There have been a plethora of new luxury hotel openings this season. From China to Chile, the growing options are making it easier to tick off items on the bucket list and see more destinations around the world. If you’re looking for an extravagant getaway destination for your winter vacay, look no further. I’ve compiled some of the best new properties across the globe.
The Four Seasons
The Four Seasons brand started the year off with the opening of its brand-new Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island. It’s the only resort on that particular Seychelles island and the second Four Seasons property in Seychelles. Beyond the typical Four Seasons experience that you might expect, the property boasts its own Discovery Center to teach guests about the unique Seychelles ecosystem.
More recently, the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur opened in the Golden Triangle neighborhood. The 65-story building offers more than 200 rooms. There are also Four Seasons Private Residences at this property. Extra perks include a Malaysian traditions-inspired spa, an outdoor pool, and private cabanas.
This upcoming season, the brand opens its Bengaluru property at Embassy ONE. The Four Seasons Hotel São Paulo at Nações Unidas also opens in the winter. Set in a 29-story tower with 16 floors of hotel space and more than 250 rooms, this exciting new addition also comes with on-site dining and drinking, a spa, and a pool.
The brand has also teased properties set to open in early 2019, including the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia in the new Comcast Center and the 100 million euros remodel of the Astir Palace to the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens.
The LINK in Israel
Possibly lesser known to some travelers, the Dan Hotels brand opened The LINK hotel & hub in Tel Aviv, designed to attract millennial and business travelers. The brand boasts that it’s truly unique and nothing like any other hotel in their collection.
The property, which is somewhat boutique in feel, has just under 100 rooms and suites. Catering to a tech-savvy demographic, guests’ smart phones are key to the experience, providing mobile check-in and check-out, billing, room access, lighting, TV and temperature controls.
An expansive social space provides open areas to work, play, eat and drink. Food and drinks are served 24/7, game areas provide pool tables and more, and meeting rooms accommodate up to 40.
The decor is street art-inspired and all of the art exhibits found throughout the hotel are for sale.
Small Luxury Hotels of the World
A collection of remarkable small properties across the globe, SLH provides a boutique feel with a truly unique experience. SLH added several brand-new properties to its collection recently, alongside several older favorites. However, if it’s new that you’re looking for, these are the ones that fit the bill.
Opened earlier in the year, Honor Resort Yun Shun Dali, in Dali, China, offers striking surroundings with all the amenities you could desire. You’re right next door to the Canghai Golf International Community. Unique touches include a cantilevered pool with a glass panel base, a virtual golf simulator, a cigar bar, and a tea house. All rooms include a private terrace and living area, complimentary minibar, iPad, BOSE sound system, and more.
Opened just last month, Monkey Island Estate sits in the middle of the River Thames on an island in historic Bray, Berkshire. Adding to the charm, this location is only accessible via boat or footbridge. The island’s centuries-long history has included a long line of royals and artists of all types.
The Pantai Inn in La Jolla provides great views of the Pacific, but with a little added Indonesian hospitality to mix with the Southern Californian feel. The vibe is created through lots of lush plant life, Balinese sculptures, and eye-catching water features. The Inn provides 30 suites and cottages with Balinese-style furnishings, rain showers, and in-room spa services.
andBeyond
Famed safari experience provider andBeyond opened its first lodge property of this type outside of Africa, with the andBeyond Vira Vira in Chile. The Lake District property caters to adventurers and explorers, with opportunities to hike a volcano, ski, go horseback riding, fish, dine on fresh fare, and take a scenic helicopter ride. There’s even a children’s adventure program to get the littlest travelers in your group involved.
The lodge offers only 12 villas and six suites, alongside a five-room hacienda.
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
The iconic luxury brand added two properties to its portfolio recently.
The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is the brand’s first property in Southeast Asia. With 60 stories, it’s located in a busy area with access to lots of shopping, cultural attractions, and historical icons. There are nearly 200 residential-style rooms and suites, which incorporate a Thai-inspired design and spa-inspired bathrooms.
Already an in-demand event venue, the property’s Magnolia Ballroom fits 700 guests, with an 8-meter-high ceiling and a sweeping staircase for a jaw-dropping backdrop to any photo.
On-site dining includes three restaurants, one lounge, and two bars.
Closer to home, the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Hotel & Residences brings a new level of elegance to the Vegas Strip. There are nearly 400 guestrooms and 225 residences available, including three Presidential Suites. The property offers zero gaming and no smoking to set itself apart from other options nearby.
Dining includes experiences by Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire. His award-winning restaurant Twist is his first U.S. eatery. The SkyBar on the 23rd floor offers a distinct cocktail menu while the tea lounge serves tea three times daily.
An expansive spa sits on two floors and provides an expansive spa menu.
