From luxury apartments to beachside villas, here is our roundup of the best new hotel openings to get excited about this year
Words Clara Van Duivenbode
Our picks of the best new hotel openings this year
LUX RESORT AND HOTELS, MALDIVES
For the ultimate taste of the Maldives, escape to a penthouse on Olhahali Picnic Island. Whether you choose to stay on sand or above water, here’s where you can truly live a life of luxury. From the starlight jacuzzi and the rooftop bar, to cinema and SONOS, yoga, Big Green Egg BBQs and outdoor games in a flawless sky lounge, there is much to be enjoyed by all. Opening in early 2018, be sure to reserve a spot for a summer getaway in one of the best new hotel openings this year.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT, SEYCHELLES DESROCHES ISLAND
Extensive renovations have brought the beautiful Seychelles Desroches Island, Four Seasons Resort to must-see status. Set to open on the 1st March 2018, the remote resort offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Guests should take advantage of the new Castaway Centre, where you pick-up a pre-prepared picnic before heading off on a hiking, cycling or swimming adventure through the tropical forests, white sand beaches and coral reefs. Don’t miss the Island Conservation Society’s Tortoise Sanctuary, home to around 150 giant Aldabra tortoises; an absolute wonder to explore. This new hotel opening operates 40 exclusive beach suites and 11 private villas, so get in quick for direct access to unspoiled beaches and picturesque views of the Indian ocean.
BULGARI HOTEL, SHANGHAI
Experience Shanghai in the beautiful heritage hotel, Bulgari. Set in the city centre, its a short walk to iconic waterfront destination, Bund and famous museums in People’s Square. Occupying the top 8 floors of a 48 story tower in Suhe Creek, guests are guaranteed picturesque views of the city skyline. Don’t leave without checking out the beautiful ballroom with triple height ceilings and the adjoining historic Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, built in 1916 at this new hotel opening.
THE RESIDENCE, BINTAN INDONESIA
Opening on the 8th February 2018, Bintan is the ultimate luxurious holiday destination. Only a 55 minute ferry ride from Singapore, shack up in a beach front villa designed by award-winning, Hirsch Bedner and enjoy uninterrupted views from your own infinity pool. An amazing range of luxury activities is on offer to make your holiday a memorable one, from water sports and mountain trekking, to spa facilities and day tours to the mangroves. The hotel also hosts family friendly activities, such as tye-dye classes, cooking classes and trips to local food markets. After exploring, indulge in the modern gastronomic offerings provided at Rica Rica. If a vacation here doesn’t re-energize you, we don’t know what will.
CARTESIANO HOTEL, PUEBLA MEXICO
Explore the historic city of Puebla at Cartesiano Hotel, only 90 minutes from Mexico City at the Cartesiano Hotel. This opulent stay offers 78 guest rooms and suites over two buildings, including a sixteenth-century colonial house. Stay in rustic luxury and lounge by the infinity pool while exploring a city rich in culture. Located centrally, Cartesiano offers easy access to world heritage sites such as Templo de Santo Domingo, Puebla Cathedral and the World’s largest pyramid, Cholula. Now there’s no excuse to not get behind history and indulge at another of the best new hotel openings this year.
GARA ROCK, SOUTH DEVON
Seeking some fresh air? Explore the beautiful South Devon coastline near Salcombe at the relaxing Gara Rock retreat. Opening in late spring, the exclusive one-of-a-kind hotel offers luxury suites, apartments and cottages with world-class panoramic views. Pamper yourself at the heated pools, jacuzzi, treatment rooms and private cinema. Dine under the talent of Head Chef, Lewis Glanvill for a gorgeous seasonal British menu with plentiful seafood. With views you can only dream about from the lookout, Gara Rock is an easy choice for any traveller looking for a new getaway location.
NAUMI AUCKLAND AIRPORT, AUCKLAND NEW ZEALAND
Located in the south of the city, Naumi Auckland Airport Hotel is the perfect rest stop for business travellers. The hotel pays tribute to native surroundings in its hotel design with inclusion of the Tui bird, whose feathered nape features in the grand entrance hall in a 24 carat gold wall. Adventure isn’t far away with New Zealand’s famous winery, Villa Maria Wine Estate, Historic Otuataua Stonefields Reserve and Mangere Mountain close by. If you don’t have time, relax with the 24 hour dining services at Paksa under Chef, Luke Bottner. This new hotel opening is sure to be a hit.
CHABLÈ MAROMA, RIVERA MAYA MEXICO
Opening in August, Chable Maroma should be on everyone’s wish list. With only 70 villas, this exclusive resort offers pure luxury to all of its guests. Each villa features a private swimming pool and moon shower with show-stopping views. Enjoy unlimited access to beach yoga and a 17, 000 sq ft spa with eight luxurious treatment rooms. Feast in one of the three dining experiences offered at the hotel too for a complete pampering experience.
ROYAL HIDEAWAY CORALES RESORT, TENERIFE SPAIN
Opening on the 5th February, 5 star Royal Hideaway Corales Resort will offer both adults and families luxurious spaces in a split hotel. A real standout of this hotel is its exceptional dining. The Michelin starred Padrón brothers are setting up Maresia – a restaurant, cocktail and pool bar guaranteed to have even locals jumping at the door. So dive into the Tenerife sea in a modern, sleek hotel designed for ultimate comfort.
THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AND PRIVATE RESIDENCES, ONE DALTON STREET, BOSTON
In exciting news for holiday and home-makers alike, a new member of the Four Seasons family is moving to Boston this year. The Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences, One Dalton Street is set to complete in late 2018, offering sweeping, unobstructed views of the Charles River. One Dalton will soon be home to 160 fully-serviced Four Seasons Residences and a 215-key Four Seasons hotel as well as 20,000 square feet of unparalleled amenity offerings.
Developers Carpenter & Company have brought together some of the most celebrated visionaries in their fields in the creation of this 61-storey architectural landmark, a building which will soon hold the title of the tallest residential tower in the whole of New England, transforming the Boston skyline and providing the city with an exceptional new address.
Prices start from $2.75 million to over $40 million; onedalton.com
