For business and pleasure, 2020 looks to have a bounty of gorgeous new European luxury hotels and resorts on offer. At least, that’s the way it seemed as I read through super advisor Jack Ezon’s list of his top new places to stay. In this issue, you can peruse his recommendations.
1. Cheval Blanc Paris
2. Rocco Forte House, Roma
3. Castello di Reschio, Tuscany
4. La Maison d’Estournel, Bordeaux
5. Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester
6. Palazzo Doglio, Calagria, Italy
7. Ultima Crans Montana, Switzerland
8. Palace Elisabeth, Hvar, Croatia
9. Market Street Hotel, Edinburgh
10.The Armancette Hotel, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce
11. Galleria Vik Milano, Milan, Italy
12. One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
13. Myconian Panoptis, Mykonos
14. Aleomandra, Mykonos
15. Katikies Garden, Firi, Santorini
16. Bulgari Paris
17. Airelles Mademoiselles Val d’Isere
18. La Réserve Eden au Lac, Zurich, Switzerland
1. Cheval Blanc Paris
Steps from the Louvre and Marais, Cheval Blanc unveils its first urban “Maison” overlooking the River Seine. Its 72 rooms and suites will be done up in a contemporary style with exquisite LVMH touches, a fine dining restaurant by Chef Arnaud Donckele, of the 3 Michelin Star La Vague d’Or restaurant at Cheval Blanc St. Tropez, and a Dior Spa (April 2020)
2. Rocco Forte House, Roma
Rocco Forte collection introduces this fabulous Airbnb alternative with 18 one and two-bedroom apartment-style units designed by Olga Polizzi. Concierge service and charging privileges are available at sister properties Hotel de Russie and Hotel de Ville.. Overlooking the Spanish Steps, there is probably no better place for families to settle into their own space with all the comforts, services and full access to the amenities of the city’s best hotels. (January 2020)
3. Castello di Reschio, Tuscany
Dating back to 1050, the historic Castelo di Reschio has long been a private wine estate with an enviable label. This year, it opens 36 suites, each with a unique personality showcasing a sense of place. Sophisticated style complements the ancient terracotta floors, while public spaces are juxtaposed with whimsical contemporary touches. (March 2020)
4. La Maison d’Estournel, Bordeaux
Located in the heart of Bordeaux, the new 14-room hotel is set in the former estate house of the acclaimed vineyard bearing the same label. Operated by the owner of La Reserve, the mansion is done up by English designer Alex Michaelis. The interiors are elegant yet approachable, making you feel more like you are in a friend’s chateau than in a hotel.
5. Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester
The first luxury boutique hotel in Manchester, the new 37-room Relais & Chateaux property is set in the city’s former Stock Exchange and is poised to be a true game-changer in the city.
With its own roof terrace offering views over and across the city skyline, The House is a unique penthouse residence, boasting over 3,700 sq. ft. of space, including three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
The open-plan design of this top floor residence includes a kitchen, two separate lounge areas, a bar, and an expansive dining room. A fitness room with a treadmill and free weights complete the space.
6. Palazzo Doglio, Calagria, Italy
Situated in southern Sardinia, far from the jet setters in the north, Palazzo Doglio’s ambiance and 71 luxurious guest rooms combine classic details with contemporary design elements. The heart of the property is a charming central courtyard surrounded by shops and restaurants, where guests can enjoy the elegant urban sanctuary. Just a short stroll away is the picturesque marina and famous Poetto Beach (January 2020).
7. Ultima Crans Montana, Switzerland
The Ultima group unveils five private resorts in Europe this year. Positioned as perfect takeover properties, Ultima fuses the concept of a private villa with a private resort.
Ultima Crans Montana opens in January 2020. There is a 41,500 sq. ft Chalet 1 composed of 10 Master suites, two additional bedrooms, and a dining room seating up to 16 people. Chalet 2 is 8,826 sq. ft. composed of six master bedrooms, an open kitchen, library, and cigar lounge.
You get a driver, private chef, housekeeping, and access to the 11,000 sq. ft. spa and clinic.
8. Palace Elisabeth, Hvar, Croatia
Overlooking the marina and main square, the 45-room Palace Elisabeth hotel is set in a historic landmark dating back to the 13th century. It showcases stunning Venetian and Austrian architectural details and contains an indoor swimming pool and a full spa. (April 2020)
9. Market Street Hotel, Edinburgh
Located within a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 98-room Market Street Hotel is set in the old town. It has a killer rooftop lounge overlooking the city’s landmarks. (February 2020). The top, 6th floor Alba Suite features your own private fireplace and a terrace with city views.
10. The Armancette Hotel, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce
A brand new boutique ski resort with 17 uniquely designed suites and three additional private ski-in, ski-out chalets, each with a private wellness club, The Armancette Hotel provides stellar views from its location facing Mont Blanc. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World it’s located a scenic hour’s drive from Geneva Airport.
It’s an all-seasons destination. There are a number of events throughout the year, both in the Mont Blanc surrounding and further afield. These include the Mont Blanc Comedy festival in St. Gervais, the Mont Blanc Baroque Festival, the Mont Blanc Musilac Festival, the Cosmo Jazz Festival, the UTMB race starting from Chamonix and passing through Saint Gervais, the Annecy Animation Festival, and festival Guitare en Scène in Saint-Julien-en-Genevois.
(December 2019)
11. Galleria Vik Milano, Milan, Italy
Located inside Milan’s famous Galleria, the 89-room Galleria Vik Milano is the first European outpost from South American-focused Vik Retreats. As with all Vik Retreats, art and design play a central role, including the greeting by Auguste Rodin’s famed bronze sculpture, The Thinker, in the reception. Hand-painted murals and frescoes adorn the walls and ceilings, and space is accented by an extensive collection of international art and a mix of curated contemporary, mid-century, vintage and antique furniture.
12. One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
Set on a new 60-acre luxury development on the picturesque Bay of Boka Kotorska, the One&Only Portonovi has its own beach and jetty and features 113 guest rooms, including a variety of expansive one and two-bedroom suites. There will also be two private villas. It will also be home to an extensive Henri Chenot wellness center, offering detoxification and a 360°approach to wellbeing. (Spring, 2020)
13. Myconian Panoptis, Mykonos
With just 23 private pool rooms and suites, the Myconian Panoptis aims to be the standard in luxury on the island. The totally connected 24/7 concierge team promises to anticipate client needs and snag the best tables at the best clubs any day of the week, says Ezon.
The group already has 10 luxury hotels on Mykonos, including three Relais & Châteaux, two Leading Hotels of the World, two Design Hotels, two Preferred Hotels & Resorts and a Small Luxury Hotels of the World. (Spring, 2020).
14. Aleomandra, Mykonos
Located on a dramatic cliff atop Ornos Bay, this sleek, all pool villa resort will redefine luxury on this party island, says Ezon. Tucked away from the bustle of the bay, Aleomandra is a sanctuary for people who want a luxury getaway with access to the charming streets of Mykonos, with their cafes and nightclubs. (May 2020)
15. Katikies Garden, Firi, Santorini
A converted monastery, this new outpost by Santorini mainstay Katikis offers a unique luxury option in Fira. Ezon says it’s ideal for people looking for a spread out, less vertical option in Santorini. Also, part of The Leading Hotels of the World, look for several signature suites. (Spring, 2020)
16. Bulgari Paris
Located on fashionable Avenue George V, the 76-room Bulgari Hotel Paris is designed by Italian designer Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. It fuses Italian contemporary design with classic Parisian style. Despite its small size, the Bulgari will have a full-service spa, indoor pool and notable courtyard restaurant serving classic Italian cuisine with French accouterments. (January 2020)
17. Airelles Mademoiselles Val d’Isere
Named after the long-time general manager of L’Airelles Courchevel, the Airelles Mademoiselles brings a new level of luxury to Val d’Isere. The town is the French equivalent of Jackson Hole, thanks to its intense ski experience and its understated luxury.
While the property’s stone and wood towered building blends into the architecture of this ski town, its interiors are anything but standard. With just 41 rooms and five private apartments, the Mademoiselles has a Guerlain Spa with swimming pool, an exceptional children’s “kingdom”, a cozy ski lounge with direct access to the slopes, and a sun terrace that is sure to be the place to see and be seen on the majestic peaks of the Vanoise massif. (January 2020).
18. La Réserve Eden au Lac, Zurich
This 40-room Philippe Starck designed La Reserve Eden au Lac will enjoy a prime waterfront location in the city. As with its sister La Réserve properties, including our favorite in Geneva, design fuses unique and chic in a modern way, with a restaurant concept that promises to be the trendiest in the city. (January 2020)
