they like.” — Mike Myers, General Manager of Xigera Safari Lodge
One of the most exciting openings in Africa this year is Xigera, hailed as Botswana’s most luxurious safari lodge. It is the newest property from the family-run Red Carnation Hotels, a small chain that includes the Ashford Castle in Ireland, and The Twelve Apostles and Bushmans Kloof in South Africa.
Xigera’s concept blends safari experience with fine art and contemporary design. The architecture is inspired by an owl in flight. Twelve luxurious guest suites are suspended above the ground, and their design mixes in installation art and elements inspired by prehistoric cave paintings. The incredible staff-to-guest ratio (105 staff for 24 guests) ensures a new level of service and luxury.
Alternatively, book Xigera Safari Lodge via:
Go2Africa | Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Xigera Safari Lodge. Opened: December 2020. Image © Xigera
A conscious approach to luxury with an eco-friendly mindset is at the heart of Villa Copenhagen’s concept. Located within a former Central Post and Telegraph Head Office, next to the Tivoli Gardens, the hotel features 390 rooms and suites, including one made entirely from sustainable and recycled materials. Local and international dining venues are available, and beautiful interior gardens add to the sense of wellbeing and sociability.
Alternatively, book Villa Copenhagen via:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Villa Copenhagen. Opened: July 2020. Photo © Villa Copenhagen
This urban resort from the renowned luxury hotel brand Four Seasons occupies a prime spot along the riverfront of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Thailand’s capital. The hotel was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy (known for the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore or the Chedi Muscat), who envisioned a series of integrated indoor and outdoor spaces, bamboo-fringed courtyards, gardens, cascading waterfalls, and mirror infinity pools extending into the river. The hotel offers 299 rooms and suites, many with garden terraces. The hotel’s top accommodation is an extraordinary, two-floor Presidential Suite with a rooftop terrace and private pool — available for the lucky few. Thankfully, all guests can benefit from a multi-tiered swimming pool and a fabulous spa.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. Opened: December 2020.
Photos © Four Seasons Hotels
“Malaysia’s secluded, breathtaking coastline and rich regional heritage make it the perfect location for us to introduce our brand to the region. [One&Only Desaru Coast offers] modern Malaysian elegance, warm and authentic service, and the ultimate in ultra-luxury.”
— Chief Operating Officer, Philippe Zuber
Desaru Coast is One&Only’s debut in Malaysia. Positioned as a lavish destination resort, the property is spread on a sizeable chunk of beachfront land and offers forty-two suites and fifty private villa residences. The award-winning firm Kerry Hill Architects created the resort as a modern interpretation of a traditional Kampung (village), making it part of the landscape.
Alternatively, book One&Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: One&Only Desaru Coast. Opened: Sep 2020. Photo © One&Only Resorts
Opening at the end of September 2020, the newly redesigned Singita Sabora Tented Camp infuses a classic romance of luxury tented safaris with contemporary luxury. Singita’s design partners Cécile & Boyd and GAPP Architects improved the classic camp with private yoga decks, secluded outdoor salas, shaded daybeds, custom campaign furnishings, and refined finishes that include hand-stitched leather details. All tents have been subtly repositioned to make the most of the sweeping savanna views, with two nearby waterholes in focus. The Singita Sabora Tented Camp continues to wow its guests with the luxury and opulence — and the exclusivity of a private wildlife reserve.
Read our review of Singita Sabora here.
Alternatively, book Singita Sabora Tented Camp via:
Go2Africa or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Singita Sabora Tented Camp. Opened: September 2020. Photo © Singita
The ruins of Akrotiri, the bronze-age settlement abandoned ahead of the eruption that destroyed the ancient island of Santorini, are a popular tourist attraction today. Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini hotel is not far from the site.
Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini is designed around a concept of rejuvenation, emphasizing yoga and meditation. The interior design fits this philosophy, with earthy tones, natural fabrics, and handmade furniture set against the organic curves of the Cycladic architecture. The luxury blends organically with its surroundings, thanks to the use of stone, raw concrete, and wood. The hotel features a panoramic swimming pool overlooking the caldera, and only fifteen suites, ranging from 30 to 60 square meters, with balconies, terraces, or private outdoor jacuzzis.
Alternatively, book Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini via: Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Coco-Mat Hotel Santorini. Opened: Spring 2020. Photo © Coco-Mat Hotels
The best hotels in Mexico City
Previously, we have featured an older opening from Grupo Habita, Hotel Escondido, which we loved for its beachfront location on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast, and the “impossibly stylish, barefoot luxe version of beach-bum living.” Círculo Mexicano is very different — in that it occupies a 19th-century residential building in downtown Mexico City. And while the style carries a sense of clean, minimal luxury, the interiors emphasize the historic building’s original character. The hotel’s facilities include a French-style bistro and a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool.
Alternatively, book Circulo Mexicano via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Círculo Mexicano, Mexico City, Mexico. Opened: July 2020. Photos © Grupo Habita
This quintessential French château is nestled among seven hectares of vineyards and surrounded by the lush forests of the Loire Valley. Unsurprisingly, being at the heart of the wine-producing region (Sauvignon and Cabernet Blanc come from here), Les Sources de Cheverny’s concept centers on wine traditions and experiences. For example, the hotel’s Spa des Sources by Caudalie menu is inspired by grape-sourced treatments, promoting anti-aging and antioxidant benefits of wine, while its jacuzzi evokes oak barrels. The hotel has twenty-six rooms and twenty-three suites of various sizes, well designed for couples and families. The highlight is the tree-top Le Baron Perché suite (named after the titular Baron in the Trees novel) set on stilts and permitting beautiful views towards the nearby lake. The hotel has two restaurants, an organic vegetable garden, and its style could be defined as “pastoral elegance.”
Alternatively, book Les Sources de Cheverny via:
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Les Sources de Cheverny. Opened: Sep 2020. Photo © Les Sources de Cheverny
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Established on the site of a former sanatorium built by the Austro-Hungarian monarchy near the town of Brixen, Forestis has a breathtaking location on the southern slope of Plose Mountain, 1800 m above sea level. This privileged spot ensures panoramic views of the Dolomites and dense mountain forests from the swimming pool and 62 suites. The stunning setting perfectly matches the philosophy of tranquility as the core of luxury. This mountain retreat enables ski-out, ski-in in winter, while the year-round offering includes an excellent spa. The Forestis design compliments and echo the beautiful surroundings, with angular edges, white-as-snow tones, and glass walls.
Alternatively, book Forestis Dolomites via:
Tablet Hotels | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Forestis Dolomites. Opened: July 2020. Photos © Forestis Dolomites
Warsaw is “a forward-looking city that never forgets its past,” and the Nobu Hotel on Wilcza Street reflects the city spirit. This luxury hotel brings together two experiences in one place, fusing dazzling modern architecture in one wing with an early 20 Century Art Deco building in the other (once Hotel Rialto, in the interwar 1920s). The hotel offers 117 rooms designed to reflect their site (either modern or traditional).
The facilities make the hotel stand out. There are expansive meeting and event spaces with a ballroom, and the wellness zone on the top floor offers a sauna, steam room, plunge bath, as well as a well-equipped gym and fitness center — all with expansive views of the city. The world-renowned Nobu Restaurant, seating 125, serves Japan’s flavors alongside dishes that play with local ingredients. The Nobu Hotel is located in the city’s creative area, near the Old Town and the trendy food hall Hala Koszyki.
Alternatively, book Nobu Hotel Warsaw via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Nobu Hotel Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. Opened: August 2020. Photo © Nobu Hotels
Camp Sarika from Aman Resorts is designed as an exclusive but in-the-wild luxury tented retreat. This is not a brand-new property — instead, it’s an extra-exclusive desert experience located a short distance away from Amangiri, the renowned Aman resort that opened back in 2009. Settled in an otherworldly landscape of towering mesas, slot canyons, and rust-colored sands, the camp follows the concept of spaciousness and clean lines of Amangiri, creating a meditative luxury in the heart of the desert. The ten canvas-topped pavilions of Sarika feature heated private plunge pools and spacious terraces with a fire pit.
Website: Camp Sarika by Amangiri. Opened: July 2020. Photos © Aman Group
The concept behind Iniala Harbour House is drawn from a design-centric hospitality experience. The world-famous designers Autoban from Turkey and A-Cero from Spain were commissioned in helping to realize this vision. The 24 rooms and suites of the hotel are spread across four grand palazzos on the waterfront of St. Barbara Bastion in Valletta. From the rooftop restaurant to the spa in the vaults, this boutique hotel is well set up to offer a chill oasis after a day’s worth of exploration in the beautiful capital of Malta.
Alternatively, book Iniala Harbour House via:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Iniala Harbour House. Opened: November 2020. Photo © Iniala Harbour House
Arctic circle; home of northern lights in winter and midnight sun in summer. This is where one of the most interesting entries on our Openings list is located — Arctic Bath, a long-delayed project from the team behind the innovative Treehotel in Harads. Located 902 kilometers north of Stockholm near the coastal city of Luleå, and positioned on the Lule River, Arctic Bath has twelve minimalist wooden cabins (six of them on the water), with skylights and large windows. The eye-catching “birds’ nest” is the spa center, and it is essentially a watercraft floating on the surface in summer and anchored by ice in the freezing winter months. The imaginative building is the creation of the architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi and is inspired by the region’s logging history when the river was used to float timber.
See what others think about Arctic Bath on TripAdvisor.
Website: Arctic Bath. Opened: January 2020. Photos © Arctic Bath
What started as a family residence has slowly transformed into a resort built up and expanded from the original five-bedroom house (today called the Art Villa). The expansion includes the Atelier, a low-key structure built using burnt teak and perforated aluminum, and Coco comprising unique seed-like “pods” designed to immerse guests in the lush thickets of tropical forest. Art Villas in Playa Hermosa features an infinity pool at Atelier, a fitness, and yoga suite at Coco, and a 5m-long waterslide connecting the pool at Coco with the Art Villa. Surrounded by two hectares of tropical rainforest, the blueprints came from the architecture practice Refuel, while Formafatal created the interiors. Both are Prague-based, just like the ArtVillas Costa Rica owners.
Alternatively, book Art Villas via:
Expedia | Book ArtVilla | Book Atelier | Book Coco 1. | Book Coco 2.
Website: Art Villas, Costa Rica. Opened: 2020. Image © Art Villas
Located in the financial heart of Tokyo, Four Seasons at Otemachi occupies the top six floors of a 39-story building, and its floor-to-ceiling windows permit stunning city views from every guest room. The Jean-Michel Gathy designed, 193-key hotel wows with urban luxury and a top-floor spa, a leading wellness destination in itself. The spa features a 25-meter swimming pool, and dining options include a Paris-inspired destination bar. An extensive events space with a ballroom completes the full range of facilities. After Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi, this is Four Seasons’ second opening in Tokyo.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemach. Opened: Sep 2020. Photos © Four Seasons Hotels
The idea behind the Six Senses offering in Bhutan is that rather than a single resort, it is a journey designed to showcase the magical Kingdom of Bhutan on an expedition between five small lodges: Six Senses Thimphu, Six Senses Punakha, Six Senses Paro, Six Senses Gangtey, and Six Senses Bumthang, the latest to launch. The final lodge is located in the region of Bumthang, famous for the 17th-century Jakar Dzong fortress and Tamzhing Lhundrup Lhakhang, regarded as the most beautiful ancient temple in Bhutan. The Six Senses Bumthang features timber walls, upcycled furniture, and huge windows framing heart-stopping views.
See what others think about Six Senses Bhutan on TripAdvisor.
Website: Six Senses Bhutan. Opened: Spring 2020. Photo © Six Senses
We love when heritage buildings are given a new lease of life, and in Italy’s charming southern region of Puglia, we found a beautiful example of such a project. Paragon 700 is a former Puglian palace, restored using traditional handcraft techniques and turned into a boutique luxury hotel with 11 individually curated rooms. The interiors feature high ceilings, period frescos, and original fireplaces, but also contemporary aesthetic, bringing the property to the 21st Century. The hotel stands in the hill-top town of Ostuni, only minutes from its main square. The winding cobbled walkways studded with whitewashed buildings are a lovely backdrop to Paragon 700’s red brick façade, contrasted against the white-themed Ostuni. There is a surprise behind the facade, too, as guests discover a lush garden with a swimming pool, a spa, and destination dining, thanks to the Michelin-starred chef.
Alternatively, book Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & SPA via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & SPA. Opened: June 2020. Photos © Paragon 700
Bamboo architecture is all the rage in tropical sustainable luxury, and the latest word in this trend is the Ulaman Eco Retreat in Bali. Blending ancient building techniques and modern technology, Ulaman offers an experience of a futuristic village integrated into a tropical forest. In homage to the form-from-function philosophy, bamboo tree trunks gently bend and converge to create roofs and shape soft curves of the walls; the guest rooms are made into “hanging cocoons,” suspended on the second floor in the open space of the large pavilions. And the spectacular yoga studio soars over the edge of a cliff. The eco-luxury approach extends into the daily operations as well. Thanks to the river on the resort’s border, the electricity is generated through a hydro generator, enabling the resort to become fully carbon zero.
See what others think about Ulaman Eco Retreat on TripAdvisor.
Website: Ulaman Eco Retreat. Opened: July 2020. Photo © Ulaman Eco Retreat
Monsieur George Hotel & Spa is an intimate hotel providing a calming refuge from the bustle of the streets leading to Champs-Élysées — such as Rue Washington, where the hotel has its address. Designed by the celebrated designer Anouska Hempel, the hotel is housed in an elegant Haussmann building and has a comfortable ambiance of an eclectic but tranquil townhouse. Monsieur George comes with forty-six rooms and three suites. Among them, the Chequers rooms feature eye-catching chequerboard patterns with black and eggshell-colored interiors, while the top floor attic rooms have white-on-white and pale-grey themes. The hotel facilities include Galanga Restaurant & Bar and an underground spa.
Alternatively, book Monsieur George Hotel & Spa via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Monsieur George Hotel & Spa. Opened: August 2020. Photo © Monsieur George
Located a few steps from Kalo Livadi Beach of Mykonos, regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, Nomad offers bohemian-style luxury and an atmosphere of carefree vacations. Minimalistic lines and organically-shaped corners, and interiors set in earthy hues create a sense of space and freedom. The hotel features thirteen suites, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. Free private parking is available on site.
Alternatively, book Nomad Mykonos via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Nomad Mykonos, Kalo Livadi, Greece. Opened: 2020. Photos © Nomad Mykonos
“Elang is the second island with accommodations — a mini-Bawah — with six villas, a central area for dining, the island’s own infinity pool, and also an activity center and boathouse” — Paul Robinson, Bawah Reserve COO.
In the review following our stay at Bawah Reserve, we described its location as “a picture-perfect, tiny archipelago of previously uninhabited islands.” Back then, Bawah was already working on the next idea, Elang, the new gem in that archipelago. Elang is a smaller, more exclusive retreat located on a neighboring island. It offers barefoot-style villas built using driftwood, bamboo, and recycled materials. Each has a bedroom and a living room with a balcony, and some come with private pools and direct sea access.
Read our review of the Bawah Reserve.
Alternatively, book Bawah Reserve and Elang via: Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Bawah Reserve, Indonesia. Opened: Spring 2020. Photo © Bawah Reserve
Some of the most inspiring conversions and restoration initiatives give a second life to centuries-old churches or castles. Such is the Lopud 1483. It’s a hotel situated in an incredible 15th-century Franciscan monastery, carefully restored in a project that took two decades to complete. Located on the island of Lopud, the property is a passion project of a wealthy family involved in the preservation of art endangered by the war in the Balkans. The meticulous restoration preserved a 16th-century plaster and inspired many parts of the hotel to draw from the site’s original purpose. Thus, renaissance furniture and gothic artwork adorn rooms, while the Franciscan botanic practices informed the garden’s layout and its contents. But there are contemporary upgrades, too, including a sunset terrace linked with the seashore through an underground cave. Plus, the hotel’s five spacious suites are a long shot from the ascetic monk cells. In fact, following its launch, the hotel instantly became the most luxurious and exclusive in Croatia.
Website: Lopud 1483. Opened: Summer 2020. Photos © Lopud 1483
“First impressions are everything, and arriving at the Islas Secas jetty, jutting into the rippling bay surrounded by tropical forest and endless ocean is difficult to forget” — Andrey Gomez, MD of Islas Secas.
Following a soft launch back in 2019, Islas Secas later opened as a fully-fledged resort, with four spacious guest villas, called here casitas (each with a plunge pool), a seafood restaurant, a lounge, and a bar. 2020 brought more additions, including a coconut-scented Tented Spa, hidden in the tropical forest, and three new Tented Casitas, also immersed in the jungle. These feature four-poster beds, deep-soaking tubs, and outdoor lounges. The resort is located within a string of privately-owned small islands in the Gulf of Chiriquí, with three-quarters of the archipelago left wild and untouched. The attractions include outdoor movie nights, beach barbecues, and a “deserted island” experience, where a boat drops the guests to one of the uninhabited islands for a picnic.
See what others think about Islas Secas Resort on TripAdvisor.
Website: Islas Secas Resort, Panama. Opened: January 2020. Photo © Islas Secas
Alamayah is a boutique retreat comprising only six private suites. Each has king-size beds, private dining areas, en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers — and outdoor terraces with views of the surrounding jungle and beaches. The resort is situated in a beachside village in the Sumba region, a two-hour drive from Sumba’s Tamboloka Airport. Alamayah’s concept of wellness is hinted at in its name, a combination of alam (“nature”) with mayah (“grandmother”). The resort’s focus comes to full realization in health-focused dining, fitness and yoga experiences, and most of all, in the spa. The all-inclusive experience of Alamayah includes a “healer’s body analysis” and daily spa treatments.
Alternatively, book Alamayah Boutique Retreat Hotel via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Alamayah Boutique Retreat Hotel. Opened: April 2020. Image © Alamayah
“One morning we had breakfast on the savanna, under a lone acacia tree, with a pair of cheetahs hanging out just a few hundred meters away.” — from our review of Angama Mara.
Following the success of the beautiful Angama Mara camp (which we stayed at — don’t miss our review!), the company launched the Angama Safari Camp, a small, exclusive mobile camp offering guests the option of a private stay in a secluded location, and access to unique safari experiences. Angama Safari Camp consists of four tents, each with a private bathroom, welcoming a maximum of eight guests (the minimum booking will be a party of four). Each tent is situated to maximize the expansive views of the Mara plains and is designed to ensure natural ventilation. Guests can use the facilities of the original Angama Mara by day. The camp is located in a wooded area in the southwestern reaches of the Mara Triangle, near the imposing slopes of the Great Rift Valley. Thanks to this location, guests benefit from very few other vehicles competing for the best spot to photograph a herd of lions or the enigmatic black rhino.
Alternatively, book Angama Mara via:
Hotels.com | Go2Africa or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Angama Safari Camp. Opened: July 2020. Photos © Angama
Located in Paris’ 8th arrondissement, Maison Villeroy occupies a former private townhouse built at the beginning of the 20th Century. Today it’s a listed building that has undergone extensive renovation work to house an intimate boutique hotel with only eleven guest apartments, suites, and rooms. The sophisticated interiors feature marble fireplaces, elegant cast-iron railings, and bespoke furniture from the Italian furniture maker Promemoria. The Bar Jean Goujon seduces with mood lighting, cozy sofas, and the building’s preserved golf leaf molding. The facilities include the Trente-Trois restaurant, led by a Michelin-starred chef. There is also a fitness room equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, and the spa features two treatment rooms, a sauna, and a hammam.
Alternatively, book Maison Villeroy via:
Tablet Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Maison Villeroy, Paris, France. Opened: Jan 2020. Photo © Maison Villeroy
This is as special a hotel as they get. Permanently stationed on a bridge above the Sabie River in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, The Shalati is a vintage train designed to recall the age of classic luxury travel. It celebrates the long heritage of one of the oldest parks on the continent and one of Africa’s largest game reserves. The early visitors to the park would stay overnight in the exact spot where Kruger Shalati is positioned — high above the riverbanks, with views stretching along the length of the majestic river. To revive the spirit of this experience, Kruger Shalati launched with thirty-one glass-walled rooms — twenty-four of them in the carriages and seven in the Bridge House). The luxuries are entirely 21st Century, of course — and the facilities include a deck with a swimming pool looking over the river populated by crocodiles and hippos and visited by buffalos and elephants.
Alternatively, book Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Kruger Shalati – The Train on the Bridge, Kruger National Park, South Africa.
Opened: December 2020. Images © Kruger Shalati
The intimate Maldivian resort of COMO Cocoa Island reopened after a seven-month transformation. The resort significantly expanded its wellness center, with a new Pilates studio, state-of-the-art gym, and yoga studio with 360-degree views of the island. All guest villas were also refurbished, and many were enhanced with brand new private swimming pools. But the resort has stayed true to the essentials of the Coco Island experience, with the away-from-it-all concept, in which barefoot walks on the beach are what you come here for.
Read our review of COMO Cocoa Island here.
Alternatively, book COMO Cocoa Island via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: COMO Cocoa Island. Reopened in January 2020. Photo © COMO Hotels & Resorts
Nikko and the surrounding area is located two and a half hours north of Tokyo and is famous as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its richly decorated shrines and temples. And this is the place the renowned chain of The Ritz-Carlton picked to launch one of its newest and most exciting properties. The hotel features ninety-four spacious guest rooms and suites, all with a private balcony linked with a lounge area that permits guests to immerse themselves in the striking scenery around the hotel. The Ritz-Carlton Nikko has a well-designed lobby lounge, bar, and dining establishments, including an all-day eatery and a Western restaurant. There is also a spa with an authentic onsen hot-spring, offering therapeutic thermal water treatments.
Alternatively, book The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Ritz-Carlton Nikko. Opened: July 2020. Photos © The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
Nirjhara is tucked away in Bali’s heartland, surrounded by a tropical forest cut through with waterfalls and rice paddies clearings. Carefully constructed using locally sourced stone, timber, and rattan, the hotel is composed of twenty-five villas — including treehouse suites. Nirjhara features a spa and a restaurant serving regional specialties in a pavilion overlooking a waterfall. The hotel is located near Tanah Lot temple, where tourists flock to enjoy incredible sunsets. The volcanic-sand beaches are also just minutes away.
Alternatively, book Nirjhara via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Nirjhara. Opened: January 2020. Photo © Nirjhara
“Ace Hotel is changing the definition of the hotel by connecting the surrounding area with the hotel, and the community with the guests.” — Kengo Kuma, architect.
Kengo Kuma, the architect behind Tokyo’s 2020 Olympic stadium, is also known for Beijing’s Opposite House hotel. For Ace Hotels, he was asked to reimagine the historic Shin Puh Kan building in Central Kyoto. The brief was to create a 213-room hotel where every detail and material was designed to bring together the building traditions, the sense of place, and the local history. Ace also brought the Los Angeles-based interior firm Commune to the project, resulting in a great American and Japanese design combination.
Alternatively, book Ace Hotel Kyoto via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Ace Hotel Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan. Opened: June 2020. Photos © Ace Kyoto
Discreet luxury, intimate accommodation, private experiences, Michelin-starred cuisine, Diane Barrière Spa — all this promises a posh island experience. Barrière Le Carl Gustaf offers only twenty-three keys, including thirteen cottages, two junior suites (all with terraces and plunge pools), as well as a residence with six bedrooms and a swimming pool. The hotel overlooks the yacht-filled harbor of St. Bart and is located within walking distance from many of the island’s restaurants and luxury boutiques.
Alternatively, book Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf St Barth via:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hôtel Barrière Le Carl Gustaf St Barth. Opened: October 2020.
Photo © Barrière Hotels
The EDITION hotel in Tokyo was initially planned to launch just in time for the Tokyo Olympics, but its links to this celebrated sporting event extend further. The hotel was created with the help from the architect Kengo Kuma, who designed the Tokyo 2020 National Olympic Stadium. The Tokyo EDITION is a swanky hotel with 206 rooms, including twenty-one suites and a penthouse. There are also food and beverage facilities and a spa. The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon shares space with offices, residences, and a medical center in a mixed-use high-rise building located in one of Tokyo’s finest neighborhoods.
Alternatively, book The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon via:
Expedia | Agoda | Marriott Bonvoy or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Tokyo EDITION Toranomon. Opened: Oct 2020. Photos © Marriott International
Formerly San Giorgio Mykonos, this beautiful hotel is now part of the Soho House, the exclusive private club brand. The guests privileged to be members can choose from forty-five rooms, defined by a Cycladic-inspired boho-chic style. The range of facilities includes a swimming pool, a bar, a Mediterranean cuisine restaurant, and an outdoor gym. The focal point of the hotel’s private beach is the famous Beach Club Scorpios, while the Scorpios Bazaar boutique is an artisanal fashionista’s dream.
See what others think about Soho Roc House on TripAdvisor.
Website: Soho Roc House, Mykonos, Greece. Opened: July 2020. Photo © Soho Roc House
“The 2nd Street District is a commercial and cultural hub in Austin, and that neighborhood fits the Austin Proper Hotel quite nicely.”
The style of Austin Proper Hotel is built on contrasts. While housed in a contemporary 32-story high-rise building, the design draws inspiration from the area’s heritage — starting from Art Noveau motifs in the interior design to the carefully-curated furnishings and decor. The spaces ooze warmth and intimacy, thanks to the vintage carpets or pieces by local ceramic artists. The 244 rooms and suites are decorated with a sense of style and finished quality hardwood and travertine and luxury textures. The hotel’s Peacock Mediterranean Grill has a menu inspired by Israeli and Turkish cuisine, and the fifth-floor, poolside La Piscina restaurant is a Mexican-styled eatery. The pool deck is a perfect spot to gaze at the panoramic city views.
Alternatively, book Austin Proper Hotel via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Design Hotels & Marriott Bonvoy or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Austin Proper Hotel. Opened: January 2020. Photos © Proper Hotel Group
The Modernist Athens occupies the site of the former Canadian Embassy on a quiet street in a leafy residential neighborhood of Kolonaki — and it stands out thanks to its minimalistic 1950s architecture. The interiors juxtapose clean, symmetrical lines and serious tones of marble, bronze, and black glass with delicate art deco details, mid-century-style furniture, oak wood floors, and leather headboards in the rooms. There are thirty-eight of them, all designed in a simple aesthetic, creating sleek but subtle living spaces for guests. There is a rooftop garden with views towards the Acropolis, while the dining space on the ground floor serves as a breakfast buffet in the mornings and a café bar throughout the day.
Alternatively, book The Modernist Athens via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Modernist Athens, Greece. Opened: Fall 2020. Photo © The Modernist
Nobu Hotel London Portman Square is a new hotel from the small portfolio of Nobu, a hotel brand set up by Nobu Matsuhisa, Meir Teper, and the actor Robert De Niro. This new opening from the group occupies a corner of Marylebone’s Portman Square, with 249 rooms available in several categories, including four designated suites. Many rooms boast terraces with views overlooking Portman Square, but the two-bedroom Nobu Penthouse is the top pick, as it comes with great views of London from its privileged location on the top floor. The hotel design is influenced by Japanese architecture and traditions, reflected in a refined color palette and a minimalist style. The facilities include a signature Nobu Restaurant & Bar, an all-season outdoor terrace, and a Nobu Pilates studio.
Alternatively, book Nobu Hotel London Portman Square via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Nobu Hotel London Portman Square. Opened: Dec 2020. Photo © Nobu Hotels
Namibia is perhapsthe most beautiful country we ever visited. Unsurprisingly, the hotel scene here is booming, with exciting new openings popping up every year — such as Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast, the remote Hoanib Valley Camp in the Kaokoveld Desert, or Omaanda and Sonop from Zannier Hotels.
“Namibia is one of the most incredible unknown destinations in the world, and we wanted to challenge the traditional concept of what it meant to go on safari and to engage with the environment and culture.” — Oliver Ripley, CEO of Habitas.
The lifestyle Habitas brand, which started with the chic Habitas Tulum hotel in Mexico, has some pretty aggressive expansion plans, from San Miguel de Allende and Todos Santos to Bhutan — but the most interesting among them is the Habitas Namibia. Situated on the outskirts of Windhoek, in a large private reserve, the hotel comes with fifteen private guest suites. Each features outdoor and indoor showers, private viewing decks, and even telescopes for stargazing. The place also has a spa, fire pits, a pool, and communal gathering areas.
Alternatively, book Habitas Namibia via:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Habitas Namibia. Opened: January 2020. Photos © Habitas
PURO Hotels is a small chain with a penchant for contemporary art, design-led interiors, and forward-thinking hospitality. Their redesigned PURO Old City hotel blends the vintage glamour of Kraków’s interwar cafés with the functionalism of mid-century modernist hotels. The hotel’s elegant living spaces are inspired by the city’s sophisticated past but remodeled with Poland’s young generation aesthetic sensibility. The interiors are filled with art (from mixed gouache-collages and woodcut panels to abstract paintings and a sgraffito-decorated ceramic wall) and furnished with quality pieces sourced from Scandinavian, Italian, Dutch, and German brands. Well-matched Norwegian wool blankets soften the look. The hotel’s Hint restaurant and bar menu draws inspiration from global street food and is vegetarian and vegan friendly. A selection of regional craft beers is on tap, and the wine list includes bottles from Europe, New Zealand, and South America.
Alternatively, book PURO Kraków Stare Miasto via:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: PURO Kraków Stare Miasto. Opened: Nov 2020. Photo © Puro Hotels
We know Banyan Tree as a luxury resort brand offering a consistently high level of service and facilities, especially when it comes to their Spas. Their new resort in Phang Nga Bay brings the Banyan Tree experience to a serene location on Tubkaek Beach, some 35 kilometers from Krabi Airport. Facing a white-sand beach and, on the horizon, a dozen karst limestone islands shooting up from the calm waters of the Andaman Sea, Banyan Tree Krabi offers seventy-two pool suites and villas. Among them, there are two-bedroom options and a one three-bedroom villa. Extensive facilities include dining venues, a beach club, and an extensive spa, with the brand’s famed “rainforest walk.”
Alternatively, book Banyan Tree Krabi via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Banyan Tree Krabi. Opened: October 2020. Photos © Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
“La Mamounia refurbishment is representative of the current day and as a 95-year-old property that has maintained its charm and heritage through the decades.” — Pierre Jochem, GM of La Mamounia.
La Mamounia is a legendary hotel dating back to 1923, but after years in operation, it has recently undergone a significant renovation led by the Parisian firm Jouin Manku. The work included a complete overhaul of the dining venues and structural improvements to the rooms and public areas. The property’s new look enhances it through contemporary design while keeping true to the heritage and traditions of the grand dame of Moroccan hotels.
Alternatively, book La Mamounia via:
Hotels.com | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: La Mamounia, Marrakech, Morocco. Opened: September 2020. Photo © La Mamounia
The romance of a luxury star bed in the savannah
Puku Ridge is already recognized as Zambia’s most luxurious safari camp — offering an authentic bush experience without forgoing creature comforts. It’s undoubtedly the first camp of this quality in the South Luangwa National Park. Its features include a private plunge pool overlooking the sprawling flood plain. Here a menagerie of wild animals can be often spotted — from elephants and giraffes to lions, baboons, and the furry impala called Puku, after which the camp is named. Puku Ridge is the only camp in the park with an alfresco sleeping area on the roof of each tent — a private “star bed.” The guest houses are fully air-conditioned and equipped with premium espresso machines and in-room Wi-Fi, thanks to the electricity grid access, which all other camps lack.
See what others think about Puku Ridge Camp on TripAdvisor.
Website: Puku Ridge Camp, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.
Opened: August 2020. Photos © Chiawa Safaris
K5 concept fuses hotel rooms, social spaces, restaurants, and bars through the philosophy of aimai, based on the idea of obscuring boundaries. Housed in the converted 1920s bank building, the hotel was created in collaboration with the Stockholm-based CKR studio. The four-story building houses twenty guest rooms (ranging from 20 to 80m2), as well as food and beverage venues, including the first (in the world) Brooklyn Brewery flagship Beer Hall. The design references the building’s heritage, with exposed concrete flooring, stucco, traditional cedar wood finishes, and elegant, custom-made furniture.
Alternatively, book K5 via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: K5, Tokyo, Japan. Opened: Feb 2020. Photo © K5
Madrid has energy, a long history, and vibrant culture, and The Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is designed to put its guests at the heart of everything that makes the city cosmopolitan. The hotel is housed in a historic landmark building, and it aims to redefine elegance and urban luxury. There are two hundred rooms and suites here, and its guests can choose between three sophisticated restaurants and bars, including an expansive roof terrace. There is a cutting-edge Spa, and events and luxury retail boutique spaces are also available.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Hotel Madrid via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Four Seasons Hotel Madrid. Opened: Sep 2020. Photos © Four Seasons Hotels
Panoptis Escape offers comfort and luxury, reflected in innovative architecture, a high level of service, and top-notch amenities that include private infinity pools and jacuzzis. Set on top of the hill overlooking Elia Beach in Mykonos, the hotel offers a small collection of spacious, luxurious boutique villas designed in minimalist style and furnished with artisan attention to detail. The Escape is inspired by the philosophy of “less is more,” focusing on getting the fundamentals of a luxury stay just right.
Alternatively, book Myconian Panoptis Escape via:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Myconian Panoptis Escape, Mykonos, Greece. Opened: 2020. Photo © Panoptis Escape
Located in a privileged location near Budapest’s Grand Boulevard and only steps from Dohány Street Synagogue and the Great Market, Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa is a chic new opening and a gathering spot for visitors and locals alike. The hotel is located in a renovated historic building and it offers sixty-four rooms and twenty suites, a restaurant, and an expansive wellness space. Kozmo style combines classic luxury with contemporary design, using high-ceiling heritage interiors as a backdrop to sharp elegance and minimalist furniture.
Alternatively, book Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Kozmo Hotel Suites & Spa, Budapest. Opened in Sep 2021. Photos © Kozmo Hotel
“The Kulala Wilderness Reserve is the only private reserve with direct access to Sossusvlei’s magnificent red dunes. It is this location and luxury of space, combined with the camp’s notable architecture and elegant accommodation that our guests have come to love.”
— Alexandra Margull, Wilderness Safaris Namibia MD.
“At Little Kulala, we discovered luxurious cottages built in a style that fuses organic, earthly architecture with unassuming cool chic — in the middle of a Martian-like, arid landscape.” This is how we described our experience at Little Kulala in Namibia — and we are very excited to see this beautiful lodge reopen after a refurbishment.
Little Kulala relaunched with refreshed elements in the central area deck and new flooring. The elevated walkways are a new addition, and the eleven guest kulalas have better airflow. Fundamentally, the lodge kept its organic look. An exciting new feature is the signature sleep-out experience on the bottom deck of each kulala, allowing guests to easily access their rooms during the night (the star beds used to be placed on the roof).
Read our review of Little Kulala here
Alternatively, book Wilderness Safaris Little Kulala via:
Kiwi Collection or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Wilderness Safaris Little Kulala. Re-opened: June 2020. Photo © Wilderness Safaris
The striking cube-shaped building in Dubai is home to one of the most anticipated new hotels in the city — the ME by Meliá Dubai. It is the only hotel the late architect Zaha Hadid designed inside and out. The unique building resembles an object from a sci-fi drama, with its futuristic space-themed around the concept of ‘interconnectedness.’ Hadid furnishes the interiors, and the selection of rooms includes a suite with a jacuzzi. The ninety-three-room hotel shares space with fifteen various dining and drinking venues.
Alternatively, book ME Dubai via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: ME Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Opened: March 2020. Photos © Melia
Commodore Perry Estate is the first “urban estate” in the Auberge Resorts portfolio. Encompassing a former private residence built in 1928, the hotel offers a stately design and a residential-style atmosphere. At the heart of the hotel is the original Mansion, of which five bedrooms were turned into distinctive hotel suites that draw inspiration from the Mansion’s original owners, the Perry family. Part of the complex is formed by the Inn, a new building with forty-two guest rooms and seven terrace suites. There is also an on-site 50-foot swimming pool, and guests benefit from access to a fitness center.
Alternatively, book Commodore Perry Estate via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection, Austin, USA.
Opened: June 2020. Photo © Auberge Resorts Collection
We loved our experience at the Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud, and are excited to learn that Marriott’s acclaimed Reserve brand has entered Japan as the fifth Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort in the world.
The Higashiyama Niseko concept brings a luxury resort to a place of astonishing natural beauty, creating exclusive “sanctuaries.” The base of Mount Niseko is just such a place. The area is home to eight square kilometers of ski terrain and is one of Japan’s top winter sports destinations. The Ritz-Carlton Reserve is designed as an integrated all-season alpine resort, combining high-end service with a local experience that includes a full-service spa with traditional onsen. The hotel’s forty-three rooms and seven suites are decorated with cedarwood, granite, and polished marble. The culinary options include Yukibana restaurant, with a menu mirroring the seasons, serving seafood, prized cuts, and locally sourced greens. The Ume Lounge, featuring a fireplace, serves local brews, single malts, and bespoke cocktails.
Alternatively, book Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Opened: December 2020.
Photos © The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
Maslina Resort is a quiet retreat away from the busy beach clubs of Hvar. Located in Maslinica Bay and surrounded by the island’s beauty, the resort is inspired by sustainability and nature. Its wooden pavilions are scattered across the pine-studded terrain, with many trees reforested as part of the resort’s creation. Local materials used in the construction blend with the natural environment. Fifty-three rooms, suites, and private villas utilize terracotta, light wood, and white stone to evoke Mediterranean vibes. Every guest accommodation has sea views; some also come with a private pool or a location directly on the seafront. The hotel facilities include a spa, private sandy beach, kids’ club, and two swimming pools.
See what others think about Maslina Resort on TripAdvisor.
Website: Maslina Resort, Croatia. Opened: August 2020. Photo © Maslina Resort
Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands reopened after a four-year closure and an overhaul, impacted in the meantime by the destruction brought by Hurricane Irma. With half a mile of sandy beach in front of the resort, four open-air dining outlets, two swimming pools, and more than eighty new rooms, cottages, “tree houses,” and pool suites, the resort will cater to a full range of guest needs — and its clifftop spa should satisfy the most demanding sybarites. Leading the refurbishment was Meyer Davis, a New York City-based design studio specializing in hospitality projects.
Alternatively, book Rosewood Little Dix Bay via:
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, BVIs. Opened: January 2020.
Photo © Rosewood Hotels
“Artisans from all over the world have created special works for the resort. Artistic tiles from Turkey, […] wickerwork from South Africa, and wooden craftwork from Java transform the villas, bars, and restaurants.”
— Inge Moore, Muza Lab design studio
Fun, indulgence and the sense of tropical island adventure await guests at the redesigned and reinvented Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. The resort’s design concept draws from the vibrant hues of the local nature, seascapes, and sunsets. The bold colors are but one aspect of the transformation. The entire guest experience is reinvented, from restaurants and sports facilities (which include a state-of-the-art indoor golf studio) to the style and comfort of the resort’s 125 villas, seventy-six of which feature private pools. Dining is a culinary journey through an eclectic selection of international dining options, while the Fehi Spa highlights green concepts for therapies through a new concept where every detail is carefully crafted.
Alternatively, book Finolhu via:
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives. Opened: November 2020. Photos © Finolhu
This intimate eleven-room hotel is located in the heart of downtown Hudson and occupies three historical buildings. The design has a bohemian sensibility and is predominantly vintage, blending Industrial, Art Deco, and Mid-Century themes. The interiors feature ornate fireplaces, wood flooring, mosaic tiles, stained glass, even hand-painted ceilings. The hotel rooms are inspired by “the makers” (artisans, artists, craftsmen, builders) and are filled with fine art from private collections. The hotel welcomes guests and locals in its cafe, cocktail lounge, and restaurant.
See what others think about The Maker Hotel on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Maker Hotel, Hudson, NY, US. Opened: August 2020. Photo © The Maker Hotel
“Since ancient times, the Japanese people have shared an emotional connection with the unparalleled beauty of nature and the four seasons. The harmony between the natural environment, scenery, and history […] is expressed in our brand” —Manabu Kusu, General Manager.
Established in Kyoto on a site where one of the most powerful merchant families in Japan (Mitsui family) lived for more than 250 years, Hotel the Mitsui represents “the true essence of Japan” with a design both referencing the past of Japan’s old capital and reflecting its sophisticated modernity.
The hotel features 161 guest rooms, modeled in a style that reimagines traditional Japanese interiors and incorporates historical elements and museum-quality artwork on display. Guests have access to an on-site thermal Onsen spa, restaurants, and a 24hr room service. The interior designer Andre Fu also designed the Upper House Hong Kong hotel.
Alternatively, book Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa via: Expedia | Marriott Bonvoy or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa.
Opened: Nov 2020. Photos © Mitsui
Standing on the edge of Lake Pichhola, Taj Fateh Prakash Palace is part of the City Palace complex, initially built in the 20th Century as a venue for royal events. The project of converting the palace to a five-star hotel preserved the authenticity of the building. The careful restoration created a feeling of a lived-in museum, with sixty-five rooms and suites finished with curated vintage decor and furniture straight off royal storerooms, with paintings and fabrics to match. The most spectacular space at the hotel is the Durbar Hall, with a dramatic central crystal chandelier weighing a ton (literally). The hotel offers panoramic views of the lake, especially from the Sunset Terrace restaurant. Other attractions include curated royal experiences, such as a chauffeured vintage car transfer or a ceremonial English Afternoon Tea in the Surya Darshan Bar. Taj Fateh is the second hotel in Udaipur housed in a former palace, after the Taj Lake Palace (don’t miss the review from our stay!).
Alternatively, book Taj Fateh Prakash Palace via:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Taj Fateh Prakash Palace. Opened: January 2020. Photo © IHCL
Nobu Hotel Chicago wows with the contemporary architecture of its building and with the interior design. The style blends the old-world Japanese inspirations with modern western luxury. There are 115 rooms and suites at this hotel, and guests have a full range of facilities to enjoy. There is a state-of-the-art fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and The Rooftop at Nobu, a dining venue complete with an indoor lounge and outdoor terrace looking out onto Chicago’s cityscape. Nobu Hotel Chicago has a central address in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop neighborhood.
Alternatively, book Nobu Hotel Chicago via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Nobu Hotel Chicago, Chicago, USA. Opened: July 2020. Photos © Nobu Hotels
Egypt has fallen out of favor for the luxury tourism industry, but lower tourist numbers could make this the best time to visit the pyramids. St. Regis is well-positioned to cater to the trailblazers with its Cairo debut. The 39-floor city hotel offers the guests the choice of almost three hundred lavishly appointed rooms and suites and nearly as many guest apartments and residences. The property features an open-air terrace with a sushi bar, which should be an excellent spot to marvel at Cairo’s hazy sunsets.
Alternatively, book The St. Regis Cairo via:
Expedia | Marriott Bonvoy or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The St. Regis Cairo. Opened: Jan 2020. Photo © Marriott International
The history of Half Moon Street in Mayfair reaches as far as 1730. The area used to be seen as the archetypal hang out for bachelors and bohemians in Victorian Britain — so much so that it ended up the residence of iconic fictional characters, including Bertie Wooster in P.G. Wodehouse’s books, and the setting for Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. The Mayfair Townhouse takes on that mythos as the core of its personality, playing on themes and motifs, quick-witted humor including. The hotel is spread over seven listed buildings. The 172 rooms, including two Penthouse and Garden Suites, fuse Georgian heritage with a contemporary aesthetic, with weaved-in quirkiness, but the hotel’s highlight is the appropriately named Dandy Bar. There is also an event space and a private gym.
Alternatively, book The Mayfair Townhouse via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Mayfair Townhouse. Opened: December 2020. Image © The Mayfair Townhouse
Grand Universe Lucca boasts a coveted address in the heart of the historic walled city of Lucca in Tuscany. Located in a 16th-century palazzo that looks over Piazza del Giglio and Piazza Napoleone, this boutique hotel is defined by a masterful renovation, and interior design focused on art and music, evoking Lucca’s past but grounding it in the present. The interiors beautifully blend timeless elegance and modern comforts in the hotel’s fifty-five rooms, which include nine suites (each named after a musician). Guests have at their disposal an elegant fine-dining venue, a lounge area with a classical piano, a rooftop bar with gorgeous city views, and a unique wine-tasting cellar hidden in the remnants of an ancient stone wall.
Alternatively, book Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection via:
Expedia | Hotels.com | Marriott or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection, Lucca, Italy.
Opened: December 2020. Photos © Marriott International
The palm-fringed south coast of Ahangama is a surfer destination with a small selection of guesthouses in the area, often designed as whitewashed colonial houses. It takes something special to stand out — and such is the Palm Hotel. Inspired by east London’s industrialist warehouses, the hotelier couple behind the Palm Hotel opted for charcoal-black A-frame houses with large framed windows and airy interiors. The hotel’s unique take on tropical style involves rattan furniture and bamboo roll curtains, but also corrugated steel, chrome accents, and concrete bed frames. The guest cabanas, scattered around the palm grove, come with open-air bathrooms, rain showers, and luxury bathroom amenities. Palm Hotel is located a good five kilometers inland, away from popular beachside restaurants, but the on-site open kitchen offers an all-day breakfast and dinner menu of Sri Lankan fusion cuisine, with excellent seafood.
Alternatively, book PALM Hotel Sri Lanka via
IHG® Rewards or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: PALM Hotel Sri Lanka. Opened: Early 2020. Photo © Palm Hotel
Legendary service, elegant interiors, and five-star luxuries await guests at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, at 345 California Center. The hotel occupies the top eleven floors of the building, and all of its 155 rooms and suites benefit from stunning city views. Some floors feature Sky Bridge with floor-to-ceiling windows, with views to San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The restrained style of Four Seasons in the interiors is at the San Francisco hotel enhanced with bold color touches, bespoke furniture, and custom-designed wool rugs. Guest rooms feature freestanding bathtubs, and the facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel is located near the Embarcadero area in the Financial District, a mere twenty-minute drive from San Francisco International airport.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero.
Opened: Oct 2020. Photo © Four Seasons Hotels
The TownHouse Mykonos is located in an 18th-century manor house, beautifully renovated to host a boutique hotel priding itself in an indulgent but discreet service and luxury. The hotel features nineteen beautifully designed suites and bedrooms, a sunset terrace, and the @54 Cocktail Lounge, which has made a name for itself on the island already studded with cool hangouts. A VIP concierge provides an enhanced destination experience with access to the best beach clubs, luxury yachts, and dining.
Alternatively, book The TownHouse Mykonos via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The TownHouse Mykonos, Mykonos, Greece. Opened: Summer 2020.
Photos © The TownHouse Mykonos
“Urban Cowboy has always been an oasis for creatives, dreamers and romantics who don’t just want a place to sleep but an authentic experience. We hope to make an inspiring respite in the woods for all of those looking to […] reignite a love affair with nature itself.” — Lyon Porter, Founder Of Urban Cowboy
Urban Cowboy started in 2014 as a hip Brooklyn sleep and an alternative to the frantic pace of Manhattan. A second opening soon followed it in Nashville, and now, a few years later, designer Lyon Porter and his partner Jersey Banks have partnered with Phil Hospod to come up with a new idea—of launching a 68-acre escape-from-the-city in the Catskill Mountains.
With a design calling to mind alpine inns and bold interiors referencing the Native American heritage of the area, the 28-room resort promises glamping chic worthy of the trendsetting NYC.
See what others think about Urban Cowboy Lodge on TripAdvisor.
Website: Urban Cowboy Lodge, Catskills. Opened: Spring 2020. Photo © Urban Cowboy
Sossusvlei & Deadvlei, Namibia
We love Namibia’s luxury lodges and camps and have stayed at some in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, a place as surreal as it is beautiful. The NamibRand’s rolling desert plains, its iconic red dunes, and the backdrop of craggy mountains make it feel like the ordinary concepts of time do not apply here. After all, the deserts of Namibia are some of the oldest on the planet.
The Kwessi Dunes is located deep in the vast desert wilderness of the reserve. There are only ten chalets at the lodge. They are made of canvas stretched on wooden frames and covered by thatched roofs — but they are still fully air-conditioned. There is also a separate ‘stargazer’ room, open to the sky. Activities in the area include quad biking, scenic drives and walks, hot air ballooning, helicopter flights, and day trips to Sossusvlei.
Read: What are the best places in Africa to sleep under the stars?
Alternatively, book Kwessi Dunes via:
Go2Africa or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Kwessi Dunes, Namibia. Opened: March 2020. Image © Natural Selection Safari
The group behind Riggs Washington DC, Lore Group, has successfully launched the Sea Containers London hotel and the Pulitzer Amsterdam, so you can be sure this opening is in good hands. It is their first hotel in the US, and the location selected for this debut is in the Penn Quarter section of Washington, in a landmark building that used to serve as a bank. The hotel’s design carries hints of the original purpose of the building, while the guestrooms will focus on comfort, elegance, and luxury first of all. The hotel’s food and beverage outlets include a subterranean cocktail spot Silver Lyan and Café Riggs, echoing the European brasseries.
Alternatively, book Riggs Washington DC via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Riggs Washington DC. Opened: February 2020. Photos © Lore Group
Created by the hotelier Adrian Zecha (of the Aman Resorts fame), this new brand is making waves in the industry. It’s only the third opening for Azerai and their first beach resort. Ke Ga Bay is a luxurious, secluded oceanfront retreat facing a vast white-sand beach stretch in southeastern Vietnam. The resort focuses on a limited number of guests, with only fifty-five rooms and three villas, and embraces a contemporary aesthetic defined by elegant, almost minimalistic design.
Alternatively, book Azerai Ke Ga Bay via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Azerai Ke Ga Bay. Opened: April 2020. Photo © Azerai
Thanks to warm temperatures year-round, 1 Hotel Haitang Bay is an excellent all-season resort on Hainan Island, one of China’s top beach destinations. Looking out to the shimmering waters of the bay, the 294 guest rooms, suites, and villas offer floor-to-ceiling windows and a generous amount of space, as they range from 62m2 to the whooping 1300m2. The resort has seven food-and-beverage venues to serve its guests, including an all-day diner, a noodle restaurant, a poolside bar, and a rooftop lounge. The hotel takes its environmental footprint seriously, with reclaimed wood and sustainable materials such as rattan and lava rock in the interiors.
Alternatively, book 1 Hotel Haitang Bay via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: 1 Hotel Haitang Bay, Sanya, China. Opened: May 2020. Photos © 1 Hotels
“We’ve been quietly working on this behind the scenes now for some years. It’s on a magnificent stretch of beach and represents a fantastic opportunity to expand our presence on beautiful Benguerra Island.” — Stella Bettany of Azura Retreats
After acquiring an older property (Marlin Lodge, ruined after a fire), Azura has invested in a complete refurbishment of the site and re-established it as a new five-star boutique hotel. The resort has 20 villas and rooms, including nine individual beachfront villas and a two-bedroom family unit with a swimming pool. Azura Marlin Beach is located on a kilometer-long stretch of white beach in the Bazaruto Archipelago Marine National Park. The stay here can be easily combined with Azura Benguerra Island, the sister property of Azura Marlin Beach.
Website: Azura Marlin Beach. Opened: Summer 2020. Photo © Azura
“The launch of the W Sydney symbolizes the changing landscape of hotels in Australia. We are moving […] to the tomorrow hotels that hit the millennial mindset of traveling.” —Richard Crawford, senior director of development at Marriott International
Housed in The Ribbon, a spectacular $700M development in Sydney’s Darling Harbour (designed by international awarding-winning architects HASSELL), the Marriot’s W hotel adds a touch of youthful glamour to the architectural marvel of the building. W Sydney comes with 593 guestrooms, an infinity pool overlooking the harbor, an upgraded IMAX theatre, a casino, Sea Life Aquarium, and a spectrum of other entertainment facilities. This W hotel joins the W Brisbane, heralding the company’s ambitions for conquering Australia.
Website: W Sydney. Opening: Late 2020. Image © Marriott International
Mashatu Euphorbia is perched on a hill, with great views of the river and plains in a privately-owned Mashatu Game Reserve. The lodge’s concept combines luxury with conservation and sustainability. Solar energy and water processing systems ensure a minimal operational impact on the environment, and local stone is used in the lodge’s construction, blending the buildings into the arid landscape. The villas feature heated plunge pools, in- and outdoor showers, and ample relaxation arrangements. Maximum 16 guests at any time ensure a feeling of exclusivity and intimate ambiance, while the safari drives allow only four guests per safari vehicle. The area is home to lions, leopards, cheetah, elephants, hyenas, and other plains game.
See what others think about Mashatu Euphorbia on TripAdvisor.
Website: Mashatu Euphorbia. Opened: June 2020. Image © Mashatu Euphorbia
“Locke aims to liberate guests from the confines of a typical hotel room by creating beautiful apartments that are designed to be lived in.”
— Stephen McCall, CEO, Locke Hotels
Bermonds Locke is the third hotel from Locke, the brand pioneering a concept of a home-meets-hotel. The property offers 143 keys designed as individual studio apartments, fully equipped with fitted kitchens and laundry facilities. But the hotel also comes with a destination restaurant, a bar, co-working facilities, and a gym — and the public spaces are home to events based on a local cultural program. Offering the benefits of a lifestyle hotel but going beyond a traditional hotel room experience, Bermonds Locke is available for either short or extended stays.
Alternatively, book Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge via:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge. Opened: Sep 2020. Photo © Locke
If our stay at the award-winning Highlands in Ngorongoro is to tell us anything, the new property from Asilia Africa should be extraordinary. Sayari Camp’s concept comes from the same designer who created the Highlands, Caline Williams-Wynn. But it’s not a brand-new place — it stood here for fifteen years and has reopened after refurbishment. In the revamped camp, spacious decks wrap around all fifteen tents, sliding glass doors letting in the Serengeti plains’ uninterrupted views. The new features of Sayari include outdoor showers, raised wooden pathways, and a new spa. It’s also an eco-conscious property, and in a unique development, the camp installed the first solar-powered microbrewery in the country.
Alternatively, book Sayari Camp via:
Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Sayari Camp, Asilia Africa. Re-opened in June 2020. Photo © Asilia
Zentis Osaka is the first opening from a new brand, launched by the well-established Palace Hotel Group. Housed in a brand new 16-story building, the hotel comes with 212 comfortable, elegant rooms and suites, including a Corner Studio that can be combined with an adjoining suite, creating a two-bedroom apartment. The hotel’s food-and-beverage offering includes an all-day dining venue featuring an open kitchen, a lounge serving light snacks and afternoon tea, served inside or on a covered outdoor terrace. A bar invites for seasonal cocktails and fine whisky.
Alternatively, book Zentis Osaka via:
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Zentis Osaka. Opened: Summer 2020. Photo © Zentis Hotels
This project was born from the creativity of the legendary designer Philippe Starck and the vision of excellence from La Réserve (who are also behind La Réserve Paris Hotel & Spa and St. Tropez La Réserve Ramatuelle). The 100 years old property, located on the shore of Lake Zurich, was submitted to a major refurbishment, with interiors given to Starck to redesign. The forty-bedroom hotel design has a touch of rebelliousness, but it is otherwise filled with light and subtle tones and materials evoking the woodwork of luxury boats. The hotel offers a rooftop bar, a restaurant, and a smoking lounge. Most rooms offer views of the lake, both from the bedroom and the bathtubs.
Alternatively, book La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich. Opened: January 2020. Photos © La Réserve
This is yet another re-opening on our list. After a complete renovation, the Greystone’ Miami Beach was re-launched with ninety-one rooms, a fabulous rooftop swimming pool, and a whiskey lounge. All this, only steps from the white-sand beach. The new style of this 1930’s boutique hotel embraced Miami’s energy. The interiors blend boho-chic with city glamour while paying homage to its Art Deco origins.
Alternatively, book Hotel Greystone via:
Tablet Hotels | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel Greystone, Miami Beach. Opened: September 2020.
Image © Greystone Miami Beach
The well-established Ritz-Carlton South Beach has undergone a multi-year, property-wide renovation. Remodeled to blend the original Art Deco style with the glamour and luxury of contemporary Miami, this 1950s resort injects new energy into the Miami Beach oceanfront. The resort’s multiple restaurants and bars were redesigned and relaunched with a promise to serve Latin flavors inspired by Mexican, Cuban, Venezuelan, and Colombian cuisine. The Ritz-Carlton South Beach offers 376 guest rooms and suites.
Alternatively, book The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Ritz-Carlton South Beach. Opened: January 2020.
Image © Marriott International
We wrote about Dusit Thani that its Thai inspirations align well with the spirit of a luxury destination (the Maldives, in Dusit Thani’s case). We are curious to follow this unique brand as it expands into countries as exciting as Nepal. Dusit Princess Kathmandu opened in the capital’s Lazimpat neighborhood (an hour from the Tribhuvan International Airport), offering a boutique hotel experience with a limited number of rooms and villas. The hotel’s contemporary design reflects local style and culture. The facilities include an all-day restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool (with a pool bar), a rooftop lounge, as well as a fully-equipped fitness center, and the group’s signature Devarana Spa.
Website: Dusit International. Opening: Q3 2020. Image © Dusit International
The Kempinski hotels are well-known for refined service and luxury — and the Sindhorn Kempinski fulfills the brand promise. The hotel’s 285 guest rooms are generously sized and focused on providing maximum comfort. The hotel facilities include four dining outlets, the Firefly Bar with a Casa Del Habano cigar parlor, and a garden terrace. The sumptuous spa is attached to a 25-meter infinity pool that looks out to the Bangkok green cityscape in Bangkok’s ‘green corridor’ near Lumphini Park, the largest green space in the city.
Alternatively, book Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Opened: August 2020. Photo © Kempinski Hotels
Situated by the palm-fringed Sire Beach, on Lombok’s northwest shore, with stunning views of the Gili Islands, this small resort of forty-six Suites, six Garden View Villas, seven Beach View villas, and one Beach House invites guests who crave an experience of an exotic island surrounded by luxury. Promising modern luxury and timeless style, The Legian Sire offers a range of attractions, including Sire Beach Golf Club, wellness facilities, and easy access to shopping and dining around Tanjung, an authentic market village. Then there is an uber-luxury offshoot of the hotel, the Club by The Legian Sire, offering exclusivity with personalized butler service.
Website: The Legian Sire. Opening: March 2020. Photo © LHM
This new arrival to London’s five-star hotel scene is purpose-built. Located in a prestigious area only a short walk from Buckingham Palace, The Guardsman Buckingham Gate is opulent and luxurious as it is intimate and elegant. The hotel is boutique-size, with only fifty-three rooms, five residences, and a penthouse with a wraparound terrace (available for extended stays). The Guardsman comes with an unmistakable British sense of style and a high level of service, including personalized (in advance) pantry and menus.
Alternatively, book The Guardsman Hotel via:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Guardsman Buckingham Gate. Opened: October 2020. Photo © The Guardsman
Villa Igiea is a historic Art Nouveau palazzo and a former retreat of celebrities and Italian aristocrats, but today it is also a five-star hotel, the Rocco Forte. Launched after extensive restoration and updates, Rocco wows with the timeless 1900s Belle Époque splendor, meticulously restored to its former glory. That said, the 104 rooms and suites offer all modern luxuries and comforts. Located in a prime spot overlooking the Gulf of Palermo, Villa Igiea is Rocco Forte’s second property in Sicily, complementing Verdura Resort on the coast.
Alternatively, book Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel. Opening: Late 2020.
Update: delayed to Spring 2021. Photo © Rocco Forte Hotels
Boutique hotel Can Aulí is a luxurious adult-only retreat located in the heart of Pollença’s historic center, close to the main square and the ancient Calvari steps. Housed in a magnificent 17th-century refurbished manor, it features twenty-one rooms, some with private terraces permitting views of the Sierra Tramuntana. On-site facilities include a relaxed restaurant/gastro bar serving breakfast and snacks throughout the day, an outdoor swimming pool with a bar, and a peaceful garden. The hotel décor creates a stylish blend of modern rustic using local hand-woven fabrics alongside contemporary pieces to enhance the historic character of the building.
Alternatively, book Can Aulí Luxury Retreat via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Can Aulí Luxury Retreat, Majorca, Spain. Opened: Aug 2020. Photos © Can Aulí
“We might be the masters of reinvention but even we’re excited by what’s planned next for El Fenn.”
— El Fenn Magazine (Spring-Summer 2019)
We love this art-filled boutique luxury retreat for its combination of boho style with European creature comforts and opulent glamour (don’t miss our review of the El Fenn). After acquiring two neighboring properties, the riad has significantly expanded, adding 13 new rooms and suites. There is also a new courtyard, a new rooftop lap pool, a wine cellar, a yoga studio, and a conservatory that serves as a winter restaurant. Various colonnades, corridors, terraces, and walkways connect all buildings.
Read our review of El Fenn here.
Alternatively, book El Fenn via:
Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: El Fenn, Marrakech, Morocco. Opened: Autumn 2020. Photo © El Fenn
This opening is quite different from all the other ones on this list. As the resort was being prepared, the progress was watched by millions on Canadian TV, on a show called the Island of Bryan. The couple Bryan and Sarah Baeumler were the show’s stars — and they are the owners of the Caerula Mar). The TV cameras followed their journey of transforming an abandoned 1960s resort into a luxury property that stands out with its breezy architecture. The hotel offers eighteen suites and six private villas to its guests, and the facilities include three dining venues and a spa. Caerula Mar is surrounded by powdery sand beaches and dense mangrove forests.
See what others think about Caerula Mar Club on TripAdvisor.
Website: Caerula Mar Club. Opened: March 2020. Image © Caerula Mar
Torre del Marques sits in one of the least explored regions of the Spanish countryside, in a beautifully restored 18th-century tower. Transformed into a boutique hotel, the property is a refined hideaway that offers a farmhouse-style escape, surrounded by olive groves and terraced vineyards. Torre del Marques combines an eco-luxury approach with genuine respect for the heritage of its location. Contemporary and elegant, the guest rooms and suites are layered with soft textiles, pale timber furniture and kept in a sophisticated palette of taupes and greys. The hotel embraces a promise for organic cuisine sourced from no further than one kilometer, promoting the local producers (including olive oil, black truffle, and honey).
Alternatively, book Hotel Torre del Marqués via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Torre del Marqués, Teruel, Spain. Opened: April 2020. Photos © Torre del Marqués
“[At KLoé…] we believe true luxury is a haven where you are shown kindness; where time moves slowly, so you can linger, reflect, connect, and be inspired to explore your creativity through art, design, music, and food.”
— Ng Ping Ho, MD, Kindness of Strangers
This boutique hotel in the heart of Kuala Lumpur should appeal to guests seeking something extra personalized from their hotel stay — especially if they choose one of the five Lofts from among the 85 guest rooms. The Lofts are creatively designed around art, music, books, greenery, food. For example, Room to Listen features a vast vinyl collection, and is equipped with an excellent sound system, while the Room to Grow is a filled-with-plants conservatory-like space akin to a greenhouse. Other rooms are designed for a tranquil experience, in a sage and duck-egg blue palette, with quality furniture, copper details, and solid-oak floors. The hotel also launched Monroe, an American diner, and The Secret Mermaid, a bar with a large selection of American alcohol brands.
Alternatively, book KLoé Hotel, Kuala Lumpur via:
Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: KLoé Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Opened: Feb 2020. Photo © KLoé Hotel
Surrounded by a vast estate of lush farmland studded with almond trees and olive and citrus groves, Es Racó d’Artà is a five-star wellness retreat infused with serenity. The estate dates as far back as the 13th century, and the hotel is designed to call out Mallorca’s architectural heritage. The hotel is composed of the main house, containing eight suites, two other houses (or casas), and twenty-one “casitas” scattered around the property. All stand out with an understated style that combines the rustic style of Balearic architecture with luxurious minimalism. Many casitas are placed to make the most of the valley views and maximize privacy, and some come with private pools and sun terraces or small gardens. The resort offers world-class spa facilities and a restaurant.
Alternatively, book Es Racó d’Artà via:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Es Racó d’Artà, Mallorca, Spain. Opened: July 2020. Photo © Es Racó d’Artà
Octavia Casa is a hospitality venture of OCTAVIA, a Mexican clothing brand catering to “the contemporary woman who leads a simple and modern lifestyle.” These values and ideals translate to a creative take on hospitality. Located in La Condesa, where the cultural, gastronomic, and social scene is constantly evolving, Octavia Casa positions itself as one of the discoveries for the fashionable crowd. The hotel design channels a strong sense of refuge in a minimalist atmosphere where all things natural and honest are celebrated and emphasized. Octavia Casa is composed of only seven rooms.
Alternatively, book Octavia Casa via:
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Octavia Casa, Mexico City, Mexico. Opened: Sep 2020. Photos © Octavia Casa
When it comes to unique — and exclusive — experiences, we can think of hardly anything that could beat the North Pole Igloos. Touted as “the world’s northernmost hotel,” this small cluster of ten mobile domes with glass roofs (perfect for watching aurora borealis) provides an unbelievable opportunity for the very few lucky guests. Why only a few? The first reason is that this unique luxury hotel opens for only one month per season. The North Pole Igloos are set up in the safest place on the glacier, but due to the dynamic and extreme environment of the ice, the camp has to be soon packed up and returned to Svalbard in Norway. The second reason is that the guests have to be prepared to spend a cool $100,000 for a three-night trip. It’s the kind of nightly rate that puts North Pole Igloos well outside of the budget of almost everyone.
Website: North Pole Igloos. Opened: April 2020. Image © North Pole Igloos
The dramatic marble staircase and Doric columns are but one signal that this restored neoclassical mansion in the historical center of Ermoupoli is an architectural gem worthy of attention. And the grand, five-star Aristide is the building’s worthy occupant. From private plunge pools and sea views to a rooftop bar and an art gallery, Aristide ticks all the boxes in the “contemporary luxury” department while ensuring that the authentic old-world elegance sits at the heart of the hotel experience. The hotel features only nine suites, filled with the latest smart home technology and fully air-conditioned, but the technology is discrete. At the same time, the focus is on the carefully assembled furniture and neatly finished decoration. Solid oak flooring and doors, stone tubs, and marble incorporated in pieces of furniture speak to authentic quality.
Alternatively, book Aristide Hotel Syros via:
Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Aristide Hotel Syros. Opened: May 2020. Photo © Aristide Hotel
Mandarin Oriental Saigon is housed in the Union Square Saigon building in the city’s heart, occupying the upper floors of this commercial property and sharing space with luxury retail boutiques and other businesses. The hotel offers 227 rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, and conference and banquet spaces. A well-equipped fitness center, a spa, and an outdoor swimming pool complete the package.
Website: Mandarin Oriental Saigon. Opening: 2020. Image © Mandarin Oriental
This exciting new launch in Rajasthan’s capital is located in the heart of Johri bazaar and housed in a converted Indian mansion (called a haveli), constructed in 1871. The meticulous restoration of the property took almost nine years. The hotel launched with five beautiful suites, each set in a different color scheme — such as Panna (the green room), named after the emerald, or The Manak (ruby) with Jaipur-pink walls and red accents. The interiors are carefully finished with elaborate windows and archways, sandstone columns, marble wall panels, hand-painted terracotta tiles, and decorated with hand-woven carpets and embroidered headboards. This intimate boutique hotel also features a restaurant with an evolving menu of vegetarian fare, a bar, a roof terrace, and an Ayurvedic treatment room.
Website: The Johri Jaipur at Lal Haveli. Opened: End of 2020. Photos © The Johri
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Cure your Covid woes with luxury hotels debuting in 2021
There is so much happening in the world of luxury hotels worldwide that we had a hard time picking a limited number for the Top New Luxury Hotel Openings 2020 list — so this year, we capped it at 100. The below mentions are almost as numerous, though, and while these hotels didn’t quite make it to the list proper, they are nevertheless well worth checking out. For example, have you heard about a hotel built above and around the world’s largest single-floor mosaic, dating from the Roman Empire? The mosaic was only discovered thanks to the hotel’s construction. See below!
Arthaus Beirut, Lebanon. August 2020 (image below, middle).
Theodor Tel-Aviv a member of Brown Hotels, Tel-Aviv, Israel. January 2020.
La Brillante Marrakech, Marrakesh, Morocco. February 1, 2020 (image below left).
Etosha King Nehale, Namibia. June 2020 (image below right).
African Bush Camps – Khwai Leadwood Camp, Botswana. August 2020.
Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, Singapore. December 2020.
Harding Boutique Hotel, Sri Lanka. End of 2020
Hoshinoya Okinawa, Japan. July 2020.
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, Japan. Opened in January 2020.
Fusion Suites Vung Tau, near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
W Chengdu, China. Opened in October 2020.
The Ritz-Carlton Nanjing, China. June 2020.
Park Hyatt Auckland, New Zealand. Opened September 2020.
The Lake House on Canandaigua, New York, USA. Summer.
White Elephant, Palm Beach, Florida, USA. Early in 2020.
The Hotel June, Los Angeles (CA), USA. Summer 2020 (image below, middle).
Thompson Washington D.C., USA. January 2020.
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville, USA. October.
Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski Cuba, Cuba. April (image below left).
Rumors Alert! After years of speculation, Leonardo DiCaprio’s much anticipated eco-friendly private island resort and wildlife reserve on the Blackadore Caye island in Belize may be opening its doors this year (image below, right).
“Have you heard about a hotel built above and around the world’s largest single-floor mosaic dating back to the 4th century Roman Empire? The mosaic was only discovered during the hotel’s construction”
—The Top 100 Luxury Hotel Openings of 2020, Runners-up
The Pig at Harlyn Bay, Cornwall, UK. June.
(image in the second row, right).
Hotel Brooklyn, Manchester, UK. February.
Casa Formentera, Balearic Islands, Spain. June.
Ekies All Senses Resort, Greece (image below left). The latest redesign of this unique property introduced five renovated rooms and ten brand new suites, styled with a distinct ascetic vibe and focus on serenity, creating a pared-down approach to “barefoot luxury.”
Armenaki Santorini, Oia, Greece (image below, right). Opened in May 2020.
Winery Hotel 1870, Fira, Santorini, Greece. Opened in April 2020.
Jumeirah Capri Palace, Capri, Italy (image in the second row, left). Reopened on 23 April after refurbishment.
Il Gattopardo di Lampedusa, Lampedusa, Italy. Spring.
Casa Santa Teresa, Corsica, France. (image in the second row, middle).
The Museum Hotel Antakya, Turkey, in January. Built over an archaeological site spanning 23 centuries of history, including the world’s largest single-floor mosaic dating back to the 4th century Roman Empire. (image below, middle).
The Top 50 Luxury Hotel Openings of 2019
The Top 80 Luxury Hotel Openings of 2018
The Top 70 Luxury Hotel Openings of 2017
The Top 60 Luxury Hotel Openings of 2016
Africa’s 20 hottest hotel openings of 2016
The 50 Hottest Luxury Hotel Openings of 2015
Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 20/01/2024
A Design Hotels Project™ in Mexico
