Every year, one of my favorite reads is Jack Ezon’s outlook report on hot destinations and the best openings of new luxury resorts and hotels.
Jack is one the driving forces in making travel advisors relevant again, particularly for luxury travelers. He and his Embark Beyond team are mainly out of the office scouting what’s next, getting a first-hand look so they can expertly advise their clients.
In this issue, we look at Jack and team’s picks for best new openings – and re-openings – in Europe for 2023.
1. 100 Princes Street – Edinburgh, Scotland
2. AlmaLusa Comporta – Comporta, Portugal
3. Beaverbrook – Leatherhead, England
4. Bulgari Hotel Roma – Rome, Italy
5. Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel – Cannes, France
6. Falkenstein Hotel Montafon – Tschagguns, Austria
7. Fontenille Toscana – Chiantigiana, Tuscany
8. Furore Grand Hotel – Amalfi Coast, Italy
9. Hotel La Palma – Capri, Italy
10. JK Milan – Milan, Italy
11. Kilchoan Estate – Kilchoan, Scotland
12. La Fantasie – Paris, France
13. La Nauve Hotel & Jardin – Cognac, France
14. Lido Palace – Riva del Garda, Italy
15. Mandarin Oriental Mayfair – London, England
16. One&Only Aestheis – Athens, Greece
17. One&Only Kea Island – Cyclades Islands, Greece
18. Raffles London at the OWO – London, England
19. Rosewood Amsterdam – Amsterdam, the Netherlands
20. Rosewood Munich – Munich, Germany
21. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl – Lake Fuschl, Austria
22. Saint James – Paris, France
23. Six Senses Crans-Montana – Crans-Montana, Switzerland
24. Six Senses, London – London, England
25. Six Senses, Rome – Rome, Italy
26. Slieve Donard – Newcastle, Ireland
27. Son Bunyola Hotel – Mallorca, Spain
28. Son Net – Mallorca, Spain
29. The Peninsula Istanbul – Istanbul, Turkey
30. The Peninsula London – London, England
31. Vakko Hotel & Residence – Istanbul, Turkey
32. Viceroy Ombria Resort – Algarve, Portugal
33. Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch – London, England
34. Zel – Mallorca, Spain
1. 100 Princes Street – Edinburgh, Scotland
This 30-room boutique hotel will open in Q2, restored by the Tollman family of Red Carnation, celebrated for their restoration of Ashford Castle. Set in the former Overseas League building, 100 Princes brings to life the rich history of the many great Scottish explorers and adventurers who made this historic building their home away from home. Inspired by Alexander McQueen, the design creates a sense of place, working with local artisans to create bespoke pieces including custom-made tartan designed by Araminta Campbell, and a central staircase. Most rooms offer sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle
2. AlmaLusa Comporta – Comporta, Portugal
This new boho resort is located just one hour outside of Lisbon in the trendy beach town of Comporta, set among rice fields. The sustainably-minded AlmaLusa Comporta reflects the spirit of its surroundings, from natural fibers inspired by shoreline flora and fauna to neutral furnishings that pay homage to sandy dunes nearby. Comprising 53 rooms (31 of which are residential style suites with kitchens), the AlmaLusa Café, and The RoofTop Bar, AlmaLusa Comporta will offer stylish surfers and holidaymakers a laid-back luxury escape on Portugal’s chicest coastline.
3. Beaverbrook – Leatherhead, England
Opening September, 2023, this adorable village resort will feature 22 individual rooms and residences with private pool across 10 cottages (There are four room-categories), and an intimate restaurant. There’s an additional, exclusive, multibedroom house with private access, garden and pool. Guests have full access to Beaverbrook’s renown spa, restaurants, and grounds.
4. Bulgari Hotel Roma – Rome, Italy
Though this will be Bulgari’s 10th hotel, Bulgari Rome is set to redefine its image as it lands on one of the most coveted locations in the brand’s hometown. It is located in the heart of Campo Marzio, across from the tomb of Emperor Augustus between Via del Corso and Via Condotti’s shopping arcades. Set in a 1930’s a modernist building, the hotel will have over 100 rooms, most of them suites and feature cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito. The 65-foot-long pool will be the largest in the city center, complimenting the 11,000 square-foot spa. Don’t miss a visit to the Bulgari library dedicated to the history of jewelry.
5. Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel – Cannes, France
The storied Carlton in Cannes reopens as a Regent Hotel after a three-year reimagination of the French Riviera’s grand dame. Once the ultimate place to see and be seen, the glamourous Belle Epoch building is finally brought into the 21st Century with a $500 million investment that will add 37 expansive residences, a pool and bar, and shopping arcade and terraces added to first-floor rooms.
6. Falkenstein Hotel Montafon – Tschagguns, Austria
Located between forests and mountains, in the middle of a natural protection area on the adventure mountain Golm, Falkenstein Hotel Montafon offers a wide range of activities and children’s entertainment with eco-tainment elements, environmental rangers, who guide you through the area, and innovative, resource-saving culinary concepts.
7. Fontenille Toscana – Chiantigiana, Tuscany
Set to open in July, 2023, Fontenille Toscana is located in the heart of the famed wine route between Florence and Siena. The Tuscan resort is spread over several buildings around a central bell tower which was once the summer residence of the Bishops of Siena dating back to the 16th Century. It will house 20 spacious rooms and suites in three buildings, all offering a panoramic view of the Sienese countryside. Just 30 minutes from Siena, 45 minutes from the Val d’Orcia, and 50 minutes from Florence, Fontenille will be an ideal anchor point for exploring Tuscany and discovering its exceptional history.
8. Furore Grand Hotel – Amalfi Coast, Italy
Opening June 2023, the Furore Grand Hotel will be the latest edition to the Amalfi Coast luxury scene. The resort slopes down Crevano Hill and has just 37 rooms, all facing the sea. Panoramic terraced gardens open to the 15,000-sqaure-foot indoor and outdoor spa area. The property also has a 150-seat outdoor amphitheater for shows.
9. Hotel La Palma – Capri, Italy
Oetker Collection, the masterminds behind the storied Grand Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, reinvents the original Caprese hotel, built in 1822, with a fresh beach-chic style complimented with Michelin-starred cuisine in the middle of Capri Town. It’s surrounded by the island’s best shops and spectacular views. Already shaping out to be one of the most requested hotels for 2023, La Palma is a true revival and will be the only new luxury hotel in the most enviable location in the heart of Capri Town. It will even have a private beach club in the Marina Piccola.
10. JK Milan – Milan, Italy
Set to open in Q2, Michaele Bonan designs the new 38-room JK Milan in the heart of Milan’s fashion district. Located in the former Versace headquarters, the boutique hotel includes a fitness center, small spa, and restaurant.
11. Kilchoan Estate – Kilchoan, Scotland
As if you didn’t need another amazing reason to visit Scotland, The Kilchoan Estate is by far the reason to get you on the plane. This stunning estate is in the Western Highlands and is truly remote and away from the hustle and bustle of a city. Every accommodation is a beautifully modernized cottage with Scottish flair, and all are standalone to ensure maximum privacy. It is located on an incredibly lush landscape that is perfect for those who want to reconnect with loved ones, themselves, and nature. This is the first and only proper luxury countryside resort in the Scottish Highlands, a haven for hikers and nature lovers alike.
12. La Fantasie – Paris, France
Deep in the Montmartre’s 9th Arrondissement district, this new boutique hotel is the latest whimsical creation of Martin Brudnizki, famous for revamped interiors of Annabel’s and Eden Rock St Barth. Its unique location is hyper-local with a stunning rooftop bar and restored 16th century garden.
13. La Nauve Hotel & Jardin – Cognac, France
Located on the outskirts of Cognac, this 12-room hotel sits in a former distillery surrounded by original waterways and canals, which were once used in the distilling process. Beautiful gardens lead down to the Charente River offers a remote setting though it is just moments from Cognac center, accessible by car or boat. Opening is set for the spring.
14. Lido Palace – Riva del Garda, Italy
Set in leafy gardens on Lake Garda, The Lido Palace first opened in 1899. After an exacting refurbishment, the grand Belle Époque style will be brought back to life with just 42 rooms and extensive spa facility.
15. Mandarin Oriental Mayfair – London, England
Opening in the first half of the year, Mandarin Oriental brings it second hotel in London to Mayfair in Hanover Square with just 50 guest rooms adjacent to 78 private residences.
16. One&Only Aestheis – Athens, Greece
Opening in late 2023, One&Only opens on one of the most charming Cycladic islands. Each of the 73 villas and 40 private homes feature a private pool and garden dramatically hugging the cliff sloping down to the resort’s private beach club. Resort facilities include an acclaimed Chenot Spa, kids-only program, and watersports marina.
17. One&Only Kea Island – Cyclades Islands, Greece
Opening in late 2023, One&Only opens on one of the most charming Cycladic islands. Each of the 73 villas and 40 private homes feature a private pool and garden dramatically hugging the cliff sloping down to the resort’s private beach club. Resort facilities include an acclaimed Chenot Spa, kids-only program, and watersports marina.
18. Raffles London at the OWO – London, England
Raffles return to London (it managed Brown’s Hotel in the early 2000s) is set in the landmark Old World Office on Whitehall that once hosted Britain’s most famous statesmen and spies, from Winston Churchill to Ian Fleming. It will now be open to the public for the first time, having undergone a meticulous transformation with 120 rooms and suites alongside 85 unique branded residences, 11 restaurants and bars including a rooftop restaurant and bar.
19. Rosewood Amsterdam – Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Housed in the former Palace of Justice, the Rosewood will overlook the Prinsengracht (the Prince’s Canal), one of the city’s most beautiful waterways, part of the UNESCO listed Amsterdam Canal District. Many of its 134 guestrooms and suites will have views across the two adjoining canals and iconic townhouse rooftops. Amenities will include an Asaya spa and one of the city’s only indoor swimming pools.
20. Rosewood Munich – Munich, Germany
Located in two landmark buildings comprised of the former headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria and the adjacent Palais Neuhaus-Preysing, a former grand aristocratic residence, Rosewood Munich will be ideally situated on Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse in the heart of the historic city center. With 132 rooms and suites designed to complement the property’s original façade and iconic stairways, which remain well preserved and contribute to the city of Munich’s ensemble of historical buildings. It will be one of the few hotels in the city with a full spa and indoor pool.
21. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl – Lake Fuschl, Austria
Fast-growing Rosewood helps to refresh one of Austria’s most glamorous mountain resorts. This 15th Century castle is a landmark resort and will reopen with just 98 rooms, including 46 suites, an Asaya spa and a host of mountain and lake activities. Just an hour from Salzburg it is an amazing place to make your own sound of music .
22. Saint James – Paris, France
The property purchased the adjacent five-story villa and turned it into five villa suites, each with their own kitchens. All living areas have a sofa-bed, floors can be rented separately, two by two, or the full villa hosting up to 14 guests.
23. Six Senses Crans-Montana – Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Opening this spring, Six Senses launches its first ski resort in Crans-Montana just two hours from Geneva. With ski-in/ski-out access, the resort will also feature an impressive spa and an open-air cinema.
24. Six Senses, London – London, England
Six Senses launches its first private club in London at the new Whiteley, incorporating a wellness community ethos in a fully sustainable environment. Located in a residential area between Notting Hill and Paddington, it fuses organic and contemporary design with ample wellness facilities.
25. Six Senses, Rome – Rome, Italy
Located on Rome’s Via del Corso shopping promenade, the Six Senses Rome is a stone’s throw from the spectacular Vittorio Emmanuel Memorial and walking distance to its greatest heritage sites. It brings a whole new aesthetic to classical Rome with local travertine juxtaposed with warm live greens and the most expensive wellness space in the city. The ground floor is a virtual food hall of wellness cloistered around a dramatic centerpiece indoor-outdoor bar. It’s no coincidence that the hotel is adjacent to the San Marcello al Corso church, known for its healing powers; so-much-so that the Pope even visited to pray during the Covid pandemic.
26. Slieve Donard – Newcastle, Ireland
Slieve Donard is set at the foot of Northern Ireland’s Mountains of Mourne among six acres of immaculate private grounds. Home to one of Northern Ireland’s finest resort spas, the 181-key resort is framed by the iconic Royal County Down golf course and a golden strand of beach. This lovingly maintained Victorian hotel, just 30 miles south of Belfast and 90 miles north of Dublin is an amazing base for walking and climbing experiences, while the breathtaking Tollymore Forest Park is just a few minutes away by car.
27. Son Bunyola Hotel – Mallorca, Spain
Virgin Limited adds a 26-room boutique resort on the site of its exclusive villas incorporated into a medieval tower being from 15th century. It’s set on an 810-acre estate, positioned on a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
28. Son Net – Mallorca, Spain
The masterminds behind the fabulous Finca Cortesin in Mallorca reinvent the charming 17th Century villa Son Net reopening in March 2023. Set in the pastoral hills of Mallorca, Son Net is just a 20-minute drive from Palma overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountains. The stylishly understated, art-filled hideaway is surrounded by orange groves, an herb garden, small farm, lemon trees, century-old olive trees and a private vineyard.
29. The Peninsula Istanbul – Istanbul, Turkey
Located on the banks of the stunning Bosporus close to the shops and lounges of Istanbul’s vibrant Karaköy district, The Peninsula will anchor a new waterfront revitalization project called Galataport, lined with new museums, art galleries, restaurants and boutiques. With 177 rooms, the urban resort will feature several swimming pools and an opulent Turkish Hamman and spa.
30. The Peninsula London – London, England
Peninsula Hotels finally lands in London in a coveted Belgravia address overlooking Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch, greeting guests with colonnaded courtyard lobby to its 190 rooms and suites.
31. Vakko Hotel & Residence – Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey’s prominent fashion brand joins the hospitality industry with the opening of a 31-suite luxury hotel and residences in Istanbul’s Nişantaşı neighbourhood, directly above the signature Vakko flagship store. A contemporary urban property showcases the ethos and textures of the brand meant to frame spectacular views across the city .
32. Viceroy Ombria Resort – Algarve, Portugal
Far from the coastal crowds, the Viceroy opens as a secluded golf resort with 76 rooms and 65 residences surrounded by miles of citrus groves, carob trees, small farms, and inland villages.
33. Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch – London, England
Set in one of London’s most iconic landmarks, Admiralty Arch, the hotel will house 96 rooms and suites with remarkable rooftop bar. Luxury private residences and an exclusive private members club and other exclusive components will join the hotel within the building. Shadowing over The Mall to Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Nelson’s Column, Admiralty Arch was originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria the building has been official residences of the First Sea Lords, a Royal Navy outpost, and a center for the UK Government’s Cabinet Office.
34. Zel – Mallorca, Spain
A new active hospitality experience launches Q2 in Mallorca, a fusion of island natives Rafael Nadal and Meliá resorts. Guests will be able to partake in a variety of health and wellness experiences with robust fitness classes or personal training, including an extensive tennis center. Another highlight will be the hotel’s pop-up corners, which will offer handicrafts and tastings by Zel’s local partners.
VIP Contact
Contact Jack Ezon at Embark Beyond at Jack@EmbarkBeyond.com.
