There is no end in sight to the global influx of new luxury hotels. Here is our list of those we are most excited about in 2024
Asia
Janu, Tokyo
Aman’s sister brand, Janu, is set to debut its flagship property in Tokyo in March 2024. Similarly to Aman, Janu places a strong emphasis on wellness as a core value, however, the brand focuses on enhancing wellbeing through connectedness and shared social experiences. Designed by Denniston’s Jean-Michel Gathy, the hotel will showcase 122 guest rooms, eight restaurants and a 4000-square-metre spa and wellness centre. The design of Janu conveys a playful and youthful aesthetic, which sets it apart from the refined elegance of Aman.
The Standard, Singapore
Renowned boutique hotel brand, The Standard, will make its debut in Singapore as part of its expansion into Asia. Adorned with a vibrant and youthful aesthetic, the hotel will open on Orange Grove Road, just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Orchid Road and the pristine UNESCO Singapore Botanical Gardens. The boutique hotel will feature 143 guest rooms, a signature restaurant, an infinity pool, roaring nightlife, botanical surroundings and a lavish courtyard. The development and design of the hotel have adapted to the demands of the green city by incorporating a green plan and sustainable practices. Guest facilities include culture and art programs, a fitness centre, and a private meetings and events space.
Amani Nai Lert, Bangkok
The Aman collection is expanding its global portfolio with a new urban oasis slated to open in 2024 amid the skyscrapers of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok. Located in the green surroundings of Nai Lert Park, situated along Wireless Road, Amani Nai Lert will honour the geography, design and cultural heritage of the surrounding site. Designed by Jean Michel Gathy of Denniston, the 36-floor buildings will feature 52 hotel suites, around 50 residential apartments, and leisure and entertainment facilities.
Six Senses Residences The Forestias, Bangkok
Luxury resort brand Six Senses is set to debut Six Senses Residences The Forestias in Thailand this year. With a strong emphasis on social experiences and wellness, the Bangkok resort has been designed with facilities and amenities that embody a lifestyle destination. The onsite leisure and health facilities are located to the north of the forest and are linked to the properties in the south through a treetop canopy walk. Situated around a woodland lagoon, the accommodation showcases 27 residences adorned with spacious living areas, private pools and onsen, and organic gardens, where seasonal fruits and vegetables grow.
Middle East
One&Only Za’abeel, Dubai
Dubai is renowned for its contemporary architecture and progressive design, so it comes as no surprise that the luxury hotel and resort brand, One&Only, has secured its location in the One Za’abeel Development. Designed by Denniston Architects, the hotel showcases 229 guest rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that highlight Dubai’s chic cityscape. Additionally, there are 94 private home units, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bed, available to purchase. The hotel amenities include 11 restaurants and bars as well as the first longevity hub by Clinique La Prairie in the UAE.
Nujuma a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Saudi Arabia
Located on Ummahat Island, just off the west coast of Saudia Arabia, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Nujuma, is marking the brand’s debut in the Middle East. Nujuma is one of five Ritz-Carlton Reserves worldwide and is located among a set of private islands, which are part of the Red Sea’s Blue Hole Cluster of islands. The reserve will boast 63 residences – one-to-four-bedroom water and beach villas – in addition to a wellness hub, multiple swimming pools, a diverse range of dining venues, a retail precinct and a conservation centre. Nujuma will adopt sustainable and eco-friendly practices, including amenities that will enhance renewable energy and circular waste management systems, to achieve zero waste to landfill.
Mondrian, Abu Dhabi
Iconic hotel brand Mondrian is set to make its debut in the UAE with the opening of its first location in Abu Dhabi later this year. Designed by award-winning interior architect Tristan Du Plessis, the Modrian Abu Dhabi will emerge as a refined embodiment of contemporary and clean aesthetics, seamlessly blending the comfort and warmth evoked by all Mondrian properties. The property will feature 221 hotel rooms, 80 serviced apartments, six epicurean venues, a wellness spa, a world-class fitness centre, a swimming pool, meeting and events rooms, and a retail centre, where guests can indulge in a little retail therapy.
Anatora Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort, United Arab Emirates
Anatora Mina Al Arab is a luxury beach resort stretched along a private peninsula and boasts views of the pristine open waters and golden sands, that opened its doors in January 2024. There are 174 guest residences, including suites and overwater pool villas, multiple dining venues offering an array of cuisines, extensive watersports and recreational activities and the Anantara Spa with a menu showcasing traditional Thai healing rituals and award-winning signature treatments.
Australia
The StandardX, Melbourne
Fashionably iconic for its on-screen appearance in the TV series Sex and the City and Steve McQueen film, Shame, international hotel brand The Standard is set to open in Australia later this year. Designed by Hecker Guthrie, the objective of the design brief was to amalgamate modern design while preserving traditional features. The aesthetic of the hotel is ‘modern retro’ and adorns polished terrazzo floors, leather couches, a curation of antiques and bespoke artworks by local artists Sarah Smalltown, Jane Sinclair and Dane Lovett. In addition to the 123 guest rooms, The StandardX boasts two dining venues including a rooftop with sprawling views of Fitzroy and Melbourne, and a boutique retail space.
The Bonobo, Byron Bay
Located in the heart of the beautiful Byron Bay – home to celebrity A-listers and a few of the best beaches in Australia – The Bonobo is a design collaboration between the architects behind Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel, Richards & Spence, and property developers, Podia. The design of the Bonobo will reflect the coastal and hinterland landscape of Byron Bay, accentuated through the materiality, richly landscaped central courtyard and luxurious rooftop pool, with panoramic views of the country town. The bespoke hotel will boast 41 residences, including apartments and guest rooms, an array of dining venues, a retail precinct and wellness facilities.
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island
Southern Ocean Lodge by Baillie Lodges reopened on Kangaroo Island’s South Coast in December 2023. Architect Max Pritchard and his team have reimagined the property while preserving the footprint and enhancing features based on guest preferences. The reconfiguration of the property includes twenty-three suites, now reoriented towards the southeast, providing uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean and coastal wilderness. The property exclusively showcases local and regional produce at its epicurean venues, the Spa offers a menu of rejuvenating treatments and personalised itineraries putting local experiences front and centre.
Sea Sea Hotels, Crescent Head
Ksubi co-founder and creator of boutique Balinese hotel The Slow, George Gorrow and partner Cisco are opening a boutique hotel. Sea Sea is a 70s-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of Crescent Head – a 45-minute drive north from Port Macquarie – that will highlight entertainment, epicurean experiences, bespoke art and thoughtful design, in addition to the owner’s love for surf. Sea Sea will offer a distinctive experience with 25 exclusive guest rooms and a boutique souvenir shop featuring unique homewares and exclusive apparel. Bespoke culinary experiences are offered across multiple dining venues, that will be elevated through the careful curation of food and beverages by Sydney’s esteemed P&V Wine & Liquor Merchants.
The UK
Six Senses, The Whiteley, London
The United Kingdom will welcome the inaugural Six Senses hotel, with the addition of The Whiteley. The Whiteley is a hotel that prioritises wellness and a sense of community, with sustainable values at the centre of its design and operations. The hotel features 110 guest rooms, 14 branded residences, luxurious health and wellness facilities, an all-day restaurant with an outdoor courtyard and a lobby bar adorned with lush greenery.
thewhiteleylondon.com/six-senses
No. 124, GuestHouse, Brighton
GuestHouse Hotels has unveiled its new boutique hotel in Brighton, No 124 – a Regency townhouse located on the seafront. Having been renovated and repurposed into a bespoke hotel, No. 124 showcases 32 guest rooms, each accompanied by an outdoor terrace and help-yourself pantries, a beautiful restaurant, a vinyl record library and wellness amenities that include treatment rooms with copper bathtubs.
The Store, Oxford
The Store in Oxford has reimagined a heritage building in the heart of the city to create a 101-room hotel with a destination restaurant & café, a rooftop bar and a restorative spa. Originally a historic department store, The Store amalgamates style and comfort, while paying homage to the original site with original period features, that instill a sense of provenance and place. The dining venues incorporate locally- and sustainably sourced produce and forages to enhance the overall Oxford experience.
Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London
The Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will open in early 2024 and has been brought to life by renowned architecture and interior design group Studio Indigo. A sleek sister property to the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, this boutique hotel embodies a contemporary, vibrant atmosphere, while preserving the refined elegance of the luxury hotel brand through its Art Deco features. The hotel boasts 77 residences, a state-of-the-art gym, and wellness facilities including a sauna, steam room and spa treatment rooms, in addition to access to the hotel’s fine dining offerings and signature bar.
Europe
Experimental Chalet Val d’Isere, French Alps
The Experimental Group is set to open a new chalet in the French Alps, Experimental Chalet Val d’Isere. Perched 1850 metres above sea level, the chalet will showcase 110 guest rooms, two dining venues, a swimming pool and a spa. Designed by Dorothée Meilichzon, the chalet emerges as a refined embodiment of Scandinavian influences and Mid-Century Modern aesthetics
Gundari Folegandros, Greece
An authentic escape on the private Greek island of Folegandros, Gundari Resort will open in May 2024. Located amid 32 hectares of nature, the five-star resort pays homage to the sense of place and connection to the land. The resort will comprise 27 suites and villas, all positioned on soaring cliffs, and feature framed views of the Aegean Sea. In-house programs include explorations of hidden bays, beaches and nearby islands on the Gundari luxury boat, enrolling in an authentic Greek cooking class or culinary tours, and diving and snorkelling in the caves, reefs and walls that surround Folegandros.
Amyth of Nicosia, Cyprus
Amyth of Nicosia is a restored and reimagined villa located in the historic Old City of Nicosia. Transformed by Cypriot interior designer Maria Neophytou, the bespoke hotel features 10 bedrooms and suites, and is adorned with repurposed tiled floors, a grand staircase, decorative walls and frescoed ceilings that add historical charm. In-house features include a sultry bar, lounge, library and restaurant, with an al fresco dining courtyard.
Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Resort, Florence
Inspired by the artistry and perfection of Renaissance greats, Auberge Resort Collection will open its first hotel in Tuscany. Collegio alla Querce is a curation of reimagined 16th-century UNESCO buildings that once served as a cultural institution, preparatory school, chapel and theatre, and have been transformed into a grand hotel. Collegio alla Querceblends Old World design details and aesthetics with hints of modernity, and boasts 61 guest rooms and 20 suites, five-level terraced Baroque gardens, a wine tasting room, wellness and fitness facilities, an outdoor pool, a curated boutique and an art gallery, in addition to its dining room.
aubergeresorts.com/collegioallaquerce
Rosweed Schloss Fuschl, Austria
Renowned Hotel Schloss Fuschl will open its second location in Austria this year, on the banks of Lake Fuschl. The historic property that has been reimagined into Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, has welcomed illustrious guests for centuries. Only a stone’s throw away from the iconic city of Salzburg, the hotel will feature 98 guest rooms – including 46 suites and six chalets – fine-dining restaurants and lounges, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, and Rosewood’s integrative wellbeing facilities, Asaya.
South America
Hotel Casa Lucia, Argentina
The historic Edificio Mihanovich – once the tallest building in Latin America – has been reimagined into Hotel Casa Lucia. Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the hotel is set to open its doors in January 2024. The year-long refurbishment was led by Buenos Aires-based firm Torrado Arquitectos alongside the interior design team from Fernanda Schuch Studios. The hotel showcases 142 rooms and suites adorned with furnishing that contrast and complements its historic roots. Maximising the panoramic views of the city, the majority of the guest rooms and suites feature balconies with outdoor showers, sun loungers and outdoor dining areas.
Casa Lucia will open with a Cantina Restaurant, drawing inspiration from authentic Argentine flavours and fresh, local ingredients, as well as a cocktail bar, offering over 400 varieties of Argentine wine. The hotel will also feature a wellness spa comprised of three treatment cabins, a gym and a 52-foot pool.
North America
Nobu Hotel, Tulum
Hidden away in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Nobu Hotel Tulum will open in 2026. The debut of Nobu Tulum will mark the milestone 30th hotel globally and the sixth hotel project between Nobu Hospitality and RCD Hotels. The accommodation at Nobu Hotel Tulum will showcase 200 guest rooms and suites including 12 villas, in addition to the 50 beachside residences. The resort will maximise its pristine location with a beachfront Nobu restaurant, an expansive meeting space with outdoor venues for weddings and special events, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre and wellness spa.
One&Only, Montana
One&Only will open its first resort in the United States in 2025. One&Only Moonlight Basin is a resort etched pencil-sharp against the mountains of Montana. Designed by renowned architect Olson Kundig, the spaces within the resort are crafted from materials that are respectful of the natural surroundings. The resort will showcase 73 guest rooms and suites, in addition to the 19 upscale villas scattered throughout the grounds for guests seeking a little more privacy. The resort will also feature a transformative spa that will be headed up by Chenot, a high-tech fitness centre with both indoor and outdoor spaces, and an array of dining options highlighting fresh, local ingredients.
oneandonlyresorts.com/moonlight-basin
Trailborn Highlands (Highlands, North Carolina)
Following the launch of Trailborn’s first property in Colorado, Trailborn Highlands will be the next property to open in North Carolina. The property showcases 63 guest rooms, a stand-alone restaurant, Highlands Supper Club, which will serve southern comfort food in a historic Joe Webb log cabin, a lobby and lounge, which includes an onsite market with grab-and-go local fare, a fireplace and a nook where breakfast and afternoon tea is served. Designed by Studio Love is Enough, the hotel melds indoor and outdoor spaces; the guest rooms are spacious with balconies and elevated amenities, and the outdoor patio and backyard feature picnic tables, fire pits, and a Nordic Spa with a barrel sauna and cold plunge. Through Trailborn’s ‘Keep Extraordinary’ program, Trailborn Highlands will donate a portion of proceeds to local land conservation efforts in the southern Appalachians.
Africa
Voaara, Saint Marie, Madagascar
Opening its doors in March 2024, Voaara in Madagascar seamlessly blends comfort with luxury. The resort showcases tropical-style bungalows and villas, coupled with a unique community-driven concept designed for the region. The initial design layout of the resort will showcase eight bungalows and one three-bedroom villa, each featuring an infinity pool and inclusive of a Land Rover convertible. Voaara is a destination for guests to enjoy French wines accompanied by Mediterranean cuisine and locally sourced produce, with their feet in the sand. A percentage of profit from the resort will be donated to support local schools and communities.
Kibale Lodge, Uganda
Volcanoes Safaris is opening its fifth lodge this year in May, with a location in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, perfect for watching and trekking to find chimpanzees. Surrounded by lush homesteads and panoramic views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kibale Loges will comprise eight guest rooms and a villa, spa, sauna and swimming pool. The experience is all-inclusive of accommodation, food and beverages, laundry services, lodge activities, and massage and spa treatments. A donation that will, also, be extended to the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust – a non-profit organisation established to support and emancipate the livelihoods of local communities, promote the conservation of the great apes, restore natural habitats and work with communities and institutions to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
volcanoessafaris.com/kibale-lodge
Atzaro Okauango, Okauango Delta, Botswana
Atzaro Okauango is an immersive experience where guests can experience intimate wildlife encounters, sustainable architecture and an authentic cultural experience. Located in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Atzaro Okauango is a safari destination that amalgamates luxury and sustainability, where guests can sightsee iconic African wildlife such as elephants, buffalo and lions, all year round. This eco-friendly oasis is run off solar energy and boasts luxury camp tents, inclusive of private plunge pools and modern amenities, an on-site wellness spa, a fully equipped gym and a swimming pool.