The Hottest Hotel Openings To Have On Your Radar
From under-the-radar island sanctuaries to urban masterpieces, there’s a wealth of magnificent recent openings and new hotels on the horizon. KATIE BERRINGTON rounds up the ones you need to know about now
Orient Express La Minerva Rome, Italy
World-renowned for its iconic train journeys, the Orient Express brand is expanding its legendary, luxury hospitality offering, bringing its style to a hotel in the heart of Rome. It has transformed the 17th-century palace La Minerva in the legendary Piazza della Minerva, steps away from the Pantheon, fusing art deco opulence with modern elegance and preserving the property’s rich historical legacy. The opening also coincides with the launch of La Dolce Vita Orient Express train, which will allow guests to embark on a captivating voyage across Italy in unrivaled style. Opening in April 2025
Amanvari, Mexico
An Aman opening is always cause for note and celebration – and even more so when the location is aptly idyllic. In Baja’s East Cape, beside the Sea of Cortez on a stretch of perfect white sand beach, Amanvari will house the ultra-luxurious sanctuary of the resort, several restaurants, a signature Aman Spa and a collection of private Aman Residences – giving the opportunity to enjoy a personal piece of this serene, tropical paradise. Opening soon
The Malkai, Oman
A first-of-its-kind experience coming to the Sultanate of Oman, The Malkai is a family dream that has been decades in the making. Three different sites give guests an insight into the vastly varying landscapes of Oman – from the coastal plains of Barka, near Muscat, to the soaring Al Hajar Mountains and the expansive Sharqiya Sands. Each site will have luxurious accommodation, comprised of 14 tented Pavilions, and infinity pools, dining options and spa spaces. Opening later this year
Collegio alla Querce, Florence
Perched above the Florence skyline, with views spanning from the Duomo di Firenze to the rolling Tuscan hills, Collegio alla Querce celebrates the storied allure and architecture of its eminent locale. A renaissance-era villa that was once an educational institution, it features 83 guest rooms, an original chapel and theater, two restaurants, a bar (transformed from the former principal’s office) and glorious gardens where olive and oak trees reveal a beautiful outdoor pool. Opening in March 2025
Mandarin Oriental Vienna, Austria
Within Vienna’s grand Ringstrasse, Mandarin Oriental has thoughtfully reimagined an early 1900s art nouveau building, walking distance to landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Imperial Palace and Vienna State Opera. Formed around a central glass-covered courtyard, there are two restaurants and a bar, a state-of-the-art spa with an elegant and large indoor swimming pool, and a picturesque outdoor garden. Opening in summer 2025
Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp, Zambia
In Zambia’s vast Kafue National Park, Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp sits a few meters above the Kafue River, in an expanse of unspoilt wilderness. The camp encompasses 12 tents – all exquisitely designed (and the Presidential Villa the most luxurious of them all) – each boasting private plunge pools and exclusive boat access. A magnificent base to undertake the unique safari opportunities that the location offers, there is also a wellness area and swimming pool, a restaurant and bar, a lounging area and a traditional African boma. Opening later this year
Vestige Son Ermità and Binidufà, Menorca
Vestige is set to add a few new additions to its dream-worthy Balearic portfolio this year. Joining Menorca’s glorious Son Vell are sister hotels Son Ermità and Binidufà, two boutique 11-bedroom properties that share an 800-acre farm estate on the island. The hilltop Ermità glistens in refined white sandstone, while Binidufà is a chic, red-stone rustic finca nestled in the valley. Guests can use the facilities across the estate, which include three swimming pools, two restaurants (one plant-focused, farm-to-table and one fine-dining), two bars, a gym and treatment rooms. Meanwhile, over on Mallorca, the small and secluded Vestige Son Veri will open in a charming, peaceful village, in the wooded surrounding of the Tramuntana mountain range. Opening this summer
Faena New York, USA
A thrillingly vibrant new opening from Faena, the New York outpost of the brand (which has properties in Miami and Buenos Aires) will be located within One High Line’s East Tower, by the Hudson River. Known for its high-octane, bold décor, it will have 120 guest rooms, a 17,000-square-foot spa called the Tierra Santa Healing House, a culinary concept in a 5,000-square-foot restaurant (with a rumored celebrity chef at the helm) and spaces to stage live entertainment events. Opening in spring 2025
The Homestead, Ladysmith, South Africa
South Africa’s Nambiti Private Game Reserve is one of the few South African safari reserves where the Big Five can be experienced, as well as hundreds of lesser-known species. In this majestic setting, The Homestead is opening 12 beautifully designed lodges (six with their own rooftop gardens; six with their own infinity pools) and an elevated structure to house the dining and bar spaces. They’re built from local ironstone and have living roofs to help them blend into the landscape and reinstate wildlife habitats. Other environmental efforts include a solar farm to provide nearly all its power, breeding and preservation programs for endangered species, and tree-planting initiatives. Open now
Rosewood Miyakojima, Japan
On the idyllic Miyako Island in the Okinawan archipelago, Rosewood makes its Japanese debut this year with Miyakojima. The ultra-luxury resort melds into its picture-perfect locale, where turquoise waves lap miles of white-sand beaches. The 55 villas have their own private pools, landscaped gardens and dreamy ocean outlooks – and the hotel’s dining options will keep to the natural wonder of its setting, celebrating laid-back, beachfront vibes. Open now
The Vineta Hotel Palm Beach, Florida, USA
The hoteliers behind iconic European properties Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, Le Bristol Paris and Hotel La Palma, Oetker Collection make their first foray into the US this year with The Vineta Hotel, in the heart of Palm Beach. A landmark building with a delightful pale-pink, green-windowed façade, the hotel’s full renovation by designer Tino Zervudachi has restored it to its historic splendor – with fresh and bright interiors inspired by the town’s distinct island lifestyle evoking its glamorous setting. Opening soon
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Thailand
The ultimate urban oasis, Aman Nai Lert is Thailand’s first city-based Aman hotel, and will be set amid skyscrapers in central Bangkok – but within the lush, leafy Nai Lert Park. Across 36 storeys, 52 suites will provide guests with panoramic views from vast windows and open-air terraces. Opening soon
Six Senses at The Whiteley, London, UK
London is enjoying a few big-name openings at the moment, and one of the buzziest this year will be the UK’s first Six Senses outpost. Its west London site of The Whiteley will house 110 guest rooms and suites and 14 residences, with a lobby bar and lounge, all-day restaurant and courtyard. Naturally, the Six Senses Spa will be a talking point, in a space designed to evoke an old-fashioned London underground station – though utterly serene – with a 20-meter indoor pool beneath arched ceilings, the hotel’s Alchemy bar and a vaulted relaxation room. There will also be a new kind of social and wellness club for residents and members, encompassing lounges, co-working spaces, a restaurant and treatment rooms. Opening soon
Raffles Sentosa, Singapore
A new Raffles hotel in the destination where the original opened its doors in 1887 is cause for great excitement. On the southern tip of Sentosa island, Raffles Sentosa Singapore is close enough to the iconic original to make for an incredible twin-trip itinerary (or a staycation for locals). The ultra-luxe 62-villa resort has an incredible panorama over Tanjong Beach and will boast a state-of-the-art wellness offering. Open now
DISCOVER MORE
9 of the prettiest city breaks to take now
5 dream travel destinations for 2025, chosen by the PORTER editors