As 2021 approaches, here are some of the coolest hotel openings around the world from Texas to Turks and Caicos to Thailand and more.
KAI Kirishima Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture January 2021
In time for the Olympics, renowned hospitality group, Hoshino Resorts will open a brand-new KAI resort. KAI is the group’s upscale brand of boutique hot spring ryokans and ideal escapes for travelers seeking relaxation in-between Olympic games. KAI Kirishima will open in January and the property is located hillside of Mount Takachiko and in the Kirishima-Kinkowan Nation Parkin Kagoshima Prefecture. Guests can get lost in relaxation and nature at the outdoor onsen bath situated in the Suskino meadow and inside the rooms which come with floor-to-ceiling views of Japan’s stunning landscape.
sbe, SLS Cancun Cancun, Mexico Opening early 2021
Renowned international hospitality group sbe will be expanding its SLS hotel portfolio with the debut of a new hotel in an entirely new global destination for the brand—Cancun, Mexico. SLS Cancun will debut in early 2021 and will feature 45 rooms with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, elegant Italian-designed interiors by Piero Lissoni, premiere beachfront access and imaginative Argentinian fusion cuisine by Chef Jose Icardi.
Hotel Dryce Fort Worth, TX Opening Spring 2021
Fort Worth entrepreneur Jonathan Morris is opening his first boutique hotel in an old dry ice factory in Fort Worth’s Cultural District directly across from the new Dickies Arena. Morris, who also owns the Fort Worth Barber Shop and is hosting a new TV show on Magnolia Network next year, is keeping Fort Worth locals in mind; the modern 21-room hotel will include a trendy lobby bar-café hybrid meant to be a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. The hotel already has some cool partnerships in the works, including an art grant with Fort Worth art gallery Art Tooth to exhibit local BIPOC artists’ work throughout the hotel.
Hotel Drover Fort Worth, TX Opening early 2021
Hotel Drover, an Autograph Collection hotel, is slated to open early 2021, bringing traditional cowboy charm with a modern twist to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, which is in the midst of a $200 million redevelopment. Amenities will include a signature restaurant led by chef Grant Morgan called 97 West Kitchen & Bar; outdoor space with walking paths and fire pits; and a rustic-luxe barn for weddings and events.
RAKxa Wellness & Medical Retreat Bangkok, Thailand Opening early 2021
Tucked in Bangkok’s undiscovered ‘Green Lung’ island on the Chao Phraya River, the RAKxa Integrative Wellness & Medical Retreat is set to deliver tailored wellness programs incorporating both advanced medical treatments and holistic therapies. This groundbreaking wellness retreat will feature 60 private villas, providing guests a fully transformative experience through personalized three-to-fourteen-day programs based on the retreat’s next level wellness testing technology.
The Shay Culver City, California Opening spring 2021
The community-defining 148-room boutique hotel will open in the buzzy Culver City neighborhood of Los Angeles in the spring and offer an inviting, social gathering vibe for guests and locals alike. Amenities will include a chef-led restaurant, spacious outdoor courtyard from which to work remotely and rooftop pool.
Alaia Belize (pictured) Ambergris Caye, Belize Opening spring 2021
Debuting as the FIRST Marriott International property in Belize under the Autograph Collection, Alaia Belize will be the newest boutique community resort and residential property on ‘La Isla Bonita.’ The idyllic 155-unit beachfront resort will sit on 20 acres and feature a hotel and condominiums, plus eight oceanfront villas available for purchase. Conceived by visionary developer Andrew Ashcroft to echo and embrace the Belizean spirit, Alaia will boast world-class amenities including a rooftop suspended pool and lounge (a first for Belize), full-service spa, fitness center, kids club, dive shop and live art gallery. Drawing inspiration from its natural surroundings, the eco-luxury property will feature interiors by renowned Brazilian designer Debora Aguiar (who is known for her eco-luxury aesthetics). The hotel will boast approximately 70% of fabrics and raw materials from Belize, including rustic marbles and stones, reclaimed wood, linen curtains, textured beige walls and earth-toned hues to complement the awe-inspiring views of the Caribbean Sea.
Rock House Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Opening fall 2021
2021 brings the opening of Grace Bay Resorts’ anticipated new luxury resort Rock House, further elevating Turks and Caicos as a coveted destination for luxury travelers. As a response to the all-inclusive beach resorts typically found in the Caribbean, Rock House will be a cliffside Mediterranean-inspired hideaway, offering guests privacy and space—two things that will be top of mind for travelers in 2021—through spacious studio suites and single-family homes. The aesthetic at the five-star property, envisioned by AD100 designer Shawn Henderson, will be comfortable luxury, highlighting and protecting the landscape’s breathtaking natural elements. Glamorous amenities will include a serviced beach club jetty reminiscent of those in Europe that will stretch into the Atlantic Ocean; a secluded private beach; a signature restaurant perched atop a cliff; and the largest infinity pool in Turks and Caicos. Rock House’s sister properties in Turks (Grace Bay Club, West Bay Club and Point Grace) all have a significant number of repeat guests thanks to Grace Bay Resorts’ five-star service, and Rock House will be no different, further cementing Turks and Caicos onto every luxury travelers’ must-visit list.
Botánika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica Opening fall 2021
Surrounded by national parks and forest reserves, the new eco-resort will offer guests a truly immersive rainforest experience with world-class sport fishing in the Pacific Ocean and a wide range of guided eco-adventures. The 106-key property will feature a lagoon-style pool, beach club, private nature trails, and themed gardens, including an orchid garden, hummingbird garden, medicinal garden and bamboo garden.
InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping Chiang Mai, Thailand Opening late 2021
The InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping is the city’s most anticipated hotel opening within walking distance of Chiang Mai’s most notable attractions, including the Chiang Mai night bazaar and Tha-Pae Gate. It is also close to Chiang Mai’s undiscovered San Lom Choi community, welcoming visitors to Wat Umong, Ban Roitawaraban and Ban Dhewalai for a cultural immersion. Fifteen floors above the 306-key hotel, the Teresa Teng Museum will be renovated into a specialty restaurant and rooftop bar with original décor to commemorate the cultural icon with sky high views.
Club Med Québec Charlevoix Québec, Canada Opening December 2021
Club Med Québec Charlevoix will be Club Med’s first-ever four-season mountain resort, as well as the first in Canada, just an hour away from Quebec City in the Le Massif de Charlevoix region. With over 300 rooms spread throughout 300+ acres, the family-friendly all-inclusive ski resort will feature locally-inspired culinary experiences, a private 5-Trident (5-star) Exclusive Collection space, sweeping views of the scenic St. Lawrence River and surrounding mountains, and unlimited ski-in/ski-out access. Guests can enjoy year-round activities including skiing, biking and hiking, as well as activities traditional to the region, such as ice-skating and dog sledding.
Club Med Seychelles Republic of Seychelles Opening February 2021
The private island of Sainte Anne in the Republic of Seychelles will see their very first resort in February 2021. Nestled along the preserved Marine National Park, Club Med Seychelles will be the newest Exclusive Collection (5-star) resort from Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, with luxurious accommodations matched with high-touch, personalized service as guests explore the virtually untouched destination through glass-bottomed kayak rides, snorkeling experiences, and locally-inspired cuisine. The eco-certified resort will also feature a wide range of wellness treatments using products inspired by the native flora and will also offer nature conservation experiences, like marine conservation and turtle nesting.
LEGOLAND® Hotel at LEGOLAND New York Resort Hudson Valley, New York Opening 2021
Coming to New York’s Hudson Valley in 2021, the 250-room hotel -- the first and only LEGO themed hotel in the northeast – is specially designed for families, with imaginative LEGO features and themed play areas everywhere you look – and all just steps away from the LEGOLAND New York Park! Families can choose from four completely themed rooms (including Pirate, Kingdom, LEGO Friends and LEGO® NINJAGO® themes!) and explore the park’s seven themed lands, over 50 rides, shows and attractions and experience the global debut of the LEGO Factory Adventure Ride (where guests will be transformed into a LEGO Minifigure!). LEGOLAND New York Resort will be the first major theme park to grace the Northeast in over four decades and will be the premier multi-day destination for families with children ages two through 12.
NOMAD LONDON (London, December 2020)
NoMad London, a partnership between Sydell Group and investment firm BTC UK, will debut this December in the Covent Garden neighborhood, adjacent to the iconic Royal Opera House. The property, a historical 19th century building formerly known as Bow Street Magistrates Court and Police Station, will be thoughtfully transformed into a 91 room hotel by interior design studio Roman and Williams. Drawing on inspiration from the buildings history, location, and the artistic, cultural connection between London and New York, the hotel will feature spaces including the NoMad restaurant, Side Hustle bar, Library, and the brand’s first-ever subterranean craft cocktail bar and lounge, Common Decency that will debut in the spring of 2021. New to London and to the NoMad brand, Executive Chef Ian Coogan will be responsible for the hotel’s culinary offerings. In keeping with the ethos that began at NoMad New York, the restaurants and bars at NoMad London will toe between grand and intimate, classical and colloquial, and serve as perfect locales for festive moments of revelry as well as quiet meals that nourish the spirit. The hotel is the first international outpost for the NoMad brand — with NoMad hotels in New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas receiving numerous awards and accolades — and will continue NoMad's tradition of offering gracious hospitality married with understated elegance and comfort.
COLUMNS (New Orleans, December 2020)
Columns is a 20-room hotel located in the historic neighborhood of New Orleans’ Garden District. Built in 1883 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the beloved property was acquired by acclaimed hotelier Jayson Seidman in 2019. Following a thoughtful restoration process, preserving many of the building’s original architectural and design elements, Seidman will introduce the property in full later this year – with new public spaces including an expansive garden and a rooftop bar. The hotel’s bar & restaurant will be led by Michael Stoltzfus and the team behind the beloved Garden District eatery Coquette, which has been nominated for six consecutive James Beard Awards since opening. The menu will include dinner classics and cocktail fare focused on Southern American cuisine, with extensive open-air seating on the hotel’s sprawling porch and in the gardens below.
THE NEWBURY BOSTON (Boston, January 2020)
The Newbury is a partnership between Major Food Group (Sadelle’s, Carbone, The Grill) and the hospitality company Highgate. Set at the city’s most sought-after address, One Newbury Street, the hotel is located in the heart of Boston’s premier shopping and dining district, the Back Bay. The Newbury is a full renovation of one of the city’s most iconic landmark buildings adjacent to the Boston Public Garden, which debuted in 1927 as one of the first Ritz Carlton hotels in the US. The building will be thoughtfully transformed into a 286-room luxury hotel, with multiple dining experiences and event spaces - a nod to the property's rich history as a hub for lavish dinners and parties. Acclaimed designer Alexandra Champalimaud (Champalimaud Design) will lead the renovation of the hotel’s guest rooms, while celebrated architect Jeffrey Beers will conceive the building’s new entrance and public spaces. Major Food Group is behind the hotel’s food & beverage offerings – including The Street Bar, elegant event spaces, and a rooftop restaurant with 360 degree views of the city. The rooftop restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with sweeping views of the Boston Commons from a glass enclosure that will slide opened during the warmer months, as well as an Italian-focused menu by Chefs Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi.
Casa di Langa Piedmont, Italy Opening Spring 2021
Casa di Langa is a sustainable luxury hotel in the heart of northern Italy’s Piedmont region. A member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts and L.V.X Collection, this five-star property opening Spring 2021 sits on the doorstep of Le Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Overlooking 100+ acres of working vineyards and rolling hills, the 39-room eco-conscious hotel combines traditional Piedmontese design with sustainable practices thoughtfully threaded throughout the guest experience. At Fàula Ristorante and Sori Cocktail Bar guests can enjoy the finest expression of regional cuisine along with wines from around the world and neighboring vineyards. Cooking classes, a wine academy, truffle hunting, and art tours are among the many immersive guest experiences available at the property debuting this Spring.
SLS Puerto Madero Hotels & Residences Buenos Aires, Argentina Opening March 2021
Slated to open in March 2021, iconic international hospitality group sbe will expand its SLS hotel portfolio with the debut of a new hotel in the chic Puerto Madero neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Featuring 58 rooms and suites exquisitely designed by world renown Italian architect and designer, Piero Lissoni, SLS Puerto Madero brings a fresh and modern vibe to the dynamic energy of the city, offering a different kind of experience as most Dubai-based hotels are more traditional in décor.
SLS Dubai Hotels & Residences Dubai Opening March 1, 2021
Iconic international hospitality group sbe will be expanding its SLS hotel portfolio with the debut of a new hotel in the Middle East’s lavish capital of Dubai. Situated in the heart of the Downtown district, the property boasts spectacular, unobstructed views of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, as well as DubaiCreek. SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences comprises 254 expertly designed hotel rooms, 321 Hotel Apartments, 371 branded residences and will be one of the tallest hotels and residences in the region.
Ambiente, A Landape Hotel Opening: Fall 2021 A first of its kind in North America, Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel is uniquely designed to blend in with the mystical red rocks of Sedona, Ariz. and give guests the opportunity to experience and embrace the natural beauty that surrounds them in one of the world’s most stunning locations. The boutique hotel’s 40 cubed-shaped, guest Atriums appear to be floating above the high desert topography as the structures reflect the landscape with the use of bronzed glass and steel piers. With sleek and contemporary design, the hotel embodies elegant minimalism and the utmost in luxurious accommodations. Ambiente is committed to providing a sustainable destination for global travelers that is harmonious with the environment.
The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley Opening: Late 2021 As the centerpiece to the $2 billion, 122-acre luxury master-development of The Palmeraie in Arizona, The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley is the first Ritz-Carlton to be built in more than a decade. This 215-room hotel will be surrounded by 81 single-level Ritz-Carlton Residences Villas, ranging in size from 1,700 to 4,800 square feet, and 39 single-family Ritz-Carlton Residences Estate Homes, from 5,500 to 12,000 square feet. The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley promises to be one of the finest resorts of its kind ever built in Arizona. Spread out over approximately 20 acres, the design of the hotel will employ simple, elegant forms to create relaxed, comfortable spaces in the time-honored tradition of luxury architecture. The resort’s room composition includes spacious suites with superior amenities and design. The abundant oversized suites and detached casitas will make The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley an ideal destination for those seeking a private oasis. Guest accommodations will be connected by quiet, lush courtyard gardens and shaded walkways – evoking the sense of a village. Large windows with deep overhangs will promote the resort’s indoor/outdoor living ethos, along with unobstructed views of Arizona’s idyllic sunsets. The main pool, spanning nearly 400 feet, will be one of the longest resort pools in North America. A specialty dining concept will harvest seasonal produce from the resort’s anticipated herb garden and citrus orchard and incorporate ingredients into the daily menus. Rounding out the offering will be a 16,000 square-foot spa with indoor/outdoor treatment areas, a 2,500 square-foot state-of-the-art health and fitness center, indoor/outdoor meeting and event space and a grand lawn with stunning views of the iconic Camelback, Mummy and McDowell mountains.
Thompson San Antonio | San Antonio, Texas Opening: February 2021
Thompson San Antonio will open as a modern retreat soaring 20 stories above San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk – capturing the contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city and offering an evocative experience rooted in the timeless now. It will be a new socially distant gathering place in the city’s emerging Arts District, just steps from Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and a growing neighborhood of galleries. Glittering city and Hill Country views will be a hallmark of the 162 guest rooms including 33 suites with sculptural soaking tubs that stand outside bathrooms. The hotel will also feature an “It” restaurant celebrating the region’s heritage growers that is helmed by San Antonio’s most celebrated chef; an enchanting rooftop restaurant & bar inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon; a showstopping pool deck with a bar, luxury cabanas and music activations; a full-service spa featuring a sanctuary with secrets concept; and more.
Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection | Santa Fe, NM Opening: Spring 2021
Situated on 317 secluded acres bordering Santa Fe National Forest, Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection is a soulful retreat steeped in heritage. This iconic Santa Fe landmark was originally the home of Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy and was once the Pulitzer family’s private residence. With distinctive Southwestern heritage, nature-driven adventures and ancient healing arts, Bishop’s Lodge will boast 100 guestrooms and suites with amenities including outdoor gardens and event areas, a Turquesa Healing Arts Studio, awe-inspiring art gallery, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, on-site trout habitat, horse stables and a unique 12-bedroom bunkhouse for families, multi-generational families and friends getaways.
Paradero Todos Santos | Baja California Sur, Mexico | February 1, 2021
Pablo Carmona and Josh Kremer, Mexican entrepreneurs and financiers, are making their mark with Mexico’s first luxury soft adventure brand, Paradero Hotels. Todos Santos debut is the introduction to a long-term plan of expanding throughout additional pristine destinations in Mexico as well as North America. One-hour away from San José del Cabo Airport, Todos Santos has a barefoot, bohemian vibe and is a haven for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts. Overseen by Mexico City-based POLEN, who was behind the landscape design of Google and Twitter offices in Mexico, Paradero Todos Santos is an 80 percent landscape, 20 percent construction project. 35 suites are situated within the Le Mesa farming community and an agricultural area comprising more than a dozen family-owned farms. Details with a sense of place include: on-site 100,000-sq.ft. botanical garden with 60 endemic species; artisan-made furniture from Mexico; suspended ‘star nets’ that offer high-altitude views of the surrounding farmlands, mountains and ocean; below-ground spa that is inspired by a secret watering hole in Todos Santos; an open-fire kitchen with a traditional Oaxacan clay oven. Rates start at $550 per night.
Splendido Mare, a Belmond hotel, Portofino | Portofino, Italy | Opening April 16, 2021
Belmond has major renovation plans for the 14-room Splendido Mare in the heart of Portofino. Paris-based designers FESTEN Architecture have been appointed to lead the design. Located down the hill from the iconic Hotel Splendido, the renovation of Splendido Mare will reinvigorate this hot spot on the Italian Riviera. Inspired by its history in a fishing village, the design will reflect the cultivated casual atmosphere with natural woods, ropes and brass accents along with traditional Ligurian colors of sea green, terracotta and amber.
Kalesma | Mykonos, Greece | Opening April 29, 2021
Kalesma is opening this spring and will stand apart from other hotels on the island with its amazing service (the owners are bringing in their trusted staff from their three hotspot restaurants in Athens to get it started). Every accommodation is a suite plus two villas (25 rooms total, all with full size pools). There will be fresh bread baking all day long and the hotel sits on a hill overlooking the sea on two sides for sunsets and sunrises. The owners all grew up on the island and want to introduce guests to the real Mykonos – not only the party scene, but local artists’ studios, private beaches, the best shops… The design is traditional Cycladic (think whitewashed walls) but with a sleek modern twist – there is Rick Owens furniture in the lobby. Rates start at €1,200 and villas at €2,800 per night.
Chatwal Lodge, The Catskills | Bethel, NY | Opening May 1, 2021
Bringing a Blackberry Farm type experience to the Catskills, The Chatwal Lodge is located at The Chapin Estate, a 2,500-acre gated residential community. Architect and designer Steve Dubrovsky specializes in 19th-century Adirondack style, and he is also a four-time circuit champion of the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association. Accommodations include 10 suites, with private patios overlooking the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir Lake; a 1,000-sq.ft. treehouse that rises 25 feet off the ground; and an 850-sq.ft. glam tent. Activities range from fly fishing in the on-property trout stream and kayaking with a to-go picnic, to private music classes at the Lodge and priority access to exhibitions at Bethel Center of Performing Arts. Rates start at $1,200 per night.
PONANT | Le Commandant Charcot | Summer 2021
200 years after the first man set foot on Antarctica, PONANT, the leader in luxury expedition cruising, will launch Le Commandant Charcot, the first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration vessel, to take guests to parts of the continent not previously explored. Operating off a mix of battery and Liquified Natural Gas, venture to Antarctica in style with just 135 cabins onboard and amenities from Veuve Clicquot, Laduree and Sothy's. Among the highlights: a sail to Peter I Island, where fewer people have visited than have set foot on the moon; close encounters with Antarctic seabirds, Minke whales and orcas; tethered hot air balloon rides above the White Continent; and hovercraft excursions. Under the supervision of the team of naturalist guides and the on-board scientists, guests will also be able to participate in research and experiments during sailings, including deploying an Argos transmitter, a satellite-based system which collects and shares environmental data.
Recent Openings
White Elephant Palm Beach | Florida | Opened November 4
32-room White Elephant Palm Beach is now open in a super convenient spot just a block from Royal Poinciana Plaza (full of shops, restaurants, etc). It feels a bit like Nantucket in Palm Beach – more neutral color scheme as opposed to the usual pinks and greens. The interiors are completely new but the building is a landmark – built in 1924. There are some incredible suites and terraces, a pool, and of course a super buzzy restaurant, Lola 41. (Also a Nantucket transplant.) This will be the newest Palm Beach hot spot for locals and visitors. Rates start at $650 for a guest room and $995 for a suite.
The Dupont Circle | Washington, DC | Opened October 16
After two years of top-to-bottom renovations including a new bar and restaurant by Martin Brudnizki that opened last year, the Dupont Circle is now open. The mid-century look carries through from the clubby bar up to the huge penthouse suite with a 600-sq.ft. terrace looking over Dupont Circle (designed by Irish wellness designer, Clodagh – a tie-in with the Irishness of the Doyle Collection brand). All the guest rooms have been similarly reimagined. Rates start at $325 and go up to $20,000 for a buyout of the entire penthouse level (which comes with 12 additional suites, a private elevator, and a personal attaché).
