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As a team of hotel-obsessed travel advisors, compiling our roundup of 2023 new hotel openings sparks infinite future trip ideas; the fact that we were able to recap thirty-three properties for our thirty-third year in business is just icing on the cake.
Keeping in tradition with our annual roundup of new hotel openings, we couldn’t have imagined ending the year without a list of new hotel openings inspiring adventures both close to home and abroad. Whether for a milestone celebrationor a cozy getaway, SmartFlyer clients are constantly seeking the freshest products on the market, and that’s where we come in. We’re rounding up the standout 2023 new hotels from Dallas to Dubai, and everywhere in between.
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When it comes to stateside favorites, we have more than a few. As we ushered in a slew of 2023 new hotel openings, a handful caught our eye from as far as the Big Island to as close to home as the heart of St. Louis.
Freshly opened as St. Louis’ newest downtown hotel, 21c Museum Hotel St Louis has made a splash even before it began welcoming guests. The 173-room property is teeming with character, beginning with its bones – the building was constructed nearly one hundred years ago as a former YMCA. With its adaptation into a hotel, the propertywas carefully crafted in alignment with the 21c Museum Hotels ethos to be a place where guests can consume art in its twenty-four-hour contemporary museum – once a basketball court – as well as connect with the local community. The ten-story hotel collectively displays more than seventy works of art by a wide range of internationally celebrated artists, including many from Washington University in St. Louis, which just so happens to be the alma mater of our founder, Michael Holtz. With a concentration of our SmartFlyer advisors based in St. Louis and a growing number of Brand Team members hailing from The Lou, this hotel opening certainly holds a special place in our hearts.
Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection
Fort Worth, Texas
Located in the heart of Fort Worth’s thriving Cultural District, Bowie House is the latest Texan addition to the growing Auberge Resorts Collection. Bowie House seamlessly blends Fort Worth’s Western roots with modern touches in this 106-room boutique hotel, which embodies the city’s historical values of frontier valor and adventure. With a fitness studio, spa, sauna, steam room, nail studio, and outdoor pool, Bowie House includes thoughtful detailing in each lavish amenity, making it the perfect oasis to retreat to at the end of a busy day. We recommend this property for couples, families, and groups alike seeking to explore this bustling city through a bold new lens.
Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort
Big Island, Hawaii
We’re one big family here at SmartFlyer, so we feel right at home at Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort which is teeming with the same spirit of ‘ohana. Situated on a former ancient fishing village on the Hawaiian Kona Coast, Kona Village stuns in the heart of the Big Island. The property boasts 150 guest accommodations, multiple restaurants and bars, a full-service Asaya® Spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a multitude of event spaces and outdoor activities. With a summer camp-like environment that is beautifully elevated with modern touches, Kona Village is an ideal spot for adventurers and multi-generational families alike. Home to unique art, impressive architecture, and sweeping landscapes from land to sea, we love this destination as a spot to relax, reconnect, and explore.
Raffles Boston
Boston, Massachussetts
Surrounded by historic brownstones, sidewalk cafes, and chic boutiques, you can find Raffles Boston tucked away in the city’s prestigious Back Bay neighborhood. The property boasts sweeping views of the Charles River and Boston’s picturesque skyline where interiors shine thanks to careful curation that sparks curiosity and celebrates creativity. Here, guests can explore five distinct food and beverage venues, state-of-the-art wellness facilities, and an impressive three-story sky lobby, while some of the city’s most notable attractions are just a stone’s throw away. Raffles Boston is the newest property to join the Raffles Hotels & Resorts collection as a unique haven where locals and travelers alike seek a sophisticated experience in the heart of one of America’s most cherished cities.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection
Los Olivios, California
Charming Los Olivos is located just about thirty miles north and inland of Santa Barbara in the adorable town of Santa Ynez Valley. Home to wineries with cult followings, it welcomed The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern to its roster in spring 2023 to great fanfare. Wes Anderson fans are sure to delight in its inspiring symmetry and retro vibes as the property has been revived from its 1880s splendor. Accommodations range from cottages to Guest House structures which offer patios and terraces to truly immerse yourself in nature. Activations on the property are wide-ranging, with seasonal activations creatively tapping into the Los Angeles talent pool; be sure to chat with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to learn more about what is on the schedule during your upcoming stay.
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
The vast offerings of Central and South America continue to lure intrepid travelers in increasing frequency. This year, 2023 hotel openings in both Brazil and Honduras caught our eye.
Exactly twenty years after the opening of Fasano São Paulo Jardins – a hotel credited with defining the roadmap of luxury hospitality in Brazil – Fasano Group unveiled its second property in the capital city. Fasano São Paulo Itaim invites touches from the brand’s signature Italian heritage while incorporating contemporary flourishes into the interior design for the first time. Its 107 accommodations are all appointed with residential-style finishes across the six categories; we particularly adore the bathroom décor which brings guests through various generations of Brazilian designers thanks to the thoughtful attention by Studio MK27. Don’t miss checking out the suite walls which feature vintage photographs of Italy collected on Gero Fasano’s personal travels.
Kimpton Grand Roatan Resort and Spa
West Way Beach, Honduras
Each year when we compile our list of newly opened hotels, some of our favorite features are those that introduce high-end travelers to a previously unchartered destination. The opening of Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa in Honduras is just that kind of hotel. Located along the world’s second-largest barrier reef, this tropical island locale blends opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With 119 rooms, suites, bungalows, and condos, this Roatán resort provides configurations for all types of travelers set in a true oasis. Here, you can snorkel, hunt for treasure while scuba diving shipwrecks, go bird watching, or simply relax on the pristine beach or with a treatment at the spa. Pictures of this property don’t quite do it justice, but trust us, this is your perfect escape for the traveler who wants to travel beyond the well-trodden path.
MEXICO
With some of the world’s most dynamic food meccas (Mexico City, we’re looking at you) and stunning beaches beckoning travelers year after year, we can never get enough of Mexico. These recent additions to the 2023 new hotel openings list aren’t to be missed.
Situated in one of the most trendy neighborhoods in Mexico’s capital city, Andaz Mexico CityCondesa is a vibrant property drawing inspiration from architect Luis Barragán’s contemporary style. With a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, the hotel is the perfect place for couples, young travelers, and aspiring entrepreneurs to experience Mexico City. Aside from its 213 residential-style guest rooms, Andaz Mexico City Condesa offers guests three dining venues, a rooftop pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a salon. It also has a pet-friendly terrace, making it an ideal spot to vacation with your furry companions!
Habitas San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
One of Mexico’s most beloved and culturally enriching cities, San Miguel de Allende is home to a thriving creative community. A visit to the brand new Habitas San Miguel de Allende will find you just ten minutes from the city center where you can sink into deep tranquility in nature, while never being more than a short ride to the heart and soul of downtown. The property’s innovative design celebrates its surroundings, sure not to overshadow the sweeping views of endemic trees, towering cacti, and colorful wildflowers. We especially appreciate its boutique size with only sixty keys, ensuring Habitas San Miguel remains true to the brand’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing luxury. Earth-inspired rooms are all single-bedroom suites with pops of warm colors thanks to limestone walls in terra cotta reds, complemented by quiet garden terraces.
Nômade Holbox
Holbox, Mexico
Tailormade for the traveler who wants something unique, the newly opened Nômade Holbox offers seclusion in an adults-only oasis. With only thirty rooms, your stay on this beachfront island resort is sure to be special; opt for one of three categories – the Treehouse Suite, Oceanfront Suite, or Moon Temple Room – depending on your desire to dip into sky or earth. The property is ideal for those seeking wellness programming with its heart-expanding yoga classes on an ocean deck providing a connection to both mind and body.
Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos
Los Cabos, Mexico
In recent years, it seems as though investment in Los Cabos has no limit. For West Coast travelers who look to Cabo as a long weekend escape, and East Coasters who tend to stay a bit longer – sometimes combining two properties – having more resort options only continues to enhance each visit. Velas Resorts is channeling its signature all-inclusive offering into an adults-only boutique as its third property in Cabo. Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos is a seventy-nine-suite boutique property that’s elevating amenities to an entirely new level. Suites feature private terraces, outdoor hot tubs, views of the Sea of Cortez, and in some cases, private plunge pools and firepits. But while here, try to pull yourself away from your suite to ensure you don’t miss out on all of the activities including yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, tequila tastings, cooking classes led by expert chefs, and more.
AFRICA
Whether in Northern Africa’s cultural mélange of Morocco or East Africa’s stunning Kenya, we’re always on the hunt for fresh properties on this vast continent. When compiling our 2023 new hotel openings, lesser-known destinations within Morocco stood out alongside the latest property to hit the awe-inspiring Kimana Sanctuary.
It’s certainly no secret that here at SmartFlyer, we are seriously obsessed with safari. When it comes to where and when to go on safari, it’s always best to discuss your specific trip with a SmartFlyer travel advisor, but one thing is for sure: Kenya itineraries remain a Smartie favorite. The recent opening in the heart of the Kimana Sanctuary in Kenya’s first community-owned conservancy has us swooning. Angama Amboseli is an intimate lodge that delights guests with Mount Kilimanjaro as its natural backdrop. Its backyard is filled with a fever tree forest where some of Africa’s last Super Tuskers – elephants with tusks so large they drag along the ground as they walk – roam. With only ten tented suites, availability is extremely limited, so we recommend planning well in advance to ensure you can secure space at this newcomer.
Habitas Caravan Dakhla
Dakhla, Morocco
For many of our intrepid clients seeking cultural immersion, a trip to Morocco often encompasses a circuit spanning major cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, and Rabat alongside stints in Fes, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert. But for those who are returning to Morocco and want to go beyond the country’s most visited spots, Dakhla promises world-class kitesurfing in “The Pearl of Southern Morocco.” Located on a calm lagoon on the Atlantic coast, Habitas Caravan Dakhla is your spot to recharge. Its Riad-style rooms, modern villas, and lodges ensure that whether you’re visiting as a couple or with a group of friends, there is a layout that will suit your needs. We love the Dune Villa for adventure enthusiasts who want sweeping views of white dunes. Whether you want to kite surf, kite foil, wind foil, or freestyle kite trick, the passionate Habitas team can help with Caravan Dakhla as your home base.
Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr al Bahr
Rabat, Morocco
Set to complement Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts’ existing Morocco outposts in Marrakesh and Casablanca, Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr is set on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Kasr Al Bahr means “castle of the sea,” and is an ode to the building’s initial purpose as a sprawling royal summer palace dating back to the 18th century. Today it stands to usher in a new ear for the imperial capital city as a historic property with 204 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. Its spa is fit for royalty with ocean views, a garden oasis, and treatments inspired by Moroccan traditions. Those seeking an immersion into nature will relish its twelve acres of manicured gardens set amidst a refreshing ocean breeze. And as ever, when staying at a Four Seasons, guests can expect thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, swift communication via the brand’s industry-leading app, and the heartfelt warmth of its team’s service.
ASIA
When we analyzed travel trends for the year ahead, Asia’s rebound stood out as an undeniable pattern. Japan and Indonesia remain top-requested spots by SmartFlyer clients, which makes these two 2023 new hotel openings all the more exciting.
With the rebound of travel to Japan at an all-time high, the infusion of thoughtfully crafted new hotel products across the country comes at the perfect time for luxury travelers. The arrival of Bulgari Hotel Toyko has brought a contemporary Italian flair to the buzzing capital of Japan. Occupying the fortieth to forty-fifth floors of the Tokyo Midtown Yaesu skyscraper, leisure travelers will appreciate the hotel’s central location within walking distance to the Imperial Palace and vibrant shopping area of both Nihombashi and Ginza. With just ninety-eight rooms and suites, Bulgari Hotel Tokyo maintains its emphasis on personalized service paired with exemplary amenities. The property has renowned dining available without ever having to leave the hotel, including Sushi Hōseki – Kenji Gyoten, helmed by three-star sushi chef Kenji Gyoten. This temple is devoted to the ritual of Japanese dining and in addition to sensational omakase shared amongst only seven other diners, those lucky enough to snag a seat have views out onto a tiny zen garden.
Kimpton Naranta Bali
Bali, Indonesia
“Where should I stay in Bali?” is a question we’ve fielded countless times in our thirty-three years in business, though with increasing frequency as the Indonesian island has surged in popularity in the past decade. The opening of new properties in Bali brings with it the opportunity to experience this destination in fresh ways; Kimpton Naranta Bali’s unveiling has been met with overwhelmingly positive responses from its first wave of guests. Nestled on a hillside estate, the resort has a barefoot luxury approach to the Nusa Dua scene. With only fifty private villas – most of which have their own private saltwater plunge pool – your stay here is sure to be wrapped in sun-drenched seclusion. For those who need even more space, the two-bedroom pool villas promise to grant guests a lavish, secluded refuge with Earthy-meets-modern interiors sprinkled with traditional Balinese elements.
EUROPE
Oh, Europe, where do we even begin? Italy and France remain our top-visited countries by SmartFlyer clients with Greece, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey also sparking inspiration – the only challenge was limiting our list to only a dozen 2023 new hotel openings across the old continent.
One of SmartFlyer clients’ top visited cities globally, The Eternal City has a perpetual pull. The opening of Bulgari Hotel Roma made a splash with its illustrious address alone; located at Pizza Augusto Imperatore in the heart of the Campo Marzio district, it is situated mere minutes away from the tempting shopping of Via del Corso and Via Condotti. Its 114 rooms and suites are each appointed in warm tones that invite guests into their new Roman home. But once you discover the marble-laden bathrooms, you may never want to leave. The spa and pool experience don’t lend to you wanting to get out and explore – modeled in the tradition of the Roman baths, the subterranean experience will find you surrounded by glistening mosaics by Bisazza. And whether as an aperitif or digestif, you can’t leave without a signature negroni at The Bulgari Bar.
La Fantaisie
Paris, France
Perfectly suited to the traveler who has visited Paris several times and is seeking a more home base beyond the Triangle d’Or, a stay in the ninth Arrondissement provides bon vivants with a Martin Brudnizki-designed oasis. With just sixty-three rooms and ten suites, interiors each feel handcrafted thanks to delicate ceramics and custom paintings adorning the wallpapered interiors. On-property dining at Golden Poppy finds guests in a colorful and whimsical setting to enjoy three Michelin-star chef Dominque Crenn’s locally sourced and sustainable cuisine. During a recent stay at the freshly opened La Fantaisie, the team went so far as to walk us from the hotel’s entrance – charmingly tucked into Rue Cadet’s alongside boulangeries and fresh produce stands – straight to the entrance of Passage Verdeau’s seemingly endless trove of antiques, bookshops, and collector cameras.
Maison Delano
Paris, France
Perhaps no European city feels as saturated with luxury hotels as Paris. But with the 2024 Summer Games set for Paris in addition to its stacked event calendar and evergreen appeal, there’s no shortage of demand for innovative new hotels. Maison Delano makes its mark as a new concept from the Delano brand with fifty-six exclusive rooms and suites. Situated mere steps away from Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the property has created a cocoon in the bustling heart of Paris’ eighth Arrondissement. Instead of making sweeping statements with bold colors and finishes, Maison Delano instead whispers with its discreet lobby – that is, so long as you can find the entrance behind its subtle signposting down the quiet rue d’Anjou. We adore the Grand Historic Suite where the chandelier-adorned gold ceiling lulls you to sleep. For those seeking a treatment, opt for an in-room massage before heading out to nearby Place de la Concorde.
Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino, Greece
When we spent time with our Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group partners in Madrid earlier this year, we were thrilled by the news their executive team shared about the ambitious expansion plans the brand has in the months and years ahead. One of the new properties they shared with us that had us most excited was Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. Greece itineraries most often cover Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, amongst other Greek islands, but the well-heeled traveler is increasingly looking to explore more of mainland Greece, and the Peloponnese Peninsula makes for paradise to see this new side of the Mediterranean. With ninety-nine standalone villas with sea views, Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino has made its mark as a new favorite spot for our Smarties. In classic Mandarin fashion, the wellness offering is not to be overlooked with a spectacular indoor and outdoor swimming pool with panoramic bay views, a Hammam, an herbal sauna, and a wide range of spa treatments.
Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair, London
London, United Kingdom
On a recent scouting trip to London, our team couldn’t help but make time to visit both the grand dame that is Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, as well as its soon-to-open sister hotel, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. While this list has no shortage of London openings this year, MO Mayfair has many excited over its promise to offer a sleek, discreet sanctuary for guests who seek a more contemporary atmosphere. Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London is situated in the historic Hanover Square, just a short stroll from beloved boutiques and galleries while still being in close proximity to Soho, Covent Garden, and the West End theatre district. Though, the most surprising thing about this hotel remains its key count; with just fifty rooms, guests are sure to receive Mandarin’s signature high-touch service, only enhanced by its butler offering. Amenities like its indoor swimming pool, private rooftop terrace with a bar overlooking Mayfair, and a gastronomic restaurant are sure to make this new opening a hit.
One&Only Aesthesis
Athens, Greece
Nestled amongst luscious greenery, fragrant lavender fields, and the sparkling waters of the Aegean Sea, One&Only Aesthesis is truly a slice of paradise. Located in the heart of Greece, One&Only Aesthesis wows with 127 private guest rooms, suites, villas, and exclusive private homes for the ultimate coastal getaway, perfect for families, celebratory groups, and honeymooners alike. Guests can adventure out to soak in hot springs, try watersports, or participate in a Greek culinary class, all while returning to the hotel’s transformative Guerlain Spa at the end of the day. There is no shortage of fun for the little ones, either — they will never want to leave after checking out the kids club, where they can explore botanical gardens, hunt for pirates, and unleash their artistic creativity and curiosity like never before.
Six Senses Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana, Switzerland
Vitality meets serenity at this Crans-Montana hotel with Swiss sensibilities and Alpine sophistication. Active travelers are sure to relish direct ski-in and ski-out access to a high-altitude playground straight out of our dreams. In signature Six Senses style, the spa shines with high-tech biohacking therapies alongside more traditional treatments that feel even more sacred after a long day on the slopes. At the end of your action-packed day, cozy up under a blanket of stars to the open-air cinema, or recant your best runs from the day with your crew over a cackling fire in the bar. Heading back to one of Six Senses Crans-Montana‘s seventy-eight rooms and suites will find you greeted by a Swiss chalet feel and fresh air on the terrace. For those needing more space, the Three-Bedroom Prestige Apartment allows for up to six guests to settle in – the private sauna is sure to delight.
The Peninsula Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
If you are searching for a historic landmark grounded in the heart of Turkey’s largest city, look no further than The Peninsula Istanbul. Spanning four gorgeous buildings along the banks of the Bosphorus, The Peninsula Istanbul is a breathtaking destination in the vibrant Karaköy district. With three of the buildings having undergone renovations, the property boasts 177 rooms and suites, two distinct restaurants, and a spa and wellness center complete with pools and private treatment rooms. But the interiors aren’t the only aspects of the hotel that shine; beautiful amenities lure guests outside towards the waterfront landscape, from luscious gardens to a private boat dock.
The Peninsula London
London, United Kingdom
Just steps away from some of London’s most iconic attractions, The Peninsula Hotels has unveiled its most recent property: The Peninsula London. Centrally located in the heart of Belgravia, this 190-room property overlooks Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch and pays homage to the surrounding architecture. At The Peninsula London, foodies can enjoy delectable culinary masterpieces by Michelin-starred Chef Director Claude Bosi while shopaholics can browse the property’s expansive luxury retail arcade. We love that there is something for everyone in this spacious, light-filled hotel, which is perfect for leisure travelers, corporate guests, and families, too.
Raffles London at The OWO
London, United Kingdom
Located within London’s iconic Old War Office (The OWO) in Whitehall, Raffles London at the OWO is situated at one of the city’s most historically important and powerful addresses. This prestigious, newly renovated hotel is home to 120 rooms and suites and an additional eighty-five private residences – spaces that once witnessed world-changing decisions by British Prime Ministers including Lloyd-George, Kitchener, and Sir Winston Churchill. But you don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate all that Raffles London has to offer. Nine destination restaurants can be found on the property – including three which are overseen by award-winning Chef, Mauro Colagreco – as well as a Guerlain Spa, impressive entertainment spaces including The Whitehall Ballroom, and three bars. Live out your James Bond dreams in The Spy Bar, the building’s former interrogation room, or taste test a signature London Sling cocktail at The Guards Bar and Lounge, the hallmark of the Raffles London.
The Rome EDITION
Rome, Italy
Walking down an unsuspecting street just steps from Via Veneto, The Rome EDITION’s outdoor garden is so masterfully built into its surroundings that you might miss it. But once you’re beckoned in by the friendly team, that classic EDITION fragrance hits, and you immediately know where you are. As the brand’s first foray into Italy, bringing this hotel to life was an ambitious undertaking that surely paid off. Its ninety-one rooms and suites are designed in classic Ian Schrager fashion with minimal color, instead opting to let the views of San Nicola da Tolentino shine. The rooftop bar and pool remain a rarity in Rome, sure to attract both guests and local clientele for The Roof’s seafood-forward menu, as well as captivating views of Rome.
Rosewood Munich
Munich, Germany
As the first German property within the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts family, Rosewood Munich splashed onto the scene with a refined sophistication in the heart of Kardinal-Faulhaber-Straße inside two historical buildings. Its location offers guests easy access to some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the famous Marienplatz and the shops of Maximilianstraße and Theatinerstraße. With seventy-three guestrooms, fifty-nine suites, and five houses each designed by Munich-based architectural firm Hilmer Sattler and London interior architectural design studio, Tara Bernerd & Partners, accommodations are modern meets Bavarian. Rosewood brand loyalists will rejoice at the chance to have an Asaya spa experience in one of the property’s six treatment rooms, in addition to its indoor pool and fitness facility.
AUSTRALIA
Thanks to our smattering of Smarties located across Australia, we think about new hotel openings here both for domestic and international travel, depending on where our clients may be based. Big openings in both Sydney and Melbourne this year have us reinvigorated to discover new spots within some of our most beloved cities.
With our SmartFlyer Australia team heavily concentrated in Sydney, we were all eyes on the city welcoming the Capella brand to this primely located property just minutes from Syndey Harbour Bridge. Capella Sydney’s reimagining of a sandstone building honors its Aboriginal heritage having originally been inhabited by the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. Through its thoughtful programming and partnership with Aboriginal collaborators, Capella Sydney’s spa will hold special sessions with Aboriginal elders. Additionally, they will host other creative offerings like a guided farmers market experience where guests meet producers and makers while discovering native ingredients. Its attention to positive energy flow extends to its 192 rooms and suites; we love that all three suite categories come with a separate living area, a deep soaking tub, double vanities, and a rain shower.
The Ritz Carlton, Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
After nine years of development, Ritz-Carlton opened its Melbourne outpost with a glittering eighty floors of luxury offerings. Its 257 rooms are elegantly designed with neutral tones, and carefully appointed interiors; guests are sure to appreciate Diptique amenities and modern touches like motorized blinds upon entry into the room. With a location within the city’s central business district, it is perfectly suited to corporate travelers.
MIDDLE EAST
With many SmartFlyer clients favoring Middle Eastern carriers for long-haul travel, we are seeing increased interest in regions like Dubai for stopovers, in addition to business travel that parlays into leisure stays. New hotel openings across both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia only continue to elevate the client experience in this part of the world.
In recent years, the investment in AlUla – a broad swath of desert in the Ashar Valley – has brought in a handful of high-end hotels to this remote part of Saudi Arabia. The opening of Banyan Tree AlUla was part of the continued evolution of this unique destination offering access to heritage sites that archaeologists have flocked to for decades. Just a twenty-minute drive from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra, Banyan Tree AlUlua offers forty-seven standalone villas that seamlessly blend into the landscape overlooking rock formations and the valley towards Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building. Unexpectedly, guests will find a Thai restaurant as well as an international outlet for ample choices in the food and beverage realm. Don’t miss a spa treatment in a hidden cave before dipping into the infinity-edged rock pool.
One&Only Za’abeel
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
One&Only One Za’abeel is where the expected meets the unexpected — where the classic glamour and privacy of One&Only Resorts seamlessly blends into the hustle and bustle of Dubai. The world’s first ultra-luxury vertical urban resort, One&Only One Za’abeel celebrates Dubai’s contemporary atmosphere and stunning location with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the skyline. Six Michelin-starred chefs share their talents in One&Only Za’abeel’s twelve unique restaurants, which span cuisines from around the world; we especially love the gourmet food hall which features flavors from Turkey, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula. There is also a three-story spa and fitness center, making this a well-rounded destination for business travelers, honeymooners, celebratory groups, and anyone in between.
SIRO One Za’abeel
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A fully integrated fitness and recovery hotel, SIRO One Za’abeel is an impressive new addition to Dubai’s Za’abeel district that focuses on five experience pillars: fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and mindfulness. The property is particularly appealing to athletes and wellness enthusiasts, with state-of-the-art amenities including a two-floor fitness club, a dedicated Recovery Lab with treatments from cryotherapy to acupuncture, and specially-designed guest rooms known as ‘Recovery Cocoons’. With features like a thermoregulation mattress, a dimming lighting system, and wellness pillows in each accommodation, guests are sure to leave with a renewed sense of vitality and well-being.
Ready to book your stay at one of the newest hotels in the world? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor.
