Many of our readers expected the number “90” in the title, following the previous years’ pattern of 60, 70, and 80. This time, we were in a more picky mood and decided to cap the list at a lower number. That said, there are dozens of other mentions throughout, and a list of runners-up at the very bottom adds more than eighty other openings, worthy at least a mention.
Finally, we have not arranged this list in any particular order — and if you think we missed a particularly cool new luxury opening, please do let us know.
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“[…] Set in a secret garden at the heart of a forest, Aman Kyoto rests a stone’s throw from Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji Temple and 16 other Unesco World Heritage Sites.”
— Aman Kyoto
Japan feels like a natural destination for the exclusive properties from Aman Resorts, known for its highly developed wellness offering, refined service, and minimal aesthetics. The Kyoto property near the Kinkaku-Ji Temple is Aman’s third Japanese opening, after Aman Tokyo and Amanemu.
Surrounded by forests and gardens and featuring only 24 rooms and two two-bed villas, the hotel is as exclusive as they get. Its features include a spa with indoor and outdoor hot spring onsens and dining venues offering highly refined Japanese cuisine and casual picnics in the forest.
Alternatively, book Aman Kyoto via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Aman Group
Conveniently located only a boat ride away from Male and the Velana International Airport, the Waldorf Astoria took over three islands in the South Male Atoll. The property has as many as 121 villas, all with private infinity pools and ample outdoor space. Guests have ten dining outlets to choose from, including a “treetop” and overwater restaurants.
See also: The Best Luxury Resorts in the Maldives.
Alternatively, book Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi via
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com | Hilton or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos (including the leading image) © Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts
“The Happiest Place on Earth now has even more ways to make you smile. Six Senses Bhutan will take you on a spectacular journey, in the truest sense of the word”
— Six Senses Brochure 2018/2019
This unique project is more than a single hotel. In essence, it’s 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 Six Senses experience in Bhutan starts in the capital and continues with each lodge designed in a different theme reflecting its setting.
Alternatively, book Six Senses Bhutan via
Tablet Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Six Senses
We love the style of Singita and its approach to luxury safari hospitality, so we always welcome new openings from this unique company. (Our regular readers may remember our reviews of Singita Sabora Tented Camp and Singita Grumeti Faru Faru Lodge in Tanzania, both of which we loved).
Singita Kwitonda Lodge and Kataza House in Rwanda are positioned on the edge of a national park where one-third of the world’s mountain gorillas can be found deep in the cloud forests. As with other lodges by Singita, the designers infused them with high-quality earthy aesthetics and philosophy focused on minimizing the environmental impact.
See what others think about Singita Kwitonda Lodge on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Singita
The long-awaited Oberoi in Marrakech is set on twenty-eight acres of Mediterranean orchards, surrounded by citrus trees and centuries-old olive groves. The opulence of royal Morocco inspired the stately architecture of the hotel, its carefully landscaped gardens and water features, and its location offers picturesque views of the majestic snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Spacious accommodation, personalized wellness offerings, Moroccan and international restaurants, and an engaging children’s activity area complete the full range of features and services.
See also: The Best Boutique Riads & Luxury Hotels of Marrakech.
Alternatively, book The Oberoi Marrakech with
Oberoi Hotels | Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Greek island escape
Formerly known as Casa Cook Chania, now rebranded as Domes Zeen Chania, this luxury boutique property launched on the island of Crete with a quasi bohemian chic feel and focus on families. Located on a hillside overlooking a stretch of Cretan coast, the Domes Zeen has 104 rooms, many with shared or private pools. The public spaces of the resort, the main pool, the restaurant, the bar, are designed to riff off a tropical beach club vibes. We love the modernist style and earthy tones complementing the bright Aegean skies.
Alternatively, book Domes Zeen Chania, a Luxury Collection Resort via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Marriott | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Domes Resorts
Namibia is an incredibly beautiful country, and its popularity is growing steadily. New luxury lodges in the country keep popping up, and 2019 was no different. Among the new openings that year was the Sonop Lodge, located on the edge of the Namib Desert, near one of the most spectacular places we’ve ever visited and photographed: the Sossusvlei dunes (do check out our photo essay from the site!).
Launched by the Zannier Hotels Group (the owners of Omaanda, included on our Openings 2018 list), Sonop is an exclusive lodge made up of only ten guest tents, created in the style of an early explorer’s camp. With a restaurant, spa, and swimming pool, the Sonop Lodge evokes a sense of blissful retreat, perfect after a day exploring the stunning country of Namibia.
Alternatively, book Zannier Sonop via
Go2Africa | Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Zannier Hotels
With a name based on a “bright, sunlike optical illusion, often on a luminous ring or halo”, this hotel is a dazzle—not least thanks to the clean lines of its architecture, and the simplistic beauty of the all-white Cycladic style of Paros. Parīlio comes with 33 only guestrooms, with interiors mixing the aesthetics of Cyclades and contemporary chic. Exposed concrete, local marble, and natural stone serve as a backdrop to warm timber, handmade rugs, elegant furniture—all set in a muted color palette of white and ivory, grey and earthy sienna.
Parīlio is the fourth hotel from hoteliers Kaila and Antonis Eliopoulos, and their small portfolio includes the stunning Istoria Santorini.
Alternatively, book Parīlio via
Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Parīlio
This long-delayed Six Senses resort was well worth the wait. Comprising 40 beautifully designed villas, the Six Senses Krabey Island brings to the Sihanoukville area the hallmark approach of barefoot luxury that embraces modern technology and total convenience and comfort. Landscaped into the picturesque island of Krabey, this property features the famous Six Senses Spa, two poolside restaurants, and a deli complete with the ice cream parlor.
See also: Best luxury and boutique hotels in Siem Reap.
Alternatively, book Six Senses Krabey Island via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Six Senses Resorts
We loved the quality of service and level of sophisticated luxury at the Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud — and all signs tell us that Zadún matches the quality we experienced in Bali. Set on the dramatic coastline of San José del Cabo, the fourth Ritz-Carlton resort branded “Reserve” is a luxury retreat with 115 villas (many with private pools), and a number of Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences. The resort boasts two championship golf courses, and it maintains a botanical park with the desert flora.
See also: Which are The Best Hotels in Los Cabos and Baja California, Mexico?
Alternatively, book Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Ritz-Carlton
The best five-star hotels in Paris
We have been following the openings of properties branded J.K. Place for some time now, and wrote reviews of the first hotel in Firenze and then in Capri and Rome. They all offer the perfect blend of smart chic and relaxation in a concept that redefined the Italian townhouse hotel. This time, this mini-chain attempts to import its own brand of Italian style to France.
Set in a former embassy building on rue de Lille in Paris, the hotel infuses its interiors with the sense of place, thanks to furniture commissioned from French designers and antiques sourced from Parisian flea markets. J.K. Place Paris features a spa and pool in the basement and an all-day Italian restaurant Casa Tua on the ground floor.
Alternatively, book J.K. Place Paris via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © JK Place
Without a doubt, Maldives is one of our favorite destinations. We have visited the country many times and reviewed the best luxury resorts here. So we are quite excited about the possibility of checking out Raffles Meradhoo and seeing how it compares to the other top places in the country.
Located near the equator at the southern edge of this island country, this is a debut in the Maldives for this world-famous hotel brand. Raffles Maldives Meradhoo offers only 38 guest villas, but as many as four dining outlets, a Raffles Spa, fitness center, and water sport activities. The resort is accessible by an hour-long flight from Male to Kaadedhdhoo Airport in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll.
Alternatively, book Raffles Maldives Meradhoo via
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Raffles Hotels
Located within the central business district of the city, this luxury hotel from Rosewood is becoming Bangkok’s most celebrated urban sanctuary (matching how we felt about the Rosewood Beijing hotel). Rosewood Bangkok comes with 159 guest rooms, including Pool Sky Villas with spacious terraces and private plunge pools. Guests find plenty of opportunities to unwind and relax, thanks to three restaurants and bars, Rosewood’s signature Sense®Spa, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
See also: The Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Bangkok, Thailand.
Alternatively, book Rosewood Bangkok via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Rosewood Hotels and Resorts
Luxury in the cradle of the Renaissance
Located in a driving distance from Florence and Siena, and occupying a twelfth-century castle layered with Renaissance frescoes, COMO Castello Del Nero is a unique new development from the wellness-centered COMO. Hidden among the rolling hills of Tuscany at the heart of the historic 740-acre estate, the hotel’s fifty rooms and suites embrace the heritage of the building with a pared-back aesthetic in their contemporary interiors, designed by Paola Navone. The resort offers Michelin-starred dining, and, true to the COMO Shambhala Retreat credentials, top-notch wellness experiences.
Alternatively, book COMO Castello Del Nero via
Como Hotels and Resorts | Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © COMO Hotels and Resorts
Surrounded by thick jungle, the seven villas and two larger mansions of Haritha are located some 25 minutes from the beautiful heritage city of Galle and just a five-minute tuk-tuk ride from the Narigama beach. The hotel features a tea garden, a spa, a yoga pavilion, and a garden-to-table restaurant. The villas, built using recycled teak, concrete, and marble, come with saltwater plunge pools.
Alternatively, book Haritha Villas & Spa via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Haritha Villas & Spa
Rwanda continues to enjoy the growth of its luxury tourism industry, as discerning travelers seek less-explored destinations. Answering the demand, One&Only created the Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, in the foothills of the Virunga Volcano Range. Featuring twenty-two guest tents as well as a restaurant and spa, this is an exclusive home base from which to discover the roaming grounds of the mountain gorillas. The camp’s restaurant serves cuisine focused on local traditions using produce grown in the property’s organic garden, while the spa provides African-inspired treatments.
Alternatively, book One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © One&Only Resorts
The Saharan oasis city of Tozeur is known for the film set locations of Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises, and Anantara upped the ante of the high-end hotel niche with a beautiful resort of 93 guest rooms, suites and pool villas. With six dining venues, several swimming pools, a spa, and a souk, the place promises vacations themed with the “Arabian Nights” lore. The sand dunes of the desert are the perfect backdrop for the dreamy Saharan sunsets.
Alternatively, book Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas via
Anantara Resorts or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Anantara Hotels
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Covent Garden has always been one of our favorite neighborhoods in London, and the One Aldwych opening is an excellent excuse to pay a visit again. This refined city hotel, designed in the style of an elegant modern residence, has 86 rooms and 16 suites, and two restaurants and bars, including the exclusive guests-only Lounge at One.
See also: What are The Best Luxury Hotels in London? Discover Our Picks.
Alternatively, book One Aldwych via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © One Aldwych
Conceived as a bohemian hideaway resembling an exclusive private home where mealtimes are entirely up to the guests, this resort in the Baa Atoll attracts travelers seeking the intimate side of Maldives. The Nautilus occupies a tiny island, and features only 26 houses (one-, two-, or three-bedroom), with a living room, sundeck, and private pool. The resort promises a pure “private island experience,” only a 35-minute seaplane hop from Male.
Alternatively, book The Nautilus Maldives via
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © The Nautilus
Where to stay in Dubai
Say what you will about Dubai, but one thing they are not short of is the ideas for exciting luxury hotels. Mandarin Oriental’s entry to this mirage of a city lures guests with spacious suites and stunning views, either of the city or the ocean. A spa and kids’ club, and seven dining outlets (including a restaurant with a dedicated dock for patrons arriving by private yachts) completes the picture.
But it doesn’t complete the picture for what else happened for the group in 2019. Openings this year included Mandarin Oriental Doha in Qatar, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing in Beijing, China, and Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London, England. Finally, the Mandarin Oriental Lake Como, in Italy re-opened following refurbishment.
Alternatively, book Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai via
Mandarin Oriental | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Mandarin Oriental
We love coming back to Greece, and next time we are in Athens, we know where to check-in. Located only 30 minutes from the historic city center, and occupying a lovely spot on the trendy Athens Riviera, the new Four Seasons Astir Palace promises a laid-back seaside escape with easy access to Acropolis. The hotel’s 303 guest rooms, suites, and bungalows are accompanied by three pools, two private beaches, and as many as eight restaurants, lounges, and bars. The Spa claims to be “inspired by the ancient teachings of Hippocrates.”
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens via
Four Seasons | Tablet Hotels | Expedia or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Four Seasons Hotels
Top hotels in Asia's must-visit city
Following a lengthy and careful restoration, the Raffles’ flagship property in Singapore was updated and brought up to the expectations of 21st Century city dwellers, without losing any of its unique colonial character. The nostalgia-inducing interiors, decorated with straw fans, vintage lamps, and dark-wood furniture is still here, but the hotel now offers luxury standards to compete with the best in town.
Alternatively, book Raffles Singapore via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Africa features prominently on our list, and Botswana is one of the most interesting destinations on the continent. Natural Selection — a safari provider of which the Shipwreck Lodge in Namibia we covered the Top Openings list in 2018 — clearly thinks the same, as evidenced in their entry to the Okavango Delta of Botswana. The Tuludi is a luxury camp surrounded by a vast private reserve and comprised only seven tents, each with a plunge pool.
A small portion of the camp’s total revenue is donated to the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust, focusing on the protection of leopards.
See what others think about Tuludi Camp on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Natural Selection Safari
Laid-back Mediterranean
Menorca Experimental has thirty-four rooms and nine private villas, designed in a style that blends the local whitewashed-walls vernacular with a modern take on Art Deco, and infused with a laidback island vibe. The hotel was designed by the agency Chzon, specializing in the hospitality industry and known for some of London’s most interesting hotels, including Henrietta Hotel, as well as a string of bars in Paris.
Alternatively, book Menorca Experimental via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Experimental Group
Oh, don’t we just love Santorini! We are always up for any excuse to return to the island. And we may have just found one, in the sensational Andronis Arcadia. This luxury spa hotel, perched on a clifftop in the village of Imerovigli, offers fifty-eight suites, all with sunset views and all seemingly carved out of the rich volcanic earth. The hotel wows with a range of facilities and attractions, including Spa, a man-made beach (with imported sand), and underwater music in the pool. The restaurant menus are based on two very different traditions: one of the ancient Greece progeny and another of Japan, in the Oishii Sushi Bar.
See also: Top Boutique Luxury Hotels in Santorini: Which are the best?
Alternatively, book Andronis Arcadia via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Andronis Arcadia
“We have taken a fresh and contemporary approach to the sense of adventure […], creating a feeling of not knowing what to expect around the next corner, adding an element of surprise and delight in this ever-evolving sculptural and architectural language” — Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens
Another (re)opening in Botswana comes courtesy of Wilderness Safaris, with whom we traveled extensively in neighboring Namibia. In 2019 they relaunched the famous Jao Camp, located in the middle of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Rebuilt and reinvented, the place offers five twin accommodations with kitchen and dining areas, private plunge pools, and en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers included. There are also two new Jao Villas, designed for up to four guests, with a private vehicle, guide, chef, and butler. The main pool looks out onto the floodplain for sweeping views of the delta. A spa and a gym are also part of the experience, as well as the camp’s own museum and gallery.
See what others think about Jao Camp on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Wilderness Safaris
Travel+Style's favorite places to stay in the Eternal City
Excellent spa, trendy rooftop bar, beautiful interiors, and a great location at the top of the Spanish Steps make this newcomer to Rome’s best luxury hotels scene the one to watch. Hotel de la Ville is designed to provide the feeling of a home-from-home stay — with decisively luxury service standards — but the interior design is what arrests visually to start with. The hotel is housed in an 18th-century palazzo, and its interiors feature Italian art, gorgeous wallpapers, and carved mirrors, with colors ranging from rich plum and mustard yellow to sophisticated powder blues. Among the facilities is the Sicilian-inspired De La Ville Spa, with five treatment rooms, an ice fountain, a salt room, and a hydro pool. There are also four food and drink outlets, with the streetside trattoria Da Sistina specializing in classic Roman dishes. Only some of the 104 rooms and suites enjoy uninterrupted city views, so make sure to book a De La Ville suite for the best vistas, if that’s a deal-breaker.
Alternatively, book Hotel de la Ville, A Rocco Forte Hotel via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Rocco Forte Hotels
A multi-use tower, home to the Rosewood Hong Kong, is quickly becoming a new landmark on the city’s famous skyline. Twenty-seven floors of the building are occupied by the hotel, with 398 guest rooms inviting guests to experience the Rosewood’s brand of luxury. The hotel offers eight dining options, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a wellness spa. Rosewood Hong Kong is located in Tsim Sha Tsui, on a prized Victoria Harbour waterfront. Also in China, this respected hotel chain launched Rosewood Guangzhou.
Alternatively, book Rosewood Hong Kong via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Rosewood Hotels
Located in the Namib Desert near one of the most amazing locations on Earth (the dunes of Sossusvlei, which we called “the most unreal sight in Africa“), the &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge relaunched after a complete makeover. Going against the trends in the area, the lodge unveiled a contemporary look set to redefine the luxury lodge standards in Namibia. The bold angles of its design frame the desert landscape, while the floor-to-ceiling glass windows invite in the outdoors and help to immerse the guest in this remarkable destination.
See what others think about &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge on TripAdvisor. Official Website. Photos © &Beyond
With the address on Via di Santa Maria dei Calderari, named after the patron of metal workers who used to dwell in this part of the Regola district, the Chapter Roma has a distinctive industrial style that draws on raw steel, brass, copper, and bronze to invoke the local connection. The building, which dates back to late 1800, has elegant rooms kitted out with custom-made storage furniture and smart vanity solutions.
Alternatively, book Chapter Roma via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Chapter Roma
We know Asilia Africa from their amazing Highlands camp in Ngorongoro, where we stayed at during our most recent trip to Tanzania (don’t miss our review!). This experience makes us feel confident to say the Namiri Plains is an extraordinary place to stay. Following a complete revamp, the Namiri relaunched with eight guest suites, each complete with a wooden sundeck, an outdoor bathtub, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors overlooking the Serengeti Plains.
See what others think about Namiri Plains Camp on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Asilia Africa
This unique property celebrates Cape Town’s art, cultural diversity, and rich history. Gorgeous George has thirty-two rooms and features a rooftop bar and an event and art space, befitting the character of the neighborhood, filled with galleries and niche museums. The hotel is located within walking distance of V&A Waterfront and provides easy access to Table Mountain. The Clifton and Camps Bay beaches are a 10-minute drive away.
Alternatively, book Gorgeous George Hotel via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Gorgeous George
The Italian brand Baglioni has ventured into the Maldivian resort world, and we rather like the idea of marrying the Italian sense of style with a “paradise island” living. The elegant villas of this resort are a great match to the beauty of the Dhaalu Atoll. Awaiting the guests of the Baglioni is a full range of services, including a spa, three elite restaurants, a large infinity pool, and the Dive Centre.
Alternatively, book Baglioni Resort Maldives via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Baglioni Hotels
Indonesia is vast, beautiful, and diverse, and remote pristine beaches are one of the attractions travelers can expect here. And now one more popped on the radar of the luxury travelers: the Lelewatu, on Sumba Island. Set on a cliffside overlooking a secluded lagoon, the property has only 27 villas, designed with the use of local design traditions, combined with indoor marble baths and private swimming pools.
Alternatively, book Lelewatu Resort via
Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Lelewatu Resort
Il Palazzo Experimental brings a playful and fresh take on Venice’s hotel design, contrasting with the heavy, ornate aesthetic so common in the city.
Located at the heart of Venice, on the Canal della Giudecca, the romantic Il Palazzo Experimental offers 32 elegantly designed rooms and suites, and a spacious garden. The hotel wows with an opulent design that includes granite terrazzo floors and richly carved wood.
Alternatively, book Il Palazzo Experimental via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Experimental Group
Luxury redefined: the finest 5-Star hotels and resorts
The design of Mason Pattaya is nothing if not striking. This hotel, located on the Na Jomtien Beach, stands out with its minimalist interiors and quasi-brutalist architecture, juxtaposed against the lush nature. Thirty-five private infinity pool villas are positioned to maximize the ocean views, while the rooftop Sky Pool and Bar invites for the perfect sunsets.
Alternatively, book Mason Pattaya via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Mason Pattaya
Amerikalinjen is a city hotel inspired by the history of its building. Formerly housing the offices of the American Line, which provided sea voyages for emigrants to America, today it is reborn as home to a vibrant boutique hotel. With nods to its maritime history, the interiors are “designed for the modern explorer,” and they are must-see for design aficionados. The hotel offers 122 high-ceiling guest rooms, an all-day dining venue, a live jazz club, and Finnish sauna and plunge pool.
Alternatively, book Amerikalinjen via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Amerikalinjen
Where to stay in Santorini
With only three suites, Vora focuses on a very small number of guests, with tranquility and exclusivity as the selling points. Vora Villas is carved into the sheer cliff on the Santorinian caldera, dozens of meters above the surface of the Aegean, and is designed to offer sensory contrasts, standing out as one of the most exciting new hotels on the island of Santorini.
Since its launch, we have now stayed at Vora — make sure to read our review!
Alternatively, book Vora Villas via
Mr & Mrs Smith | Tablet Hotels | Expedia or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Vora
Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is a luxury beach resort in the exclusive Costa Palmas community. This establishment boasts a private marina and yacht club and is set alongside a three-kilometer stretch of a white-sand-beach, lapped by the warm waves of the Sea of Cortez. Designed by Las Vegas-based TAL Studio, the 145-room Four Seasons retreat features a range of five-star amenities. They include a full-service spa and multiple swimming pools, a members-only beach, and an 18-hole golf course, as well as access to an 18-acre organic farm.
Other developments from this venerated hotel brand in 2019 included Four Seasons One Dalton in Boston, and Four Seasons Hotel Montreal in Canada.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas via
Four Seasons | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Four Seasons Resorts
Rwanda is a destination in the vast continent that will see more and more luxury tourism, thanks to its wild and beautiful national parks, and, naturally, the gorillas. That said, the Wilderness Safaris’ second opening in Rwanda (after the Bisate Lodge, which we talked about in The Top 70 Luxury Hotel Openings of 2017), is more focused on the “Big Five” sightings, expanding Rwanda’s draw as a full safari destination. The revered animals have been successfully reintroduced to the Akagera National Park, and the Magashi camp will contribute to sustaining the conservation initiatives.
See what others think about Magashi Camp on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Wilderness Safaris
From five-star icons to fashionable boutiques
The Standard London, housed in the former Camden Town Hall Annex, is one of the coolest places to eat, sleep, and party in the city. Home to 266 joyfully decorated rooms, ranging from snug “Cosy Cores” to terraced suites with outdoor bathtubs that overlook the iconic St Pancras station. Embracing its 1970s conception, the hotel features vivid block-colored decor and retro-styled interiors. The Library Lounge, paying homage to the building’s former purpose, is filled with wittily chosen books from that era. Its iconic external red elevator on the outside of the building whisks you up to the tenth floor, where Decimo, run by Michelin-starred Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, offers Spanish food, cocktails, and a roof terrace.
Alternatively, book The Standard, London via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Standard
Tented accommodations are all the rage these days, so we are not at all surprised that this new style is coming to Costa Rica. Nayara Hotels is tapping into the popular trend with the launch of the Nayara Tented Camp, located in the Arenal Volcano National Park, the star attraction in the country. The guest accommodation does not compromise on the luxuries of a five-star hotel: each tent has a bedroom, bathroom, and a plunge pool, and the adjoining tent offers extra space for an additional bedroom or a lounge.
Alternatively, book Nayara Tented Camp via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Nayara Resorts
“The Prestige” is a reference to “the third act of a magic trick,” in which the disappeared object is brought back. It points to visual trickery at the core of the hotel’s concept, making the experience of The Prestige magical, quite literally. Thus, a mirrored stainless-steel reception desk appears to float atop shiny chrome spheres, the marble floor is a maze, guest rooms conceal pantries and toilets behind hidden doors, and framed images reference Houdini’s escape box. But other than this, the hotel is mostly inspired by its 19th-century English colonial building, interpreting Victorian design in its tropical location, through heritage patterns and lattices. The Prestige has 162 rooms, and the site is surrounded by lush vegetation. An infinity pool with a cocktail bar, sits at the rooftop level, maximizing the heat of the Malaysian sun.
Alternatively, book The Prestige Hotel Penang via
Expedia | Design Hotels & Marriott | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © The Prestige
Facing a vast beachfront on the edge of the South China Sea, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is a serene retreat, surrounded by tropical gardens, and offering a range of luxury accommodation. Set in low-rise buildings based on traditional Malay architectural templates, the hotel has a range of accommodation options. These include rooms and standalone villas ideal for couples, as well as expansive residences, offering families and groups privacy and space, with an infinity pool, full kitchen, and chef and butler service at each residence. The resort also has a signature Anantara Spa, while dining options include the elevated Observatory Bar and alfresco beachside dining at the breezy Sea.Fire.Salt.
Another recent opening from Anantara includes Anantara Le Chaland Resort in Mauritius.
Alternatively, book Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas via
Anantara Resorts or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Anantara Hotels
This is the first foray for St. Regis into the vibrant hospitality world of Hong Kong, and the 27-floor, 129-room property is also one of the newest luxury hotels in Wan Chai. The largest guest suites of The St. Regis Hong Kong offer up to 2583 square feet of pure indulgence, and thanks to the coveted location at the waterfront near the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, they ensure stunning views across Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Bay. The St. Regis Hong Kong’s dining venues are run by two chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants.
Another recent opening from the group is The St. Regis Amman, in Jordan.
Alternatively, book The St. Regis Hong Kong via
Expedia | Marriott International or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © © Marriott International
The hotel in Egypt is the fifth in the small portfolio of Casa Cook. The 100-room Casa Cook El Gouna is an ideal base to relax and unwind amid the desert dunes and rugged Red Sea coastline. The rooms, ranging from Standard Rooms to Villas, have simple decor, with rattan, raw wooden furniture, and tarnished ceramics, adding to the sense of a pared-back, earthy chic.
Alternatively, book Casa Cook El Gouna via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Casa Cook
The EDITION is a boutique hotel brand to watch, and their 190-room hotel in on the corner of West Sunset Boulevard and North Doheny Drive is a real head-turner. The hotel features a signature restaurant, spectacular lobby lounge, basement club, an expansive rooftop pool, and a 6-room spa. Meanwhile, another recent opening from the EDITION is The Times Square EDITION in New York, US.
Alternatively, book The West Hollywood EDITION via
Expedia | Marriott International or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © EDITION Hotels
The enigmatic letter “W” is the symbol of the hotel brand of bold character and personality that embraces the fun of life. Ibiza is the perfect location for W, and its address, in Santa Eulalia del Río, is smack in the center of the buzzing beachside neighborhood, with easy access to Ibiza’s famous beaches and nightclubs. The 162 guest rooms and suites all have distinct W amenities, and the partygoers will also appreciate the 4,000-square-foot Away Spa with seven treatment rooms.
Worth mentioning are also openings of W Dubai- The Palm in the United Arab Emirates, as well as W Muscat in Oman.
Alternatively, book W Ibiza via
Expedia | Marriott Bonvoy or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Marriott International
The Peloponnese peninsula has so much to offer. The interior has wild mountains, clear rivers, crumbling castles, temples, and monasteries, and the Mediterranean sea is never far away. And now you can also enjoy one of the best-designed hotels in the region. Adapted from a small Greek wine factory that can trace its origins to the 1920s, Dexamenes Seaside Hotel entices with a sublime, clean-lined chic inspired by the industrial history. There are 34 guestrooms, as well as a bar lounge and taverna with an open “kitchen lab.”
Alternatively, book Dexamenes Seaside Hotel via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Dexamenes Seaside Hotel
The very best hotels the Golden Gate city has to offer
Soho House & Co continued its rapid expansion worldwide with Soho Warehouse, located in the Industrial District of Downtown Los Angeles. The company transformed an old five-story warehouse into a fashionable hotel topped with a rooftop pool, with exclusive club space offering dining facilities, and 48 bedrooms that can be booked by both members and non-members.
In addition, the company also opened the Soho House Hong Kong in China.
Alternatively, book Soho Warehouse via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Soho House
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There were so many new launches in 2019 that we found it challenging to limit the number of Top Openings to only fifty. So we are rounding off the above list with the runners-up. These are other notable hotels, lodges, and resorts opened in 2019.
The ultimate list of 100 hotels, plus another 100 runners-up!
Happy travels!
*This post contains affiliate links and we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 26/09/2024
The anticipated top ten, plus a few runners-up!
