Accommodations are one of the first things that travelers look for when planning a trip — for good reason. The right hotel that matches the type of journey you’re looking to take can make or break any adventure. This year, Matador Network’s global team of well-traveled writers and editors found the most noteworthy new and massively renovated hotels that opened in 2024.
Photo: Amet Nature Retreat
The 62 Most Exciting New Hotels of 2024
For some, our team got an early preview shortly after the property opened and left with nothing but good things to say. Others are trusted hotel brands with dreamy new offerings. That goes just as much for the tent sites as it does the high-priced luxury resorts. In our research, one fact quickly made itself clear: 2024 was a great year for new accommodations of every size, price range, and style.
The 62 accommodations we chose were vetted by location, design, service, amenities, sustainability, and reputation. It isn’t an exhaustive list — many more hotels opened this year that we’re also excited about. Yet the ones below show an eclectic mix that will inspire your next trip.
We hope you love the stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Africa
Royal Mansour Casablanca
Photo: Cyrille Robin/Royal Mansour Casablanca.
- Location: Casablanca, Morocco
- Why it’s notable: A luxurious establishment showcasing an impressive Art Deco interior and views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Mosque
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The culturally curious
- Price: From $525
After eight long years of extensive renovations Casablanca’s first luxury hotel was reborn as the Royal Mansour Casablanca in April 2024. To honor the original 1953 palace, where the likes of Mohamed Ali and Sean Connery used to stay, the interior decor is entirely devoted to the late Art Deco and Modernism eras. With its mid-century furniture, inlaid wood paneling, brass accents, and rich textiles, the Royal Mansour Casablanca is glamorous and luxurious, yet warm and inviting. Every one of the 149 guest rooms, suites, and apartments look like a carefully crafted jewelry box, with some offering views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Mosque. There is a 1950s-club-inspired bar on site, as well as three restaurants (one Moroccan, one French, and one Japanese). The gorgeously decorated spa is spread over two floors and includes a fitness center offering pilates, yoga, and boxing.
Tawana
Photo: Natural Selection
- Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Why it’s notable: The only camp granted access to this part of the Moremi Game Reserve
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts
- Price: From $2,195
Run by the Natural Selection group, Tawana is situated on the banks of the Gomoti River in the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The lodge’s eight private and spacious suites are designed to provide the utmost comfort and luxury. Each suite features environmentally friendly air-conditioning, a minibar, a private plunge pool, and an outdoor sala. The elevated decks offer unobstructed views of the surrounding wildlife and the natural beauty of the Delta. As with all safaris with the conservation-minded brand, Tawana’s approach is tailored to guest preferences. Of course, the knowledgeable and experienced guides are still very much in the driver’s seat, but if you want non-stop action, you’ve got it, or if you’d rather relax by the fire pit or take in the view from the lap pool, you can do as you wish.
Singita Milele
Photo: Singita
- Location: Natta, Tanzania
- Why it’s notable: Ultimate luxury in the wild beauty of the Serengeti
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts, money-is-no-object travelers
- Price: From $26,250 (per 10-person villa)
Singita Milele, a new luxury villa in Tanzania’s Grumeti Reserve, offers an exclusive and immersive safari experience. The property is part of the Singita Private Villa Collection and features stunning views of the 350,000 acres of the Serengeti. The hillside villa opened in May 2024, offering guests a front-row seat to the Great Migration and year-round game viewing. The villa can accommodate up to 10 guests in five impeccably designed suites with large terraces, outdoor showers, and panoramic views. For this price tag, you’d expect an exemplary level of service, and Singita will not disappoint. Guests have private game vehicles, access to locally inspired wellness treatments, a fitness center, a 10-person movie room, and private fine dining.
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
Photo: Hilton
- Location: Platte Island, Outer Islands, Seychelles
- Why it’s notable: The luxurious Waldorf Astoria experience with an environmentally conscious bend on a remote island in the Indian Ocean
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Sustainability-focused and money-is-no-object travelers
- Price: From $1,395
On the secluded Platte Island, just 81 miles south of Mahé (the largest island of Seychelles), the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles is a haven for the eco-conscious travelers with a fat budget. Originally a coconut plantation, the island was transformed into a luxurious eco-resort, preserving its natural beauty while providing world-class amenities. The resort opened its doors in January 2024 and has 50 villas with stunning sea views, spacious layouts, modern interiors, and private decks featuring infinity pools and tropical gardens. The island might be small, but Waldorf has crammed in the opportunity for activities. There are water sports, Creole cooking classes, art workshops, and guided reef walks, to mention a few.
Masai Mara Safari – Mara Toto Tree Camp
Photo: Great Plains
- Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
- Why it’s notable: A secluded and luxurious safari retreat surrounded by acacia trees in the Maasai Mara
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts
- Price: From $1,445
Mara Toto Tree Camp, a new addition to the Great Plains portfolio, offers a new exclusive safari experience in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. Designed by renowned conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert, the secluded camp sits in the forest canopy, offering guests a treehouse-style perspective of the Maasai Mara. The camp accommodates up to eight guests in four luxurious light and airy tree canopy tented suites. Each accommodation has an en-suite with ceramic baths and enormous safari showers. Guests can gather by the outdoor fire pit in the evening and enjoy a sundowner while reminiscing on the day’s wildlife viewing.
Jack’s Private Camp
Photo: Natural Selection
- Location: Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana
- Why it’s notable: A new remote safari camp with an edge of luxury
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts, family vacationers
- Price: From $6,630
Jack’s Private Camp, on the Makgadikgadi Pan, is a new enlarged version of the original Jack’s. The luxury safari camp has everything you need and nothing you don’t. It’s a great choice for families and small groups who want an elevated safari experience. The under-canvas villa retains the old-world charm of Jack’s Camp with a few modern additions, such as private pools and bedroom cooling systems. A stay includes a private guide and a full staff at the villa to prepare meals, including a luxurious afternoon tea spread and sunset cocktails. Although you might come across another group during the day on safari, the Makgadikgadi Pan is the size of Switzerland, so at night, you’ll feel like you have the place all to yourself — other than the wildlife, of course.
Loirien Mara
Photo: Loirien Mara
- Location: Private conservancy within the Maasai Mara National Reserve (near Nyanungu, Kenya)
- Why it’s notable: A bespoke-only, all-villas eco-lodge with walking safaris and rhino tracking in the Maasai Mara
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts, money-is-no-object travelers
- Price: On request
The Maasai Mara has boomed in safari popularity (much to the chagrin of many locals), but the new luxury villas that make up the Loirien Mara are trying to change that. Itineraries are custom made for every guest, and with just three villas, it’s very much a place for travelers who don’t worry much about their budgets. The resort has a large focus on both the usual high-end safari activities, such as hot-air balloon rides and fly-in overnight glamping, as well as activities designed to spread the tourism wealth to locals, such as community visits and volunteer excursions. While it’s still important to consider the impact of your visit to any place feeling the negative effects of tourism, the fact that Lorien Mara is expensive (as in, the price isn’t listed online expensive) travelers can feel confident that more of their tourism spend than usual is going back to Kenyan locals.
Kibale Lodge
Photo: Kibale Lodge Uganda/Volcanoes Safari
- Location: Near Kibale, Uganda
- Why it’s notable: An all-inclusive luxury lodge focused on local ownership, primate viewing, and sustainable travel
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts, money-is-no-object travelers
- Price: From $990
Kibale Lodge is the fifth hotel from Volcanoes Safaris, a brand established in the 1900s with the goal of involving locals in tourism around Uganda’s and Rwanda’s wild primate populations. At Kibale Lodge, most guests visit to go chimp trekking in Kibale National Forest, or visit as part of a longer safari focused on gorillas or wildlife in the Greater Rift Valley. The lodge designed by local architects and builders, has a 200,000-plant indigenous garden, and employs 85 percent local employees, among other impressive restorative tourism initiatives.
Asia
Soneva Secret
Photo: Soneva
- Location: Makunudhoo, Maldives
- Why it’s notable: A luxury, family-friendly hotel on a remote atoll in the Maldives that feels like a private island
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Money-is-no-object travelers, family vacationers
- Price: From $3,200
Thirty years in the making, the secluded paradise of Soneva Secret is on the remote Makunudhoo atoll in the Indian Ocean. The resort has the exclusive feel of a private island. There are no Castaway vibes here though, other than the gorgeous views. Soneva’s guests don’t lift a finger as there’s a private butler and chef service, transfers to the resort via seaplane, and 5,000-square-foot overwater villas with an infinity pool and a kitchen area. Unlike many of the resorts in The Maldives, there’s a team of personal chefs who can cater to guest wants, as well as three on-site restaurants: all-day dining at the Living Room; So Primitive, which specializes in wood-fired meat and seafood; and the zip-line-reachable Out of This World. When it comes to activities, there’s everything you’d expect from The Maldives, plus pleasant extras such as an astronomical dinner cruise and 24-karet gold facials at the spa.
1955 Tokyo Bay
Photo: Hoshino Resorts
- Location: Urayasu, Japan
- Why it’s notable: A stylish waterfront property with 1950s American decor that’s near Tokyo Disney
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Family vacationers
- Price: From $57
Like its name indicates, the 1955 Tokyo Bay, is on the shore of Tokyo Bay and all about the year 1955. But the choice of year isn’t random — 1955 is when the first Disneyland park opened its doors. Being next to Tokyo Disney Resort, the property wanted to honor the origins of the theme park by keeping its decor vintage à la Wes Anderson, and it succeeded. While the 638 guest rooms have a very subtle retro feel, the common areas, including the lobby, check-in counter, cafeteria, Food & Drink Station, and the lounge (called “Second Room”) truly transport guests 70-plus years into the past. Being so close to the theme park, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to Tokyo Disney Resort every few minutes all day long.
Six Senses Kyoto
Photo: Six Senses Kyoto
- Location: Kyoto, Japan
- Why it’s notable: Luxury hotel featuring a mix of modern design and traditional Japanese zen
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The culturally curious
- Price: From $1,200
Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is today the cultural and historical heart of the country. It’s the best place for travelers to admire traditional Japanese architecture, Buddhist temples, and Shinto shrines. While brand new, Six Senses Kyoto emanates the traditional atmosphere of the city and presents itself as a serene sanctuary thanks to minimalist and modern architecture and interior decor that are very much anchored in traditional Japanese heritage. All 81 beautifully appointed rooms are centered around a central courtyard, and the pools were created to look like onsens. To fully immerse in Japanese culture, guests can take part in experiences like the textile art of sashiko, Japanese calligraphy, and furoshiki workshops.
Hoshino Resort Kai Okuhida
Photo: Hoshino Resorts Kai Okuhida
- Location: Gifu, Japan
- Why it’s notable: A mountain town retreat to immerse in nearby traditional craftsmanship and nature
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The culturally curious, wellness wanderers
- Price: From $141
As with many towns in Japan, Gifu has a long history with onsen, or hot springs. But that’s not the only type of culture visitors can experience in Gifu, a mountain town in the Japanese Alps known for sword-making and washi (Japanese lantern paper) making. And visitors can use the new Hoshino Resorts Kai Okuhida as their basecamp for everything from learning to make the town’s signature lacquer pottery to bent-wood craft-making. The region offers lots of opportunities for hiking in nearby Hakusan National Park or around Shiramizu Lake, as well as an outdoor onsen foot bath to ensure your feet are feeling fresh for the next day of exploring urban Gifu or the nearby Shin Hotaka ropeway. The hotel’s restaurant is also an excellent place to try Hida beef, a seasonal speciality of the region.
Raffles Jaipur
Photo: Raffles Jaipur
- Location: Jaipur, India
- Why it’s notable: Indian royalty vibes in the Pink City
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The culturally curious
- Price: From $539
A stop in Jaipur for even a day or two is worth the extra travel time to see the city’s royal sites. The luxury hotel scene here is robust. There are a handful of sleek and chic four- and five-stars, and the arrival of Raffles in July brings the brand’s iconic exceptional service and, of course, its signature gin sling to the Pink City. The 50-key hotel is a short drive from Jaipur’s main attractions, and that’s exactly what you want from a hotel here. It’s also a destination where treating yourself to a more elevated stay will not be regretted. Jaipur is hot, sprawling, and busy. Raffles injected love and time into this development. Hand-carved from white marble, meticulous craftsmanship flows throughout, from the central atrium through the eight categories of rooms to the rooftop and pool where you can take in the magical views over Arvalli Hills.
Seascape Sanur
Photo: Marriot
- Location: Sanur, Bali
- Why it’s notable: An affordable, adults-only escape to explore Bali and neighboring islands
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Couples and solo travelers
- Price: From $160
The seaside town of Sanur is great for those looking for a flop-and-drop spot in Bali, close to the international airport, or for travelers en route to Lembongan or the Gili islands. Sanur can be hit or miss, normally miss, when it comes to a mid-range hotel, so Seascape is a welcome addition to the hospitality scene. The adult-only eco-resort opened in July and has a few packages for those staying more than a few nights and for honeymooners. Rates are reasonable for a standard room, as they are for upgraded villas with the added luxury of private pools and floating breakfasts.
OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda by Hoshino Resorts
Photo: Hoshino Resorts
- Location: Tokyo, Japan
- Why it’s notable: A new offering for business travelers visiting the Silicon Valley of Tokyo.
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Culinary aficionados and business travelers
- Price: From $140
The OMO5 Tokyo Gotanda, a new addition to the Hoshino Resorts group, opened in April in Tokyo’s Gotanda district. OM05 will attract tech bros with its location in Gotanda — the Silicon Valley of Tokyo — but it’s also a modern four-star base for those wanting to explore the area’s growing restaurant scene. Nearby, you’ll find Michelin-level ramen joint Hakata Ittaiichi, where the sea bream fish bone ramen is worth a long-haul flight to Japan. The eateries and izakayas of the neighborhood also inspire the decor of each of the 188 rooms of OM05 — so don’t go to bed hungry. Gotanda is also a lovely spot for cherry blossom viewing. As it straddles the Meguro River, you can easily stroll from the hotel’s entrance and enjoy the beautiful spring blooms.
Hoshino Resorts Kai Akiu
Photo: Hoshino Resorts Kai Akiu
- Location: Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
- Why it’s notable: A new onsen resort building on 1,400 years of hot springs culture
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The culturally curious, culinary aficionados
- Price: From $147
Kai Akiu may have just opened in 2024, but its roots as a hot springs destination go back more than 1,400 years, as it was once a popular place for a soak among Japan’s emperors and samurai. Rooms are traditionally inspired, but slightly more modern than a traditional ryokan, and guests can take advantage of Miyagi Prefecture’s many waterfalls or try cultural activities focused on everything from saki pouring to feudal history to multi-course kaiseki dinners with wine or whiskey pairings.
TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
Photo: Marriot
- Location: Flores, Indonesia
- Why it’s notable: Five-star TA’AKTANA resort is a new luxe option for those wanting to see the Komodo lizards of Komodo National Park.
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Couples, adventure enthusiasts
- Price: From $530
TA’AKTANA is strategically positioned as a gateway to the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site of Komodo National Park, the home of nearly 6,000 Komodo lizards. Many making the journey out to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia are doing so to see the extraordinary population of poisonous predators, as well as the archipelago’s beautiful beaches, traditional weaving villages, and hidden caves. Ta’aktana sits on the island of Flores and is reachable via a short, direct flight from Jakarta or Bali. The five-star hotel offers 70 guest accommodations, comprising 25 villas and 45 suites with private balconies or terraces that offer panoramic views of the surrounding beaches and islands. There are seven overwater villas with a personal 24-hour butler service for an elevated stay. Three on-site restaurants celebrate local cuisine, and the bar, Nera Lounge, is where you want to be at sunset for a cocktail, looking out over the sky painted in various shades of pink. TA’AKTANA will quickly become popular with honeymooners wishing to have a more active vacation to Indonesia.
Europe
Hyde London City
Photo: Hyde Hotels
- Location: London
- Why it’s notable: Close to all major cultural landmarks and excellent on-site dining at Turkish restaurant Leydi.
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The culturally curious and culinary aficionados
- Price: From $195
Hyde Park London has one of the best locations in the city for those wanting to visit London’s historic and cultural landmarks, shop, and eat very well. Housed in a historic 19th-century building, the new hotel is a pleasant combination of British history and boho design flair. London-based Studio Moren designed the hotel and pays homage to Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking discoveries. The interior design features a kaleidoscope of colors and textures. The Headliner Suite, with its soaring ceilings and panoramic views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, is a particular highlight, offering a luxurious and exclusive retreat for those with a flexible budget. Leydi, a contemporary Turkish restaurant, brings the flavors of Istanbul with a diverse menu by renowned chefs Selin Kiazim and Halil Simsek, which features meze, pide, and grilled meats and fish family-style dishes. The bar, Black Lacquer, will become a local underground hot spot for crafted cocktails and good music.
Casa Monti
Photo: Casa Monti
- Location: Rome
- Why it’s notable: A boutique hotel in the Monti district with easy to access many of Rome’s top attractions
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The culturally curious and city explorers
- Price: From $480
Casa Monti is the latest addition to the Leitmotiv group’s portfolio. The family-owned company opened the 36-key hotel in Rome’s historic Monti district in June. This neighborhood is close to the city’s major attractions and has long been a hub for artists and artisans. This is reflected in the hotel’s interior. Designed by Laura Gonzales, the rooms and suites evoke the feeling of an artist’s studio with commissioned artwork and antiques. The hotel’s restaurant, Casa Monti Ristorante, has a charming outdoor terrace where you can enjoy authentic Roman cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients from the nearby Monti farmers market. For a more casual dining experience, the Casa Monti Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and a selection of handcrafted cocktails and for a sunset drink, the rooftop bar provides a panoramic view of the city.
REVERB by Hard Rock
Photo: Guido Neumann
- Location: Hamburg, Germany
- Why it’s notable: A historic WWII bunker built by forced laborers under the Nazi regime that’s turned into a hotel
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: History fanatics
- Price: From $175
The St. Pauli Bunker, built in just 300 days between August 1942 and April 1943 to be used as an air raid shelter against Allied bombings, hosts a variety of businesses, but it’s the REVERB by Hard Rock and its restaurants that attract the crowds since opening in July 2024. The REVERB by Hard Rock is meant to be a hotel for music lovers, with a music industry-focused decor inside and a schedule of live gigs. Considering the building’s storied past, it’s bound to appeal to the history buffs, too. While the atmosphere is undeniably industrial, it’s far from claustrophobic or depressing thanks to the natural light that fills the guest rooms and all the plants softening the exterior appearance (so much so that the structure is now nicknamed The Green Bunker). The highlight of this property is the Mountain Path, a staircase that starts from the ground floor and goes around the exterior of the bunker to the top where a roof garden and food truck awaits.
The Labe
Photo: David-Emmanuel Cohen
- Location: Tours, France
- Why it’s notable: The decor of the Loire Valley Castles through a modern and trendy lens
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Culinary aficionados
- Price: From $130
Opened in January 2024, Le Labe is an affordable four-star boutique hotel of just 41 rooms and suites located in the heart of the Medieval city of Tours. Tours, being surrounded by a dozen or so Loire Valley castles, it is the ideal place to base yourself if you’re keen to visit a few of them (particularly the Chenonceau and Chambord castles). Le Labe’s interior design is inspired by the decor and furnishings of the nearby famed castles — especially regarding the art that hangs on the wall, the flooring, the wallpaper, and the bed frames — but it’s turned the classical elements on their heads by giving them an unapologetic modern twist. Bright colors, trendy patterns, and contemporary light fixtures anchor the property firmly in the 21st century. The on-site bar offers local finger foods such as charcuterie, and the breakfast buffet offers products from the region.
Santo Mine Oia Suites
Photo: Santo Mine Oia Suites
- Location: Santorini, Greece
- Why it’s notable: A luxury island retreat focused on wellness and rejuvenation
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Wellness wanderers
- Price: From $430
“Barefoot luxury” encapsulates an entire style of travel, and could be an entire way of life on certain Greek islands. On Santorini, the new Santo Mine Oia Suites, opened in April 2024, is the best new place to experience it. The property offers 37 suites, each with a private pool or jacuzzi overlooking the sea and most above a terraced garden. A posh restaurant and wellness center serves as the resort’s communal backbone. This is a place for relaxation — there’s no reason to leave the hotel when you can sleep, soak, disconnect, and indulge all in one place. With views this striking, you may even be tempted to turn your phone off entirely.
The Emory
Photo: The Emory
- Location: London, England
- Why it’s notable: High-end retrofit of London’s Old Barrack Yard close to Hyde Park and fancy boutiques
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Business travelers and money-is-no-object city explorers
- Price: From $2,000
A luxurious trip to London includes a visit to Hyde Park. An unbeatable luxury trip to the city includes a stay at The Emory, a newly opened hotel overlooking the park. Onsite, you’ll find a high-end wellness club and the acclaimed abc kitchens restaurant by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten that features dishes from both sides of the Atlantic. Each suite in the hotel is a unique, contemporary take on the architectural and interior styles of London’s Belgravia district, and the Old Barrack Yard in particular — so dress the part and be ready to channel your inner 007. Book a Corner Park Suite and the hotel will even shuttle you from the airport to the hotel via helicopter.
Gundari Luxury Resort
Photo: Gundari
- Location: Folegandros, Greece
- Why it’s notable: Greek luxury with infinity pools overlooking unmatched views of the sea
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Couples and money-is-no-object travelers
- Price: From $2,750
Greek’s secluded island of Folegandros is a day trip from nowhere, and Gundari Luxury Resort is the Aegean’s best new way to immerse yourself in that isolation. Surrounded by 80 acres of untouched nature, the resort boasts panoramic views of the water, and each suite and villa was designed to channel the natural surroundings. You can also add a notch to your star belt here, as Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou focuses on local ingredients and staples at the onsite restuarant. There is, of course, a wellness spa, but sitting on your deck overlooking the Aegean Sea is perhaps an even better place to channel your inner zen.
Hotel Valldemossa
Photo: Hotel Valldemossa
- Location: Mallorca, Spain
- Why it’s notable: Cycling, sea-to-table dining, and luxury accommodations on Mallorca
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Couples, culinary aficionados, and the culturally curious
- Price:From $465
If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a 13th-century Carthusian monastery, Hotel Valldemossa, opened in February, is the place to do so. Located in its namesake village on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, the castle, one of the most unique properties to open this year, offers a romantic getaway on an island that’s already primed to ignite inner passions. The hotel’s location allows for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a connection to the famous composer Chopin, who lived here with his lover, George Sand. The hotel’s beautiful gardens, delicious Mallorcan cuisine, and medieval atmosphere make it an ideal destination for a Mediterranean getaway.
Another Place, The Machrie
Photo: Another Place
- Location: Isle of Islay, Scotland
- Why it’s notable: Northern island seclusion surrounded by golf, trails, and the sea
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Culinary aficionados and golf lovers
- Price: From $320
Rarely does a property so acutely capture the essence of its location as Another Place, The Machrie, located in the Lake District on Scotland’s Islay. The proof is in the Scotch glass. You’ll sip the spirit made just up the road after a day spent biking the beach, touring the nine nearby distilleries, or perhaps casting a rod over the edge of a boat tip-toeing its way through the inner Hebrides. Oh, and you’ll likely have played a round of golf in the early morn,’ since there are seven courses on the island (including one right outside the hotel). Suites, lodges, and rooms are comfy, spacious, and contemporary, highlighting the deep greens of northern Scotland and contrasting them with bright whites and yellows.
Portella Palma
Photo: Portella
- Location: Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Why it’s notable: A unique restoration in the heart of the city, steps from Mallorca’s shoreline
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The culturally curious, island hoppers, and sustainability-focused travelers
- Price: From $475
Portella occupies a restored 17th-century house in the heart of old town, a stone’s throw from cafes, the water, and the best Aperol spritz you’ve ever had. It has been renovated using natural materials and offers both traditional hotel rooms and two-bedroom apartments. Opened in February and with only 10 rooms, the Portella Hotel offers a boutique atmosphere that’s a nice complement to the original exposed stone walls and wooden beams of the building. Despite its historic charm, there are modern amenities like air conditioning, WiFi, and a strict renewable energy protocol. The best thing about it, though, is its location in the middle of one of the world’s most unique regional hubs, where you can enjoy the conveniences of a bigger city without sacrificing the quaint charm that brought you to Mallorca in the first place.
The Isolano, Cres, Autograph Collection
Photo:The Isolano
- Location: Cres, Croatia
- Why it’s notable: Secluded accommodations away from the bustling crowds of one of Europe’s hottest destinations
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Culinary aficionados and island hoppers
- Price: From $240
The Isolano, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, is an adults-only resort separated from the increasingly chaotic tourist throngs of Croatia on the island of Cres. Stunning views of the Adriatic Sea come standard, and the hotel is situated in a lush pine grove for added mindfulness. It’s on par with high-end boutiques in the region, excelling in international cuisine at The Moise and The Lubenice restaurants, and you can sample the culinary flare at the beach bar, another great spot for an Aperol spritz or a pour of rakija, the local brandy.
Zel Costa Brava
Photo: Melia
- Location: Girona, Spain
- Why it’s notable: The second hotel from the lifestyle hotel brand Melia and Rafael Nadal, the wellness-focused resort, has over 45 sports activities
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Wellness-focused travelers, family vacationers
- Price: From $147
Meliá Hotels International and Rafael Nadal have joined forces for a second time to create ZEL Costa Brava, a wellness-focused resort on the picturesque coast of Cala Giverola. It is just a short distance from the iconic Tossa de Mar and just over an hour from Barcelona. Considering the collaboration with Nadal, it’s no surprise that the sporting facilities are outstanding. The gym offers personal training sessions, and there are over 45 sports activities, from tennis to basketball, Nordic walking to cycling, group runs, and swimming circuits in the semi-Olympic pool, to mention a few. Meliá hotels are also famed for their spa facilities, and ZEL’s heated pool with panoramic views, sun terraces, steam rooms and saunas, and locally inspired treatments might be one of most impressive to date. It’s a great option for those traveling with kids, as not only will they have access to a menu of activities, but accommodations are family-friendly, with rooms ranging from one to the more spacious three-room layouts.
Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort
Photo: Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort
- Location: Bodrum, Türkiye
- Why it’s notable: An ultra-luxury resort located on a private peninsula on the Aegean Sea
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Wellness wanderers
- Price: From $820
Opened in May 2024, Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort, located on a private peninsula on the Turkish Riviera, is an ultra-luxury resort that focuses on relaxation and wellness. While extremely well-appointed guest rooms, suites, and villas — all with views of the Aegean Sea — might seem rejuvenating enough, this property has a lot more to dazzle its guests. The Maxx WellBeing Center, comprising no less than over 30 treatment rooms, offers a large array of experiences, from massages and infrared saunas to platelet-rich plasma injections and sessions in a sensory deprivation tank, among others. Of course, there’s also an olympic-sized indoor swimming pool and fitness studio providing one-to-one training, as well as group pilates, aerial yoga, spinning, and even sound healing. The property organizes doctor-led dedicated wellness stays ranging from one to seven days, including the Inner Peace Program, the Ayurvedic Stress Relief Program, and Physical Renewal Program.
Middle East
Siro One Za’abeel
Photo: Siro One Za’abeel
- Location: Dubai
- Why it’s notable: A mix of a luxury hotel and a high-end wellness gym
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Active wellness wanderers and business travelers
- Price: From $170
Unlike a lot of hotels in Dubai, Siro One Za’abeel, is not flashy. There’s no glittering chandelier or gold accents. In fact, this property has a very minimalist aesthetic: all the rooms are filled with natural light and decorated in neutral colors, there’s no superfluous items or furnishings, and there’s no art on the walls. The idea behind the pared-back interior design is to create a calming experience where guests can get some quality rest, which is just one aspect of Siro One Za’abeel’s wellness focus. Guests not only get a black-out curtains and a pillow menu, but also personal training or group classes in the state-of-the-art gym dubbed the Fitness Lab, a large variety of treatments in the Recovery Lab (from massages to cryotherapy), and consultations with the in-house nutritionist for tailored meals. If you’d rather not overdo it on the green juice and protein shakes, there are several restaurants on site, as well as more via The Link, the world’s longest cantilever to which the hotel is connected.
Dar Tantora
Photo: Dar Tantora
- Location: Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
- Why it’s notable: A traditional stay with a touch of luxury to immerse in AlUla’s history and culture
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The culturally curious, adventure enthusiasts, and culinary aficionados
- Price: From $280
Dar Tantora, an eco-conscious hotel, opened its doors in May 2024 within the historic AlUla Old Town. It’s the world’s first earth-built hotel constructed using traditional mud-brick and stone techniques. By incorporating natural ventilation and candlelit illumination, Dar Tantora minimizes its environmental impact while offering an intimate experience. The hotel’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its construction. JOONTOS, the hotel’s exceptional restaurant, sources fresh, locally-grown ingredients to reduce its carbon footprint and provide guests with authentic regional flavors. In addition to its culinary offerings, there’s a gym, a yoga and meditation studio, and a stunning infinity pool. Dar Tantora’s location within the Old Town provides easy access to the region’s many attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra.
Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Photo: Marriot
- Location: Ummahat Islands, Saudi Arabia
- Why it’s notable: The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, bringing opulence to the Red Sea archipelago
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Money-is-no-object travelers
- Price: From $2,800
Nujuma was one of the most hotly anticipated hotel openings of 2024, not only because it’s the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, but because this resort is situated on the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef in the Red Sea. Opening its doors in May on Ummahat Island, this exclusive private retreat sits within the Blue Hole cluster of islands, renowned for pristine coral reefs and breathtaking celestial views. Nujuma offers 63 futuristic-looking overwater and beach villas with spacious living areas, private infinity pools, and jaw-dropping Red Sea views. Guests want for nothing. Expect dedicated, personalized service, chef-driven dining experiences, world-class water sports, and a long list of other guided activities. Privacy prevails here, and you’ll likely never brush shoulders with other guests.
Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort
Photo: Anantara
- Location: Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
- Why it’s notable: Accommodations on a private peninsula surrounded by beaches and natural mangroves
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Couples and family vacationers
- Price: From $230
This new, five-star Anantara on Al Marjan Island officially opened in January, adding a new dimension to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism landscape. With a diverse range of accommodations, including luxurious villas, suites (some set within traditional riads), and standard rooms, the eco-resort caters to a wide range of travelers, from couples seeking a romantic getaway to families looking for a fun-filled vacation. The jam-packed menu of excursions like kayaking in the surrounding mangroves, cruising in the Arabian Gulf with a sunset dinner, visiting an Emirati pearl farm, and hot-air ballooning over the desert means you can quickly elevate a stay here with add-on experiences and explore the region. But if relaxation onsite is more your style, there are six restaurants and bars, multiple swimming pools (including an infinity pool overlooking the beach and a dedicated children’s pool), an Anantara Spa, a padel court, and a yoga pavilion.
The Lana, Dorchester Collection
Photo: The Lana, Dorchester Collection
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Why it’s notable: The first Middle East hotel for the lauded hotel group The Dorchester Collection
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Business travelers
- Price: From $445
Luxury and The Dorchester Collection go hand in hand. The Lana is the first Middle East hotel for the group, located in Dubai’s Business Bay by the Marasi Marina with views of Downtown Dubai across the water. This is Dubai, where flashy displays reign supreme. The Lana is a bit more understated in a quiet luxury way — though that leaves plenty of room for high-end touches: a tucked away bar focused on honey based cocktails called Bitter Honey, a cigar bar with a vinyl soundtrack, refined gold accents and art throughout, and restaurants led by world-renowned chefs. Days on the rooftop pool can seamlessly transition to afternoon tea at Bonbon Cafe, where pastries and sandwiches are paired with specific brews. On the 29th floor sits Dubai’s first Dior spa.
Mandarin Oriental, Muscat
Photo: Mandarin Oriental, Muscat
- Location: Muscat, Oman
- Why it’s notable: A seaside hotel that focuses on local culture throughout the design, art, and spa
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Money-is-no-object travelers, the culturally curious
- Price: From $375
Skyscrapers are forbidden in Shatti Al-Qurum, the seaside district of Muscat and new home of the Mandarin Oriental Muscat. The height limits create a relaxed vibe in the area and on the beach out front. Sea breezes cool the outdoor terrace in the high-ceilinged lobby. Inside, marble floors and water features join art (think metal sculptures, weaving, and colorful friezes) inspired by Omani culture. The rooms also draw design inspiration from the location with woven tapestries behind the beds and geometric mosaics in the bathrooms. Certain spa treatments focus on Omani frankincense, pomegranate, and rose. Dining concepts reflect Oman’s position as a center of trade with Vietnamese, Greek, and Italian dishes — though seasonal local seafood is a highlight — with an indoor cocktail bar for hot months and an aperitivo bar with an outdoor terrace in the winter. Mandarin Oriental Muscat’s location is close to the capital city’s historic center and modern seafront, with the Muscat Royal Opera House nearby and waterfront spots a short stroll away.
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat
Photo: Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat
- Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Why it’s notable: An adults-only escape that brings Greek sensibilities to the Gulf
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Money-is-no-object travelers
- Price: From $735
A hotel where the destination is the property itself. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is an adults-only property with 22 rooms and suites, located about halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The spot away from the bustling cities adds to the seaside vibes shaped by low-rise white buildings on the beach. Gulf views abound. The luxury and hospitality that Anantara is known for is on full display with an infinity pool, 24-hour butler service, and two signature restaurants: one focused on Arabic cuisine where ordering off menu is encouraged, another that highlights coastal Greek food. The Anantara Spa tops off the feeling of ultimate escape with a mix of Eastern and Western treatments.
North America
Moxy St. Petersburg Downtown
Photo: Marriot
- Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Why it’s notable: First rooftop pool deck in the Edge District with a poolside bar
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Culturally curious and city explorers
- Price: From $249
St. Petersburg, Florida, is experiencing a surge in its hospitality scene, and the latest addition is the stylish Moxy St. Pete. The new lifestyle hotel, located on the vibrant Central Avenue in the Edge District, is an excellent option if you’re looking for a reasonably priced downtown stay with an edge. Designed by Storyn Studio for Architecture, the Moxy St. Pete has 163 guest rooms and suites featuring the brand’s iconic, playful, and colorful design. The rooftop pool deck, the first of its kind in the Edge District, has cabanas and a fun poolside bar, Sip ‘n Dip, where you can sip a cocktail and a enjoy elevated bar snacks while taking in the views of the city skyline. Also coming soon to the hotel’s rooftop is the Sparrow bar, whispered to become one of the city’s coolest nightlife hangs for visitors and locals.
Origin Hotel Kansas City
Photo: Origin Hotel Kansas City
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
- Why it’s notable: The first hotel located on the Missouri River’s Berkley Riverfront
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: City explorers and sports fans
- Price: From $199
This new, stylish, pet-friendly boutique hotel, located on the historic Berkley Riverfront, is owned by The Thrash Group and operated by Tandem Hospitality Group. The hotel’s prime location, just steps from the CPKC Stadium, makes it the perfect base for exploring the city’s attractions and attending sporting events. Nods to the city’s love for sport can be seen throughout, with vintage baseball card accents, soccer-field-inspired carpeting, and a retail store selling t-shirts and sweatshirts for KC teams. For onsite dining, there’s Show Pony, an Americana-inspired restaurant serving up delicious local cuisine from small plates to hearty entrees, and the bar offers a selection of handcrafted cocktails. As well as featuring local artists, the hotel has some extra amenities — complimentary bike rentals and a variety of in-room perks, such as yoga kits and pup packs for furry friends — plus the hotel’s partnership with the social sports league, KC Crew, provides guests with exclusive access to nearby riverfront activities, including tailgating and volleyball court rentals.
The Dunes on the Waterfront
Photo: Katie Nielson
- Location: Ogunquit, Maine
- Why it’s notable: 21 private and exquisitely decorated seafront cottages
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Seclusion seekers and adventure enthusiasts
- Price: From $1,000
Open since Memorial Day weekend, The Dunes on the Waterfront consists of 21 cottages carefully spaced out on 12 acres of waterfront lawns. The setting is akin to that of a village up in heaven, with impeccable lawns, flower beds, and seashell paths connecting all the beautiful cottages. With names like Rose, Daydreamer, Seagrass, and Blueskies, and a decor that seems straight out the best issue of Martha Stewart’s Living, the cottages are incredibly charming but also very homely. The size of the cottages varies. Some can accommodate a maximum of two guests (one bedroom) while others can welcome up to six travelers (three bedrooms), but all have a kitchen, a private patio, a wet bar, and a gas-burning fireplace. 13 of the 21 cottages have a screened porch. To complete the quaint picture, there’s a private dock with complimentary kayaks, row boats, paddleboards, and a pontoon boat to bring guests back and forth across the tidal river to Ogunquit Beach.
Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Photo: Sandals Resorts
- Location: Buccament Bay, Saint Vincent
- Why it’s notable: An all-inclusive resort with overwater and waterfront villas on one of the lesser-visited islands of the Caribbean
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Couples and island hoppers
- Price: From $409
Opened in March, Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is the 18th Sandals resort property and the first one to open in the Caribbean country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is an over-the-top, adult-only, all-inclusive resort home to 11 restaurants, nine bars, and four pools (including a heart-shaped one). SCUBA diving and snorkeling equipment is available to all guests, and there are also complementary Hobie Cats, paddleboards, and kayaks for days on end playing in and on the water. There are 15 different room categories, the most luxurious of which is the two-story overwater villa with its panoramic views of the sea starting at $1,220 per person per night, but even the most affordable option, the Bamboo Palm Room priced at $409 per person per night, has a large balcony with spectacular views and a private outdoor soaker tub.
The Chateau at Nemacolin
Photo: The Chateau at Nemacolin
- Location: Farmington, Pennsylvania
- Why it’s notable: A luxurious slice of European hotel life in Pennsylvania with elevated amenities and a kid-friendly environment
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts, money-is-no-object travelers, and family vacationers
- Price: From $617
After extensive renovations and expansions, The Chateau at Nemacolin has returned with gumption. Expect Ritz-style grand suites, vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and impeccable service with the addition of an ice cream parlor, art studios, a kids club, and Nightcap — a new venue serving craft cocktails with cabaret entertainment. A stay at The Chateau will transport you to 18th-century France without leaving the Pennsylvanian countryside of the Allegheny Mountains. The opulent resort has something for all: rope courses, rock climbing, tubing, skiing, the award-winning Woodlands Spa, two championship golf courses, sommelier-led wine tasting (and a 12,000-bottle wine cellar), and five-star farm-to-table dining. If traveling with family, a stay at Nemacolin will be one they will cherish.
Amet Nature Retreat
Photo: Amet Nature Retreat
- Location: Baja California Sur, Mexico
- Why it’s notable: A wellness retreat where it’s easy to connect with nature and rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Wellness enthusiasts
- Price: From $1,075
There’s a time and a place for high-tech wellness treatments, but when you have nature on your side, like Amet Nature Retreat does, most of the healing comes from the surroundings — wellness amenities are an added bonus. Amet Nature Resort is situated within a lagoon, and although it’s very secluded, it’s only a half-hour drive from San José del Cabo airport. There are three room types, including the Tierra King Suites, Tierra Queen Suites, and the luxurious Aqua Luxury Tent, all surrounded by towering palm trees swaying against the backdrop of the distant mountain range. One of its standout offerings is the Detox package for two, which includes ayurvedic spa treatments, chakra balancing, cleansing massages, yoga, and the opportunity to soak in the mineral-rich hot springs of a nearby national park. Or you can simply book a room and add one-off experiences like bird watching at dawn, kayaking with meditation, guided stargazing, cacao ceremonies, and a host of local wellness and beauty treatments.
Arlo
Photo: The Arlo
- Location: Washington, DC
- Why its notable: The first Arlo boutique to open in DC
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Business travelers, the culturally curious, and culinary afficionados
- Price: From $170
- Location: Naples, Florida
- Why it’s notable: A draw for a younger, hipper crowd to Florida’s gulf coast
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Culinary aficionados and friend groups
- Price: To be announced
- Location: Jackson, Wyoming
- Why it’s notable: After a massive fire, the luxury hotel reopened with Western-inspired art and an Eastern-inspired spa
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts and wellness wanderers
- Price: From $333
- Location: Cancún, Mexico
- Why it’s notable: Marriott’s first foray into the all-inclusive game
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Family vacationers and budget-conscious explorers
- Price: From $383
- Location: Long Beach, Washington
- Why it’s notable: Japanese camping brand Snow Peak bring its chic aesthetic to the States
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts and budget-conscious explorers
- Price: From $55
- Location: Jackson, Wyoming
- Why it’s notable: Luxe cabins with the state’s famous “big sky” views – and no kids in sight
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts, money-is-no-object travelers
- Price: From $1,000
- Location: Waikiki, Hawai’i
- Why it’s notable: The first adults-only hotel on Oahu
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Couples and seclusion seekers
- Price: From $195
- Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Why it’s notable: An historic building turned into food-centric accommodations
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Culinary aficionados, the culturally curious
- Price: From $183
- Location: Charleston, South Carolina
- Why it’s notable: A luxury inn in the oldest neighborhood in Charleston
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Culturally curious and city explorers
- Price: From $212
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Why it’s notable: Ground-breaking sustainability measures in the heart of the city
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Sustainability-focused travelers and city explorers
- Price: From $299
- Location: Torres de Paine, Chile
- Why it’s notable: All-inclusive hotel packages including excursions into Torres de Paine National Park
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts
- Price: From USD $2,160 per night for two and USD $1,100 per night for an individual
- Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Why it’s notable: The historic landmark building Edificio Mihanovich turned into a hotel with stunning views of the Río de la Plata
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Couples, the culturally curious, and city explorers
- Price: From $220
- Location: Georgetown, Guyana
- Why it’s notable: A budget-friendly hotel that shows Guyana is ready to welcome travelers
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts
- Price: From $416
- Location: Valle Colca, Perú
- Why it’s notable: Perú’s first tented luxury camp is one of the best ways to explore the Colca Canyon
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts, money-is-no-object travelers
- Price: From $1,100
- Location: Hahndorf, Australia
- Why it’s notable: A new, immersive, modern cabin stay in the countryside of South Australia
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel:Family vacationers, solo travelers, and couples
- Price: From $315
- Location: Yamba, Australia
- Why it’s notable: Everything you could hope for from a less crowded, seaside stay on Australia’s coast
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Adventure enthusiasts
- Price: From $400
- Location: Brisbane, Australia
- Why it’s notable: A new luxurious go-to for business travelers in Brisbane
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Business travelers
- Price: From $264
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
- Why it’s notable: Post-punk interiors inspired by the culture of Melbourne’s Fitzroy neighborhood
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: The culturally curious
- Price: From $160
- Location: Auckland, New Zealand
- Why it’s notable: Stand-out views over Auckland’s harbor in the already bustling Commercial Bay precinct
- Type of traveler who will love this hotel: Business travelers and city explorers
- Price: From $216
Arlo has made a name for itself among people who love hotels with character with its locations in New York City, Miami, and Chicago. Arlo brings its acclaimed boutique concept to DC in November. In the heart of the Judiciary Square neighborhood, this 445-room property occupies the historic site of The Harrison Apartments, the city’s oldest-known surviving conventional apartment complex, which Arlo Hotels is meticulously restoring and preserving. It’s ideal for those visiting DC for work — Arlo Washington DC offers convenient access to Union Station and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The hotel will feature an indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge and pool, four meeting rooms, a restaurant and bar, a “Bodega” café and lounge, and an interior courtyard for socializing. The city is abuzz about its opening and preservation of an historic property, so expect to see as many locals lingering at the bar as there will be visitors.
The Perry Hotel
Photo: The Perry Hotel
The Perry Hotel Naples is a highly anticipated new boutique resort opening in Naples. This 160-room property promises both ground-level and rooftop pools, a seventh-floor open-air rooftop bar, and a full-service restaurant featuring panoramic water views. Boasting a modern industrial design with local touches, the hotel overlooks the Cocohatchee River and has direct channel access to the Gulf of Mexico and Wiggins State Park. The property also features a two-story lobby with a state-of-the-art fitness center, a coffee bar that the hotel hopes will become a neighborhood hangout for locals as well as guests, and a casual tapas restaurant. With its expansive pier featuring a scenic marina with eight boat slips, you’ll also be able to enjoy easy access to the river through what the hotel has dubbed its “nature conservation area.”
The Rusty Parrot
Photo: The Rusty Parrot
The Rusty Parrot may sound like a low-priced tiki bar, but it’s actually an extremely upscale boutique hotel a few blocks from the antler-covered town square of Jackson. Following a five-year complete rebuild after a massive 2019 fire, the hotel reopened in 2024 with a larger footprint and updated amenities, including a wildlife-viewing deck and a roomy spa with plenty of unique treatments. However, it still pays homage to the original hotel with Western art salvaged from the destroyed building, rustic decor, and a revamped version of the much beloved Wild Sage restaurant. Don’t miss the tasty free cookies in the hotel library each afternoon.
Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort
Photo: Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort
Yes, the word “all-inclusive” is actually in the name of the hotel. But as long as you don’t mind a hotel that’s a bit heavy on branding, the resort in Cancún’s hotel zone may be a great place for an easy beach escape or add-on to a longer trip, especially for East Coasters with direct flights. It’s the first resort designed by Marriott from top-to-bottom to be fully inclusive, with non-motorized ocean sports, multiple restaurants (including a beach cafe that looks straight out of Tulum), art workshops, outdoor evening movies, and even a daily “tamale ritual.” Room types range from simple to luxe, but everyone gets access to the sweeping beach and pool facilities, regardless.
Snow Peak Campfield Long Beach
Photo: Snow Peak Campfield
Snow Peak is a camping brand based in Japan, known for highly rated (and high priced) outdoor gear. Fortunately for US travelers, the new Snow Peak Campfield in coastal Washington state offers the chance to camp on the Snow Peak-managed property for less than the cost of the brand’s titanium French press. The campground includes BYO tent sites, permanent tent sites, and Japanese-inspired tiny houses. Overnight guests get access to an onsen-style bathhouse (also available to day visitors) and plenty of space, since the property is designed with “kacho fugetsu” in mind. It translates to the general idea of finding personal growth and discovery by observing and being surrounded by nature.
Hotel Yellowstone
Photo: Hotel Yellowstone
Jackson Hole is close to family-friendly destinations like Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, which is probably why it’s one of the most crowded resort towns in the US come every July. But if you prefer your Grand Teton views paired with Champagne and oversized soaking tubs rather than family bus tours and photo ops, you may want to pony up for a room at Hotel Yellowstone. It’s the first and only adult-only hotel in Jackson and is about 15 minutes by car from downtown. Available on the resort’s four acres are an indoor pool, a high-end restaurant, and a concierge that can create bespoke activities like horseback riding tours or stargazing sessions (though the stargazing from the cabins is amazing most nights without the need to leave your porch).
Romer House Waikiki
Photo: Romer House Waikiki
There aren’t many adults-only hotels on Oahu. Romer House Waikiki, in fact, is the first on the island and the third in Hawai’i overall. It joined the family-friendly Romer Waikiki at The Ambassador sister property this year. The beach is a bit of a walk by Hawaiian resort standards (about eight minutes), but that means the 18-and-up feel isn’t interrupted by the screams of kids watching their sand castle wash away in the waves. Inside, mid-century design and local art dominate, while the pool area outside has a bar slinging upscale cocktails and Japanese-Hawaiian bento boxes and snacks. Izakaya 855-Aloha is the key restaurant, and you’ll find Japanese-Hawaiian inspiration here, too, with small plates and cocktails flowing into the next morning on weekends.
Kimpton Santo
Photo: White Lodging
Old meets new at the recently opened Kimpton Santo from White Lodging. The hotel is part of the luxury and lifestyle portfolio from IHG Hotels, and sits between Downtown and Southtown San Antonio. That puts it squarely between the arts and business. On the historic side, a 19th-century German-English schoolhouse has been revamped into rooms and amenities, and eight suites are in the historic building complete with patios overlooking the courtyard with century-old oak trees. The property’s signature restaurant, Dean’s Steak & Seafood, occupies another historic building. But the decore, event spaces, three other food and drink spots, and outdoor atrium feel anything but dated. Tenfold Rooftop on the top floor focuses on tequila and mezcal, with a food menu highlight of the 10-course prix-fixe featuring 10 dishes inspired by 10 different locations around the world.
The Ansonborough
Photo: The Ansonborough
Charleston’s The Ansonborough reopened this September under new ownership after an extensive renovation project. The hotel’s building was constructed in 1901 as a stationer’s warehouse. The new-look boutique hotel’s recent multi-million dollar renovation was spearheaded by award-winning Studio 11 Design. Expect historical elements such as exposed brick walls, wood beams, and antique tilework harmonized with sleek furnishings and contemporary lighting. There are also a couple of notable additions in terms of food and drink: the Scarborough & Squirrel bar has a decent cocktail and wine menu (as well as a hidden poker room), and there’s the Rooftop Garden, which offers stunning views of the city skyline, including the iconic Ravenel Bridge.
Populus
Photo: Studio Gang
There’s never been a hotel like Populus in the outdoors-focused Denver. In fact, there are few hotels like it anywhere in the world. It’s the country’s first carbon positive hotel, situated near downtown’s top restaurants, bars, and museums. From the roof there are unobstructed views of the mountains and city from the restaurant and bar, complete with a garden and terrace. The operational carbon footprint is offset by reforesting efforts (over 70,000 trees planted in nearby Gunnison County alone) and agriculture collaborations that sequester more carbon than the building emits, and sustainable design and construction helped lower emissions during the building phase. The “forest floor” lobby is connected by a curved staircase to the second floor “understory” with meeting spaces and the gym. Two restaurants join the rooftop bar in the 265-room property. A nature theme, naturally, defines the hotel with rooms taking names like Grove and Aspen. The rooms are as eye-catching from the outside as the inside thanks to eye-shaped windows — many of which curve into a seating nook.
South America
Hotel Las Torres
Photo: Las Torres Patagonia
Torres de Paine is one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. Because of this, accommodation (trekking permits and park guides) can be booked up far in advance, with Chilean nationals and visitors looking for a base while trekking and wildlife spotting. Built on the Las Torres reserve, the countryside property of Hotel Las Torres is a family-run business that aligns perfectly with the national park’s environmental conservation efforts. Once a Patagonian cattle ranch, the all-inclusive hotel recently underwent an extensive renovation with new accommodations and offers guests packages including meals and board, airport transfers, and as many activities — excursions into the National Park with bilingual guides (park entrance included) and visits to nearby ranches and BBQs — you can fit into your stay. Each of the 74 rooms has views over the Torres del Paine landscape and the wild horses that roam freely on the reserve.
Casa Lucia
Photo: Casa Lucia
Casa Lucia, the latest addition to the Único Hotels portfolio, offers a luxurious and stylish retreat in the heart of Buenos Aires. The mid-range contemporary hotel is housed within the historic Edificio Mihanovich, a landmark building that once held the title of the tallest structure in Latin America. Located on the prestigious Calle Arroyo, Casa Lucia offers guests stunning views of the Río de la Plata and the city skyline. Many of the 142 rooms and suites have balconies with outdoor showers, sun loungers, and al fresco dining areas, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful Buenos Aires weather in privacy. The hotel’s culinary offerings are equally impressive. Casa Lucia’s Cantina Restaurant serves a delicious menu of authentic Argentine cuisine, and the bar, Le Club Bacan, has a curated selection of over 400 Argentinian wines. As expected with a hotel of this size, there’s the benefit of a spa, gym, and pool.
Aiden by Best Western Georgetown Guyana
Travelers may be surprised to see a Best Western property with such a high price-tag, especially in a new-ish tourism destination like Guyana, but the Aiden hotels aren’t your average Best Westerns. And the newly opened Aiden in Guyana’s capital of Georgetown leans into a boutique hotel feel with richly colored rooms, an onsite restaurant and cocktail lounge with a rooftop terrace, co-working space, and more. It’s the first of many new hotels planned to open in Guyana, a country poised to be one of the next big places in adventure tourism in the coming years. Travelers can use the Aiden Guyana as a jumping-off point for wildlife trips to find giant anteaters and jaguars, packrafting and whitewater trips, or tours to local Amerindian villages.
Puqio
Photo: Puqio
The southern Andes of Perú is home to one of the country’s most visited natural wonders, The Colca Valley. The valley is the gateway to Colca Canyon. Deeper than the Grand Canyon, it is home to ancient Incan ruins, diverse local cultures, a fascinating biodiversity, and the Andean condor. Puqio is Perú’s first glamping-style tented camp and offers guests an immersive experience in the valley with safari-style luxury all-inclusive accommodations and expert-led guided tours around the valley and into the canyon. Peruvian culture is at the heart of this establishment. The tents are locally designed, dining is inspired by the surroundings, and the guides know the valley and its treasures inside out. If you’re traveling to see the impressive condor in flight, keep in mind April to November will offer you the best conditions.
Oceania
CABN Hahndorf
Photo: CABN Hahndorf
A stay at CABN is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Australia’s countryside. The brand’s new location near the picturesque village of Hahndorf is surrounded by vineyards and the rolling hills of South Australia. The off-grid, sustainable, eco-friendly stays sleep two to four guests, depending on the cabin size. Each accommodation has a private outdoor area with a patio and barbecue facilities, providing a tranquil space to relax and enjoy the fresh air of the Adelaide Hills.
Il Delfino Seaside Inn
Photo: Il Delfino
New South Wales has some of the best beaches in the world. The heavyweights around Sydney and Byron attract a year-round crowd, but you can still find local spots along the coast with small seaside town vibes. Yamba is one of these places. The town in the Northern Rivers region has grown up from the sleepy fishing village it once was. Despite developments, the surf community is thriving, and there’s zero pretension here. The charming Il Delfino opened this May, welcoming guests to stay in its Mediterranean-inspired suites and standalone bungalow. Owner Sheree Commerford, a fashion stylist and designer, has preserved the original elements of the 1940s shore-front building to give it a retro feel and coupled that with an effortless beach chic interior with calming natural and earthy tones.
The Star Grand Brisbane
Photo: The Star Grand Brisbane
The Star Grand was one of the most anticipated openings of 2024 in Australia. The luxurious five-star resort is the centerpiece of the $1 billion-plus Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the Brisbane River and offers 340 elegant rooms, ranging from river or city-view standard accommodations to opulent penthouse suites. Each features luxurious touches, including signature bedding, rain showers, and state-of-the-art technology. The Star will quickly become the go-to for business travelers who want a hotel stay of this caliber close to the CBD with on-site resort extras like the brand’s award-winning Japanese restaurant, Sokyo.
The StandardX
Photo: The StandardX
Melbourne is new territory for the always-cool Standard International hotel group. In a similar vein to The Standards of Miami, Bangkok, and New York, the hotel group chose well with its Fitzroy location in Melbourne’s coolest neighborhood. Fitzroy’s new design-focused abode will undoubtably attract the trendy kids, but the brand’s dedication to personalized service has gained a broader loyal customer base. Melbourne-based interior design firm Hecker Guthrie was in the driving seat for the vibe, taking inspiration from the Little Band scene — the post-punk movement of the neighborhood. On-site dining will draw a crowd, too. BANG, the all-day Thai restaurant run by chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya, is open to the public, and The Roof, an exclusive guest-only hang, offers dining with a panoramic view of the city.
InterContinental Auckland, an IHG Hotel
Photo: IHG Hotels & Resorts
The InterContinental Auckland, a luxurious addition to the city’s skyline, opened to the public this summer. Within the prestigious Commercial Bay precinct, the hotel has one of the best waterfront locations in the city close to excellent shopping and restaurants like renowned Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spot Advieh, and New Zealand’s best burger joint Burger Burger. The 139-room hotel’s decor has local touches throughout with Whariki woven panels adorning the rooms — a collaboration with Auckland’s Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei weaving collective. With breathtaking city and water views, this mid-range InterContinental promises to the a new go-to for those visiting for a weekend getaway or business trip. 