2024 marked another landmark year for luxury hotel openings around the globe. In London, Mandarin Oriental, Maybourne and Art’otel expanded their footprints in the UK capital, while New York welcomed new ventures from Standard International and Corinthia Hotels. In Dubai, a steady stream of high-end hotspots landed in the Emirate throughout the year, courtesy of Dorchester Collection, Ennismore and Kerzner International.
And that’s nothing to say of the boutique boltholes that appeared off the beaten track, from a sanitorium-turned-mountain-sanctuary in the Arcadian Forest to a clifftop retreat on the Greek island of Folegandros.
And there’s plenty of activity for the coming year too. According to data collated by THP, there are currently a total of 8,011 projects in the pipeline globally, 2,771 (35%) of which are due to debut in 2025; that’s over 514,000 new rooms worldwide.
With thousands of properties to choose from, we’ve sifted through the data to bring you a round-up of the very best hotels opening their doors set to transform the luxury travel landscape over the next 12 months:
Capella Kyoto
Designed by Kengo Kuma, Capella Kyoto will mark the group's debut in Japan, complete with a range of F&B and wellness facilities. The 92-key property reflects Kyoto’s rich artistic traditions with curated Japanese artworks and architectural elements inspired by the Higashiyama culture.
Express Check-Out: Developer: NTT Urban Development • Operator: Capella Hotel Group • Architecture: Kengo Kuma & Associates • Interior Design: Brewin Design Office
Waldorf Astoria, New York
Following a multi-year renovation, the grand dame of New York will return. The Midtown Manhattan is ushering in a new era of luxury with the restoration of iconic elements such as the Grand Ballroom and Waldorf Astoria clock, as well as new additions including a 30,000ft2 spa and larger guestrooms.
Express Check-Out: Owner/Developer: Anbang Insurance Group • Operator: Hilton • Architecture: Skidmore Owings & Merrill • Interior Design: Pierre-Yves Rochon • Landscaping: MPFP
The Eve, Sydney
Toga Group has enlisted a trio of Sydney creatives to envision an urban sanctuary in the heart of the Harbour City. Characterised by organic architecture and biophilic motifs, The Eve will offer a range of accommodation, as well as a rooftop pool and restaurant, bar and wellness and fitness facilities.
Express Check-Out: Owner/Developer: Toga Group • Operator: TFE Hotels • Architecture: SJB Architects • Interior Design: SJB Architects, George Livissianis Interiors Architects, Bates Smart • Landscaping: 360 Degrees
Six Senses at The Whiteley, London
Six Senses has transformed the former Whiteley's department store into a 109-key hotel spanning Queensway. In addition to a robust F&B programme and spa, the Art Deco bazaar will house the inaugural Six Senses Place, the brand's new social and wellness-focused private members' club.
Express Check-Out: Investor: MARK, CC Land • Development Manager: Finchatton • Operator: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas • Architecture: Foster + Partners • Executive Architecture: EPR Architects • Interior Design: AvroKO
Amyth of Nicosia, Cyprus
As sister property to Design Hotels member Almyra, Amyth of Nicosia occupies an early 20th-century villa in Paphos that has been carefully restored by Eraclis Papachristou Architects and designer Maria Neophytou. The intimate, nine-key hotel combines decorative ceilings, vintage tiled floors with a grand staircase.
Express Check-Out: Operator: Thanos Hotels and Resorts • Interior Design: Maria Neophytou • Affiliation: Design Hotels
La Fondation, Paris
French real estate firm Groupe Galia has set its sights on Paris' 17th arrondissement for its latest hotel. Envisioned by New York studio Roman and Williams, interiors exude warm elegance with Modernist references and artworks.
Express Check-Out: Developer: The Galia Group • Operator: Terlia • Architecture: PCA-Stream • Interior Design: Roman and Williams
Salt of Anji, China
Designed by South African architect Peter Rich, Salt of Anji is inspired by Gaudí’s imaginative use of natural stone and elements to create eye-catching structures. The sustainability-focused resort will comprise 108 guestrooms and villas, a scenic outdoor pool, themed restaurants and a Salt Equilibrium spa centre.
Express Check-Out: Operator: The Luxe Collective • Architecture and Interior Design: Peter Rich Architects
The Newman, London
Kinsfolk & Co – a new hospitality management company founded by Paul Brackley – will debut this year in London's Fitzrovia neighbourhood. Brought to life by Lind + Almond, the Art Deco-inspired scheme nods to the neighbourhood spirit and iconic characters from throughout history.
Express Check-Out: Operator: Kinsfolk & Co • Architecture: ReardonSmith Architects • Interior Design: Lind + Almond
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Madhya Pradesh
Located next to Panna National Park and Tiger Reserve is a 19th-century palace built by the Maharaja Hinu Pat Shah of the Bundela Dynasty, and is now home to the latest Oberoi resort. In addition to preserving the ancient Sal (Indian Teak) and Palash (Flame of the Forest) trees across the 70-acre site, the architecture and interior design sensibilities reflect inter-generational influences, blending traditional Bundelkhand features and British colonial signatures.
Express Check-Out: Developer: The Oberoi Group • Operator: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Few & Far Luvhondo, South Africa
Nestled in the stunning Soutpansberg mountains of Limpopo, South Africa, Few & Far Luvhondo reimagines the traditional safari as a wild, luxurious bush experience. Alongside six cliffside suites, the camp offers a one-of-a-kind aerial cable car experience, Solfari.
Express Check-Out: Operator: Few & Far Collection
The Twenty Two, New York
Another of London's buzzy private members' clubs is heading stateside with a new hotel in Union Square that is nearly double the size of its British counterpart. London-based Child Studio has conceived interiors that offer a contemporary interpretation of quintessential American design styles throughout.
Express Check-Out: Owner: Reuben Brothers • Operator: The Twenty Two • Interior Design: Child Studio
Nihi Rote, Indonesia
Following the success of Nihi Sumba, the brand has extended its footprint in Indonesia. The second off-grid resort features 25 thatched-roof, private pool villas that overlook a stretch of unspoilt coastline on Bo’a beach.
Express Check-Out: Operator: Nihi Hotels • Interior Design: In-house
Romègas, Malta
Camilleri Paris Mode and EM Architects have reimagined a 16th-century palazzo as a 23-room boutique, complete with a Maltese restaurant and rooftop pool offering views of Valetta. Highlights include traditional terrazzo floors, wood panelling and a hand-carved stone façade that harmonise to create an authentic yet contemporary atmosphere.
Express Check-Out: Architecture: EM Architects • Interior Design: Camilleri Paris Mode
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai
Nestled at the tip of Dubai’s largest private beach, the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will complete the group’s oceanic trilogy, which includes the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel and sailboat-inspired Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. The superyacht-inspired landmark will offer a range of accommodation including 386 guestrooms and suites, four penthouses, and 83 luxury hotel apartment suites, all set amid private landscaped gardens. On-site amenities will encompass specially integrated wellness and leisure destinations and an impressive F&B line-up.
Express Check-Out: Developer: Dubai Holding • Operator: Jumeirah Group • Architecture: Killa Design • Interior Design: HBA
