This year I’ve been putting more emphasis on planning or I guess manifesting all the things I am determined to do, one of which is travel. Embarking on a journey of wanderlust, fueled by the allure of new horizons and the promise of enchanting destinations, I find myself daydreaming about the hotels that beckon with the promise of unique experiences. As I get older, the more I am drawn to the transformative power of exploring different corners of the world, each with its own distinct charm and cultural tapestry. The prospect of immersing myself in the extraordinary allure of diverse landscapes and cityscapes fascinates me and seeing how year after year more and more incredible hotels pop up, the more I want to visit them all.

Each hotel has its own story to tell and a distinctive blend of luxury and character. Today’s virtual odyssey will explore the hotels that have captivated me lately and made my must travel list. One thing they all have in common is that a lot of attention to detail has been paid to make sure guests enjoy everything from food to the spa and the gym. Each is an elevated experience that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the location and enjoy every second whether they are exploring the grounds or the city nearby. So keep scrolling to see a list of recent or soon to open hotels that I just had to add to my travel wishlist.

One&Only Kéa Island

Kéa Island, Cyclades

Experience the secluded opulence of One&Only Kéa Island, a sanctuary featuring standalone villas with panoramic views of the Cyclades. Immerse yourself in the modern interiors and endless sea vistas, and indulge in exquisite dining at Atria, the resort's restaurant. Embark on curated adventures such as hiking, cycling, and cultural excursions, or relax with scuba diving and spa treatments by Guerlain. Opening in May, One&Only Kéa Island offers an exclusive and revitalizing escape in the heart of the Cyclades. This boutique luxury hotel group, renowned for its exceptional properties, is set to unveil its second Greek hotel in the summer of 2024. The 75-villa beachfront property spans 148 acres on the western side of Kea Island, situated in the Cyclades and conveniently close to Athens. Choose from one or two-bedroom villas with private pools, providing a superb alternative for those seeking the allure of Greece while avoiding the bustling crowds of Mykonos or Santorini.

Hotel La Palma

Capri, Italy

Hotel La Palma, the newest addition to the prestigious Oetker Collection, invites you to bask in the glamorous legacy of Capri. Designed by AD100 maestro Francis Sultana, the interiors exude the island's vibrancy with rattan furniture, bespoke frescoes, and cerulean accents. As a strategic move by Oetker to restore Capri's main town to its exclusive status, the hotel offers a luxurious escape, celebrating the island's rich history and sophisticated lifestyle. The 70s beach club, Da Gioia, adds excitement, ensuring guests near-guaranteed sun-loungers on the island's coveted rock platforms. The neoclassical meets art deco aesthetic extends to 50 rooms with private balconies, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Da Gioia's cabana-style restaurant, high-tech gym, and spa with organic Tata Harper products complete the experience, requiring a minimum stay of five nights in high season and three nights in low season.

The Rome Edition

Rome, Italy

Discover the chic tranquility of The Rome Edition, a stylish retreat co-crafted by Ian Schrager. Nestled just a few blocks from Piazza Barberini, this hotel offers a sanctuary amidst the lively pulse of Rome. The Rome Edition ensures a refined and peaceful getaway in the city's heart. This playful hotel brand, a collaboration between Ian Schrager and Marriott, has made its mark in the Eternal City with a jasmine-clad outdoor café, rooftop pool, and speakeasy-style bars. Housed in a former 1940s bank building, Ian Schrager Company's inaugural Italian outpost brings a cool, yet warm retreat to life. The thoughtful incorporation of lush green spaces, from the outdoor restaurant to the rooftop, adds softness to the urban vision. Enjoy various entertainment options on-site, from a dip in the rooftop pool to a game of pool in the lobby or a delightful rendezvous in the ground floor café. Preserving original details of the rationalist style, such as the stunning central staircase in rare Cipollino marble and original lamps, the hotel exudes a timeless charm. Noteworthy environmentally friendly initiatives include wooden keycards and green spaces, aligning with The Edition's commitment to sustainability in the heart of the city.

Hotel Balzac

Paris, France

Experience the magnificent metamorphosis of the former Hotel Balzac in Paris, orchestrated by French hotelier Olivier Bertrand and his sisters. Opening in June 2024, this transformed haven exudes timeless elegance in the heart of the city. Inspired by the 1930s, the warm, muted decor sets the stage for a Japanese spa and Pierre Gagnaire’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Hotel Balzac invites guests to immerse themselves in refined charm, world-class amenities, and the cultural richness of the City of Light. The 56 rooms, accessed through carpeted halls paying homage to Balzac, feature lithographs, handwritten pages, and images from the author's stories adorning the walls. Situated near the Golden Triangle, the hotel caters to luxury enthusiasts with proximity to major couture houses, international fashion brands, and upscale dining options. Indulge in drinks or meals at the cozy Lounge Bar, a retreat with plush velour sofas and lush greenery beneath a glass atrium, offering a delightful experience throughout the day.

Arev St. Tropez

St. Tropez, France

Explore the chic allure of Arev St. Tropez, a boutique hotel situated at the town's edge. With vibrant red or blue toile, a pool adorned with striped cabanas, and a mobile champagne trolley, this newly unveiled retreat beckons travelers to immerse themselves in the sophisticated charm and lively ambiance of the French Riviera. Nestled off the Chemin des Vendages, the hotel entrance, lined with trees, leads to meticulously designed grounds and gardens by acclaimed landscape architect Jesús Ibáñez. Enveloped in the bright colors synonymous with Saint Tropez, Arev Saint-Tropez collaborated with renowned Madrid-based designer Luis Bustamante for the interiors. Featuring 43 guest rooms and suites, many boasting private gardens, the designs incorporate an invigorating palette of red, deep blue, and yellow tones, complemented by floor-to-ceiling windows bathing the spaces in natural light. Arev proudly revitalizes the iconic Strand Restaurant and Champagne Lounge, a historic Saint Tropez venue born in the oldest restaurant space in the town. Born in the timeless village of Saint Tropez and crafted for the global citizen, AREV Collection stands as a people-centric hospitality brand. With its inaugural property, AREV rekindles the legend of Saint Tropez, allowing guests to escape to a more glamorous era.

Mollie Aspen

Aspen, Colorado

Relax in the Japandi-style ambiance of Mollie Aspen, a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Aspen town. Featuring a rooftop spa pool with sweeping 180-degree views of Aspen Mountain, this intimate yet serene retreat offers the perfect après-ski relaxation. Mollie Aspen presents a distinctive blend of comfort, style, and alpine tranquility, providing a haven for those seeking solace after a day on the slopes. The modern 68-key hotel boasts a prime location in downtown Aspen, multiple bars and restaurants, a captivating shopping boutique, and sleek design that harmoniously blends Scandinavian and Japanese influences. Noteworthy is the hotel's art program, showcasing textiles, sculptures, and paintings. Named after Mollie Gibson, a significant local figure from the 19th century, the hotel pays homage to her contributions to the town's cultural and economic development. Collaborating with various brands, Mollie Aspen offers exclusive products at its boutique, including cashmere blankets, hand-made ceramics and cashmere beanies. The hotel caters to guests with morning brews and breakfast at the all-day café, as well as après-ski bites and craft cocktails at the full-service restaurant and bar, which extends outdoors with heated seating. Anticipating the spring, the hotel will unveil its rooftop, inviting guests to unwind with a drink while relishing the mountain views.

Numo Mykonos

Mykonos, Greece

Immerse yourself in the vibrant blend of 60s and 70s aesthetics at Numo Mykonos, slated to open at the end of May. Numo Mykonos, with its playful design elements, natural materials, and Mediterranean cuisine, redefines Mykonian charm in a modern context. Numo Mykonos invites travelers to experience a contemporary twist on classic Cycladic style, ensuring a stylish and relaxing escape. Nestled on Kalafatis Beach, Numo Mykonos occupies a traditional Mykonian building redesigned by Hotel IM in collaboration with architectural firm What the Studio. Their focus was a on traditional Cycladic features and incorporating modern styles with locally sourced materials. Guests at Numo Mykonos can indulge in locally inspired cocktails at the chic Màre Màre bar and partake in rejuvenating spa treatments at the Etherea Boutique Spa. The Ensoma Fitness Area offers workout sessions, while the main pool invites refreshing swims.

Villa Palladio Jaipur

Jaipur, India

The third endeavor by Swiss-Italian expat Barbara Miolini and her Danish collaborator, Marie-Anne Oudejans, extends the theme of cross-cultural exchange. Instead of engaging with the external world, the nine-room property stands as a self-contained universe—a fairytale mini castle adorned with turrets and carved marble trellises, nestled in three acres of land. Rooms gaze inward onto meticulously designed grounds, drawing inspiration from the Indo-Persian rectilinear layout found in the gardens of paradise in Islamic theology. Jasmine trees hug the walls, rose bushes adorn neat quadrants, palm trees lazily sway in the evening breeze, and rose-petal fountains cheerfully bubble in the center of black-and-white checkered marbled courtyards. Immerse yourself in the vibrant oasis of Villa Palladio Jaipur, a contemporary desert caravansary nestled amid the Aravalli hills. Adorned with exuberant murals, block-printed fabrics, and a fearless palette of fuchsia and crimson, this petite palace offers a distinctive blend of luxury and vivid aesthetics. Starting at $450/night, Villa Palladio Jaipur beckons travelers to embrace the bold and colorful essence of Rajasthan.

Son Bunyola

Mallorca, Spain

Richard Branson's decades-long passion project has come to fruition with the completion of Son Bunyola—a lovingly reimagined 16th-century finca nestled amidst 1,300 acres of olive groves and vineyards. Perched on Mallorca's rugged north-west coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this June 2023 debut seamlessly integrates into the wild and authentic landscape. From neolithic remnants to Moorish dry-stone walls and medieval watchtowers, the region's rich history is etched into the surroundings. Son Bunyola immerses guests in the heart of this captivating environment, creating a world of its own from the moment of arrival. Inside the finca, historical elements abound, including the original olive press and the 13th-century defensive tower, now housing two suites. The main restaurant proudly features the chapel's altarpiece. The swimming pool, with turquoise tiles glimmering in the sunlight, is reminiscent of a Slim Aarons photograph. About 75% of the menu's ingredients are sourced from the estate's gardens, orchards, olive groves, beehives, and a growing number of chickens. A fleet of donkeys aids in maintaining the estate's trim appearance. Looking ahead, a fourth villa is slated for restoration, set to house 12 hotel suites and open in 2025.

Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos

Marking the first significant development in the East Cape area, this project holds great significance due to its proximity to the UNESCO-listed marine preserve, Cabo Pulmo. The Four Seasons, the inaugural resort in a trio that includes Aman and potentially a SoHo House, features 141 rooms, each offering breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez. The hotel seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape of sand dunes, surrounded by native flora like palo blancos, sea grapes, torotes, and palms. Embracing the essence of real Baja, the area allows visits to tranquil fishing villages or desert oases with natural waterfalls. Designed by celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak, the gym stands out as one of the most thoughtfully designed fitness spaces, with treadmills strategically placed on stadium seating-like platforms to ensure ocean views for all, avoiding the typical sight of a sweaty workout.

Casa Loma Beach Hotel

Laguna Beach, California

Discover Casa Loma Beach Hotel, a luxury boutique accommodation perched on the rocky cliffs of Laguna Beach. Boasting 70 rooms, this beachfront haven offers stunning ocean views and is just steps away from Main Beach, with Downtown Laguna Beach a convenient five-minute stroll. The lobby bar and lounge serve as the social focal point, featuring a curved check-in desk adorned with fired clay tiles and built-in banquettes enveloped in scraped sandy-colored plaster. The influence of original surfboard shapers is woven into the design, evident in the sinuous forms of custom beds, built-in desks, sofas, and case goods in the 70 guestrooms. Casa Loma presents a blend of bohemian European aesthetics from Mallorca with the coastal charm of California, curated by Marc and Rose Hospitality. Formerly the Inn at Laguna Beach, this transformed retreat offers a unique and eclectic escape, embodying the spirit of a bohemian coastal haven in Laguna Beach.

La Fantasia

Paris, France

Explore the village-like charm of Paris' 9th arrondissement, celebrated for its lively café culture and bon viveurs, all within satisfying proximity. In a locale where the emergence of new hotels, especially those esteemed by local epicureans, is a rarity, La Fantaisie stands as a unique addition. Situated in the former L’Opéra Cadet hotel, dating back to the 1970s and in need of a substantial rejuvenation, the project spanned a substantial three-and-a-half years. The transformation included repurposing the underground car park into a tranquil spa and reviving the historic courtyard garden, a jewel initially designed by renowned 16th-century gardeners Jacques and Jean Cadet, after whom the street is named. La Fantaisie, envisioned as a contemporary gateway to the bohemian delights of the 9th arrondissement, caters to both international visitors and local connoisseurs. Ascend the lift to the opulent rooftop Bar Sur La Toit, adorned in pink velvet and candy-striped trees, offering breathtaking views of the cherished garden, Paris' iconic skyline, and Crenn's California-inspired cocktails. The commitment to sustainability is evident with entirely meat-free menus, a zero-plastic policy, and sourcing daily essentials like bread, pastries, and flowers from neighboring businesses on Rue Cadet.

Casa Monti

Rome, Italy

The family-owned Leitmotiv, renowned for La Fantaisie in Paris, offers a sneak peek at its third hotel and inaugural Italian property, Casa Monti. Scheduled to welcome guests in Spring 2024 at a historic location in Rome, Casa Monti boasts 26 rooms and ten suites infused with artistic influences, mirroring the craftsmanship of the Monti district. The hotel's interiors exude the richness of local culture, featuring a meticulously chosen color palette and bespoke prints that capture the carefree Italian spirit. Inspired by the Italian concept of sprezzatura—conveying a sense of relaxed ease and effortless elegance—interior designer Laura Gonzalez has infused her trademark colorful style. The hotel's restaurant extends to a terrace, accompanied by a vibrant patio and fountain. Moving further inside, a bar-café harmonizes neutral browns and creams, accentuated by a travertine tile floor adorned in an intricate Italian grid pattern. Ascending to the rooftop terrace, guests are welcomed by a fitting palette of sky blue hues.

The Emory

London, England

Adding to its distinguished portfolio that includes Claridge’s, The Berkeley, and The Connaught, The Maybourne Hotel Group introduces its latest property: The Emory. Expected to debut later this year, The Emory will exclusively feature suites, comprising 60 spacious and light-filled accommodations spread across nine floors, including a remarkable penthouse. Departing from the more conventional ambiance of its sister hotels, The Emory will embrace a contemporary feel, with each floor envisioned by a different interior designer. The spa facilities are poised to be world-class, occupying a four-story wellness space beneath the ground. Adding an element of exclusivity, amenities will be discreet, including a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of the city skyline accessible solely to hotel guests.

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