The most anticipated hotel openings of 2024
As we enter February, the TPG team has already been on the road exploring the latest and greatest destinations. One of the key ways we determine where we want to go in 2024 is by evaluating the new hotels that will open in the coming months — and in a year when the hospitality industry will see hundreds of new properties open their doors across the globe, narrowing down our hit list is no easy task.
We're excited about hotly anticipated openings from major points chains like Hilton and Marriott, new hotels from luxury darlings like Four Seasons and Rosewood, and dozens of independent brands debuting new outposts and restoring and renovating existing properties. From family-friendly resorts near beloved theme parks to luxury overwater bungalows in far-flung paradises, we've got some incredible properties in store for you this year.
If you're not sure how to start when it comes to planning, that's where we come in. Our team of hotel experts has been hard at work determining which hotels we're most excited to check in to in 2024 — and to share with you — and we feel confident that there is something for every type of traveler in our curated list of 56 properties. Whether you're looking for a budget-conscious hotel where your points can save you cash, a splurge-worthy luxe getaway on the other side of the planet or a boutique property in one of your favorite cities, this list is chock-full of hotels worth planning an entire trip around.
As usual, we'll do our best to test and review these properties over the coming year, so stay tuned as our team checks in and out of these stunning hotels around the world in the coming months.
Without further ado, here is TPG's official list of the 56 most anticipated hotel openings of 2024. — By Ellie Nan Storck
New hotels opening in the US
You might not have to venture far to find some phenomenal new hotels debuting right here in the United States.
Conrad Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Now open
Less than 3 miles from Walt Disney World sits the brand-new, 1,100-acre Evermore Orlando Resort, which is where you'll find the just-opened 433-room Conrad Orlando.
At the Evermore resort, there's an 8-acre lagoon with a zero-entry beach, which ensures fun for the whole family. Then, there's the Conrad Orlando, where the rooms take their design inspiration from Florida's freshwater springs and lean into ample natural light and a subtle earth-toned palette. This is also where you'll find the tranquil Conrad Spa, where you can head for a calming break away from the encompassing resort's energy. There, you can indulge in a wide array of treatments, along with a water garden and private soaking tubs, which make for a good intermission between 25,000-step days in the nearby theme parks.
Why we're excited: The Evermore resort and the Conrad Orlando within it bring a whole new destination for play and relaxation while just a complimentary shuttle ride away from Walt Disney World. We're especially excited to put Hilton Honors points to good use to stay there and then head out to float in the lagoon. — By Summer Hull
Rates at Conrad Orlando start at $500 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
The Dunlin
Johns Island, South Carolina
Expected opening: June 2024
Nostalgic images of rocking chairs, wraparound porches and sweeping marshland vistas come to life at The Dunlin, the newest Southern belle from Auberge Resorts Collection. We anticipate Lowcountry living at its finest at this resort, spread across 2,000 acres of waterfront along South Carolina's storied Kiawah River. After settling into one of the 72 luxurious cottage-style guest rooms and suites — or one of 19 white-washed villas — guests can soak up the sun from riverside pool cabanas, dine on farm-to-table cuisine and unwind at a full-service spa.
Why we're excited: With a whopping 20 miles of waterfront, 20 miles of nature trails and 2,000 acres to roam, guests will be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding how to spend their time outdoors at this Southern resort where, from the sound of it, time stands still. — By Ellie Nan Storck
Rates at the Dunlin are not yet available.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Expected opening: April 1, 2024
Sitting at the foot of the Smoky Mountains, America's most visited national park, Hilton's forthcoming Embassy Suites in Gatlinburg is sure to be another diamond in the family-friendly chain that's been reinventing itself with new resort properties in popular tourist destinations. This one, in particular, is a welcome addition to the all-suite portfolio, offering families plenty of space to spread out with multiroom, multibed suites, a zero-entry pool with a waterslide and lazy river, plus a restaurant and bar with poolside lunch service.
Why we're excited: Free made-to-order breakfast is waiting daily alongside a complimentary evening reception (involving snacks and beverages) for guests. — By Tanner Saunders
Rates at Embassy Suites by Hilton Gatlinburg Resort start at $190 or 52,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
Long Beach, California
Expected opening: Mid-2024
It's once again the roaring '20s — the 2020s, that is — at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach, a classic Hollywood luxury hotel wrapping up a comprehensive renovation. The hotel, a retreat favored by Elizabeth Taylor back in the day, will be reborn with 185 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool with an adjoining lounge that frames panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and a two-story wellness facility. Follow up your spa day by popping into the hotel's jazz club or Sky Room restaurant for the ultimate day of pampering. R&R has never sounded or tasted so good.
Why we're excited: Following the restoration of this historic boutique hotel, there isn't going to be a better spot in Orange County for a sunset cocktail than the 14th-floor rooftop bar and terrace. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach are currently unavailable.
Graduate Princeton
Princeton, New Jersey
Expected opening: Spring 2024
One of America's most idyllic college towns is getting an outpost of Graduate Hotels this year, which will partially inhabit a 1918 brick building, formerly used as a dormitory, just across from campus on Nassau Street. Dramatically upping the borough's bed count, the Graduate Princeton will have 180 rooms and suites decorated with Victorian-chic furnishings and playful nods to the town's history, like lamps modeled after Revolutionary War-era cannons. The 6,000 square feet of public space will include a tome-lined two-story library lounge decorated with a collection of the university's signature senior jackets and The Varsity Club, an all-day restaurant serving seasonal comfort food.
Why we're excited: A combination of baronial elements like a wood-carved welcome desk (complete with leaping tigers, of course) paired with signature Graduate touches like loaner bikes for exploring town should lend this hotel just the right balance of academic gravitas and collegiate spirit. — By Eric Rosen
Rates at Graduate Princeton are currently unavailable.
Hotel Bardo Savannah
Savannah, Georgia
Expected opening: Feb. 8, 2024
We have no doubt that the hip place to stay and socialize in Savannah for 2024 will be Hotel Bardo, the first property from hospitality and real estate firm Left Lane's new brand. The Bardo concept is described as a beacon for the well traveled, and Hotel Bardo looks to be a tailor-made haven for that demographic, with luxurious rooms and suites that lean into a less-is-more aesthetic (think warm pops of color, textured accents like green velvet couches, ample natural light and Frette linens). Each of the three on-site restaurants looks chicer than the last — guests can enjoy hand-made pasta at Saint Bibiana, poolside Mediterranean fare at Bar Bibi and morning coffee or a cheeky nightcap at the hotel's lobby bar, Green Room.
Why we're excited: Hotel Bardo looks to be worth planning a trip to Savannah around, but those who frequent this Southern city should look into the property's private club, Club Bardo, which gives members exclusive access to a private clubhouse, pool and fitness facilities along with perks like complimentary valet and house accounts. — By Ellie Nan Storck
Rates start at Hotel Bardo Savannah start at $297 per night.
Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts
Honolulu, Hawaii
Expected opening: February 2024
The former Trump International Hotel Waikiki in Hawaii is getting a rebirth into Hilton's LXR Hotels & Resorts family this year. Ka La'i Waikiki Beach gives Hilton Honors loyalists a prime opportunity to earn and redeem points in Hawaii, and a renovation of the hotel by the same team that worked on Claridge's in London is slated for next year. In the meantime, Hilton aficionados can enjoy the waterfront views, residential-style guest rooms and suites, and proximity to Honolulu's Luxury Row shopping mecca.
Why we're excited: It's the debut of LXR Hotels & Resorts in Hawaii, offering Hilton Honors guests a high-end option to redeem their points on Oahu. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at Ka La'i Waikiki Beach, LXR Hotels & Resorts start at $473 or 100,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Pendry Natirar
Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey
Expected opening: September 2024
Country estates aren't reserved for Europe, a la "Saltburn" or "Downton Abbey." In fact, there's a palatial estate in New Jersey where you can soon make a temporary home. Found in Somerset County, just an hour from New York City, this palatial, 33,000-square-foot Pendry set on 400 acres of protected land will offer 66 charming rooms and suites, a farm-to-table restaurant called Ninety Acres (that doubles as a cooking school), plus the Spa Pendry and everything else you'd want in the glamorous countryside, like a swimming pool, tennis courts, trails and even a kids club.
Why we're excited: It's a one-stop luxury resort where you can swap the stress of city life for the slow pace of the countryside while immersing yourself in nature or cuddling up with a cocktail near a roaring fireplace. — By Tanner Saunders
Rates at Pendry Natirar start at $591 per night.
Pixar Place Hotel
Anaheim, California
Now open
Originally known as Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, this property recently received a playful Pixar-themed makeover. Now, the reimagined Pixar Place Hotel has guest rooms and public spaces inspired by hit Pixar films, including "Toy Story," "The Incredibles" and "Wall-E." The guest rooms feature colorful concept art from Pixar films and family-friendly elements like sleeper sofas and ample storage space, while the aptly named Pixel Pool has a splash pad and 186-foot-long waterslide inspired by "Finding Nemo."
Why we're excited: In addition to being within walking distance of Disneyland, staying in an official Disneyland Resort Hotel comes with theme park perks like early entry, preferred access to dining reservations, room charge privileges and more. — By Tarah Chieffi
Rates at Pixar Place Hotel start at around $400 per night.
The Ranch Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley, New York
Expected opening: Spring 2024
Hudson Valley remains a hotbed of cool hotels, the newest being the second outpost from wellness brand The Ranch. The brand's debut property, The Ranch Malibu, captured the hearts (and shrunk the waistlines) of wellness-minded travelers — and we're sure the new East Coast retreat will do the same. Located in a historic estate with a striking Italian masonry stone facade, the 25-key property will offer three- and four-night stays that follow The Ranch's signature wellness programming, which includes hikes, plant-based meals, massages and the like.
Why we're excited: Aside from the allure of the "Brideshead Revisited" vibes exuded by this historic estate, we're looking forward to seeing the on-site solarium, which will boast 5,000 square feet and an indoor pool. — By Ellie Nan Storck
Rates at The Ranch Hudson Valley are not yet available.
Regent Santa Monica Beach
Santa Monica, California
Expected opening: Mid-2024
IHG's reinvention and expansion of the luxurious Regent brand arrives in the U.S. later this year, a return for the brand that largely evaporated from the U.S. after Four Seasons absorbed a hefty chunk of its portfolio in the 1990s. Details are largely under wraps, but Regent Santa Monica Beach is slated to be the brand's flagship in the Americas. Mere steps from the famed Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean, the hotel will be the latest instance of IHG spearheading a significant renovation of an existing hotel to usher in the new incarnation of Regent. Formerly a 347-room Loews-affiliated hotel, Regent Santa Monica Beach is slated to debut with around half that room count and an entirely new look to fit in with the broader Regent brand. We're already California dreamin' for this one.
Why we're excited: Just look at what IHG has done with the new Regent Hong Kong, Regent Phu Quoc and Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel as an indication of how high-end and service-oriented this hotel will be. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at Regent Santa Monica Beach are currently unavailable.
Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
Honolulu, Hawaii
Expected opening: March 2024
A remarkable new tower has joined the Honolulu skyline: Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa is the first newly built hotel in the city in some 25 years. The 39-story hotel will hold 299 guest rooms as well as residences in the East Tower of the new Sky Ala Moana development with floor-to-ceiling glass windows in an ultramodern setting. Some rooms feature full kitchens with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances. Guests will especially enjoy the Sky Terrace and Renaissance Spa, featuring a large gym, a glass-enclosed yoga studio, a 25-meter lap pool, a heated saltwater pool and two hot tubs. The spa will also boast Oahu's first traditional Japanese ofuro-style soaking tubs.
Why we're excited: The hotel will ply guests with Aveda amenities, a club lounge and Mercedes shuttle service. There will be five on-site dining options, like Mara, a Mediterranean restaurant featuring tapas and fresh fish. — By Clint Henderson
Rates at Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa start at $299 per night or 73,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
Signia by Hilton Atlanta Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta, Georgia
Now open
Towering over the sleek Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this 42-story, 976-room Signia is the largest ground-up hotel development in Atlanta in over 40 years — and it's making a mark on the city's skyline. There's a room type to fit every need, from standard rooms to wellness-centered rooms and even rooms equipped with Peloton bikes. And, with eight bars and restaurants ranging from an upscale Italian restaurant to a breakfast joint serving Southern breakfast favorites, there's also something to ingest or imbibe for every palate. And don't forget the soon-to-open spa, which should become a destination in its own right.
Why we're excited: With its proximity to Atlanta's major stadium and arena, it's a prime spot to stay within walking distance of major concerts and sporting events. — By Tanner Saunders
Rates at Signia by Hilton Atlanta Georgia World Congress Center start at $239 or 63,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
Longboat Key, Florida
Expected opening: Summer 2024
There is something magical about Florida's Gulf Coast barrier islands, and this summer, a brand-new luxury resort will call one of them home. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort — designed by SB Architects, HBA Miami and Marc-Michaels Interior Design — will take pride of place off Sarasota's striking coastline. The five-story, 166-room resort complex will offer a white-sand beach stretching 800 feet, a pool with private cabanas, a 20,000-square-foot spa plus a saltwater lagoon filled with tropical fish, turtles and stingrays. The $800 million project also includes 69 condo units.
Why we're excited: Two huge Galapagos tortoises will live under the resort's jacaranda tree canopy. We're not sure why, but we're intrigued! — By Andrea M. Rotondo
Rates at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort are not yet available.
The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel
New York City, New York
Expected opening: Summer 2024
On the ritzy Upper East Side, Corinthia Hotels is restoring a landmark hotel dating back to 1926 and bringing it into the 21st century — and up to Corinthia's posh standards. The brand's first U.S. property will feature 100 guest rooms and suites (plus 14 residences) and interior design by world-class design firm Martin Brudnizki. The hotel will also bring a taste of Miami's famed Casa Tua to New York, with the hospitality group opening a restaurant, bar and private membership club in the city.
Why we're excited: Once host to John F. Kennedy and Bette Davis, this storied hotel's latest incarnation will likely be just as celebrity-adorned as ever. — By Tanner Saunders
Rates at The Surrey, a Corinthia Hotel are currently unavailable.
Urban Cowboy Denver
Denver, Colorado
Expected opening: Late 2024
The hip Brooklyn brand with properties in Nashville and New York's Catskills will find a fitting home in Denver later this year when it debuts an 16-room Western-themed property in the trendy, restaurant-rich Capitol Hill neighborhood. Residing in the historic George Schleier Mansion, a glorious sandstone building that dates to the 1880s, Urban Cowboy will infuse the Queen Anne-style building's evocative original features with the Urban Cowboy brand's signature artistic verve and community-led ethos. If other properties are anything to go by, you can expect tufted leather chairs before a roaring fireplace, wooden floors covered with Native American print rugs, and an eclectic collection of locally inspired objects and motifs, like a carved wooden bighorn sheep decorating a fireplace mantel and cozy alcoves illuminated with candelabras. Individually styled rooms with custom wallpaper, headboards and throws will similarly channel Old West vibes, albeit with high-end amenities like clawfoot tubs and Wright mattresses.
Why we're excited: An intimate, one-of-a-kind property loaded with character that will feel truly immersed in its neighborhood and is sure to be a hit with locals as well as out-of-town guests. — By Caroline Lascom
Rates at Urban Cowboy Denver are not yet available.
The Vineta Hotel
Palm Beach, Florida
Expected opening: Late 2024
The Oetker Collection is opening its 12th property this year and will finally make its debut on U.S. soil with the reimagined Vineta Hotel, a Palm Beach icon with a decades-long history. True to the Oetker's aesthetic, The Vineta will embody timeless elegance, as seen in its classic Mediterranean Revival exterior, an immaculate courtyard and 41 light and airy accommodations designed by Tino Zervudachi (the go-to interior designer of the 1% of the 1%). With a location just minutes away from the ocean and a stone's throw from the town's galleries and shops, guests can look forward to an opulent stay at a transporting Mediterranean-inspired paradise within this ritzy coastal Florida destination.
Why we're excited: We look forward to experiencing the hotel's four bars and restaurants, including an alfresco concept in the iconic courtyard as well as the fully transformed (former) Leopard Lounge, both of which are sure to become the places to bask in one's own decadence — and sip a sea breeze cocktail amid that Palm Beach sea breeze. — By Ellie Nan Storck
Rates at The Vineta Hotel are not yet available.
W New York - Union Square
New York City, New York
Expected opening: Spring 2024
Whoever said W lost its cool factor (OK, we're guilty of this, too) needs to check in to W New York — Union Square this spring. A wide-ranging renovation of the Beaux Arts tower is nearing its finish, and guests will soon be able to experience the major glow-up that's a refresh for W Union Square and a symbol of a broader reimagining taking place across the entire W brand. Mercer Street Hospitality is behind Seahorse Restaurant, a destination seafood restaurant debuting in the renovated hotel. Guests can expect a renovated lobby and Living Room lounge downstairs, while guest rooms and suites upstairs are also getting an overhaul with design nods to New York City. It seems that W's sibling brand, Edition, has increased competition for being the life of the lifestyle hotel party.
Why we're excited: It's all in the Big Apple details with this renovation. Wall sconces in guest rooms are reminiscent of subway lighting, while chess tables pay homage to the games played outside in Union Square. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at W New York - Union Square start at $474 or 69,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Orlando, Florida
Now open
It's tough to improve on a classic, but the Waldorf Astoria Orlando's recent propertywide renovation will make guests fall even harder for this luxe resort that's just a 12-minute drive from Disney's Magic Kingdom. Parker-Torres Design was at the project's helm, which included a floor-to-ceiling reimagining of the lobby, all 502 guest rooms and 171 suites, a spa (with new treatments to debut throughout 2024), and the hotel's meeting and event spaces. The popular 18-hole Waldorf Astoria Golf Club also received a complete makeover.
Why we're excited: Destination restaurants Bull & Bear (an excellent steakhouse under the purview of chef Juan Suarez) and Peacock Alley (in all its art deco splendor with a new cocktail menu) have also been thoroughly refreshed. — By Andrea M. Rotondo.
Rates start at Waldorf Astoria Orlando start at $688 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Warren Street Hotel
New York City, New York
Now open
From Firmdale Hotels, the folks who brought New York City the charming and eclectic Crosby Street Hotel and The Whitby Hotel, comes the third entry in its design-forward Manhattan lineup. This time, the duo behind the brand, Kit and Tim Kemp, are taking to Tribeca to introduce 69 rooms and suites styled with Firmdale's signature patterns on top of patterns, varying pops of blues and bold prints that unexpectedly work together to create a cozy yet not-so-subtle space you'll love. The Kemps' striking design will also spill out to public spaces like a drawing room, Orangery Courtyard and the 150-seat, all-day Warren Street Bar and Restaurant.
Why we're excited: Hotels with proper, private outdoor spaces are hard to find in the "City that Never Sleeps," but this sure-to-be Tribeca staple has suites with private gardens or terraces. — By Tanner Saunders
Rates at Warren Street Hotel start at $925 per night.
New hotels opening in Canada
Venture north for some exciting new hotels where you can have fun all year-round.
Moxy Banff
Banff, Alberta
Expected opening: March 7, 2024
Nestled among the Canadian Rockies, Moxy Banff turns back the clock with a retro, midcentury modern ski vibe. From a groovy restored 1966 Volkswagen food truck to nontraditional rooms with toe-to-toe beds and double bunks, guests will find that the views inside this playful hotel are just as eye-catching as the ones outside.
Why we're excited: With a balcony overlooking the beautiful mountain peaks, a heated patio and outdoor pools, this hotel can be enjoyed all year-round while you explore Banff National Park. — By Gabrielle Bernardini
Rates at Moxy Banff start at $182 or ?37,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Nobu Hotel & Residences Toronto
Toronto, Ontario
Expected opening: Summer 2024
Nobu is making its Canadian debut, and we're already wowed by what's in store for the brand's forthcoming Toronto hotel and residences. Located above the landmark Pilkington Glass Factory, with two enormous towers overlooking the city and Lake Ontario, the urban property will feature 660 residential units, with the hotel's 36 suites nestled into the top of the west tower. Other hotel features will include a sure-to-be-chic wellness facility and — of course — a Nobu restaurant.
Why we're excited: It's a toss-up between the panoramic views that the hotel's top-tower location promises and the 15,000-square-foot, two-level Nobu restaurant — replete with two private dining spaces, a sushi bar and an outdoor terrace with more sweeping vistas to enjoy alongside the signature rock shrimp tempura. — By Ellie Nan Storck
Rates at Nobu Hotel & Residences Toronto are not yet available.
New hotels opening in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and South America
Beachgoers and sunseekers will find plenty of beautiful new hotels to explore in balmier climes that don't require long-haul flights.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo
Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Now open
A vacation in Costa Rica is all about embracing nature, and Andaz Costa Rica helps guests do just that. This has long been one of TPG's favorite World of Hyatt points redemptions, but this Andaz outpost recently underwent extensive renovations, adding 25 one-, two- and three-bedroom hillside villas with private plunge pools; a redesigned signature restaurant; and an entirely revamped beach club, Casa de Playa, all of which make it feel like an entirely new resort. You can use the free snorkeling gear and kayaks to explore the surrounding bays or sign up for zip-lining or mountain biking excursions (among other options). Additionally, the hotel offers four restaurants, four pools, access to three beaches, a private 18-hole golf course, a spa and wellness center, and a kids club.
Why we're excited: The property's 152 design-focused rooms and suites showcase the natural surroundings with large private patios or balconies that reveal bay or forest views. — By Mackenzie Roche
Rates at Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo start at around $1,059 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia
Expected opening: Late 2024
Joining two existing Four Seasons properties in Bogota, the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena will be the luxury brand's third outpost in Colombia. Nestled along the glittering waters of the Caribbean coast, the forthcoming property will breathe new life into a collection of Cartagena's landmark buildings — some dating as far back as the 16th century — in the historic Getsemani neighborhood, known for its colorful buildings, abundant street art and vibrant food scene. Guests can anticipate the brand's trademark luxury experience across 131 accommodations (including 27 suites), four restaurants and a spa.
Why we're excited: Aside from its historic location, we can't wait to experience not one but two rooftop pools, which are sure to offer incredible views of the surrounding Getsemani neighborhood. — By Ellie Nan Storck
Rates at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena, Colombia are currently unavailable.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Expected opening: Early 2024
If you've been to Los Cabos lately, you might have thought there was no more room for another luxury hotel along its resort-crowded coast ... but you'd be wrong. Set to open in the coming months, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol will anchor a rugged stretch of shoreline between other luxury heavy hitters like Auberge's Esperanza and the Montage Los Cabos. Taking its inspiration from a traditional hacienda, the hotel will have just 96 guest rooms and suites along with 61 residences and villas (including a three-bedroom oceanfront presidential villa with a private infinity-edge plunge pool overlooking the Sea of Cortez). While there, guests can wine and dine at seven restaurants and bars, including a rooftop craft cocktail lounge and a Nikkei (Peruvian-Japanese fusion) eatery from chef Richard Sandoval. The Tierra Mar spa, meanwhile, will proffer treatments inspired by the ancient healing techniques of the native Kumiai tribe.
Why we're excited: Although Four Seasons already fields a resort nearby in the Costa Palmas development, this one will be closer to the heart of the action, equidistant from both party-centric Cabo San Lucas and the more sedate, gallery-filled San Jose del Cabo. — By Eric Rosen
Rates at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol are currently unavailable.
Nayara Gardens
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Now open
Following a major renovation, Nayara Gardens raises the bar of the Arenal region's luxury accommodation scene with chic freestanding casitas — replete with beautiful natural wood and organic materials — nestled within a lush rainforest. Boasting impressive eco-credentials, this peaceful sanctuary marries sustainability with creative flair and high-end amenities. Wraparound decks with plunge pools, indoor and outdoor showers, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing captivating views of flora and fauna allow guests to feel completely immersed in the tropical setting. After a day filled with adventures, guests can take a dip in the swimming pool before trading stories over gourmet Asian fusion cuisine and inspired fruit-forward cocktails.
Why we're excited: A highly anticipated renovation of a serene retreat that channels those "pura vida" vibes while also placing guests within striking distance of the Arenal region's namesake volcano and signature suite of adventure pursuits (zip-lining, white-water rafting, canopy tours, hiking). — By Caroline Lascom
Rates at Nayara Gardens start at $595 per night.
Six Senses La Sagesse
St. David, Grenada
Expected opening: May 2024
The first location of IHG's luxury wellness brand to open in the Caribbean, Six Senses La Sagesse unfurls across 38 lush acres, between two powdery white-sand beaches and a lagoon. A combination of 56 contemporary hotel suites and 15 three- and four-bedroom residences carved into the hillside, the low-rise construction harmoniously blends with the landscape. Throughout the property, expect decorative flourishes that pay homage to the island's cultural heritage as well as a surfeit of natural, renewable and repurposed materials that stay true to the brand's eco-sensitive ethos. Light-filled rooms, designed to maximize coastal views, are the epitome of beach chic with blond wooden floors, breezy fabrics, elegant white furnishings and a splash of whimsy in the nautical-themed daybeds. Expect luxe touches like outdoor terraces with private plunge pools, decadent deep soaking tubs and wellness-oriented amenities, including a lavish spa that hosts visiting practitioners and holistic pursuits like meditation, fire rituals and candlelit yoga.
Why we are excited: A beautifully designed, eco-conscious wellness retreat with one-of-a-kind curated experiences arrives on the southern part of this gorgeous — but still under-the-radar — island. — By Caroline Lascom
Rates at Six Senses La Sagesse start at $1,100 per night. IHG One Rewards points cannot be redeemed at this time.
Soho House Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Expected opening: Early 2024
When it opens later this year, this will be the first Soho House in all of South America, bringing the brand's distinct creative flair to Brazil's largest city. Soho House Sao Paulo will take up residence in Cidade Matarazzo, an ambitious redevelopment project that has taken over a former hospital complex dating back to 1904 and where you'll also find the high-profile Rosewood Sao Paulo. Soho House will occupy one of the historic hospital buildings (part of the maternity ward, to be exact) and have just 32 rooms plus an on-site spa, gym and rooftop pool with an alfresco cocktail bar crafted from wood and shrouded with tropical plants to create an Amazonian ambience. The club will also contain various other restaurants and spaces for members to gather, socialize and work.
Why we're excited: The design and decor will focus on highlighting the works of Brazilian artisans and artists, giving this Soho House a truly local sense of place. — By Eric Rosen
Rates at Soho House Sao Paulo are currently unavailable.
New hotels opening in Europe
New accommodations abound in the Old World, including everything from budget-friendly brands to over-the-top palace hotels.
The Hoxton, Vienna
Vienna, Austria
Expected opening: April 2024
The Hoxton, Vienna has it all: a moody basement speak-easy, a poolside bar on the roof, 196 rooms that lean into free-spirited 20th-century Viennese design — and it's even debuting its own in-house event space, a first for the brand. With accommodations conveniently ranging in size from Shoebox to Snug to Biggy room categories, this property is a modernist gem in the Austrian capital's 3rd district, just a stone's throw from some of Vienna's coolest cultural sites, tons of eclectic shops and excellent bars and restaurants.
Why we're excited: Design denizens will be in heaven in this retro-chic space from the creative mind of Carl Appel (think 1950s-inspired elements and vintage furniture). Those who join the Dis-loyalty program can look forward to a 50% discount if they book a room at The Hoxton, Vienna between April 1 and June 3. — By Ellie Nan Storck
Rates at The Hoxton Vienna start at around 139 euros ($150) per night.
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
London, England
Expected opening: July 2024
Situated on historic Hanover Square, the intimate Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will feature just 50 guest rooms and 77 private residences in what's arguably London's most prestigious neighborhood. From the street, passersby will notice modern columns of windows alternating with 5-foot-long hand-made Italian bricks, while guests will be able to look out onto the oldest square in Mayfair. The hotel will be home to a luxury underground spa retreat with a sculptural green Ming marble reception desk (a nod to the brand's Asian heritage) and an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, vitality pools, steam rooms and a gym.
Why we're excited: Award-winning chef Akira Back's new eponymous restaurant will serve a fusion of traditional Korean and modern Japanese cuisine inside a space with a triple-height sky roof. Order an AB Tuna Pizza, with its signature wafer-like crust, a ponzu aioli, tuna sashimi and earthy white truffle oil. — By Ben Smithson
Rates at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London start at around $1,100 per night.
Park Hyatt London River Thames
London, England
Expected opening: Late 2024
Formerly an unloved industrial wasteland of obsolete gasworks, run-down tower blocks and inefficient transport connections, the last decade has seen an entirely new district rise at Nine Elms in London. The city has never seen anything like the staggering regeneration of what is now one of its most exciting neighborhoods, dubbed a "mini-Manhattan" (it includes a new High Line-esque linear park). There, the Park Hyatt London River Thames will offer 203 spacious rooms and suites across 42 floors in one of London's tallest hotel buildings. Guests can enjoy a pool and spa with 20-foot-high ceilings alongside a nail salon and a fully equipped fitness center.
Why we're excited: Just a six-minute walk away from the hotel is a brand-new London Underground station, Nine Elms, part of the Battersea Power Station extension of the Northern Line, which stops at Tottenham Court Road in the heart of London's West End Theatre District; King's Cross St Pancras, with Eurostar services to mainland Europe; and Borough, home to the famous Borough Market. — By Ben Smithson
Rates at the Park Hyatt London River Thames are currently unavailable.
Rosewood Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Expected opening: Late 2024
Rosewood's first property in the Netherlands will be located within the former Palace of Justice and overlook one of the city's most striking UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Prinsengracht (the Prince's Canal). But there will be much more to look forward to than rich history and architecture; true to form, the brand's first Dutch outpost will boast 134 classically appointed rooms and suites, an indoor swimming pool, an Asaya Spa and three on-site restaurants and bars.
Why we're excited: This property will be ideal for travelers who want to enjoy a luxury stay while exploring Amsterdam's historic Canal District — but we anticipate it will be hard to tear oneself away from the Studio Piet Boon-designed guest rooms, which are set to be warm and stylish with nods to the hotel's Dutch roots. — By Ellie Nan Storck
Rates at Rosewood Amsterdam are currently unavailable.
Scorpios Bodrum
Bodrum, Turkey
Expected opening: June 2024
Soho House's Scorpios beach club offshoot is expanding beyond Mykonos, Greece, and further into health and wellness. Scorpios Bodrum debuts in Turkey this summer and will feature two restaurants, a clubhouse, a beach club and 12 private suites complete with a private pool and lounge area. This property shows that the brand is moving more in the direction of Six Senses, as seen in the hotel's Ritual Space, used for various healing and cultural practices. Overnight accommodations are also a first for the Scorpios brand.
Why we're excited: Scorpios Bodrum will offer panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and woo guests with Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and the sultry, fun vibes that made this brand so popular in its original Greek location. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at Scorpios Bodrum are currently unavailable.
Six Senses London
London, England
Expected opening: Late 2024
The expansion of Six Senses into major global cities continues this year with the highly anticipated opening of Six Senses London. The wellness-oriented brand's first U.K. location is set to feature 110 guest rooms and suites in a restored building that once housed Whiteleys, one of London's first department stores. Six Senses London will feature a lobby bar, lounge and all-day restaurant for entertaining, while the Six Senses Spa, designed to resemble a London Underground station, will include amenities like an indoor swimming pool, a relaxation room and treatment facilities.
Why we're excited: London's hotel spa scene is exploding with competition from the likes of Claridge's and Bulgari Hotel London, but health and wellness is in the brand DNA of Six Senses. This will easily be the grande dame of spa day getaways when it opens its luxe West London front door. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at Six Senses London are currently unavailable.
New hotels opening in Asia
While China was once the focus of Asia's hotel boom, 2024 should see a bumper crop of landmark properties welcoming guests across the continent.
Capella Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan
Expected opening: Winter 2024
The highly exclusive and luxurious Capella brand will expand to Taiwan later this year with the opening of Capella Taipei, an 86-room hotel in the city's Songshan district, steps from the Taipei 101 skyscraper. Rooms and suites are designed under a "modern mansion" theme of earth tones, sleek finishes and floor-to-ceiling views of the surrounding metropolis. A two-story bar is expected to be the see-and-be-seen hub of Taipei while Capella Wellness, the brand's signature spa offering, will feature healing treatments, a fitness studio and an outdoor heated swimming pool.
Why we're excited: Capella is a traveler favorite for its doting but discreet service, attention to detail and destination dining. A French-inspired menu will be served at the Grill, the hotel's main restaurant, while there will also be a French cafe, a Cantonese restaurant with Taiwanese influences and a Japanese omakase restaurant — plenty of ways to fill up before retiring to one's accommodations upstairs. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at Capella Taipei are currently unavailable.
Anantara Jaipur Hotel
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Expected opening: Late 2024
Anantara is a hotel brand synonymous with luxury, especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Now, the Thailand-based company is setting its sights on India with its debut property on the subcontinent in Jaipur, the Pink City. When it opens, this property will marry gorgeous Indian architecture and design with luxurious touches and modern conveniences like an Anantara Spa, an Indian restaurant, a rooftop bar and 150 lavish rooms and suites.
Why we're excited: An opulent stay from a premier hospitality brand in one of India's prettiest cities. — By Tanner Saunders
Rates at Anantara Jaipur Hotel are currently unavailable.
Janu Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan
Expected opening: March 2024
If you're in the type of circles that know about Aman, a collection of understated yet hyperluxe resorts and hotels around the world (including a "vertical spa resort" in New York City), you'll be excited to hear about Janu, Aman's new sister brand debuting in Tokyo. Janu is Aman's more social take on luxury, and the flagship property will offer 122 minimalist rooms and suites with soaking tubs, eight restaurants ranging from Cantonese to Edomae sushi to all-day Italian, and a 4,000-square-foot wellness center offering spa treatments, a lap pool and even a boxing ring.
Why we're excited: Though Janu is definitely the place to stay, the entire Azabudai Hills complex where it's located is a groundbreaking new destination in Tokyo. — By Tanner Saunders
Rates at Janu Tokyo start at $944 per night.
Raffles Singapore Sentosa
Singapore
Expected opening: Mid-2024
There's room for more than one Raffles in Singapore, the hometown of the storied luxury brand that birthed the Singapore Sling cocktail. Raffles Singapore Sentosa, an all-villa resort opening later this year on Singapore's Sentosa Island, will be the more vacation-oriented of Singapore's two Raffles hotels. Featuring 62 villas with private pools, butler service and, of course, the Singapore sling, Raffles Sentosa is the latest example of the brand's significant ramp-up of global expansion that has seen new luxe hotels arriving in Boston and London.
Why we're excited: Singapore might not be the first place people consider when exploring a beach getaway in Southeast Asia, but Sentosa Island is increasingly a tourist hot spot and a convenient getaway for wealthy Singaporeans. The arrival of Raffles will only further fuel this island's lean into luxury. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at Raffles Singapore Sentosa are currently unavailable.
Six Senses Kyoto
Higashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Expected opening: May 2024
At the Six Senses Kyoto, guests will soon be able to wake in their clean and calming room with decor elements inspired by Japanese folklore and look out the window for views of the hotel's garden, Kyoto's cityscape or even the historic Toyokuni Shrine. But it's what's outside of the room that will really captivate travelers, including a Six Senses Spa with Japanese-style hot tubs and a watsu pool, a counter-only omakase restaurant, a brew bar, cooking classes, family activities in and around the property, and the chance to say you got a taste of inner peace in one of the world's most adored ancient cities.
Why we're excited: Kyoto is a place meant to be explored and savored, but it's also a place that reminds you to take a breath and relax — and Six Senses' entire brand ethos is designed to make sure you do both. — By Tanner Saunders
Rates at Six Senses Kyoto start at $847 per night.
SO/ Maldives
Male, Maldives
Now open
Convenience doesn't come at the expense of luxury at the newest resort in the Maldives. Ennismore's smaller SO/ brand won major cool vibes among the glitterati with its Parisian hotel between the Marais and Bastille neighborhoods. The brand is set to do the same with its 15-acre resort featuring overwater and beachfront villas just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Male's Velana International Airport (MLE), the main international gateway to the Maldives. Private pools, Arabian fare at the Hadaba restaurant and the resort's Wellness Camp spa — featuring Maison Codage skincare products — are just a few reasons we're already perusing flights to this archipelago paradise.
Why we're excited: There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Maldives with the whole family or larger groups at SO/ Maldives, including the three-bedroom Ocean Water Pool Atelier and the Family Beach Pool Villa with Capsule, which includes bunk beds geared toward younger travelers. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at SO/ Maldives start at $750 per night.
Soneva Secret
Haa Dhaalu, Maldives
Now open
A trip to the Maldives can already feel secluded, but the new Soneva Secret, the third Maldivian resort for the locally founded ultraluxury brand, delivers particularly remote exclusivity at this 14-villa retreat. The beachfront and overwater villas — including one floating villa — all include sliding roofs to take in the stars at night, an in-villa gym and a dedicated team of three staff members (including a chef) to personalize your stay. Your retinue can arrange everything from snorkeling and sunset dolphin cruises to a scrumptious dinner after a day of fun in the sun. Don't forget to save time to scope out the Soneva Soul wellness facility for a massage, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and various other treatments amid this paradise in the Indian Ocean.
Why we're excited: Hyper-curated experiences abound at Soneva Secret (chefs hail from around the world, so you can dabble in everything from Nordic cuisine to Japanese fare), so don't hold back from making this a one-of-a-kind getaway that tends to your wellness, hunger and even sleep needs (yes, the resort even offers a seven- or 14-day program to improve your sleep performance). — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at Soneva Secret start at $5,200 per night.
Ta'aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo
Flores, Indonesia
Expected opening: April 2024
Located on the tropical island of Flores — Bali's less developed but equally breathtaking sibling in Indonesia's Nusa Tenggara archipelago — this Luxury Collection property takes design inspiration from the island's lush rice terraces and mountainous coastline. Contemporary accommodations include spacious villas with plunge pools and bucket list-worthy overwater villas with direct access to crystal-clear waters that teem with marine life. Expect a dose of exclusivity in the dedicated butler service, luxurious free-standing bathtubs and spectacular ocean views. This intimately scaled (just 70 accommodations), family-friendly property includes an array of amenities, like a swimming pool and kids club, as well as a lavish spa and three restaurants, including farm-to-table Indonesian specialties at Umasa.
Why we're excited: Dreamy overwater bungalows on a pristine island that offers a less commercialized and more affordable alternative to Bali — it's especially appealing for Marriott loyalists looking to earn points. — By Caroline Lascom
Rates at Ta'aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo start at $492 per night. Points rates are not currently available.
New hotels opening in Africa and the Middle East
From impressive new camps for intrepid travelers planning their first safari to new luxury redoubts in Dubai and sprawling oceanside resorts, here are the hotels we're most excited to check in to across Africa and the Middle East.
Canopy Seychelles
Anse La Mouche, Mahe, Seychelles
Expected opening: March 25, 2024
Sure, Seychelles is far, far away — and can be price-prohibitive for most folks — but a new lifestyle hotel that can be booked with Hilton Honors points has us itching to get to the Indian Ocean archipelago. At this upcoming Canopy, rooms have a boho vibe with tasseled tapestries and earthy design elements, airy restaurants serving Asian fusion and French and Creole creations, and a swim-up tiki bar that'll get you into the tropical spirit. And if relaxing by the beach just isn't enough, the hotel can also arrange treatments at a garden-inspired spa.
Why we're excited: While the Seychelles has luxury hotels galore, few offer as much fun and flavor as this chic, points-friendly lifestyle hotel. — By Tanner Saunders
Rates at Canopy Seychelles start at $394 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
The Lana, Dorchester Collection
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Expected opening: February 2024
It might seem like Dubai hotels always try to outdo one another in terms of architecture, but The Lana — the Dorchester Collection's first hotel in the United Arab Emirates — offers more than just a sleek glass facade. Anchored along the Dubai Water Canal lifestyle development, the ultraluxury property will wow with its various amenities, including dining. The Jara restaurant will be overseen by chef MartÃn Berasategui, whose restaurants in Spain and Portugal accrued a combined 12 Michelin stars. Chef Jean Imbert will operate Riviera at The Lana while still overseeing the dining at famed hotels like the Hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris and the Hotel Martinez in the south of France. But you can expect more than a great meal at The Lana. A Dior spa, a 30th-floor rooftop pool and 225 guest rooms and suites (including roomier signature suites with added offerings like terraces, walk-in closets and butler service upon request) provide resort getaway vibes despite being in the city's Business Bay neighborhood.
Why we're excited: Opulence is a normal part of hospitality in Dubai, but The Lana's two-bedroom Royal Suite even has our jaws dropping with its spacious indoor-outdoor layout and a 180-degree view of downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa and Marasi Marina. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates at The Lana, Dorchester Collection start at $1,060 per night.
Natural Selection Tawana Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Expected opening: May 2024
Once the royal hunting grounds of the chiefs of Botswana's BaTawana people, the Moremi Game Reserve today is one of the premier wildlife preserves in all of southern Africa. And while visitors are already spoiled for choice in terms of upscale safari lodges, they're about to get another outstanding option courtesy of a well-known safari outfitter and operator: Natural Selection. Tawana Camp will have just eight gorgeously appointed suites, including five for couples or solo travelers and three for families (which are still a rarity among safari camps), complete with canopy beds and outdoor showers. When not out on game drives or relaxing on the outdoor decks overlooking the surrounding flood plains and Gomoti River, guests can unwind with a swim in the 16-meter pool, browse for regionally sourced souvenirs or get in a workout at the small fitness center — all the better for working off the meals they're sure to enjoy in the camp's walk-in wine cellar or its open-air kgotla.
Why we're excited: The Okavango Delta is one of the wonders of the natural world, flooded during the wet season and bone-dry at other times, and can offer rare animal sightings like endangered African wild dogs, speedy cheetahs and elusive aardwolves. — By Eric Rosen
Rates at Natural Selection Tawana Camp start at $4,490 per night, based on double occupancy.
Singita Milele
Grumeti Reserve, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Expected opening date: May 2024
From its lofty perch on Sasakwa Hill, overlooking the vast grasslands of Serengeti National Park, Milele is the latest safari outpost from ecotourism and conservation pioneer Singita, which operates 16 luxury lodges across Africa. This lavish private villa, hosting up to 10 guests, will combine high-end safari amenities like a traditional African boma, infinity pool, fitness center, wellness treatments and gourmet cuisine with personalized service, curated experiences and privacy. Beautifully decorated, contemporary suites will seamlessly blend with the wilderness setting, while outdoor Jacuzzis will afford that perfect vantage point to watch elephants and myriad other creatures drinking from the nearby watering hole.
Why we're excited: Located in one of the most wildlife-rich and remote corners of the Serengeti, Milele will offer front-row seats to the Great Migration, with the added bonus of providing families and groups an intimate, effortless safari experience. — By Caroline Lascom
Rates at Singita Milele start from $26,250 per villa per night (up to 10 guests) and include accommodation, all meals and beverages, games drives and dedicated villa staff.
Please note: The U.S. Department of State advises LGBTQ+ travelers to exercise increased caution when traveling to Tanzania due to possible harassment and violence. Travelers should investigate the current state of affairs to ensure their own safety before planning a trip there.
Virgin Limited Edition Kasbah Tamadot
Asni, Morocco
Expected opening: New two-bedroom riads opening in September 2024
While Virgin Limited Edition's Kasbah Tamadot isn't a new hotel, there's plenty in the works for this storied property. The entire hotel is under renovation following last year's earthquake in Morocco, and the mountainous retreat also has plans to debut six new two-bedroom riads this fall. The new retreats will have room for as many as six guests and also include a private pool, rooftop terrace and luxe Moroccan accommodations featuring antiques from the collection of Kasbah Tamadot's former owner, famed interior designer Luciano Tempo.
Why we're excited: The luxe digs (complete with complimentary minibar) with views of the Atlas Mountains are reason enough to check in to Kasbah Tamadot, but so are the experiences: Mule trekking and Berber cooking lessons are Virgin Limited Edition fan favorites. — By Cameron Sperance
Rates for the new riads at Virgin Limited Edition Kasbah Tamadot are currently unavailable.
Volcanoes Safaris Kibale Lodge
Kasenda, Uganda
Expected opening: July 2024
Volcanoes Safaris pioneered wildlife tourism in East Africa starting in the 1990s, and its fifth lodge is set to be one of its most spectacular yet. Like the other lodges, this one will focus on getting up close to Africa's great apes, but in this case, it's with the 1,500 or so chimpanzees of Uganda's Kibale National Park. With just eight deluxe bandas (three will open in May and the rest by the end of 2024) built by the in-house construction team with an eye toward minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment, the lodge experience will be exclusive but also community-focused. Each banda will offer excellent views of the lush Queen Elizabeth plains, the Kazinga Channel and the dramatic Rwenzori Mountains, the so-called mountains of the moon. After a day tracking the chimps, guests can unwind with a swim in the lodge pool or a session in the sauna and a cocktail (included in the nightly rate) in the lounge before a dinner discussing the events of the day with other guests around the dinner table.
Why we're excited: Although much wildlife tourism in this part of Africa centers around highland gorillas, this new lodge is set to reinvigorate interest in our closest animal relatives and provide a spectacular setting to boot. — By Eric Rosen
Rates at Volcanoes Safaris Kibale Lodge will start at $1,200 per person per night and will include a "community fee" of $50 per person, per night to support the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust's community development initiatives.
Please note: Uganda's government passed one of the world's most oppressive anti-LGBTQ+ laws in May 2023, though it's currently being challenged in the country's courts by human rights activists. Travelers should investigate the current state of affairs to ensure their own safety before planning a trip there.
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
Platte Island, Seychelles
Now open
The journey to the Seychelles is long, and once you arrive at the main international airport, you'll still have to take another 25-minute flight to this new Waldorf's private landing strip. But once you arrive on the island and check in to one of 50 villas with a private pool, outdoor shower, separate living room and personal concierge, you'll be more than glad you made the trip. Blend those accommodations with upscale dining options featuring flavors that range from Mediterranean to tapas, plus a spa, a pool and a pristine beach, and you'll never want to make that long trip back home.
Why we're excited: While there's a lot to love about the resort itself, it's all made better knowing you can book it with Hilton Honors points. — Tanner Saunders
Rates at Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island start at $2,217 or 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp
Damaraland, Namibia
Expected opening: July 2024
A complete reinvention rather than a new lodge, Wilderness Safaris' Desert Rhino Camp is undergoing an extensive reimagination tied to the safari outfitter's 20th anniversary supporting the Save the Rhino Trust and its efforts to ensure the survival of rhinoceros species throughout Africa, including the desert-adapted black rhinos that roam in the territory surrounding the camp. The new accommodations will comprise just eight Meru-style stretched-canvas tents designed to blend into the ochre- and gold-hued surrounding scenery. Guests will spend their days tracking wildlife like elephants and lions through the rocky desert landscapes then relax with a poolside cocktail or with dinners featuring sustainably sourced local ingredients around the campfire or by candlelight on the open-air deck under the stars.
Why we're excited: Wilderness Safaris is one of Africa's premier safari outfitters, and Desert Rhino Camp is one of its most distinctive lodges, so it's thrilling to see this complete reinvigoration of a much-beloved camp in one of the planet's most otherworldly landscapes. — By Eric Rosen
Rates at Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp start at $550 per person, per night.
New hotels opening in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
From our favorite cities Down Under to the white-sand beaches of Bora Bora, some incredible properties are on the horizon in this stunning part of the world.
1 Hotel Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Expected opening: December 2024
1 Hotels is bringing its wellness- and sustainability-centric take on hospitality Down Under with its debut Australian property in Melbourne, rising like a futuristic Lego structure on the banks of the Yarra River. Across the hotel and its 277 guest rooms (plus 114 hotel-branded residences), guests can anticipate a stay rooted in holistic wellness, a design that incorporates recycled elements from the space's past life as a wharf, a Bamford Wellness spa and sure-to-delight restaurants and bars.
Why we're excited: Before you even arrive, 1 Hotels wants to know your stay preferences — ranging from what type of pillow you like to dietary restrictions — to create a tailor-made stay. — By Tanner Saunders
Rates at 1 Hotel Melbourne are currently unavailable.
InterContinental Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
Now open
Aside from the Park Hyatt Auckland, you won't find many upscale points-participating properties in New Zealand's largest city. That's changing, though, as evidenced by the city's latest major hotel opening, the InterContinental Auckland, which debuted in a spectacular waterfront location in January. The hotel has just 139 rooms and suites, many with postcard-worthy views of Waitemata Harbour through their floor-to-ceiling windows, spanning floors 6-11 of its contemporary, new-build tower. At that size, the InterContinental Auckland is one of the label's more intimate outposts. Well-known Kiwi chef Gareth Stewart will helm its food program, including a restaurant called Advieh, which will blend New Zealand produce with Middle Eastern flavors. Once it opens in June, guests will also be able to take advantage of all-day hospitality – equally inviting for work or pleasure – in the Club InterContinental lounge.
Why we're excited: The hotel will boast a 21st-level rooftop bar with panoramas of the metropolis and its waterways, perfect for sipping Marlborough sauvignon blancs or Central Otago pinot noirs as the sun sets. — By Eric Rosen
Rates at the InterContinental Auckland start at 325 New Zealand dollars ($199) or 51,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia
Now open
The original Southern Ocean Lodge almost single-handedly transformed Australia's luxury lodge scene when it opened on Kangaroo Island's rugged southern coast back in 2008 thanks to its award-winning architecture and sustainability measures, not to mention its excellent locally sourced food and wine, plus the stunning scenery surrounding it. During Australia's catastrophic 2019-2020 bush fires, Southern Ocean Lodge was completely destroyed. However, the lodge has now been entirely recreated (with a few improvements) by its original architect, Max Pritchard, and reopened at the very end of 2023. Guests can gather in the great room for meals or just to have a coffee and flip through wildlife books with uninterrupted views of the sea, or spend time in one of the 23 clifftop villas, each with an outdoor deck, a fireplace for those chilly evenings and a deep soaking tub.
Why we're excited: We can't wait to check out the new additions, including a four-bedroom Ocean Pavilion and an expanded wellness center including a gym, sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, and an expanded spa with three treatment rooms where the signature experiences incorporate locally grown products like lavender, eucalyptus and rare Ligurian bee honey. — By Eric Rosen
Rates at Southern Ocean Lodge start at 3,400 Australian dollars ($2,240) per night, based on double occupancy, and include all dining and drinks, signature Kangaroo Island outdoor activities and airport transfers.
The StandardX, Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Expected opening: March 2024
Though The Standard was made famous in "Sex and the City," the iconic brand is opening the first location of its new low-key, lower-cost brand, StandardX, Down Under. The residential location will not encourage guests to party until the sun rises as at the original Standard properties; instead, they can explore the local Fitzroy area with its abundance of cafes, vintage stores and dining and drinking venues. For those returning to their room after the surrounding venues have closed, 24-hour room service will be available.
Why we're excited: The rooftop restaurant inspired by Mercado Medellin is reserved for in-house guests and will feature Mexican favorites like tacos and ceviche. Dogs are also welcome. — By Ben Smithson
Rates at the StandardX Melbourne start at $169 per night.
The Star Grand Hotel
Brisbane, Australia
Expected opening: April 2024
The first of four new luxury hotels to open in a 30-acre inner-city tourism precinct developing ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, the Star Grand Hotel will sit alongside two football fields of public space sure to be the city's hottest hospitality and accommodation destination. Guest rooms start at a generous 410 square feet, or you can upgrade your travel with a stay at one of the four penthouse suites featuring freestanding bathtubs and incredible views. Hotel guests will also have a choice of three swimming pools on the Leisure Deck with spectacular views of the Brisbane River and South Bank.
Why we're excited: The hotel pools connect to The Star Brisbane's Sky Deck, which will feature a staggering 50-plus food and beverage venues — including an almost 8,000-square-foot sports bar floating 300 feet above the Brisbane River. — By Ben Smithson
Rates at the Star Grand are currently unavailable.
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Expected opening: July 2024
Following extensive renovations and a complete rebranding, this new Westin property (formerly Le Meridien Bora Bora) will be the Society Islands archipelago's latest luxury offering. With picture-postcard views of Mount Otemanu, the resort's overwater bungalows (which start at 441 square feet) will be appointed with Polynesian-style furnishings, blond wood floors (with a glass panel for viewing marine life) and a contemporary white and beige color palette with pops of blue. Overwater bungalows provide direct access to the lagoon's crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, while the larger 958-square-foot beach villas will overlook one of French Polynesia's most photographed swaths of white sand and feature plunge pools and free-standing bathtubs. Diverse culinary offerings will include French-inspired cuisine, and the full-service Heavenly Spa will ensure that sybarites are well catered to.
Why we're excited: Marriott loyalists have a great reason to check Bora Bora off their bucket list — while earning and burning Bonvoy points — with this shiny new Westin property, complete with overwater bungalows and one of the most coveted views in French Polynesia. — By Caroline Lascom
Rates at the Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa are currently unavailable.