From popular hotspots like France and Mexico, to the more exotic, including Japan, Botswana and the Maldives, these new hotels and resorts are raising the bar in the ultra-competitive luxury space. See: Best places to book a holiday: plan your post-lockdown escape
Discover the hottest new hotels opening in 2020
We’ve curated a must-see roundup of new openings, from historical city buildings to sleek beach resorts and lodges nestled in nature, all offering distinctive character, varied experiences and superior service. Perfect inspiration for that next luxury getaway… See: Staycation ideas: places to go on holiday in the UK this summer
1. One&Only Mandarina, Mexico
Set in a lush, beachfront jungle location, the One&Only Mandarina is a super-luxe intimate resort boasting 104 standalone villas and treehouses – each with a private pool. Flanked by jungle-clad mountains and the warm Pacific Ocean, its position on the Riviera Nayarit is spectacular. You’ll have access to innovative culinary experiences, a lively beach club, wellness programme and a playground of adventures on land and sea. Did we mention there’s also a cliffside restaurant headed up by a celebrity chef? Our suitcases are already packed… See you there?
2. The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon Japan
Located near Tokyo’s finest neighbourhoods and attractions, The Tokyo Editon is a sleek property that will feature 206 rooms with stunning views of the city’s skyline, including 21 suites and a penthouse. A signature restaurant, cocktail bar and wellness spa will cultivate a unique, luxurious atmosphere.
3. Villa Igiea, A Rocco Forte Hotel, Italy
A former refuge for royalty and Hollywood’s elite, Villa Igiea occupies a unique location overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Palermo. After a restoration, the iconic palazzo will showcase a fresh design while maintaining its timeless splendour.
4. Xigera, Botswana
Xigera is defined by exceptional service, with 105 staff looking after just 24 guests in an intimate, exclusive bush experience. The solar-powered lodge offers 12 suspended suites surrounded by ancient trees and flood plains, showcasing bespoke works by Africa’s most exciting young artists and craftspeople.
5. Cheval Blanc Paris, France
Located in the heart of the City of Light, steps from the Louvre and the Marais, Cheval Blanc Paris combines historical, cultural and contemporary features for an authentic Parisian experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the 26 rooms and 46 suites offer views of famed landmarks and city life. An oasis in the middle of the city, it boasts a vast swimming pool and spa for an elevated city break experience.
6. Kagi Maldives Spa Island
The five-star Kagi Maldives Spa Island will launch in the Maldives’ North Male Atoll in July 2020. The boutique 50-villa property will provide couples, friends and solo travellers with a 360° wellness experience, just a 15-minute seaplane or 60-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
7. MarBella Elix, Parga, Mainland Greece
As the third hotel to join the MarBella Collection portfolio and the brand’s first property outside of the island of Corfu, MarBella Elix will be perched above the beautiful Karavostasi Beach in the Parga region, looking west towards Corfu and Paxos. An area of astounding natural beauty, the luxurious MarBella Elix sits in unspoilt surroundings where the mountains meet the Ionian Sea. Previously an undiscovered area of Greece, the owner of the MarBella Collection liaised with BA to promote the region with new BA flight route, which launched 1 September 2019. This is going to be the must-visit property for this location surrounded by an incredible vista.
8. Ajwa Cappadocia, Turkey
In early 2020, new, luxury hotel brand Ajwa will open its second hotel, AJWA Cappadocia, in the province of Nevşehir. The resort celebrates Cappadocia’s natural and cultural heritage and has been designed to recreate the historical Keravansaray experience.Set across three buildings, the hotel will feature 98 decorative guest rooms, an experiential concept restaurant, kids club, a mini zoo and a beautifully landscaped garden. True to the area’s famous rocky and cavernous landscape, AJWA Cappadocia will introduce nine luxury Cave Suites within the estate. Due to its exceptional location, AJWA Cappdocia has direct access to the Beydere Valley where you can take short walks amongst Cappadocia’s famous chimneys and historic church.
9. Four Seasons Hotel, Madrid
After a seven-year reconceptualisation and meticulous restoration of a collection of seven historic buildings, the new Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is set to be an opulent offering in the heart of the city. Dining will be a fabulous affair at Dani, a new dining concept from three Michelin-starred chef, Dani Garcia, with an unmatched rooftop setting. Meanwhile, when you need a little pampering, a spa retreat capped by a sky-lit indoor pool and sun terrace look out across Madrid’s rooftops. When you want to go exploring, three of the world’s best museums – the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía – form a Golden Triangle in the neighbourhood around the hotel. See our news section for more expert interiors tips, product launches, and luxury travel and property updates
