Europe in the Summer? There’s really nothing better! In this week’s issue, travel advisor extraordinaire Jack Ezon, the founder of Embark Beyond, shares his picks for the best new hotels and resorts opening in Europe this year.
- Svart Hotel, Svartisen Glacier
- Market Street Hotel, Edinburgh
- The Armancette Hotel, Saint-Nicolas-de-Véroce
- Plaza de Russie, Viareggio, Italy
- Rocco Forte House, Roma
- Castello di Reschio, Tuscany
- La Maison d’Estournel, Bordeaux
- Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester
- Palazzo Doglio, Calagria, Italy
- Ultima Group
- Palace Elisabeth, Hvar, Croatia
- One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
- Myconian Panoptis, Mykonos
- Aleomandra, Mykonos
- Katikies Garden, Firi, Santorini
- Bulgari Paris
- Airelles Mademoiselles Val d’Isere
1. Svart Hotel, Svartisen Glacier
The hotel, which is designed by the Norwegian architect firm Snøhetta, will have about 100 rooms, an onsite education and design lab, and a sustainable farm producing ingredients for the hotel’s four restaurants.
The architecture is inspired by local coastal building traditions and stands on wooden piles dissolving the boundary between land and fjord. The shape of the hotel provides a panoramic view of the fjord and an experience of living in proximity to nature.
2. Market Street Hotel, Edinburgh
Located within a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 98-room hotel is set in the old town of this popular Scottish city. It has a killer rooftop lounge overlooking the city’s landmarks. (Opening February, 2020)
3. 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, located in the Mont Blanc region. (January 2021)
4. Plaza Dei Russie, Viareggio, Italy
The Madonna family, owners of the Byron Hotel in Forte Dei Marmi, reopens the Plaza e de Russie, an oceanfront hotel on the La Passeggiata promenade. The family reduced the room count, resulting in enlarged accommodations all infused with contemporary Italian design. Michelin star chef Luca Landi will preside over its signature restaurant, adding a higher level of luxury to this laidback option to neighboring Forte – ideal for families looking for a beachfront value in Italy.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester
The first luxury boutique hotel in England’s “other city,” the new 37-room Relais & Chateaux is set in the city’s former Stock Exchange and is poised to be a true game-changer in the city.
9. Palazzo Doglio, Cagliari, 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.
10. Ultima Group
The Ultima group unveils five exciting 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 2021 along with Ultima Megève both with their own indoor pool, and fitness center – and its own helipad and night club. The new Ultima Courchevel opens in Summer 2021 with 13 private chalets in a resort-style hotel. Geneva welcomes its first urban home hotel with eight master bedrooms. A warm-weather option opens in Corfu in Spring 2021. The private villa resort offers seven bedrooms, two outdoor pools, a cinema, spa, and a private boat.
11. Palace Elisabeth, Hvar, Croatia
Overlooking the marina and main square, this 45-room 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.
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. It will also be home to an extensive Henri Chenot wellness center, offering detoxification and a 360°approach to wellbeing. (March, 2021)
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. (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. 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.
15. Katikies Garden, Firi, Santorini
A converted monastery, this new outpost by Santorini mainstay Katikis offers a unique luxury option in Fira, It’s ideal for people looking for a spread out, less vertical option in Santorini. (Spring, 2020)
16. Bulgari Paris
Located on fashionable Avenue George V, this 76-room boutique hotel 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.
17. Airelles Mademoiselles Val d’Isere
Named after the long-time general manager of L’Airelles Courchevel, the 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 a 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.
VIP Contact
Contact Jack Ezon, founder of Embark Beyond at jack@embarkbeyond.com.
