1. Singita Kwitonda, Rwanda
Though only eight rooms, Singita’s entry into Rwanda will catapult the already bourgeoning country onto the main stage of luxury destinations. While most lodges are an hour-plus away from Volcanos National Park, Singita Kwintonda is a mere low stone wall separating it from the park. That means earlier and easier exclusive access to get up close to the gorillas. In total Singita style, no comfort will be overlooked and you can expect a major focus on food and wine. (August 2019).
2. Villa Manodori, Modena, Italy
Three-star chef Massimo Bottura opens this 12-room sanctuary for gastrophiles easing the pilgrimage to his famous Osteria Francesca in Modena, a region starving for luxury haunts. Set to open in January, 2019, this “little country bed and breakfast” is about 15 kilometers outside of Modena, set in astonishingly beautiful gardens, giving guests an opportunity to experience more than a transformational dinner at this iconic food Mecca.
3. JK Paris, Paris France
JK brings the first ultra-luxury boutique hotel to Paris’ left bank. Located in the fabulous 7th Arrondissement, Michaele Bonan’s 30 sumptuous designed rooms take this coveted area of Paris to another level, literally across from place de la Concorde, next to Musee D’Osay on the corner with Saint Germain, set in a former embassy. Think Italian chic fused with Paris elegance. (Spring, 2019)
4. The Grand Hotel d’Chateau d’Versailles, France
The famous L’Airelles Courchevel gives us bourgeois a chance to live like a noble in a game-changing resort situated in three wings of the actual Chateau at Versailles. With just 15 rooms the hotel faces the L’Orangerie with an Alaine Ducasse restaurant to descend to when hunger calls. Imagine the chateau virtually to yourself? Opening Summer 2019.
5. One&Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia
Just a two-hour drive from Singapore lies the Desaru Coast, one of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia where One&Only finally bring luxury to the region. With just 42 suites plus an exclusive four-bedroom villa on one of Malaysia’s most beautiful beaches this is a perfect extension to a business trip or exploration of the wonders of Asia. (Opening spring 2019).
6. Heckfield Place, Hampshire, UK
Located in Hampshire, about 35 mins from Heathrow, Heckfield will be a fabulous countryside resort where guests are encouraged to forage for dinner ingredients and participate in the working farm and even work alongside chefs to prepare dinner. (January, 2019)
7. The Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv goes prime time with the opening of the first Luxury Collection Hotel in the country. Located in the old town of Jaffa, it is the only luxury oceanfront hotel within walking distance to the neighborhoods fabulous art galleries, acclaimed restaurants, buzzing bars and club. No doubt it will be a Game Changer for the city. (February, 2019)
8. Rosewood Miramar Beach, Monticeto Santa Barbara
Brainchild of retail impresario Robert Caruso, the new Rosewood Miramar Beach will be the first luxury beachfront resort in Santa Barbara with just 161 beach inspired suit and bungalows sprawled across 16 coveted acres leading to tits private Miramar Beach Club. (March, 2019)
9. Auberge Blue Sky, Park City, Utah
Set outside of Salt Lake City’s pristine mountains, Blue Sky will be a game changer in offering a luxury ranch and tented camp experience within easy reach of a hub city. Its luxury yurts will be among the largest glamping options in the country while its bespoke approach to outdoor adventures, let by ex-Aman visionary Stuart Campbell, will redefine the way people explore the American West. Guests will have exclusive access to heli-skiing landing directly at Blue Sky for incredibly private off-piste adventures with over 1 million acres of private back- country skiing within a 10 minute flight. (May, 2019)
10. Silversands, Grenada
The island’s first luxury resort boasts 5 private beachfront villas with private infinity pools all done up with a chic, whimsical style. Other guests will enjoy oversized suites (the smallest is over 700 sq. ft!) with organic woods and earth-toned marble accents, most framing shimmering turquoise views. At the center of the resort is a football-field size infinity pool lined with cabanas, swings and slick lounge furniture. (January 2019)
11. Fife Arms, Scotland
Fife Arms brings the first world-class luxury resort to the Scottish Highlands and will certainly draw a new set of jetsetters to Scotland. Launched by art power-couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth, this 46 room mansión will double as an art gallery and a platform to explore the spectacular Scottish Highlands’ for its endless hiking and boutique distilleries. This former hunting lodge of the Duke of Fife was designed by Russell Sage and is a true museum-level art experience. (March, 2019)
12. L’Arlatan, Arles, France
Another art focused hotel hits the hotel scene this year. Designed by Jorge Pardo, this small hotel is a work of art in itself. With 35 rooms, each corner is infused contemporary designs. Meant to be a new base camp for art lovers as Arles transforms into the Bilbao or the Provence, this “Maison” swings its doors ajar in anticipation of next year’s opening of the Frank Gehry designed Luma Arles Tower art museum. (January, 2019)
13. Islas Secas, Panama
This new private island resort in Panama is the first of its kind, bringing exclusive eco-adventure opportunities for explorers looking for unique marine adventures in a virtually untouched 16-island archipelago, shared with up to 13 other guests, bringing a new level of experience to the country’s beautiful coastline. (9 bedrooms in 4 accommodations, 90 min charter from Panama city/45 min boat ride from David).
14. Nayara Tented Camp, Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s acclaimed Nayara Spring’s opens the country’s first glamping experience with 18 luxury tents each with an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower, and plunge pool filled from nearby hot springs. Ideal for families, many of the tents even have an option to connect. And when you are done exploring the jungle the camp’s swim-up bar and family-friendly pool are an ideal place to refresh.
15. Kasiiya, Papagayo, Costa Rica
Following the footsteps of Nayara, Kasiiya opens quietly in 2019 with 5 luxury tents and expects to open with 5 more overlooking the dramatic coastline of the Papagayo Peninsula, offering a more eco-focused experience from the Four Seasons and Andaz sharing the same breathtaking plot of land.
16. Lefay Dolomiti, Dolomites, Italy
The sleek Lefay spa retreat on Lake Garda debuts an 84 suite sister hotel in the heart of the Dolomites just outside Pinzolo’s Modonna di Compiglio ski resort. With contemporary-styles suites starting at 575 sft and a whopping 50,000 sft spa, Lefay offers a fabulous option for ski enthusiasts traveling with wellness-focused companions. Summertime promises endless fitness experiences such as hiking, mountain biking and climbing.
17. Mari Mari, Puetro Mott, Chile
Located on a breathtaking stretch of coastline in Chilean Patagonia, just south of Puerto Mott, Mari Mari Natural Reserve is set in a spectacular natural paradise for explorations by land and at sea making a perfect combination for guests trekking to Torres Del Paines National Park just 4 hours away. Explore by bike, boat, foot or helicopter with resident guides are on-hand. Though it features just six private oceanfront villas the lodge will have a spacious dining room, bar and culinary experience that celebrates of the region’s indigenous ingredients
18. &Beyond Vira Vira, Chile
Famed safari experience provider &Beyond opens its first lodge outside of Africa with Vira Vira. Located in the breathtaking Chilean Lake District, the property caters to adventurers and explorers with opportunities to hike a volcano, ski, go horseback riding, fish, or take up a scenic helicopter ride. There’s even a children’s adventure program to get the littlest travelers in your group involved.
19. Shipwreck Lodge, Namibia
The first Luxury basecamp to explore Nabibia’s famed Skeleton Coast, Shipwreck has just 10 rooms – each among the coolest in the world. Every stand alone accommodation resembles an individual shipwreck, right on the sand, guests have access to an untouched, raw and remote part of the continent with towering sand dunes peppered with debris from shipwrecks, whale bones and the remarkable Clay Castles. (January 2019)
20. Arctic Bath Hotel, Sweden
The first wellness base in Sweden’s Arctic region with just isx rooms each set in its own pavilion built to look like it is floating on the Lule River. When not immersing in the restorative ice-cold baths, it is an ideal place to catch the Northern Lights with miles of untouched beautiful in every direction. (January 2019)
21. Shinta Mani, Cambodia
Think Cambodia beyond Angkor Wat or Phnom Phenh. This uber-luxe eco-resort will have 16 tents that will redefine glamping, giving luxury clients a basecamp to explore the more authentic Cambodian countryside. Guests can explore with fabulous biking opportunities, hiking past deserted waterfalls, zip lining, and kayaking along a riverfront that has nary seen a Western visitor. (January 2019)
22. Six Senses Shaharut
Just outside of Eilat, this will be one of the hottest properties in Israel in a gorgeous dessert setting with an amazing Spa adjacent to a local Kibbutz where guests can partake in making cheese and wine. (March, 2019)
23. Rosewood Hong Kong
Tony Chi’s latest masterpiece, the Rosewood Hong Kong will be the new darling of Kowloon, trumping any existing view. The stunning 413 guest rooms will be located on 43 floors of the Rosewood Hotel Company’s flagship 65-story tower located in the new Victoria Dockside arts and culture district at a prime harbor-front location at the former New World Centre on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Look out China!
24. Six Senses Bhutan
Six Senses opens five boutique adventure lodges in Bhutan joining the venerable Amankora lodges and forging the way for luxury explorers to experience this unique country, set with a focus on wellness and sexy design. (winter 2019)
25. Hotel Chais Monnet, Cognac France
Bordered by the Charente River and framed by acres of vineyards, Hotel Chais Monnet fuses innovative uber-modern, industrial design with rich history for a unique study in sophisticated classicism with rustic accents. Surrounded by the legendary producers of some of the world’s finest Cognacs, the hotel offers guests one of the only luxury base camps for exploring a region rich with wine and gastronomy experiences. (January 2019)
26. Equinox, Hudson Yards New York
Not only does this hotel represent the first hotel opening in the greatly anticipated Hudson Yards project but also the first foray of Equinox into the hotel space. The sleek new build promises to fuse lifestyle and luxury (Think Four Seasons meets Ace Hotel) with a strong dose of wellness, including a 60,000 sft Equinox gym complimentary for guests, a slick new Soul Cycle and 15,000 sft spa. Guests can have their gym clothes cleaned daily with compliments of the house and have their personal training profile follow them at any Equinox hotel or gym around the world. (June, 2019)
27. Belmond Cadogan, London
After four years and almost $50 million in renovations, the former haunt of Oscar Wilde will reopen in January, as one of the freshest and sexiest hotels in London – preserving many of the hotel’s original details from the 1800’s including wood paneling and stained glass windows fused with contemporary touches and bright interiors.
28. Cabrits Resort Kempinski Dominica
Look for the new Kempinski to redefine luxury on the sleepy island of Dominica. Surrounded by the Cabrits National Park, home to 365 rivers, waterfalls and pristine hot springs, the Kempinski will offer guests eco-tourism activities with world-class accommodations in a beautiful beach setting. (Spring, 2019)
29. Al Bait Sharjah, UAE, Sharjah
The tiny Emirati of Sharjah, located just 10 miles from Dubai, goes prime time with its first luxury resort that is the centerpiece of an Emirati conservation project with rooms, restaurants, spa, and wellness facility are incorporated into heritage buildings that are more than a century old, giving guests a chance to explore beyond the ostentation.
30. One & Only Nyungwe House & One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda
One&Only Resorts will pave the way for travelers to experience Rwanda and all its natural wonders in true luxury. The 22 room One&Only Nyungwe House opens on the grounds of lush working tea plantation on the footsteps of the ancient Nyungwe Forest National Park (the oldest on the planet)– famous for its chimpanzees. It is a perfect combination with One&Only Gorilla’s Nest which debuts on the foothills of the acclaimed Virunga Volcano range where guests will have the opportunity to encounter one of the rarest wildlife experiences in the world (which only a few thousand people a year have access to) – interacting with Gorillas in their native habitat.
