The world's hotels have taken a massive hit amid the global pandemic owing to travel demand being quashed by restrictions on movement and border measures being put in place in many countries.
Now, as many of these restrictions are lifted and countries begin to welcome back international travellers, there’s plenty to look forward to in the marble-laden world of luxury hotels.
In the Gulf, we’re already excited about a selection of hotels opening in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, with the long-awaited Nobu Hotel in Riyadh and Dubai’s long-promised Atlantis, The Royal, both on the agenda.
Looking farther afield, there are plenty of other hip hotels to get excited about. Here are 38 of the most-anticipated abodes set to welcome guests in 2022.
1. The Standard, Ibiza, Spain (April)
Located in the heart of Ibiza's Unesco-listed Old Town, mere steps from the waterfront along the pedestrian-only Vara de Rey, America’s party hotel The Standard will open on the Balearic island on April 28.
The stark-white boutique property has only 53 rooms and suites, with a street-level restaurant serving up farm-to-table food. There’s also a free-standing private residence, Casa Privada, for those seeking the ultimate exclusivity. A rooftop pool is a great spot for soaking up the Ibizan rays and taking in views of the island, all the way to the Castle of Ibiza. Located at the very heart of the island, guests are guaranteed a lively social scene at this new property, which is for over 18s only.
2. Marufukuro, Kyoto, Japan (April)
Set in what was the first head office of Nintendo in Kyoto, Marufukuro will open on April 9 as an 18-room hotel that has preserved several elements from its days as Nintendo’s creative space. Many of the original 1930 details are intact, including the decorative tiling and Art Deco light fixtures, as well as the entrance plaques. The hotel’s window grilles are patterned with details from old Nintendo playing cards, a nice detail to the property, which has an overriding sense of understated comfort. There’s also a newly built annex, designed by Tadao Ando — famed for his minimalist aesthetic and love of natural materials. Guests can dine in the hotel’s signature restaurant, visit its newly installed sleek bar, or unwind at the spa and gym in this timeless property set between the Kamo and Takase rivers in heart of Kyoto.
3. SLS Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Argentina (April)
A sister property of SLS Dubai is set to open in the Puerto Madero neighbourhood of Buenos Aires in Argentina this month. SLS Puerto Madero has 58 rooms and suites, each of which has been conceptualised by renowned Italian designer and architect, Piero Lissoni. Fresh and modern, the hotel will also be home to Leynia, an upscale eatery inspired by classic Argentinian grills fused with flavours from Japan. Like its Dubai outpost, the hotel will also have a The Ciel Spa as a place that guests can recharge and unwind, as well as a fully equipped gym, and an outdoor swimming pool.
4. Esca Nest & Nature — Inman Valley, Australia (April)
Australia has finally reopened to travellers and there are plenty of new hotels and attractions ready to welcome tourists. Of these, Esca Nest & Nature — Inman Valley might be one of the most private. Near Adelaide, it's located on a hilltop site with views over the surrounding Fleurieu Peninsula. This tiny abode has only two suites, each with a fire pit and sunken bathtub. Geared towards couples, its opening on April 29, and promises a remote and peaceful retreat that's the perfect base from which to enjoy private sunsets and bushwalking trails.
5. The Madrid Edition, Spain (April)
The hotel, which officially opens on April 22, is currently in soft launch. It's Spain’s second property from the Ian Schrager brand. Located in the capital’s lively neighbourhood of Sol, it’s a stone’s throw from the Royal Theatre and the Royal Palace and is close to the Golden Triangle of Art — Madrid’s three top art museums. The hotel has 200 guest rooms and suites, several with private terraces, and two celebrity-chef helmed restaurants, one from Enrique Olvera and the other by Diego Munoz. Three unique bar concepts will fit nicely into Madrid’s busy nightlife scene and there's also a stunning rooftop pool that comes with a side of awesome city views. A state-of-the-art fitness centre and cosy and intimate spa clad in dark timber are found on the lower ground floor, with all products from Spanish brand Natura Bisse.
6. Lolebezi, Zambia (May)
Set in the untouched wilds of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, Lolebezi is a luxury safari camp that's the newest member of the African Bush Camps Collection. Boutique in size, it can host up to 16 people and each luxury cabin has a private plunge pool that is the ideal place to watch the great river flow slowly by. Rooms have hand-carved wooden beds surrounded by circular curtains, floor-to ceiling glass doors and free-standing bath tubs. There is also an on-site spa and yoga deck at this eco-conscious retreat, where power comes from off-grid solar energy. Surrounded by five hectares of protected wilderness, Lolebezi will be the hottest new place for safari-loving guests to spot leopards, elephants and more on game drives and animal walks.
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, Jordan (May)
Opening its doors in May this year, The Ritz-Carlton Amman is an exciting new addition to Jordan’s capital. Bringing its high standards of luxury and service to the city, travellers can expect opulent design, no less than nine restaurants and a very blissful Espa spa experience. The hotel’s 5th Circle address also means it will be a great spot from which to explore the hustle and bustle of Amman’s Rainbow Street, as well as another jumping off point for travellers keen to explore the rich heritage and history that Jordan has to offer.
8. Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland (May)
Scotland’s most famous country estate is coming to the city, with the opening of Gleneagles Townhouse. Set in a historic building in St Andrew Square in the heart of Edinburgh, the boutique property will have 33 rooms, each designed to imbue a sense of understated luxury as well as give a nod to the region’s history. With an all-day dining and drinking restaurant, a rooftop bar with amazing views over the city and a state-of-the art gym with a cryotherapy chamber and infrared sauna, it’s set to be the hottest new address in the capital.
9. Botanika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton, Costa Rica (May)
Costa Rica is known for its pura vida (pure life) and that's exactly what travellers heading to the country from May will find with a stay at the soon-to-open Botanika Osa Peninsula, Curio Collection by Hilton.
The boutique property is nestled in the rainforest and has 43 rooms, a lagoon-style pool and a central courtyard that revolves around a 100-year-old mango tree. A taste of Costa Rica awaits at Tierra a la Mesa, Botanika’s flagship dining experience where ingredients are all sustainably sourced from the land and sea. And there’s a private beach leading into the Pacific Ocean as well as unrivalled access to Corcovado National Park, with its hiking, zip-lining and biking adventures.
10. The Chedi El Gouna, Egypt (spring)
Located on a hilltop and along the shores of the Red Sea, The Chedi El Gouna offers five-star luxury and white sandy beaches alongside a design inspired by ancient Nubian villages. Comprising of 90 rooms and suites, two large outdoor pools, an Asian fusion restaurant and a spa and wellness centre, the resort is minutes away from the Downtown area, but feels as if it's surrounded by nature thanks to tree-lined pathways and ocean views. Guests who want to make the most of the hotel's location can book a beachfront room to be close to watersports and activities including windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.
11. Nobu Hotel Santorini, Greece (spring)
The hotel is located on Santorini's north-east coast and, naturally, has a signature Nobu restaurant on-site. A dual-level infinity pool is set to offer access to some of the best of this island’s famed sunsets, thanks to its clifftop location in Imerovigli. Guests will have uninterrupted vistas of the Caldera and the Aegean Sea and can head out on the Oi-Fira hiking trail for a brush with nature. In typical Nobu style, expect sleek high-end finishings with a Grecian twist.
12. The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, US (spring)
The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, is located in one of the city’s quintessential neighbourhoods, home to Madison Square Park, the Flatiron Building and the Empire State Building. As one of the tallest skyscrapers in the area, this 250-room hotel comes with impressive Big Apple views. All-day dining can be had at Zaytinya by Michelin-lauded chef Jose Andres and there’s a 6,800-square-foot spa for when you need to disconnect from the buzz of the city that never sleeps. Even better, it’s pet-friendly
13. Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (spring)
As Holland reopens to travellers, the country’s most famous city is gearing up to welcome a new neighbour. Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky will be the brand's first hotel in Holland and set in a building that has more than 155 years of history, starting life as a tiny coffee house. The hotel spans 55 canal houses and overlooks Dam Square and faces the National Royal Palace. It can easily say it has one of the best locations in the city. Designed as a "combination of urban life and contemporary luxury", this property is set to be a new meeting place for travellers, a base from where people can easily explore the canal-laden city and a central spot to unwind and relax thanks to Michelin-starred dining, and the brand’s award-winning spa.
14. Aman New York, US (spring)
Making its East Coast debut in the city that never sleeps, Aman New York is opening in the striking Crown Building that was originally the home of the Museum of Modern Art. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the 26-storey hotel features 83 rooms and suites and is home to Aman’s first urban private residences. It has a three-storey spa, the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan below, while a jazz club, several restaurants and a 10th-floor garden terrace will be welcome additions on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street.
15. Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, Bali, Indonesia (June)
Banyan Tree Escape’s first property will open this year in a small Buahan village, 40 minutes from Ubud in Bali. Surrounded by Balinese jungle and Indonesia’s famed rice paddies, the resort will have 16 luxury villas, each of which has been designed to follow the brand’s new ‘naked experience’ policy — which means no windows or doors and instead a total immersion with nature. Opening on June 1, this remote resort promises a wealth of experiences designed to get guests off the beaten path. Discover Balinese culture, immerse yourself in local eco-therapy rituals or take a ride around Buahan using the resort’s detailed DIY maps — the island is yours to explore.
16. Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy (June)
This summer Lake Como will welcome a new resident with the transformation of an 18th-century building into a stunning 24-room boutique hotel. Passalacqua is a sister property to the famed Italian resort Grand Hotel Tremezzo, and will be the largest property on the shores of Italy’s most-coveted lake when it opens in June. Guests arriving at the hotel, which is perched above the charming village of Moltrasio, will enter via a secret underground entrance and can expect plush interiors, carved ceilings, priceless objets d’art and a 200-year-old glasshouse filled with exotic plants and a splendid swimming terrace.
17. Fortune Park Hoshiarpur, India (June)
Located in the "City of the Saints", Fortune Park Hoshiarpur will be the first branded hotel in the city when it opens to visitors this June. Operated by ITC — a brand known for its commitment to the planet — the hotel will offer a regal escape with 58 well-appointed rooms and suites set in Hoshiarpur’s countryside. Nestled among the town's hills and forests, the hotel has a luxury spa, a swimming pool, four dining outlets and beautifully manicured gardens that are ideal for taking in the region’s cooler climate. The elegant hotel is in a good location for pilgrims looking for a place to stop on the way to religious sites such as Mata Chintpurni temple.
18. The Homestead, South Africa (June)
One for the wildlife lovers, The Homestead is located in Nambiti, a sprawling private game reserve not far from Johannesburg that’s home to nearly 50 species of mammals and an amazing array of birds and plant life. The eco-minded boutique lodge will open with 12 exclusive luxury suites on site. Offering bespoke wildlife excursions and game drives, this place also offers adventures that allow for a deeper understanding of the region. You can take photography classes, go on guided hikes, learn to cook with local ingredients or go rambling in the mountains. Predominantly powered by a solar farm, which also powers its fleet of electric off-roaders, the resort works closely with local communities to ensure a positive experience exists for the holidaymakers and for those who call this African bushland home.
19. Hotel La Palma, Capri, Italy (June)
Located on the idyllic island of Capri in Italy’s glorious south, Hotel La Palma by the Oetker Collection will open in what was the island’s first hotel, built in 1822. Mere steps from the celebrity-packed Piazzetta, the 50-key property has a stylish rooftop restaurant under the culinary guidance of celebrated chef Gennaro Esposito. Two of his restaurants hold a total of three Michelin stars. The property has a Micha luxury spa and a private beach club over on the south of the island. There’s also several high-fashion boutiques — this is Capri, after all. Guests checking in will be in good company, it was formerly known as the artists' hotel thanks to the collective of notable artists, writers, poets and musicians who once frequented it.
20. Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton, Ecuador (July)
One of the world’s most unique ecosystems is gearing up to welcome its first international hotel brand this year. Royal Palm Galapagos, Curio Collection by Hilton will open on Santa Cruz island in July as the hotel group takes over this historic boutique property. The 21-room estate is set on a 160-hectare site in the Miconia Highland Forests, adjacent to the Galapagos National Park. Sheltered within a valley between two extinct cinder cone volcanoes, the entire space features nine areas of geological interest from craters to lava tunnels. Sustainability will remain at the centre of the property, with reforestation, rain harvesting and community projects woven into the operations. There's a swimming pool, spa and fitness centre for when you can drag yourself away from the island's epic wildlife encounters from swimming with green turtles to spotting rare birds. There's also the chance to dine in a cave inside a lava tunnel.
21. Kimpton Aysla Mallorca, Spain (August)
Nestled among lush native gardens, the Kimpton Aysla Mallorca will be the first for the brand on the Balearic island when it welcomes visitors at the end of August. The 79-room luxury hotel will be positioned right next to one of the island’s most renowned golf courses, Santa Ponsa Golf, on the site of the existing Santa Ponsa Country Club. Located less than 30 minutes from Palma de Mallorca airport, it will bring Kimpton’s laid-back approach to luxury to the Oceanside oasis. With a sprawling spa, two outdoor swimming pools, a yoga studio and a gym, the hotel is set to be a midway haven between Mallorca's buzzy nightlife and its sleepy coastal towns.
22. Virgin Hotels Glasgow, Scotland (summer)
For all its friendly banter and fun-loving vibes, Glasgow still struggles when it comes to upscale hotel choices so the opening of Virgin Hotels Glasgow this summer will be a welcome addition. The Richard Branson-owned brand’s second hotel outside of the US, as well as the second hotel in Scotland with Virgin Hotels Edinburgh due to open a few months earlier, this abode will have a prime city centre position. Guests can enjoy panoramic views overlooking the River Clyde to the south, and across to the heart of Glasgow to the north, making it an ideal base to explore Scotland’s friendliest city. There are 240 chambers and suites, as well as meeting and event spaces, plus several dining and drinking outlets, including signature culinary experience Commons Club, and the hotel group's popular The Funny Library Coffee Shop.
23. Habitas Santa Teresa, Costa Rica (summer)
Modular, minimally invasive and geared towards millennial travellers, Habitas' Santa Teresa is opening in Costa Rica on the country’s Nicoya Peninsula. The eco-conscious retreat is nestled in a beachfront jungle and all of the facilities — from the spa, agora and restaurant to the pool deck and sunken fire pit — are designed in a sustainable manner. Activities abound at this resort, with volcano snorkelling, hydro foiling, surf safaris and more on the agenda. The hotel is also involved in working with the local community and will support reforestation projects to offset all carbon emissions from its daily operations.
24. W Costa Navarino, Greece (summer)
This new addition to the W Hotels brand will be opening in Greece’s Messinia in the south-west Peloponnese, one of the most unspoilt and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean. Travellers can expect the hotel's unique blend of style in the coastal destination, with 246 design-driven rooms, suites and villas, many of which come with private pools overlooking the Ionian Sea. The 13-hectare beachfront resort also has a beach club and the Culinary Square — the hotel’s playful take on a food market — as its all-day dining restaurant. Tennis courts, a water sports centre and easy access to the region’s four professional golf courses ensure there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained all year round.
25. Hilton Maldives Amingiri (summer)
The hotel is opening in Amingiri in The Maldives' Male Atoll. The luxury resort joins three other Hilton-owned properties in the Indian Ocean holiday spot, including the Conrad Maldives Rangalli Island, which recently reopened after a multi-year, multi-million-dollar refurbishment. Hilton Maldives Amingiri is an all-villa resort with 109 properties offering a choice of beach or water accommodation, all of which come with their own private pool. The family-friendly resort also has six restaurants and bars, a teen-only zone and a fantastic children's club with a climbing wall, ball pond and boulder play zone. Located only a 15-minute speedboat ride from the capital, it's easy to get to from Velena International Airport, making it a great choice for a short break.
26. Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, US (summer)
There will be a new addition in the US's music city this year, with the opening of the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. Located a block from lower Broadway along the Cumberland River, the luxury abode is housed in a glass tower with 235 rooms and 40 suites, all of which come with either city skyline or water vistas. Even better views are available at the infinity pool on the seventh floor and the hotel will offer classic southern hospitality and several curated experiences that pay homage to its location, such as giving guests the chance to write their own country song in partnership with a local musician.
27. Virgin Hotels New York City, US (summer)
The hotel is located on the north-west corner of 29th Street and Broadway, right in the midst of the NoMad neighborhood. With 463 guest rooms, a Pool Club that is perfect for lounging and a Commons Club — Virgin’s signature members-style club that’s open to all hotel guests — summertime in New York is about to get a little bit sweeter.
28. Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia (September)
Nestled on Indonesia’s Sumba, an island twice the size of Bali and about an hour’s flight from the holiday hotspot, Cap Karoso will be an idyllic 47-room, 20-villa hotel when it opens. Brilliantly designed with flat-roof organic gardens, the buildings almost blend into their lush surrounds, and are steps away from a private shoreline. The hotel also has its own farm to produce most of the food in the restaurants and the owners have plans to open an agricultural school for the local community.
29. Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, France (September)
This will be the first hotel in France for the Anantara brand. Travellers can luxuriate in the glamour of the French Riviera with a stay in this historic 170-year-old building. It has been fully renovated, with a design inspired by the golden days of the Cote d’Azur.
The hotel’s 140-metre-long Belle Epoque facade, designed by Charles Dalmas, remains intact, and is now complemented by some of Anantara’s signature offerings including its award-winning Anantara Spa, and a stylish rooftop restaurant from chefpreneur Olivier da Costa. The property is nestled in one of Nice’s most coveted areas, and guests will have views over beautifully kept gardens or the blue of the Mediterranean.
30. Maison Delano Paris, France (October)
A new addition in the luxury-hotel favourite that is the City of Love, Maison Delano Paris is worth getting excited about. Due to open in October in the sought-after 8th arrondissement neighbourhood, the hotel is housed in an 18th-century courtyard building near the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. The 56-room property will also compete in France’s competitive culinary scene thanks to a spot by chef Dani Garcia, whose restaurants have a total of three Michelin stars.
31. Nolinski Venezia by EVOK, Italy (November)
After successfully conquering Paris with four design-led properties, French hospitality group EVOK will debut its first hotel outside of France when it launches Nolinski Venezia, in Italy. Opening before the end of the year in the historical centre of Venice, EVOK’s first Italian property will be set in the former Chamber of Commerce, a few steps from St Mark’s Square. The historic property will feature stunning rooms, suites, a gastronomic restaurant and a spa.
32. Six Senses Rome, Italy (autumn)
This hotel will be the first in Italy for the brand that is known for its focus on wellness, sustainability and epic locations. Housed in a palazzo building in the heart of the Eternal City, the luxury abode has 95 guest rooms and suites, a spa, restaurants and an outdoor courtyard and garden. Views from the rooftop terrace overlook the Fontana di Trevi, the Pantheon and more. Located in a Unesco-listed building, the hotel’s dramatic centrepiece will be a grand staircase that is being lovingly restored.
33. Mandarin Oriental Mayfair Hotel, London, UK (autumn)
Situated on Hanover Square, Mayfair’s oldest, the hotel is a boutique-sized property that complements the brand’s Knightsbridge Grande dame. It has only 50 rooms and suites, and a host of luxury facilities including a 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool, fitness suite, spa and fine-dining restaurant. There is also a rooftop bar offering views of Mayfair, and access to a new public plaza that will be home to a host of dining and shopping outlets. The location is also going to house 80 branded residences, set to be some of the most exclusive homes in all of London.
34. Nobu Hotel Marrakech, Morocco (autumn)
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert DeNiro’s hospitality brand Nobu Hotels have another debut up their sleeves this year, this time in Morocco. Set to open in Marrakesh’s Hivernage district, near the historic heart of the city, the luxury hotel will fuse Arabian and Amazigh heritage with Nobu's famed modern hospitality. With 71 spacious rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace, indoor and outdoor pools and a luxury 2,000-square-metre spa, this new addition to the city will also be welcomed by its foodies, as it will be home to the hotel's signature Nobu restaurant — a first for Morocco.
35. The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York, US (autumn)
Just when you thought there were enough luxury hotels in New York, along comes another. The Fifth Avenue Hotel will offer guests a blend of old-world allure and contemporary amenities, served with views of Madison Park. A mirror-clad lobby sets the scene as you enter the chic art-focused hotel, where a rich jewel-tone design is guaranteed to get your attention. Rooms are decorated with striking Murano glass chandeliers and public spaces are peppered with an eclectically curated collection of fine art and flea market finds. Dining options include The Portrait Bar, The Study and The Terrace.
36. One&Only Aesthesis, Greece (winter)
Known for its unique charm and handpicked locations, One&Only is adding a new baby to its fold before the end of this year. Set on 21 hectares of beachfront estate in southern Athens, One&Only Aesthesis is the hotel group’s first Grecian escape. Surrounded by Mediterranean waves and verdant greenery, the resort feels as if it's on its own private island, yet it in reality it's just a short distance from the vibrant metropolis of the Greek capital. Rooms, suites and private villas channel old-world glamour and offer a sense of nostalgic Riviera living. The luxury resort is also be home to two signature restaurants and has a luxurious Chenot Spa with therapies inspired by the surrounding natural environment.
37. W Edinburgh, Scotland (winter)
Located under a winding steel ribbon towering atop the St James Quarter in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, W Edinburgh is bringing its wow-factor rooms and unique luxury to Scotland for the first time this winter. The hotel will have 214 stylish guest rooms, including the brand's signature ‘Extreme Wow’ presidential suite. It will also be home to FIT, the brand's workout facility, and an AWAY Spa. Up on the rooftop, celebrity-favourite SushiSamba will open its doors with a chef’s table, outdoor terrace and a destination bar with panoramic views of the city’s historic skyline. Located in one of Edinburgh's most up and coming districts, W Edinburgh is set to become a central part of the capital’s cultural and lifestyle hub.
38. Raffles London at The OWO, UK (winter)
The OWO is a historic war building that was previously the office of former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill. Designed by Thierry Despont — the man behind the centennial restoration of the Statue of Liberty — the hotel has 120 rooms, 85 residences, 11 restaurants and bars and an immersive spa with a 20-metre indoor pool. The property is located opposite Horse Guards on Whitehall and is close to St James’s Park.
