Most anticipated hotel openings of 2020

January 10, 2020 7

Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.

Today (January 10, 2020): The most anticipated hotel openings of 2020.

Last month, I published my list of the best new luxury hotels of 2019. Today, I share with you the 60 hottest luxury hotels that are expected to open their doors in 2020. Some of these hotel openings are managed by the world’s most exclusive hotel brands. Please keep in mind that hotel openings do get delayed from time to time, so to avoid disappointment, try not to book a room before the hotel effectively opened.

There is more information and direct link to the hotel websites below the slide show! Think I missed one? Leave a comment!

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1. SIX SENSES NEW YORK, USA

Six Senses New York, the group’s first North American property, is a key element of The XI – two unique, twisting towers designed by world-renowned architect Bjarke Ingels in an unparalleled location in between Manhattan’s Hudson River and The High Line. Guestrooms and suites designed by celebrated Parisian firm Gilles & Boissier will be temporary in style, offering every modern convenience wedded to a calm ambience of natural-hued fabrics and furnishings. Two restaurants will showcase the brand’s popular culinary approach to wellness by serving fresh, seasonal and locally-sourced produce and ingredients. Six Senses Spa will introduce a layered approach to wellness with treatments that are an intuitive mix of science and human awareness, where a high-tech and high-touch approach is crafted around the individual.

2. AMAN NEW YORK, USA

The Crown Building on Fifth Avenue building is one of the most expensive, if not sought-after blocks in the world and has presided since 1921 over the midpoint of Manhattan, overlooking Central Park. The fourth through tenth floors of the building will be occupied by the new Aman hotel, while the 11th floor and above will be transformed into 20, Aman-branded residences, crowned with a five-story, near-14,000-square-foot penthouse that will be priced in excess of US$100 million. The new Aman will also encompass an extraordinary three storeys Aman Spa, with a dramatic indoor swimming pool surrounded by fire pits and daybeds as its centrepiece. Two Spa Houses will provide guests with an all-encompassing spa journey, encompassing a double treatment room, sauna and steam rooms, and an outdoor terrace with cabana, daybed and fireplace. It will be Aman’s third property in the USA, after Amangani in Wyoming and Amangiri in Utah.

3. CAMP SARIKA BY AMANGIRI, UTAH, USA

Amangiri is a super-de-luxe desert retreat located in Canyon Point, Utah, surrounded on all sides by a gorgeous desert landscape, including mysterious canyons and brightly-colored rock formations. To celebrate its first decade, Amangiri is set to open Camp Sarika by Amangiri- an upscale hotel experience unlike any other. Sarika will debut in April in the high desert surrounded by mesas and the raw wilderness of the Utah landscape. A five-minute drive across the desert from Amangiri, Camp Sarika’s collection of 10 elegant and spacious one- and two-bedroom pavilions will elevate the wilderness experience to one of peerless comfort and privacy. Complementing the clean lines and natural material palette of Amangiri’s suites, the generously proportioned pavilions will each have indoor living and dining areas, as well oversized terraces with fire pits and heated plunge pools.

4. NOBU HOTEL CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Nobu Hotel Chicago will be conveniently situated on Randolph Street in one of the city’s fastest growing neighborhoods and home to the famed “Restaurant Row.” The hotel will be brought to life through its architecture, which playfully blends elements of old world Japanese art and new world utilitarian, creating a sense of accessible sophistication. With tastefully appointed guest rooms and suites, a signature Nobu Restaurant, and the new-concept Nobu Rooftop, Nobu Hotel Chicago will be the perfect destination for a stylish stay in one of the Windy City’s culinary hubs. Just a few blocks from Nobu Hotel Chicago, guests will also be able to get a full gastronomic experience going from sushi bar to sports bar, bakery to brewery, wine tasting to taquería, or by checking out the nearby Chicago French Market, the city’s only year-round, indoor marketplace.

5. HALL ARTS HOTEL DALLAS, TEXAS, USA

Spread out over 19 city blocks, the downtown Dallas Arts District is a vibrant hub for all things cultural, where world-renowned, Pritzker Prize-winning architects I.M. Pei., Norman Foster, and Rem Koolhaas have created temples to opera, sculpture, theater, art, the symphony, and more. In the center of this creative enclave will be HALL Arts Hotel. Created by renowned developer Craig Hall with noted architecture firm HKS Inc. and designers Bentel & Bentel, the boutique retreat will both reflect and complement the soul of the Arts District with contemporary, design-forward spaces and works of art from the extensive in-house collection displayed throughout. From the stylishly designed rooms and suites, guests will enjoy soaring views of Dallas. A culinary exploration will await each guest with a menu as carefully curated as the art collection.

6. FOUR SEASONS RESORT NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA, USA

With its on-site vineyard, vine-to-table restaurant, wellness spa and farmhouse-style accommodations, Four Seasons Napa Valley promises to be the perfect base for a wine country getaway. The new hotel will be located in the charming community of Calistoga, just 90 minutes and yet a world away from San Francisco, the Bay Area and Sacramento. Designed by Napa’s own Erin Martin and with just 85 accommodations, it will be an intimate retreat that invites guests to explore the natural beauty that surrounds it.  Within the resort, couples and families will enjoy a full service spa, several outdoor pools, a kids club and fine dining venues.

7. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO AT EMBARCADERO, CALIFORNIA, USA

Beginning in 2020, former Loews Regency San Francisco will be managed by Four Seasons following renovations. Housed on the top 11 floors of the 48-storey building (the city’s fourth tallest), the hotel’s 155 rooms and suites afford enviable skyline views including the Coit Tower and Transamerica Building, and sweeping views of the Bay, including landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Once renovations are complete, the hotel will also offer an all-day restaurant and bar and a well-equipped fitness centre including treatment rooms. With an entrance at 222 Sansome Street, the hotel is centrally located in the city’s financial district and walking distance to Union Square, SoMa and San Francisco’s tallest building, Salesforce Tower.

8. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL NEW ORLEANS, USA

Within the World Trade Center, the new Four Seasons will be located next to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, financial center, French Quarter, and Warehouse District, with clear views of both the city and the Mississippi River. Following extensive renovations, the World Trade Center will be refreshed with a new podium and public spaces, as well as the 341-room Four Seasons Hotel and 92 private Four Seasons Residences on the top floors of the building. The hotel will also encompass meeting and event spaces, four food and drink outlets, retail spaces, spa facilities, and a rooftop pool. Both public and private spaces will be filled with natural light with most featuring views of the adjacent Mississippi River.

9. MIRAVAL BERKSHIRES, MASSACHUSSETS, USA

The third full-fledged Miraval resort will be set on 380 acres estate in Lenox, which was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the famous landscape architect who created New York’s Central Park. Indoor walkways will ensure guests can enjoy the property year-round. At the central hilltop, Tudor-style Wyndhurst Mansion will be home to 148 rooms and suites. There will be no shortage of mindful wellness experiences, including the brand’s signature transformative equine experiences; the Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen; and the Body Mindfulness Center featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment, daily classes, yoga, and Pilates.

10. AMBIENTE, A LANDSCAPE HOTEL, SEDONA, ARIZONA, USA

A first of its kind in North America, Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel will be uniquely designed to blend in with the mystical red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. and will give guests the opportunity to experience and embrace the natural beauty that surrounds them in one of the world’s most stunning locations. Ambiente will be comprised of 40 cubed-shaped guest Atriums that are elevated above the ground by steel piers and constructed using floor-to-ceiling, bronze-tinted glass and matte-charcoal and rusted metal. At dusk, the tinted glass will reflect the nature around it creating stunning, mirrored silhouettes. The Atriums’ sleek and contemporary design will embody elegant minimalism and the utmost in luxurious accommodation.

11. RIGGS WASHINGTON DC, USA

Riggs Washington DC will sit on the iconic downtown corner of 9th and F Street in the USA’s capital, inside a historic building once home to Riggs National Bank, known as the “Bank of Presidents.” The property will feature 181 guest rooms and suites – each inspired by the mysteries and delights evoked through private safety deposit boxes – in addition to an all-occasion European brasserie-inspired café, as well as a bar from the internationally-acclaimed, London-based Mr Lyan team. Designed by Jacu Strauss, the creative director of Lore Group, Riggs will plays on the line between public and private spaces and what happens in them.

12. ONE&ONLY MANDARINA, MEXICO

Woven seamlessly into the diverse, dramatic vistas of one of Mexico’s last tropical beachfront jungles in Riviera Nayarit, One&Only Mandarina will provide the perfect balance between chic treehouse seclusion and One&Only’s signature vibrant atmosphere. Palm-fringed sands, emerald cliffsides and swimmable shores will nurture an environment consciously crafted for human connection. Shaded under the emerald canopy, no two rooms or views within the treehouse resort will be the same and yet all will offer unparalleled seclusion, always within reach of the buzz and atmosphere of laid-back living. The resort’s restaurants will offer a range of Mexican and internationally inspired culinary experiences amidst the dramatic cliff face, jungle canopy and expansive ocean setting.

13. NAYARA TENTED CAMP, COSTA RICA

Nayara Tented Camp will feature 18 luxury tents; 12 of them will be mirror image tents linked together to create a spectacular two bedroom unit that can accommodate two couples or a couple and four children. Set high on the hill and with spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano, the luxury air-conditioned tents will feature plunge pools fed with natural hot springs, an outdoor shower, wooden floors, a four-posted bed with a canopy, and a spacious bathroom with an oversized tub. Other highlights of the camp will include a welcoming tent, swim-up bar, large family friendly pool, and a new gourmet restaurant with an expansive terrace to celebrate the Costa Rican rainforest.

NAYARA TENTED CAMP, COSTA RICA

14. AWAKENING RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

Awakening will be located on the shores of the Laguna Nopalitos on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, 19 km/12 miles south of Tulum, one of Mexico’s most popular and fastest growing tourist destinations. Laguna Nopalitos looks like a Caribbean beach but actually is a “Cenote” filled with crystal clear fresh water. Fed by one of the world’s largest underground river systems, it is surrounded by extensive, uninhabited mangrove and jungle. The name itself, Awakening, promises a transformational travel experience. Guests here will not stay in hotel rooms but in “capullos” or futuristic looking cocoons. Re-connecting to this moment is what Awakening will essentially be all about.

AWAKENING RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

15. ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The iconic Rosewood Little Dix Bay is currently undergoing a comprehensive, multi-million dollar restoration, which will be the most substantial beautification project since the resort was founded by Laurance S. Rockefeller over 50 years ago. The restoration will include the complete redesign of the resort’s guestrooms and suites, its three restaurants and overall enhancements to the resort’s gardens and landscaping. The renewal will honor Laurance S. Rockefeller’s unique vision of a luxurious hideaway set amidst the pristine backdrop of Virgin Gorda, and bring about a new level of sophistication in keeping with the natural setting, whilst introducing brand new signature suites for the ultimate in relaxation and style.

ROSEWOOD LITTLE DIX BAY, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

16. SECRETS ST MARTIN, ST MARTIN

The company Secrets’ all-inclusive brand is coming to St Martin with a new resort, which has been previously operating as a Riu before Hurricane Irma. The former Riu Palace St Martin will undergo a $20 million renovation designed by Luis Pons before it reopens in 2020. The 350-room adults-only resort will be set on the beautiful Anse Marcel in St Martin, about 35 minutes from St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport. The property will be located on a private enclave with views of Anguilla. The resort will have the largest pool in the Caribbean. The renovation will also add a rooftop pool with ocean views, along with swim-out suites and other enhancements.

SECRETS ST MARTIN, ST MARTIN

17. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MADRID, SPAIN

Welcoming, cosmopolitan and vibrant, Madrid is a city to fall in love with, and the new Four Seasons Hotel Madrid will position you right in the heart of everything that makes it so dynamic. A historical landmark redefining elegance, sophistication and urban luxury, the Four Seasons property will be home to 200 accommodations, including 39 suites, four restaurants and bars including an expansive roof terrace, a cutting-edge spa, stylish function spaces and luxury retail. Reviving the glamour of Madrid’s golden age, Four Seasons will create a new experience of luxury for a new era in the Spanish capital.

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MADRID, SPAIN

18. THE AIRELLES CHATEAU DE VERSAILLES, LE GRAND CONTROLE, FRANCE

Built in 1681 by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the architect of King Louis XIV, Le Grand Contrôle is imbued with French history, and found right in the heart of the Château de Versailles. From spring 2020, this building will re-open as a luxury hotel, offering guests behind-the-scenes access to the Domaine de Versailles, the palace and the Petit Trianon. There will be 14 luxury rooms and suites, featuring an authentic decor that has been painfully restored. Guests will also be able to wander freely around the French gardens, as Le Grand Contrôle will have direct access to the Orangery and the Lake of the Swiss Guard. The property will also feature a chef Alain Ducasse led fine dining venue, serving haute-French cuisine that takes inspiration from recipes of the past, mixed with creativity and modern flair.

19. CHEVAL BLANC PARIS, FRANCE

Cheval Blanc, the hospitality arm of LVMH, manages several ultra-luxurious resorts in glamorous spots across the globe: St. Barth’s, Courchevel, St. Tropez. This April, they finally open one in the city they call home: Paris. Architect Peter Marino will transform La Samaritaine, the iconic department store that shuttered in 2005, into a stylish getaway on the edge of the Seine. The design will be inspired by the building’s Art Deco heritage, and filled with furniture displaying the finest French craftsmanship. With only 72 rooms and suites, Cheval Blanc Paris will be a confidential haven where lovers, families and friends meet. The property is sure to become a culinary tour-de-force as well: the restaurant will be helmed by the three-star Michelin chef Arnaud Donckele.

20. KOZMO HOTEL BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Located within an emblematic building near Budapest’s Grand Boulevard, Kozmo Hotel Budapest will be a reinterpretation of classic luxury. The hotel’s alluring design will also evoke a sense of home to create a unique guest experience upon arrival. Taking advantage of the distinctive elements offered by the original building, the interior will host magnificent high ceilings and historical elements including antique frames and crown moldings. Kozmo Hotel Budapest’s prime location just steps from Dohány Street Synagogue and the Great Market will provide a chic gathering place for travelers and locals alike.

21. MANDARIN ORIENTAL PALACE, LUZERN, SWITZERLAND

Mandarin Oriental will manage and re-brand an existing hotel on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. The property is currently undergoing an extensive renovation and will re-open as Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern at the end of 2020. The iconic Hotel Palace Luzern first opened in 1906 and is located in the heart of the city, on the shores of Lake Lucerne. The multi-million-dollar renovation will include the restyling of all guestrooms and suites, the redesign of the public areas, as well as the landscaping of the gardens. Once reopened, the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern will comprise 146 rooms and suites offering views of the lake and mountains. There will be a restaurant and a bar together with a variety of social and meeting facilities and a spa and fitness room.

22. ONE&ONLY PORTONOVI, MONTENEGRO

Located in the heart of Boka Bay, One&Only Portonovi will be a secluded coastal retreat surrounded by fjord-like natural beauty. With Venetian-inspired architecture meeting state-of-the-art design, the resort will offer a wide range of accommodations, from havens for just two to family rooms and suites, and the signature Villa One that will sleep up to seven. Each space will feature generous indoor and outdoor living to savor mesmerizing views of surrounding bay, gardens and mountains. Three onsite restaurants will serve authentic Montenegrin dishes, Asian fusion cuisine in a vibrant pool club setting, and rustic Italian fair respectively. Leisure facilities will include six distinct resort pools overlooking spectacular vistas, a private sandy beach, and a high end spa.

23. CASTELLO DI RESCHIO, ITALY

Castello di Reschio is a slice of timeless Italy. A grand estate huddled amidst the rolling green hills of Umbria, this is a place made for romantics and intrepid travellers alike. Imagine centuries-old stone and Cypress trees wreathed in mist. In July 2020, the castle will open its door as a hotel. Rooms will come courtesy of nine bespoke farmhouses dotted across a 1,500-hectare landscape. Each one will have been exquisitely renovated, with vintage furniture complementing the original stone. Guests will be able to feast on locally-inspired dishes at the Alle Scuderie restaurant, which will use homemade produce – including honey, olive oil, pasta, and wine. The property will also feature a large private swimming-pool and state-of-the-art tennis courts.

24. ONE&ONLY KEA ISLAND, GREECE

Situated in a 65-hectare beachfront site on the west side of Kea island of the Cyclades, this ultimate ultra-luxury lifestyle experience will include 75 resort villas, as well as One&Only Private Homes available for purchase. Kea is the closest Cycladic island to Athens and is accessible by ferry or speed boat from Lavrio Harbour. A post-modern Greek island, the One&Only resort on Kea will be inspired by the azure ocean waters, providing contemporary Greek elegance, celebrating the incredible natural elements of Greece and the Cyclades. The stylish resort will also be home to 3 restaurants, two bars and an indulgent destination spa, introducing traditional and holistic practices fused with modern spa therapies, with overall wellness at its core.

ONE&ONLY KEA ISLAND, GREECE

25. PALACE ELISABETH, HVAR, CROATIA

Situated in the heart of Hvar directly above city hall, Palace Elisabeth will present spectacular views overlooking the marina and main square. The heritage hotel is considered a historic landmark with history dating back to the 13th century and stunning Venetian and Austrian architectural details. In 1899, the palace was rebuilt under the name Spa Hotel Empress Elisabeth, after the famous Austrian Empress Sisi, a generous patron of the hotel’s construction. With respect to the hotel’s rich history and tradition, the property will now be called Palace Elisabeth and will feature luxurious rooms and suites with stunning details and unique design, an indoor swimming pool, terraces, and a spa, all with unparalleled views of the town and harbor.

26. ARCTIC BATH, LAPLAND, SWEDEN

Arctic Bath will be a year round hotel, summertime free-floating and wintertime frozen on Luleriver. Activities will include cold baths, saunas, wellness-spa treatments, reception, shop, lounge, a restaurant focusing on local ingredients, and wellness with an own arctic touch.  The circular shape of Arctic Bath will create a protected environment. The center of the bath will be great for both sunbathing, arctic baths and for those who wish to experience the northern lights or starry skies in a harmonic setting. To complete your experience you will be able to stay in one of the 6 spectacular floating hotel rooms.

27. THE REYKJAVIK EDITION HOTEL, ICELAND

The 250-room Reykjavik EDITION hotel will be located on the harbor waterfront in the heart of downtown Reykjavik, immediately adjacent to Harpa, the city’s award winning concert and conference hall. Edition combines the personal, intimate, individualized and unique hotel experience that Ian Schrager is known for, with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott International. Marriott International will manage the hotel under a long-term agreement.

  • Official website: not available yet
  • Opening date: not specified

THE REYKJAVIK EDITION HOTEL, ICELAND

28. SIX SENSES SHAHARUT, ISRAEL

Six Senses Shaharut will open in spring 2020, south of Israel’s Negev Desert and featuring just 58 suites and villas with one Retreat Villa. Designed to integrate into the desert topography and preserve the natural terrain, the villas will be built from, and inspired by, local rock and pigments, and the landscaping will feature cacti and indigenous desert blooms. Six Senses Spa Shaharut will include single and double treatment rooms plus male and female steam, sauna and hammams. On-site attractions will include the fascinating Earth Lab, camel stables and an open-air amphitheater. The extraordinary desert setting will present a host of activities from overnight camel camping to extreme sports, hiking, jeep safaris and wine tours.

  • Hotel website: not available yet
  • Opening: spring 2020

SIX SENSES SHAHARUT, ISRAEL

29. JUMEIRAH MUSCAT BAY, OMAN

Jumeirah Muscat Bay will consist of two hotel components, one consisting of 206 rooms and the other of 106 rooms, both located in the picturesque cove of Bandar Jissah, near Qantab, nestled between the Hajjar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. The resort will lie 15 minutes south of the city center and 40 minutes from Seeb International Airport. The overall development will include a 1,200 m2 Talise spa, a dive center, a wide range of sports and leisure facilities, a selection of restaurants, bars and cafes and a kids club. The resort will also include conference and banquet facilities to cater for Oman’s growing attraction as a destination for conferences, meetings and large scale events. The resort will form part of a larger development that includes high-end residential townhouses and villas, taking advantage of some of the most beautiful, unspoilt coastline in the Middle East.

  • Hotel website: not available yet
  • Opening: not speciefied

JUMEIRAH MUSCAT BAY, OMAN

30. THE RITZ-CARLTON RABAT, DAR ES SALAM, MOROCCO

The beauty of the Moroccan landscape and culture will be at the center of the experience at The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar es Salam. Landscaped gardens, 440 acres of oak forest and the renowned course at Royal Golf Dar es Salam will set the backdrop for a collection of luxury amenities. Five restaurants and lounges will offer distinct interpretations of local cuisine, and the spa will draw from ancient rituals to offer treatments including the signature hammam. The resort will benefit from 120 guest rooms, 15 one-bedroom and five, two-bedroom villas, expected to appeal to dignitaries and government delegations from around the world.

THE RITZ-CARLTON RABAT, DAR ES SALAM, MOROCCO

31. ST REGIS TAMOUDA BAY, MOROCCO

Located in the stylish epicenter of Tamuda Bay on Morocco’s northwestern coast, the St Regis Tamuda Bay will exude Moroccan charm and pay tribute to the Andalusian cultural legacy through elevated design, exceptional service and unique food and beverage offerings. Poised to become the city’s best address, the St. Regis Tamuda Bay will offer easy access to one of the world’s most magnificent beaches. The hotel will include 100 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms and suites with unobstructed sea views and will feature hallmarks of the renowned brand, including the signature St. Regis Butler Service. The resort’s sophisticated culinary offerings will include a specialty restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant featuring a wide range of gourmet selections, and an iconic St. Regis Bar inspired by the King Cole Bar at the brand’s flagship in New York. Leisure facilities will include a spa, pool, and state-of-the-art fitness center.

32. THE ST REGIS CAIRO, EGYPT

The St. Regis Cairo will draw guests to the heart of Egypt’s modern metropolis on the north end of Corniche Road. With sweeping views of the Nile River and proximity to fine shops, restaurants and the pyramids, the hotel will reign as Cairo’s finest address. Michael Graves’ contemporary design will embrace traditional architectural flourishes and graceful geometric lines throughout the hotel’s restaurants and lounge, pools, spa and 23,000 square feet (2.155 square meters) of meeting and conference space. Guests will be able to relax in residential style in 292 lavishly furnished rooms, including 63 suites.

THE ST REGIS CAIRO, EGYPT

33. XIGERA SAFARI LODGE BY WILDERNESS SAFARIS, BOTSWANA

The completely rebuilt Xigera (“kee-jera”) will be a bold new safari lodge set in the heart of the Okavango Delta on the aptly named Paradise Island. Opening in June 2020, it will be surrounded by deep channels and lush vegetation within a remote area of the productive Moremi Game Reserve. For much of the year this magnificent area epitomizes the permanently flooded areas of the Okavango Delta, with palm-filled islands, riverine forests, interwoven channels and expansive floodplains. With just 12 suites showcasing the finest southern African artisans, Xigera has been innovatively designed to protect its pristine environment; it will be 100% solar powered, with a dedicated focus on sustainability and eliminating single use plastics. Every spacious suite will be fully air conditioned.

34. KISAWA SANCTUARY, BENGUERRA ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE

Slated for a 2020 opening on Benguerra Island, Mozambique, Kisawa Sanctuary seeks to blend wilderness and service together to create a unique luxury resort. A combination of twelve one-, two- and three-bedroom bungalows, plus the “Kisawa Residence”, will be positioned within a 750-acre stretch of forest, beach and sand dunes at Kisawa Sanctuary. Each bungalow will be individually housed within its own one-acre plot, offering maximum privacy, minimum disturbance and optimum appreciation for the natural environment. A spa specializing in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda will be the wellness heartbeat of the place, housed in a thatched building inspired by island design. Naturalists will feel at home here, since the island is home to more than 145 bird species.

35. THE HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

The Houghton is a brand new hotel ideally situated in Johannesburg’s upscale Houghton Estate neighborhood. Sitting at the apex of a prestigious Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, and well-placed near all major shopping and business hubs, the hotel will be designed as a home away from home to deliver the utmost comfort and service during your stay. The property will overlook 168 acres of private secure parkland, which includes jogging paths, a fitness and health club, a spa and indoor and outdoor pools. The hotel will also provide access to extensive business meeting facilities, a restaurant and dining rooms, a cocktail lounge, delicatessen, and café culture.

  • Official hotel website: The Houghton
  • Opening date: not specified

THE HOUGHTON, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

36. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TOKYO AT OTEMACHI, JAPAN

Set to become a landmark hotel in one of the best locations in the city, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi will offer 193 rooms and suites on the 34th to 38th floors, five all-new food and beverage concepts all located on the 39th floor, an top floor spa including a 25 m (82 ft) pool, and a total of more than 1,300 sq m (14,000 sq ft) of event space including a ballroom and four smaller meeting rooms on the building’s 3rd floor. Renowned architect and designer Jean-Michel Gathy is responsible for the look and feel of the new Hotel In addition to facing the Imperial Palace, the Hotel is adjacent to Otemachi Station, directly connecting to four Tokyo Metro lines, with JR Tokyo and Kanda Stations within walking distance.

37. PARK HYATT NISEKO, HANAZONO, JAPAN

Scheduled to open in January 2020, Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono will set a new benchmark for luxury hotels in Niseko, Japan. Showcasing international architecture and interior design, exceptional accommodations, exquisite culinary offerings, sophisticated works of art, and the legendary service of the Park Hyatt brand, Park Hyatt Niseko will offer a refined and sophisticated experience in one of Asia’s most renowned ski, golf and summer lifestyle destinations. Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono will feature meeting spaces, spa and wellness facilities, swimming pool, and priority access to the Hanazono golf course.

PARK HYATT NISEKO, HANAZONO, JAPAN

38. THE CHEDI, MUMBAI, INDIA

This year, General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM) will bring The Chedi brand to the hospitality market in India’s wealthiest city. The Chedi Mumbai will be situated in close proximity to the Powai region, an area where infrastructure developments, connectivity and social groundwork have laid the foundation for the growth of a diverse expatriate community. Visitors to India’s City of Dreams can look forward to The Chedi Mumbai’s 316 generously sized guestrooms, five outstanding restaurants that will cater to the discerning palates of the well-heeled traveller, extensive meeting facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, and a holistic spa and wellness facility.

THE CHEDI, MUMBAI, INDIA

39. SIX SENSES FORT BARWARA, INDIA

Historic Rajasthan will be the setting for the 14th century fort that has been beautifully converted to become Six Senses Fort Barwara, a three-hour drive from Jaipur. Originally owned by the Rajasthani Royal Family, it will sit directly opposite the temple, Chauth ka Barwara Mandir. The sensitive conservation effort will feature 48 suites and will incorporate a palace and two temples within the walled site that reinterprets the gracious and regal ambience of a bygone era. Two restaurants will serve classic dishes and modern cuisine incorporating fresh local ingredients, together with a bar and lounge. A 30,000 square foot (2,800 square meter) Six Senses Spa and fitness center will be located in the original women’s palace and will feature an extensive Ayurveda program, meditation and Six Senses Integrated Wellness programs. There will be two swimming pools, banqueting areas, retail boutique and kid’s club.

  • Hotel website: Not available yet
  • Opening: mid 2020

SIX SENSES FORT BARWARA, INDIA

40. HARDING BOUTIQUE HOTEL, SRI LANKA

Situated in Ahangama on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, just a 30-minute drive from the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, this new hotel will feature an architecture that is inspired by the tropical modernism design pioneered by Geoffrey Bawa, the influential Sri Lankan architect. Surrounded by coconut groves, Harding Boutique Hotel will have sweeping open spaces amidst lush greenery. The six suites will be equipped with king beds, rain showers, sea-facing tubs and balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean. A hotel highlight will be the open-air roof terrace for taking in the views.

41. ALILA KOGGOLA, SRI LANKA

Alila Koggala will be an ecological escape set amid stunning views and lush serenity, where environmentally sustainable practices, the finest lifestyle experiences and beyond- expectation service infused with locally influences make for an unforgettable stay. The resort will be located in southern Sri Lanka, on Koggala Lake in Habaraduwa, just five minutes from the famed Ahangama Beach and a 20-minute drive along the coast from the city of Galle and its World Heritage-listed Galle Fort. The 35 suites and villas at Alila Koggala will offer luxurious living in naturally beautiful surroundings with exquisite views of the lake – a heavenly setting for an exclusive lifestyle experience. Environmentally conscious architecture, interior design and landscaping will immerse guests in the absolute height of contemporary comfort and thoughtful luxury.

  • Hotel website: Not available yet
  • Opening: not specified

ALILA KOGGOLA, SRI LANKA

42. ONE&ONLY DESARU COAST, MALAYSIA

A 128-acre beachfront development, One&Only Desaru Coast will be located in a premium integrated destination located in the south-eastern region of Malaysia, in the state of Johor. Inspired by the azure ocean waters and lush tropical landscape, the property will provide modern Malaysian elegance, showcasing the incredible natural elements of the region. Like all properties within the One&Only collection, the resort, designed by award-winning architectural firm, Kerry Hill Architects, will place an emphasis on privacy, providing the ultimate hideaway. There will be 42 suites, 2 luxury suites and an exclusive 4-bedroom villa. The resort will also be home to an indulgent spa, introducing traditional and holistic practices fused with modern spa therapies.

43. WALDORF ASTORIA BALI, INDONESIA

From a prime cliff-front location high above sea level, the Waldorf Astoria Bali will offer superb panoramic views of the Indian Ocean all around. In keeping with Waldorf Astoria’s storied history, guests will have a choice of 96 luxurious villas set on a sprawling 13-hectare estate, ranging from one-bedroom villas to six-bedroom suite villas. The master plan for the resort embraces its hilly terrain, and shapes it even further with villas laid out in concentric layers, terracing down the hill to the cliff’s edge. This will allow each villa to retain views of the majestic deep-blue horizon while logically organizing circulation paths. Waldorf Astoria Bali moreover will feature the finest dining experiences including two specialty restaurants and a destination bar. A stunning outdoor sea-facing pool with a beach club, a private beach as well as a health club and spa will be available to guests.

  • Hotel website: Not yet available
  • Opening: not specified

44. THE LEGIAN SIRE, LOMBOK, INDONESIA

Nestled on Lombok’s most pristine beach, The Legian Sire will be a boutique suite and villa resort with stunning views of the famous Gili Islands. Exuding barefoot luxury, all suites will boast 1,200-square-feet overlooking the ocean, and the resort will feature two large infinity pools. The Club by The Legian Sire will offer highly personalized butler service and a strong sense of exclusivity, with carefully appointed pool villas, eight beachfront villas, and a beach house with direct access to the white sandy beach. A holistic philosophy of bespoke spa treatments, including vitality pools, nutrition and fitness programs, will be tailored to balance the body and soul. The hotel’s three dining venues, including a vegetarian restaurant, will make the most of the hotel’s organic fruit and vegetable gardens. Diving, watersports, surfing, trekking, golfing, and sunset cruises will provide for unforgettable memories.

  • Hotel website: Not yet available
  • Opening: mid 2020

45. JUMEIRAH BALI, INDONESIA

Jumeirah Bali, located on the southern tip of the exclusive Jimbaran District, will look out onto the pristine sands of the renowned Dreamland surfer’s beach and is adjacent to Bali’s exclusive New Kuta Golf Course. Consisting of 80 spacious hotel suites and 25 private villas, and set amidst lush, tropical gardens, Jumeirah Bali will feature architectural designs reflective of Bali’s rich cultural heritage and will be modelled after an ancient Javanese-Hindu water palace. The resort will offer a variety of fine international and local cuisines in three restaurants. It will offer Jumeirah’s signature Talise Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The resort will also feature an exclusive cliff-top wedding venue that captures stunning sunset views.

  • Hotel website: Not yet available
  • Opening: not specified

JUMEIRAH BALI, INDONESIA

46.PARK HYATT JAKARTA, INDONESIA

Park Hyatt Jakarta will be located in the heart of Jakarta at MNC Center, Kebon Sirih. To provide guests with a strong sense of place that complements and connects to the local culture, Park Hyatt Jakarta will feature a modern interpretation of Indonesia’s rich craftsmanship, traditional techniques and indigenous materials. Through contemporary art, architectural and styling elements in the interior spaces, Park Hyatt Jakarta will provide a fresh perspective of modern day Indonesia. The property will occupy the top 20 floors of the 37 floor mixed-use building development by MNC Land, which will ensure panoramic views of the city. Featuring five premium food and beverage outlets, Park Hyatt Jakarta will also bring world-class dining and entertainment options to the city.

PARK HYATT JAKARTA, INDONESIA

47. CAPELLA BANGKOK, THAILAND

Situated along the east bank of the majestic Chao Phraya River, Asia’s most revered waterway, Capella Bangkok will be a window to the eternal source of life for Bangkok and the artery of Thailand. Sensitively designed to offer panoramic views of the river, all 101 suites and villas will allow guests to appreciate the prominence of the estate while indulging in a rejuvenated waterfront lifestyle experience. Inspired by the vibrancy and cultural significance of the River of Kings, Capella Bangkok will be a contemporary interpretation of the ancient Thai culture. Each one of the 101 ultra-luxurious suites and villas will reflect the capital’s urbane cityscape enhanced by a rich tapestry of Thai heritage and elegance. Unobstructed views of the river throughout the hotel promise to bring a sense of tranquility despite being in the heart of a bustling gateway city.

CAPELLA BANGKOK, THAILAND

48. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL BANGKOK, THAILAND

Set along 200 m (650 ft) of uncluttered riverfront, designer Jean-Michel Gathy has designed the soon-to-open Four Seasons Bangkok Hotel, which will integrate successive indoor and outdoor spaces through a series of cascading buildings, courtyards, terraces and water along Charoenkrung Road. The property offers 299 guest rooms including suites with garden terraces and an extraordinary, two-storey Presidential Suite; an urban spa with a focus on mind, body and soul; two infinity pools overlooking the river; thoughtful amenities for families including a fully-supervised complimentary kids club; a private boat dock; and world class culinary offerings.

49. BANYAN TREE KRABI, THAILAND

Singapore-based Banyan Tree, one of Asia’s foremost luxury hotel groups, will open a new resort in Krabi in the second quarter of 2020. Currently under development in a serene location on Tubkaek Beach, a scenic 45-minute drive from Krabi Airport, Banyan Tree Krabi will front powdery white sands and the shallow-shelved coast of the Andaman Sea. The new Thai resort will offer 72 pool suites and villas, among them seven 2-bedroom options and one three-bedroom villa. Facilities will include all-day dining, a ballroom, a wedding chapel, a beach club, a kids’ club, and a fitness center. In keeping with Banyan Tree’s holistic branding, the resort will also host a rainforest-themed spa.

banyan tree krabi

50. HOTEL OKURA MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Located near Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, 188-room Hotel Okura Manila will be conveniently situated within Resorts World Manila, an integrated resort owned by Travellers International Hotel Group Inc. As a gateway to Makati City, a financial district in the Philippines, the hotel will offer easy access to Manila’s business and leisure centers. Hotel Okura Manila will be a state-of-the-art resort destination distinguished by its sophisticated Okura-style hospitality. It will offer numerous dining options, including traditional Japanese, all-day dining and a bar. Guests will enjoy the comforts of spacious rooms, as well as a pool and fitness facility.

51. DUSIT THANI LAGUNA, SINGAPORE

Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore will be located within the grounds of the acclaimed Laguna National Golf & Country Club, just 10 minutes by car from Changi International Airport and 15 minutes from downtown. Comprising 198 tastefully-decorated rooms and suites plus eight pavilions showcasing the best of contemporary design, this luxurious hotel will also include an all-day dining multi-ethnic restaurant, a pool bar and grill, a Dusit deli and Laguna National’s award-winning The Nest restaurant. Among other facilities will be a fully-equipped gym, 3 swimming pools, three tennis courts, a putting green, and Devarana Spa. Guests will also enjoy easy access to the Driving Range and two championship golf courses – the Masters and the Classic.

52. BAI SAN HO, VIETNAM

Located in Phu Yen (Vietnam) on a 98-hectares of garden, Bãi San Hô will be a first-rate holiday resort, opening in the second half of 2020. Surrounded by spectacular hills and lush vegetation, this discrete peninsula lies far away from the mainstream tourist paths, in the province of ình Định standing out with its soul and historical authenticity. The luxurious resort will have 71 suites & villas, built according to three different architectural styles, each of them melting into the lush natural background. The “hill pool villas” are reminiscent of Eden tribes, “beach pool villas” evoke the Cham tribes and the “cluster villas”, lying next to the rice paddies, are built on traditional stilts. With 3 restaurants and 2 bars set in different atmospheres, Bãi San Hô will also turn every stay into a culinary voyage.

53. FUSION SUITES VUNG TAU, VIETNAM

Fusion’s newest hotel, Fusion Suites Vung Tau, is set to open in southern Vietnam’s popular coastal playground. The new 21-storey property will feature 171 well-appointed suites and apartments, a multitude of dining options, a spa, yoga studio, and a rooftop infinity pool. The property will offer views of the ocean, and will complement the setting with playful interiors dressed in sea green, ocean blue, and a wide range of ocean-inspired hues in between. For dining options the hotel will have a Fresh restaurant (open all-day), a rooftop bar, and market stalls in the lobby. The property’s 12 treatment room spa will be inspired by the sea and will feature signature therapies based around salt. Conveniently located in the heart of Vung Tau, the hotel will be a short trip by boat or road from Ho Chi Minh City.

54. AZERAI KE GA BAY, VIETNAM

The luxurious and secluded oceanfront retreat Azerai Ke Ga Bay is set to open in April as the third property in Vietnam in Azerai Resorts’ growing portfolio. The 55-room resort, which will succeed Princess D’Annam Resort & Spa on the same site following a six-month renovation, is located 180 km (112 mi) east of Saigon on a sweeping white sand beach on the South China Sea. Framed to the north by Hon Ba Island, with its historic 1899-built colonial French lighthouse, and to the south by soaring sand dunes, the property will cultivate one of the most naturally splendid oceanfront settings in the country. The guest rooms, suites and villas will evoke a contemporary aesthetic defined by elegant and simple design, with many units boasting either plunge pools or more spacious private pools. Azerai was formed by hotelier Adrian Zecha, better known as the founder of Aman resorts.

55. SHILLA MONOGRAM DANANG, VIETNAM

South Korea’s Hotel Shilla Co. will open its first outlet under its new hotel brand Shilla Monogram in Da Nang, popular sea-vacationing destination for Koreans in Vietnam. Set atop the tranquil sandy beachfront between Danang city and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, the resort will be a convenient 20-minute drive from both sites. The property will be a nine-story building with 300 rooms. Perfect for families on vacation, the resort will offer four outdoor swimming pools of different sizes, suitable for kids and adults alike. Guests will be spoilt for choice with the resort’s variety of dining options: the Dining M Restaurant will offer a range of all-day dining experiences, while the Bistro M will be a poolside restaurant offering a breezy dining experience by the sea.

56. ANCIENT HUE, VIETNAM

When people refer to a room being “fit for a king”, they are usually talking figuratively. Not so in the case of Ancient Hue, a luxury boutique complex of authentic ‘nha ruong’ (garden homes) about to be unveiled in Hue, Vietnam’s former royal capital. The five ancient royal houses at the resort were originally used as dwellings for members of the extended imperial families. Beautifully restored by skilled Vietnamese artisans, the garden homes will feature an exquisite fusion of traditional charm and contemporary luxury. Ancient Hue is owned and conceived by Trails of Indochina, one of Southeast Asia’s leading boutique tour operators.

57. THE RITZ-CARLTON JIUZHAIGOU VALLEY, CHINA

Ritz-Carlton plans to open this year the first all-villa property in one of China’s earliest UNESCO world heritage sites, Jiuzhaigou Valley. Located on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau in South West China, the property will enjoy striking views close to multi-level waterfalls, blue lakes and verdant forests for which the 72,000-hectare nature reserve and national park is famed. Juizhaigou Valley which translates as the Valley of the Nine Village Forts, is a land of Chinese legend and folklore, with stories of its creation embedded deeply in the customs of the local Qiang and Tibetan tribes. The Ritz-Carlton, Jiuzhaigou, will feature 87 stunning villas with panoramic views over the valley and the snow-capped Min Mountains. The three restaurants and lounges will feature stone-paved terraces with fire pits for evening relaxation.

THE RITZ-CARLTON JIUZHAIGOU VALLEY, CHINA

58. W CHENGDU, CHINA

Discretely nestled in Chengdu’s Central Gaoxin District, one of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods, W Chengdu will feature 297 fully reimagined and reinvigorated signature W rooms, each one styled in a sleek modern Chinese design that draws inspiration from local Chengdu elements. All rooms will have sophisticated essentials that blur the line between work and play as guests transition from day and prepare for a night ahead. Echoing an escapist theme, the guest journey will be dotted with artfully compelling encounters. This will be particularly evident with the larger-than-life nature motifs at AWAY Spa, FIT and WET. Whether savoring Chinese cuisine at Yao Yen or pan-Asian delicacy at Zing, reaching new heights of glamour at Spark rooftop bar, or sipping a cocktail in the sleekly stylish Living Room, guests will be encouraged to explore and indulge.

  • Hotel website: W Chengdu
  • Opening: early 2020

59. THE TASMAN, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, HOBART, AUSTRALIA

The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart will reside in repurposed heritage buildings in Parliament Square, a new design-led, urban development that is set to revitalize the neighborhood, uniting the city’s unique past with its contemporary culture. Upon opening, The Tasman will boast 128 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites with carefully restored features, including original windows, floor boards and fireplaces. The hotel’s corridors will showcase exclusive pieces from local artists, while an upscale restaurant, lobby lounge, and whiskey bar will offer a variety of dining experiences that reflect the spirit of the destination. The original features of the heritage buildings will be revived for today’s luxury traveler by Sydney-based hospitality interior design firm JPDC.

THE TASMAN, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, HOBART, AUSTRALIA

60. SEQUOIA, ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA

In September 2020, nestled in the highlands of the glorious Adelaide Hills and afoot the iconic Mount Lofty House estate, a brand new and elegant sanctuary will open its doors for the first time: Sequoia at Mount Lofty House. The property will offer 14 contemporary, luxurious suites with breathtaking views and an impeccable, personal and deeply heartfelt service that leaves nothing to be desired. Every room within the suites will feature these views through a spacious open-plan design and brings in nature through local Basket Range sandstone-clad fireplaces and exterior walls. Sequoia guests will have access to a private lounge that offers a fantastic view from its stunning deck and heated plunge pool.

  • Hotel website: Sequoia
  • Opening: September 2020

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7 Comments

  2. Unique and important information ! I’m immensely grateful our dear The Great Expert !
    I appreciate Your friendly attantion and help !

  3. Wow these are all absolutely gorgeous! If only it was possible to visit every single one in a lifetime – talk about travel goals. Thank you for this inspirational list.

  4. Beautiful list, Madrid, Versailles and Bangkok sound particularly exciting ! Thank you !

  5. Capella Maldives, Alila Maldives ( Hyatt website states 2020 opening date) and Royal Atlantis Dubai is opening this year too.

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