Following the success of our 2015 compilation of the Hottest Luxury Hotel Openings,
we decided to up the ante this year with an even more comprehensive
selection. This time, we give you 60 new jaw-dropping, mouth-watering,
luxury-tastic openings—plus almost twice as many mentions—and a separate list of the 20 Hottest Hotel Openings of 2016 in Africa. Boom!
You can rely on us picking the gems from the sea of cookie-cutter
accommodation and garish nouveau riche resorts. Expect to find the
absolute crème de la crème of hotels and resorts that aim to raise the
bar in luxury, amenities, sophistication and experience.
A short note on methodology: the order of all the hotels on the list
is not of great importance, maybe with the exception of the first
few—and especially the resort we kick off with. It really is a stunner,
and it deserves to be at #1.
1Soneva Jani, Maldives
The first property on our list comes from Soneva,
one of our favourite hotel brands. This resort is set to outclass all
other resorts in Maldives with its sophisticated and exclusive luxury.
“Soneva’s brand of rustic chic luxury takes inspiration from wild nature
and adds layers of discreet luxury.” —From Photos by Travel+Style,
Soneva Kiri
In keeping with the brand’s inventive ideas and exclusive organic
style, the resort will offer original villas built to the highest levels
of quality, as well as world-class facilities. Constructed both
over-water and on land, the Soneva Jani will be located on Medhufaru
Island in Noonu atoll, 35 minutes by seaplane from Male International
Airport and an hour’s speedboat trip from its sister resort, Soneva
Fushi.
Opening:
Set to open late 2016, though according to Sonu Shivdasani the opening day may as well be pushed to early 2017. There is still hoping!
Renderings (including the leading shot at the top of the article) © Soneva
2Amanemu, Ise-Shima National Park, Japan
Also from the pool of our favourite hotel brands comes Amanemu, the Aman
Resorts’ second property in Japan (after the Aman Tokyo opened in late
2014)—and
the chain’s first hot spring resort. Twenty-four suites and four villas
will be designed in an elegant style influenced by ryokans, Japan’s
traditional bathing retreats. Amanemu will be located on the shores of
Ago Bay in the Ise Shima National Park. High-speed rail link should
provide access from Tokyo.
Opening:
March 2016. Photos © Amanresorts
3Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
Sometimes it happens. These things take time: the resort openings get
delayed—and this is the case with Zil Pasyon. We featured it last year
as our pick for the most anticipated hotel openings—and
here we are, returning to the subject again. Thankfully, it looks like
the new Six Senses resort in the Seychelles is finally ready to open its
doors in June 2016. Phew!
Opening: Scheduled for June 1, 2016. Renderings © Six Senses Resorts & Spas
4Alila Koh Russey, Cambodia
This new eco resort will be the first ‘Villas’ type resort from Alila outside
Bali. With magnificent views and exclusive beach access on the pristine
Koh Russey island, Alila Villas Koh Russey is set to become the top
destination for the discerning traveller discovering Cambodia’s unspoilt
coast.
Opening:
2016.
Renderings © Alila Hotels and Resorts
5The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives
Maldives as a destination continues to attract the top hotel chains
and this year St. Regis gets on the action. Vommuli Resort opens on the
private island in the Dhaalu Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane ride southwest
from Malé, and will offer all the latest in contemporary design and
luxury, including spa, infinity pool, state-of-the-art fitness and
diving centre—as well as three speciality restaurants.
Opening:
September 1, 2016.
Renderings © Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
6The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, Malaysia
Ritz-Carlton this year comes to Langkawi, offering a serene escape
among manicured gardens and a lush tropical rainforest. Guests will
enjoy private cove and a beach washed by the crystal clear waters of the
Andaman Sea. This luxury resort will have 132-rooms and 42 romantic
villas, and it will have plenty of attractions for families with
children.
Opening:
2016.
Renderings © The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
7The Highlands Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
This truly unique new camp of only seven guest “rooms” wows with
spherical creations as if straight from the sketchbook of Buckminster
Fuller.
Built on the edge of Tanzania’s wildlife-rich Ngorongoro Crater, at
almost 3000m above sea level, the Highlands is the newest addition to
the Asilia Africa portfolio of camps and lodges in Kenya and Tanzania.
Guests will certainly enjoy their tented domes thanks to wood-burning
fireplaces, en suite bathroom and luxurious furnishings—and the
immersive views over the ancestral Serengeti landscape.
Opening:
March 2016.
Renderings © Asilia Africa
8Six Senses Bhutan, Bhutan
Another truly unique proposition comes from Six Senses Bhutan. It’s
not a single hotel or a lodge: it’s a journey. To showcase the magical
Kingdom of Bhutan Six Senses created five properties, offering guests an
opportunity to experience the stunning scenery and monuments of this
wondrous destination. Eighty-two guest suites are distributed between
five small lodges in Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro.
Opening:
late 2016.
Renderings © Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
9Meghauli Serai Lodge by Taj, Nepal
Chitwan National Park in Nepal is a jungle-filled haven of wildlife,
where you may encounter elephants, sloth bears, tigers, leopards,
countless bird species, as well as the endangered one-horned rhinos and
gharials (a local fish-eating crocodile). This is the area where Taj
Safaris from India will be launching a new luxury lodge, on the banks of
the Rapti River—with 29 villas and suites overlooking the Himalayas and
Terai grasslands.
Opening:
late 2016.
Renderings © TAJ Safaris
10Moskito Island British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
This is Sir Richard Branson’s second private island escape in the
British Virgin Islands, launched as part of his luxurious portfolio of
Virgin Limited Edition. The Branson Estate on Moskito Island features
eleven bedrooms for at least twenty-two guests distributed among three
villas: Headland House, Mangrove Villa and Beach Villa. Guests will
enjoy the infinity pool, hot tub, helipad, swim-up bar and tennis
pavilion and all the other services you’d expect from a luxury hotel.
Opening:
early 2016.
Photo © Virgin Limited Edition
11Ahn Luh Zhujiajiao, Shanghai, China
With Adrian Zecha of the Aman Resorts fame
among the founders, Ahn Luh is looking to join the ranks of the world’s
top luxury resorts. There will be only 35 villas, designed in a style
that compliment the hotel’s gorgeous main building: a 600-year-old
Huizhou structure, carefully transported from Anhui Province. There will
be also a year-round outdoor pool, a museum, as well as restaurants,
library, meeting space, spa and “tai chi centre”.
Opening:
January 2016.
Renderings © Ahn Luh
12Kokomo Yaukuve Island Resort, Fiji
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Australian property tycoon Lang Walker ventures into the world of top
resorts with his first ultra-luxury development on Yaukuve Island, with
aim of creating Fiji’s most exclusive hotel. Kokomo occupies an entire
uninhabited island, to which guests will arrive ferried on a recently
acquired Twin Otter seaplane. Awaiting for them: 21 luxurious beachfront
bures and five private villas with private infinity pools—as well as
spa, gym, kids club, tennis court, large common swimming pool, movie
lounge, restaurants and dive shop… all surrounded by a dreamy tropical
rainforest.
Opening:
2016.
Photo © Kokomo Island Resort
13The Oberoi, Al Zorah, United Arab Emirates
This year The Oberoi Group will be launching not one but three luxury hotels:
The Oberoi Marrakech (Morocco),
The Oberoi Sukhvilas in
Chandigarh (India)—and in the United Arab Emirates, The Oberoi Al
Zorah. Occupying 247 acres of land that comes with 18-hole Championship
Golf Course, Al Zorah will be a luxury destination encapsulated:
ultra-modern, sleek design set against a beautiful location. The site is
surrounded by a protected forest and mangrove swamps, a place of
exceptional biodiversity.
Opening:
the third quarter of 2016.
Renderings © Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
14Alila Fort Bishangarh, Jaipur, India
Alila comes
to Jaipur in Rajasthan with a heritage resort that beautifully
preserves the Jaipur Gharana architecture, influenced by both the
Mughals and the British. Following restoration of a beautiful
230-year-old fort, his all-suite hotel will feature 59 suites, all
promising fantastic views—and Spa Alila, restaurants, bars and lounges,
wine cellar and library, as well as swimming pool.
Opening:
late 2016/2017.
Photo © Alila Hotels & Resorts
15Mandarin Oriental Bali, Indonesia
The luxury hotel group’s newest property will be built on elevated
terraces with views of the Indian Ocean and direct access to a secluded
and protected white-sand beach. Designed by world-renowned architect and
interior designer Jean Michel Gathy, the resort promises indulgence and
immaculate style. It will consist of 97 villas (each with a private
pool up to 15 metres in length), and 24 suites—as well as restaurants
and bars, spa, and a variety of multi-purpose function rooms, including
an iconic cliff-top ceremony platform designed for weddings, with
sweeping ocean views.
Opening:
end of 2016.
Image © Mandarin Oriental
16Rosewood Phuket, Thailand
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts will debut in Asia with a resort of
innovative architecture and sophisticated, Thai-influenced interiors
that blend into a hillside forest. The resort’s spacious villas and
residences are complimented by four restaurants, including a rustic
seafood one on the beach, built from recycled teak wood—as well as
extensive health-and-fitness facilities: four swimming pools, health
club with gymnasium, yoga pavilion, and tennis court.
Also in Asia, Rosewood will be launching a
resort in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) in 2016, and on the opposite side of the world
Rosewood Puebla in Mexico.
Opening:
2016.
Renderings © Rosewood Hotels and Resorts
17Masseria Le Carrube, Ostuni, Italy
The tiny Pugliese town of Ostuni is home to a romantic former
farmhouse, complete with whitewashed exposed brick, antique furnishings,
lovely garden with a wide, arched pergola—and an authentic olive mill.
San Domenico Hotels, a family-owned hotel group has created a property
of sophisticated luxury, enchanting with glamorous whitewashed exteriors
and ivory-toned rooms.
Opening:
March 2016.
Photos © Masseria Le Carrube
18The Ritz Paris, France
This is another hotel that we wrote about last year—its
opening has been delayed, and they have just been hit with a disaster:
there was a major fire on 19th January. Despite the bad luck, we are
still hoping for this Parisian icon
to open its doors on schedule. When it finally does, the Ritz Paris
will surely make a splash, worthy of its heritage and international fame
(and the renovation’s €250+ million bill!)
Opening:
March 14, 2016.
Photo © Ritz Paris
19Arovada by AKARYN, Private Island, Cambodia
This year the Akaryn brand will be opening two resorts: in March
The President by Akaryn in Vientiane (Laos), followed in June by
Arovada by Akaryn in Cambodia. Located a 20-minute boat ride south of the sleepy Sihanoukville, AKARYN follows Song Saa in
launching a private island retreat in this remote area. Its exclusive
villas come with infinity pools and the resort is focused on “wellness”,
where fancy spa facilities are infused with a spiritual atmosphere.
Opening:
June 2016.
Renderings © AHMS Hotels
20W Retreat & Spa Goa, India
Starwood is debuting in the India’s foremost beach destination with W
Retreat, one of the most vibrant and young-at-heart hotel brands.
Composed of small cottages in hues of fuchsia, purple and lemon, the
resort will have over 100 guest rooms, accompanied by numerous
facilities that promise top luxury experience in the popular Goa.
Another newcomer from the W brand will be the
W Punta de Mita in Mexico, featuring 120 guest villas and scheduled to open in March in a beachfront village (photo on the right).
Opening:
June 1, 2016.
Photos © W Hotels
21Chablé, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
This swanky and glamorous spa resort promises five-star, sensuous
luxury in the heart of the ancient Mayan forest. Chablé will have just
38 stand-alone pool villas, two 3-bedroom presidential suites and a
restored XIX century Hacienda mansion. The villas are inspired by the
elegance and sophistication of the past, but they are firmly anchored in
the 21st century, ensuring the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity.
Opening:
May 2016.
Renderings © Chablé Resort
22Four Seasons Hotel The Surf Club, Florida, USA
This exclusive resort is the company’s fourth property in the
Sunshine State. Its origins go back to 1930, but now the estate has been
brought into 21st Century with the help of architects from Richard
Meier & Partners. Planned to sprawl alongside a 300-metre beach, the
Four Seasons Hotel The Surf Club will attract guests with landscaped
gardens, four pools and 40 beach cabanas. The 77-room hotel will be
surrounded by 150 Private Residences.
Opening:
2016.
Rendering © Fort Partners
23Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Oman
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In 2016, the luxury hotel group Anantara is planning to launch two
properties in Oman. The first and most spectacular is going to be the
Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar, built on the rim of a canyon, 3000m above sea
level—it is said to be the highest-positioned five-star resort in the
Middle East.
Anantara’s second opening in Oman is the beach resort
Anantara Salalah Resort,
located in a natural lagoon on the south coast of Dhofar. Designed to
reflect the area’s rich heritage, the opulent design is inspired by
coastal fortresses. Worth at least a mention is yet another property due
to open this year (in April): the
Anantara Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka.
Opening:
early 2016. Renderings © Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas
24Pulitzer Amsterdam, Netherlands
Beautiful restoration and exquisitely assembled mix of vintage
furniture, designer pieces, brass details and original features such as
beams and fireplaces make the Pulitzer’s interiors some of the most
interesting we’ve seen. They bring to life Amsterdam’s incredible
history and ensure this new opening a place among the leading luxury
hotels in the city.
Opening:
February 2016. Photos © Pulitzer Amsterdam
25Bawah Private Island, South China Sea
Take a private seaplane from Singapore, followed by a two-hour boat
ride, and enter a different planet. The luxury island retreat of Bawah
Private Island will invite to taste the art of barefoot living in an
untouched archipelago of paradisal islets. Might this be the hottest
desert island getaway this year?
Opening:
late 2016.
Photo © Bawah Private Island
26Alila Anji, Zhejiang, China
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Alila Hotels & Resorts will be entering China, a new territory for this successful chain.
Alila Yangshuo, built in a former sugar mill, will wow with a stunning infinity-edged pool that connects to the Li River. Then
Alila Tianxi Lake will set itself apart with a lovely location overlook a beautiful lake and golf course.
There will be also Alila Anji,
situated in the heart of the Zhejiang province. Surrounded by bamboo
groves, white-tea plantations, and benefiting from a hillside location
overlooking a lake, the resort’s 74 villas and suites will invite guests
seeking quiet indulgence. Its Spa Alila—first in China—is set to be a
destination in itself, with seven treatment rooms and a menu of health,
beauty and restorative treatments.
Opening:
2016.
Photos © Alila Hotels & Resorts
27Six Senses Freedom Bay, St Lucia, Caribbean
The Six Senses brand of luxury fits
well in the rainforest island of St Lucia, in the eastern Caribbean,
renowned for high life and style. The Six Senses Freedom Bay is placed
at the foot of two volcanic spires, with access to a long and sandy
beach. Its 73 pool villas and pool suites, will all provide dramatic
views of the turquoise ocean and lush Pitons.
“The eco living is one thing, but making it work
perfectly with an uncompromising luxury is another. That’s what Six
Senses does very well”—From our review of Six Senses Yao Noi
This is not the last Six Senses openings we want to mention.
Six Senses Wuma in Taiwan will
launch in the Jhihben hot spring area of Taitung. Comprising only 50
suites and villas and designed by leading Japanese architect Kengo Kuma,
it’s an exciting development.
Opening:
late 2016.
Renderings © Six Senses Resorts & Spas
28Ace Hotel New Orleans, Louisiana, US
An impressive 1928 nine-floor Art Deco former furniture store in New
Orlean’s Warehouse District is home to the new hotel from Ace. Flanked
by galleries and museums, this hipster boutique hotel will offer 234
rooms, a rooftop pool, as well as retail, restaurant, entertainment, and
meeting spaces.
Opening:
2016. Photo © Ace Hotel
29Santo Maris Oia, Greece
We always look forward to discovering new swanky hotels on one of our
favourite islands in the world, and it looks like the Santo Maris
Oia ticks all the boxes. The resort combines Aegean and local Cycladic
architecture with luxurious and modern facilities. There will be 42
Suites and 4 Villas, all with Oia sunset views, Jacuzzi and sunbeds
while in public areas guests will enjoy outdoor swimming pools and a
heated indoor pool in the spa, an a la carte restaurant and bar, and
even a church.
Opening:
April 2016.
Renderings © Santo Maris Oia
30The St. Regis Langkawi, Malaysia
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Views of the Malacca Strait from 85 suites and 3 villas, private
beach and the largest “swimmable lagoon” on the island, as well as
expansive Spa and five restaurants and bars await guests of the St.
Regis Langkawi. This is the first resort in the chain’s expansion into
Malaysia, with
St Regis Kuala Lumpur following shortly.
In addition, the St. Regis will launch properties in
Changsha, China (opening September 30) and
Cairo in Egypt (October).
Opening:
April 2016.
Photo © Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
31The Sanya EDITION, China
This new opening in China from EDITION seduces with lotus pools,
bamboo groves, curated art gallery, as well as 17 private ocean-views
pool villas nestled into a terraced hillside. All interiors will be
designed to exude comfort, warmth and sophisticated luxury.
Opening:
2016.
Renderings © EDITION Hotels
32W Dubai Al-Habtoor City, Dubai
To our minds the W brand is the perfect fit for the self-indulgent
Dubai, so it’s nice to see the chain making a grand entrance with the W
Dubai Al Habtoor City. With close proximity to key attractions and
business districts, 356 rooms, 5 eating venues, as well as WET® deck and
FIT gym, this funky hotel sets the tone for a cool city stay.
Opening:
April 2016.
Renderings © W Hotels Worldwide
33Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, Mexico
Artisan décor, open layouts and inventive architectural solutions
will be awaiting at Riviera Maya for the fans of the Andaz hotel family.
The construction of this inspired, chic hotel had a team of biologists
conducting an ecological research, which contributed to many aspects of
the hotel’s creation and ensured the local ecosystem’s health.
A separate bit of cool news is that in 2016 Andaz is also planning to launch a
hotel in Delhi, India—certainly a welcome development.
Opening:
late 2016. Renderings
© Hyatt Corporation
34Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa, Sri Lanka
Shangri-La is is planing to launch quite a few properties in 2016:
Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou (China) and
Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila (Philippines) in the first quarter of the year, followed by
Shangri-La Palm Retreat, Bengaluru (India),
Shangri-La Hotel Hunghom Bay in Hong Kong, and
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa in
Sri Lanka. The last one joins our list as one more delayed launch, so
we are excited to see it announced as “launch” in the first months of
2016.
Opening:
first quarter of 2016. Rendering © Shangri-La Group
35Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square, London, UK
Located next to the Tower of London World Heritage Site, this new
opening from Four Seasons is housed in a 100-year-old building featuring
a large tower and grand rotunda, all made of the classic Portland
stone. It’s a listed building, and the hotel’s creators are taking a
great care to preserve the integrity of the original structure. When
completed, it will be more than an exclusive, 100-room exemplary city
hotel: it is set to become a new London landmark.
Opening:
2016.
Photo/Rendering © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
36Island Grace, Malolo Island, Fiji
Fiji’s newest boutique resort will have 24 one- or two-bedroom luxury
villas styled on the traditional wood-and-straw Bure bungalows, located
alongside 150 metres of a white-sand beach. The Island Grace will
be located on Malolo Island, at the heart of a large development
project with a yacht marina, residences, restaurants and bars, fitness
facilities and of course shopping.
Opening:
mid-2016. Renderings © Vunabaka
37Il Sereno Lake Como, Italy
This five-star boutique hotel is being established near Torno
village, right on the eastern shore of the lake Como, with a spectacular
60-foot infinity pool extending over the lake. Its contemporary
design—the outcome of a vision from the famous designer Patricia
Urquiola—is a welcome change from the prevailing in the region ornate
villas and Renaissance palazzos. Guests will arrive at the hotel’s
private dock onboard custom-made wooden boats-limousines, to check-in to
one of the 34 suites and dine on the restaurant’s a terrace—always with
a panoramic view of the lake and mountains.
Opening:
Summer 2016.
Rendering © Il Sereno
38Miavana–Private Island, Madagascar
Now here is a brand new destination to explore. Nosy Ankao, the
island off the north-east of Madagascar, is the location of Miavana: the
first ultra-luxury lodge in the country. It sets the bar so high that
its opening will surely reverberate across the whole of East Africa.
Expect 14 heavenly beach front villas, helicopter adventures, a
world-class spa and plenty of activities, such as excellent diving and
fishing, whale watching, kite surfing and snorkelling, while rainforest
trekking will be available on the mainland.
Opening:
October 2016.
Photos/Renderings © Miavana
39Ahn Luh Lanting, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
This very special new development in Shaoxing will incorporate 35
heritage houses—dating back as far as the 1600s—into the hotel complex.
Authentic architectural elements will be also visible throughout the
hotel: in the restaurants, the library, meeting area, medical hall, “tai
chi facility” and the wellness centre.
Opening:
2016. Renderings © Ahn Luh
40QT Bondi, Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s Bondi Beach will welcome its first luxury hotel this year.
The new development from the QT brand will offer 69 guest rooms in the
usual quirky style which we know from the QT Gold Coast. It’s a mix of
bespoke design objects, fine art and luxury touches. Urban chic! As a
side note, also
Melbourne will be welcoming a QT hotel, late in 2016.
Opening:
January 2016.
Renderings © QT Hotels
41Santani Sri Lanka
This year Sri Lanka is showing up on the jet-setters’ radars among
the world’s hottest destinations. One of the anticipated openings is the
island’s first wellness resort: the 50-acre Santani in the Kandy area,
the cultural capital of the island. With only 20 rooms, the exclusive
resort will include single bedroom villas and two family units with 2
bedrooms and own pool. Obviously, the spa is very much at the centre of
attention, with hydrotherapy facilities and two swimming pools. The
restaurant’s menu will have healthy, personalised cuisine.
Opening:
May 2015.
Renderings © Santani
42One&Only Bahrain
One&Only Resorts will be launching their first hotel in Bahrain,
with a beachfront location on the north-west coast in Seef—and a
two-and-half acre, man-made lagoon to match. The resort will be geared
to both families and adults, and have 175 different accommodation
options, along with extensive spaces and facilities for shopping,
entertainment, sport and more.
Opening:
2016.
Rendering © One&Only Resorts
43Soho House Amsterdam and Barcelona
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Something of a hotel, something of a private club: we like The Soho
House concept and have been following the exclusive hotel group’s
expansion for some time now. It’s nice to see their new developments in
Netherlands and Spain scheduled to open in 2016 (with some likelihood of
slipping to 2017).
The
Barcelona property, with adjacent to the port
address on Plaça del Duc de Medinaceli, will occupy a 19th-century
townhouse, with rooms and corridors arranged around a central glass
atrium. There will be 60 rooms, rooftop swimming pool and spa run by the
Cowshed brand.
The second notable opening in Soho House portfolio will be its
Amsterdam’s
city centre, in a former trading office building. This will be a
classic, 79-room city hotel with a gym, a cinema, a games room, a
library and a roof terrace— as well as a restaurant available
exclusively for members of the Club.
Opening:
2016.
Renderings © Soho House
44LUX* North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Only 45 minutes by speedboat from Male the Mauritian hotelier LUX*
will be opening their second Maldives resort. The guests will check-in
to beautiful private pool villas, designed using wood and glass to flood
the interiors with natural light. A marine centre with in-house
biologists will provide an introduction to the abundant in the atoll
marine life—and a small fleet of luxury yachts will be on hand to
explore the sea first-hand.
The company will be also launching
LUX* Sud Sauvage on the wild southern coast of Africa’s Reunion Island.
Opening:
late 2016. Rendering
© LUX* Resorts & Hotels
45Park Hyatt St. Kitts, The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis
Another delayed project, this resort will be set on a tropical
Caribbean island in The Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. When
it finally opens its doors, the 134-room Park Hyatt St.
Kitts will certainly get discerning travellers flock to this idyllic
destination in the West Indies.
A couple of other 2016 openings from Park Hyatt will include the
Park Hyatt Bangkok (Thailand), and the
Park Hyatt Mallorca (Spain).
The Spanish property is being readied on a lesser-known east coast of
Mallorca, and its design is inspired by the traditional Mallorquin
hilltop village.
Opening:
March 2016.
Renderings © Hyatt Corporation
46Masseria Trapana, Puglia, Italy
This is one gorgeous place. A converted 16th-century farmhouse will
be a home to the 9-suite boutique hotel and a true luxury escape located
just outside of Lecce in Southern Italy. The impeccably restored
interiors will feature frescoes and other historical treasures uncovered
during the conversion. Apart from the nine stylish suites which are
currently receiving the final touches, a beautifully appointed private
villa has already been available to rent.
Opening:
March 2016.
Photo © Masseria Trapana
47Qorokwe Camp, Botswana
We loved our experiences with Wilderness Safaris, so are happy to
report the opening of this new nine-tent camp, set on a private
concession overlooking a lagoon where hippos roam. The tents will be
raised and one of them will be a large “family” accommodation, which
will come with a private plunge pool
Apart from the hippos, the area is rich in wildlife and elephant and
buffalo are frequently spotted. Seasonal water surge will give guests
the opportunity to enjoy the trips in a traditional mokoro boats.
Opening:
late 2016.
Renderings © Wilderness Safaris
48The Williamsburg Hotel New York City, US
Debuting in the spring of 2016 will be The Williamsburg Hotel in
Brooklyn—housed in a brick-and-corten-steel building. The hotel’s 150
rooms and suites will feature leather furniture and several rooms with
balconies will invite to gaze at the Manhattan skyline. For extra
glamorous setting head to the rooftop, which will have a swimming pool
and bar.
Opening:
March 2015.
Rendering © Williamsburg Hotel
49Four Seasons Hotel Dubai DIFC, UAE
Four Seasons will be opening its second property in Dubai, this time
more of a city hotel rather than a beach resort. Built in the heart of
the downtown business district, the hotel will feature a rooftop pool
with bar and garden, boasting views of the Dubai cityscape, with Burj
Khalifa as the star attraction.
But this is not the only development in UAE coming from Four Seasons. Later in the year the chain is also launching the
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, on the waterfront of Al Maryah Island. Beyond the Emirates, the company will also see openings in Colombia (
Four Seasons Bogota), USA (
Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown and
Four Seasons Oahu in Hawaii), Kuwait (
Four Seasons Kuwait City), as well as resorts in Japan (
Four Seasons Kyoto) and China (
Four Seasons Tianjin).
Opening:
early 2016.
Renderings © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
50Hotel Eden, Rome, Italy
The lobby, bars, and restaurants—including the Michelin-starred La
Terrazza dell’Eden—of the Dorchester Collection’s Hotel Eden in Rome are
undergoing an extensive renovation. During this work the hotel will be
also adding a new spa and blow-dry bar, and the hotel’s spacious rooms
and suites will continue to enchant with beautiful views of the city,
including the St. Peter’s Basilica.
Opening:
Autumn 2016.
Photo © Dorchester Collection
51The Katamama, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
Launching in the popular Seminyak this year is a newcomer to the
world of boutique resorts, The Katamama. Focusing on traditional art and
craftsmanship, tactile textures and cultural references, this upscale
resort is a precious gem of design and architecture. Definitely a place
for the creative types!
Opening:
March 2016. Renderings © The Katamama
52The Ritz-Carlton Budapest, Hungary
We mentioned The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi opening, but in 2016, this
well-known hotel chain is also coming to the beautiful Budapest. This
grand city hotel, located only steps from the Danube River and Buda
Castle, will have great views towards the St Stephen Basilica and will
feature an indoor pool, a French restaurant and a library.
Other 2016 launches from the company will be in China (
Ritz-Carlton Nanjing and
Ritz-Carlton Mission Hills), and in
Panama.
Opening:
early spring 2016.
Rendering © The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
53Sir Adam Amsterdam, Netherlands
It’s a second property from the Sir Hotels to be opened in Amsterdam.
It will feature 110 rooms, restaurant and terrace, designed by interior
designers from ICRAVE studio. The hotel will share the building with
headquarters of several music and entertainment companies, including
guitar manufacturer Gibson.
Opening:
Spring 2016.
Renderings © Sir Adam
54Wild Coast Lodge, Yala, Sri Lanka
Set up on a secluded beach in the Yala National Park, in an area
frequented by the secretive leopard, the tented Wild Coast Lodge will be
a jungle hideout with all the luxuries of a deluxe contemporary resort.
The 28 air-conditioned tents, specially designed for the lodge, will
have a futuristic and low-impact design.
The camp is being created by the offshoot of the firm that runs the
Dilmah tea company, which also operates the Ceylon Tea Trails and the
Cape Weligama resort on the island.
Opening:
2016.
Rendering © Resplendent Ceylon
55Nikki Beach Bodrum, Turkey
The Bodrum area, on the southwestern coast of Turkey, is getting a
brand new luxury beachfront boutique hotel. Designed by the
award-winning GAD studio, based in New York & Istanbul, Nikki Beach
redefines contemporary sleek look. The hotel will comprise 65 suites and
villas, in which guests can expect entertainment walls, indoor and
outdoor bathrooms, private pools and decks—and sea views!
The chain will also expand into the Middle East, with
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai. This boutique hotel will be located in Pearl Jumeirah, on a private beach.
Opening:
Summer 2016. Renderings © Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
56Jumeirah Al Naseem at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
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The Dubai’s Jumeirah beach hosts a string of resorts of different
style and class—from the palatial Jumeirah Al Qasr and the calm
seriousness of Jumeirah Mina A’Salam to the discrete sophistication of
Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf. Now joining this exclusive club is Jumeirah Al
Naseem, which promises a contemporary update to the Arabian luxury.
The hotel will have three large swimming pools, landscaped gardens
and private beach access. Its 430 rooms and suites will feature
floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in rain showers, and private outdoor
terraces.
Opening:
late 2016. Rendering
© Jumeirah International
57W Tel Aviv — Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Israel
Starwood’s W resort will be launching in Jaffa, Tel Aviv’s oldest
district. The location of the new hotel will be in a former hospital and
convent complex, in the town’s port—ensuring lovely views of the
Mediterranean coast. During the renovation, the designers paid respect
to the buildings’ heritage: stained glass and much of the 19-century
stucco were refurbished, and the lobby will feature 12th-century ruins.
The hotel’s restaurant will be inside a vaulted basement.
Opening:
autumn 2016. Renderings
© W Hotels Worldwide
58Zemi Beach House, Anguilla
Shoal Beach might be one of the world’s prettiest beaches, thanks to
pinky sand and bright-blue sea. This year it will welcome its first
luxury hotel, Zemi Beach House, created in a classic Caribbean
architecture with guestrooms featuring balconies or terraces with
panoramic sea views (and some also with private swimming pools). Guests
will be able to benefit from an ocean-front swimming pool, beach
concierge, exemplary cuisine, and a 15,000-square-foot sybaritic spa,
occupying a traditional house imported from Thailand.
Opening:
February 2016.
Photo © Zemi Beach
59The Bangkok EDITION, Thailand
The Bangkok EDITION will be housed in MahaNakhon CUBE, the city’s
tallest building. This new skyscraper will have 10,000 square metre
upscale retail centre—and will be a landmark example of contemporary
urban architecture in Thailand. The 150-room hotel will have a
multi-level roof-top Sky Bar and restaurant.
Additionally, the chain will launch an
Abu Dhabi EDITION hotel, later this year.
Opening:
2016. Renderings
© EDITION Hotels
60EAST Miami, US
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EAST Beijing
Business sleek
Swire Hotels has a collection of properties characterised by a
sophisticated level of luxury, like The Upper House in Hong Kong and the
recently launched Temple House in Chengdu.
The newest arrival this year will be the EAST Miami. The hotel will
feature generous living areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and its 352
rooms will be on average the largest in Miami. They will come with
private balconies and beautiful views, though of course the best views
are likely to be from Sugar, the rooftop bar on 40th floor.
Opening:
late 2016. Rendering
© East Miami
//Lastly: Other Notable Openings
There is one area which we neglected in this list: Africa. We felt
there was so much going on on the continent that in order to do it
justice we needed to put together another list to highlight the exciting
new developments there. Find it here: Africa’s 20 Hottest Hotel Openings of 2016.
Americas
The Beekman by Thompson Hotels, NY. This landmark
was one of the first high-rises in the city and it once housed New
York’s first theatre (Hamlet premiered here in 1761). While it undergoes
a restoration, the red-brick building is being transformed as a brand
new hotel from Thompson.
Opening: May 2016. Rendering (right) © The Beekman
Staying in NY, notable openings this year will include
Whitby Hotel, from Firmdale (in April), as well as
SLS Park Avenue, with minimalistic design aesthetic from Philippe Starck.
Delano Cartagena, Colombia. This
new beach development from Morgans Hotel Group will be located in Mar
de Indias, a mixed-use development area (which includes an 18-hole golf
course and spa) on the southern outskirts of Cartagena.
Opening: late 2016.
Asia & Pacific
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The Top 50 plus dozens of mentions, and secret rumours!
Chena Huts, Sri Lanka. Intimate location between
Yala National Park and the Indian Ocean and 14 wooden cabins with
palm-leaf roofs notwithstanding, Sri Lanka’s Chena Huts will be fully
air-conditioned and also feature shaded private built-in swimming pools.
Opening: January 2016. Rendering (above, left) © Uga Escapes
Patina, Capitol Singapore. Owned by Singapore’s Kwee family
(whose Capella Singapore we reviewed), the Patina is being created by
architect Richard Meier with interiors designed by the respected late
Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim.
Opening: Q1 of 2016. Rendering (above, right) © Patina Hotels & Resorts.
Also, we spotted two new hotels from a very interesting Japanese hotel brand:
Hoshinoya. They will be launching two properties, one in
Tokyo and in Indonesia (
Hoshinoya Bali). Info is scarce at the moment, though.
Europe
The Hoxton Paris, France. Situated
in the 2nd Arrondissement, an area of Paris gaining reputation for its
hip bars and restaurants, and housed in a historically-important 16th
Century property, the new Hoxton hotel is set to become a landmark
opening for the “affordable luxury” brand from London. By the way, there
will be also a new opening of
The Hoxton in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Opening: 2016. Photo (below, left) © The Hoxton
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, Tuscany, Italy. This
five-star hotel is a brand new addition to a Tuscan estate known as
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi. Located in a medieval village, the estate
has great facilities, which include a restaurant run by a Michelin-rated
chef, a 27-hole golf course. The new property—still without a separate
name—will bring 120 rooms and suites, and spa with hammam, and salt and
ice caves.
Opening: late 2016. Photo (above, right) © Castelfalfi
Generator Amsterdam, Rome and Stockholm. These
are not exactly luxury hotels, but we like the style! The ho(s)tel in
Amsterdam will be launching in spring, and Generator Rome is to follow
in summer, and Generator Stockholm, opening in the city’s tech hub.
Finally, in Turkey we spotted a new arrival in the form of
Canyon Ranch Kaplankaya in Bodrum, a beach resort focused on wellness and health. We’d love to visit the South Aegean coast once again!
