Today (January 9, 2015): most luxurious hotels that opened their doors in 2014.

• Hotel website

5. SHANGRI-LA LHASA, TIBET

Few places in the world are as magical as Lhasa, the administrative capital of Tibet, a city encircled by the fabled Himalayan mountains, glaciers and desert-like landscapes. This intriguing destination became home to another property in the portfolio of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. On the cool patio of the Lodgers Lounge, overlooking the city and majestic mountains, guests can enjoy a cup of tea, or you can adjust to Lhasa’s altitude with a visit to the hotel’s unique oxygen lounge and reflexology pavilion. The hotel comprises 262 contemporary guestrooms and 17 suites, as well as the exclusive Horizon Club Lounge. Rooms are spacious with a minimum size of 43 square metres and suites provide up to 250 square metres of luxurious space. Guests can enjoy stunning views of Potala Palace or the breathtaking mountains and relax among traditional Tibetan architecture and interior design.

• Hotel website

6. MAALIFUSHI BY COMO, MALDIVES

Maalifushi by COMO is the first Madlives luxury resort that opened in the pristine Thaa Atoll in the archipelago’s southwest. Among Maldives’ island hotels, the resort is a stand apart with its understated style, encapsulating the spirit of the Indian Ocean and the barefoot chic of this COMO private island resort.  The luxuries are all here, with a COMO Shambhala spa, world-class yoga facilities and exceptional cuisine along with the Maldives’ vibrant marine life along with the Maldives’ vibrant marine life. Around Thaa Atoll, this includes rich Whale shark, Hammerhead shark and Manta Ray populations. With 33 overwater villas and 26 garden suites, Maalifushi is the ultimate away-from-it-all destination for families, couples, surfers and divers. The views are consistently spectacular: either lush tropical gardens or directly out to the watery expanse.

Maalifushi by COMO features in our top 10 list of the best luxury resorts in the Maldives.

Read our review of Maalifushi by COMO here.

• Hotel website

7. METROPOLITAN BY COMO MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, USA

2014 was an important year for the COMO group with another grand opening, Metropolitan by Como in Miami Beach. Among hotels on Collins Avenue, the hotel has an enviable position for shopping, dining and entertainment, located right in the heart of the Miami Beach Historic District, overlooking America’s most iconic beach. As one of the finest examples of Art Deco luxury hotels that Miami Beach has to offer, Metropolitan by COMO takes many of its aesthetic cues from the elegant 1920 and 30s. Geometric silhouettes, playful tones of pastel pink and sea-foam green, cool marbles and shining chromes accent each of the hotel’s 74 rooms. COMO Shambhala Urban Escape – the hotel’s luxury wellness spa – offers a highly personalised approach to wellbeing.

• Hotel website

8. SOHO HOUSE CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA

The fourth U.S. outpost of the London-based members club is housed in a historic industrial building and easily as cool as the creative and media types its aimed at. Members of the other clubs will recognize the features and the look: gritty exposed brick walls juxtaposed with vintage chandeliers, muted retro décor—velvet couches, worn Persian rugs– that looks lived-in, not brand new, and a rooftop pool, the largest of any of the clubs,  this time with Chicago’s famous architectural skyline, Willis Tower included, as the view.  There’s also a private screening room, plus a spa offering scotch ‘n’ shave for gents, which wouldn’t look out-of-place in an episode of “Mad Men”. The property has 40 rooms.

• Hotel website

9. CROMLIX HOUSE, SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM

Following extensive refurbishment, tennis champion Andy Murrey has transformed this elegant Victorian Perthshire mansion into a luxury 15-bedroom and Gate Lodge. The hotel, which opened in Spring 2014, offers guests the chance to experience the sort of decadent lifestyle once enjoyed by the Lairds of Cromlix, redefined for the 21st century by sumptuous surroundings and impeccable yet discreet service. Situated in beautiful countryside, just three miles from Dunblane, Cromlix is set in 34 acres of secluded woodlands and garden grounds, with its own chapel and house loch. The hotel boasts a Chez Roux restaurant, offering reasonable priced menus that focus on using seasonal locally sourced produce wherever possible, five suites and ten bedrooms, gate lodge accommodation, reception hall, two drawing rooms, conservatory, dining room, snooker and meeting rooms.

•  Hotel website

10. CAPE WELIGAMA, SRI LANKA

Where trade winds carried legendary explorers like Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta and Fa-Hsien past Sri Lanka’s soaring southern cliffs on some of history’s most celebrated nautical journeys, last October marked the opening of the most anticipated resort yet along this fabled island’s palm fringed shores. Thirty minutes east of Galle, Cape Weligama inhabits 12 manicured acres atop a singular promontory rising above the Indian Ocean. Stunning panoramas naturally complement all 40 private retreats designed by one of Asia’s celebrated architects Lek Bunnag. An array of international dining venues captures Weligama’s gorgeous sunsets, as does the 60-metre crescent-shaped infinity pool that appears to flow seamlessly into the shimmering sea.

• Hotel website

11. HOANIB SKELETON COAST LODGE, NAMIBIA

Wilderness Safaris, owner of 3 of Africa’s 10 most luxurious safari lodges, opened its Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp in Namibia’s remote Kaokoveld. Located in the private Palmwag Concession straddling the Palmwag area and Skeleton Coast National Park, the camp boasts a low-impact design that is sensitive to its fragile desert environment, operating on 100 per cent solar. Exclusivity is taken a step further as the location is only accessible by light aircraft and the camp itself consists of only seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit, each comprising stylish en-suite bedrooms with shaded outdoors decks. Flanked to the east and west by rugged hills, the camp looks out over stunning, starkly beautiful scenery and offers guests all the luxuries and amenities for an unforgettable stay.

• Hotel website

12. LOEWS REGENCY NEW YORK, NY, USA

Loews Regency Hotel has defined Park Avenue hospitality since the moment it opened its doors in 1963. OK, so this is not really a new hotel as such, but the lengthy and well-executed refurbishment has revealed a property that is new in many regards and is still setting standards in New York sophistication. With all the benefits of Midtown Manhattan at your fingertips, you are just steps from many of New York’s most iconic landmarks and free attractions. The hotel comprises 379 guestrooms including 58 spectacular suites, some of which are spacious enough for cocktail receptions or intimate weddings. And whether you’re here for business or pleasure, you’ll enjoy the innovative cuisine from the excellent onsite restaurant and hopefully make time to indulge your senses at the spa salon.

•  Hotel website

13. ANDAZ TOKYO TORANOMON HILLS, JAPAN

As only the 12th Andaz property in the world,  Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills opened its doors in June, with inspiring, indigenous and unscripted atmosphere. Reflecting Tokyo’s contemporary urban culture, guests can expect dazzling experience at this hotel. Located in the 52-story business complex Toranomon Hills in the heart of Tokyo, Andaz Tokyo houses 164 guestrooms, including the largest guestroom in Tokyo (538 square feet) with a magnificent city view. Abundant natural materials are largely used for décor, reflecting the traditional Japanese nature-oriented architectural style. The hotel is located in the Toranomon area, home to many embassies and global company offices, and very accessible to government and financial districts.

• Hotel website

14. AMAN TOKYO, JAPAN

Tokyo saw another big hotel opening in 2014. Amanresorts, the world’s most exclusive hotel brand, launched its first city property and the 27th in its portfolio: Aman Tokyo. Occupying the top six floors of the recently-built Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo is an urban sanctuary high above the atmospheric whirl of tradition and modernity that epitomises Tokyo.  Aman Tokyo draws its design inspiration from traditional Japanese residential structures: classic Japanese materials such as timber, Washi paper and stone are blended to great effect with modern technology and luxurious fabrics. There is also a continuous reference to nature, from the Otemachi Forest (a forested area of 3,600 square metres in the city) and the hotel’s inner garden, to the fabrics and art incorporated into the design. The hotel has 84 rooms and suites, all with unique layouts, magnificent city views and every contemporary convenience. Each room and suite has a large furo, a deep soaking tub intrinsic to the Japanese ritual of bathing.

Aman Tokyo features in our top 10 list of the most amazing hotel lobbies in the world.

• Hotel website

15. RITZ CARLTON KYOTO, JAPAN

We stay in Japan for the next hotel opening! The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto describes itself as an international modern-day luxury ryokan. Creating an experience that seamlessly blends the centuries-old traditions of Kyoto with the finest services and facilities that The Ritz-Carlton is renowned for, the property’s ladies and gentlemen truly bring to life the cultural heart of Japan. The hotel is built on banks of the Kamagawa River on land that was gifted to the original owners in the early shogunate era five centuries ago. The property has 134 rooms and suites, and enjoys panoramic 180 degree views of the Higashiyama mountains in the East which turn a rich shade of imperial purple at sunset. Competition is on the way, with the Four Seasons Kyoto due to arrive in 2016.

• Hotel website

16. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE WESTCLIFF JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

The first property in of the prestigious brand’s portfolio in Southern Africa opened on December 1st. Formerly known as The Westcliff, the iconic hillside hotel closed its doors to the public in June 2013 for a complete USD 52 million reinvention. With 117 newly decorated contemporary African-inspired guest rooms and suites, the design resembles a hillside village woven with courtyards, fountains and gardens.  Guests and visitors also enjoy five exciting new dining outlets, a nine treatment room destination spa, deli, and lap pool. Two new transparent panoramic elevators take guests on a striking visual journey to the upper part of the property, where the two main restaurants, View and Flames, are perched high up on the Westcliff hillside offering spectacular views of the city below.

• Hotel website

17. FOUR SEASONS ORLANDO AT WALT DISNEY WORLD, FLORIDA, USA

Enjoy the magic like never before and in pure luxury with the opening of Four Seasons Resort Orlando, located within the gates of Walt Disney World Resort. Reflecting the Spanish Revival architecture of Florida’s golden age, the lakeside resort offers 443 spacious guest rooms, including 68 suites. From the lounge chairs on your balcony or terrace, you can enjoy serene views across the Tom Fazio-designed Four Seasons Golf Course. Couples can indulge in a couple’s massage in the gorgeous spa, or sip a cocktail by the adults-only pool. Kids will love the water slides, lazy river, climbing wall and activity centres on an island just for them. Evenings in the rooftop steakhouse sparkle with fireworks on two horizons. Be prepared for a stylish return to your childhood!

• Hotel Website

18. WALDORF ASTORIA AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam’s new star hotel is located on the grand 17th century canal palaces of the Herengracht. Boasting a historical exterior comprising six monumental 17th and 18th century double-front canal palaces and featuring a unique grand staircase built by the architect of Louis XIV, Daniel Marot, the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam hotel offers sophisticated comfort and unparalleled service. The hotel has 93 spacious rooms and suites overlooking the city’s canal or the courtyard garden. All of the sumptuous accommodations feature expansive bathrooms, complimentary WiFi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs and attractive views. Within the hotel, you also find a luxurious Guerlain Spa, the two Michelin star restaurant Librije’s Zusje Amsterdam, exclusive conference and event venues such as the Hooft Ballroom facing the canals and the historic Maurer Room.

Waldorf Astoria features on our top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Amsterdam.

• Hotel website

19. CHEVAL BLANC ST BARTH ISLE DE FRANCE, FRENCH WEST INDIES

LVMH’s Cheval Blanc collection rebranded, completely renovated en reopened the former Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France, an enduring island favorite that was acquired by LVMH in July 2013. One of the landmarks of the French West Indies, the hotel has 40 rooms, suites and villas, and is situated on lovely Flamands Beach. The property includes the only Guerlain spa in the Caribbean, a new White Bar poolside lounge and special “alchemists” who create tailor-made experiences for guests. The property’s new color palette combines Cheval Blanc’s signature taupe with a daring blush pink – created just for Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France – that strikingly enhances the Maison’s trademark blue. This new color scheme pays tribute to the Caribbean turquoise waters and colorful local façades.

• Hotel website

20. ONE&ONLY HAYMAN ISLAND,QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Hayman Island, Australia’s iconic private island resort, represents astonishing natural beauty, restorative peace, indulgence and adventure. After a six month refurbishment of $80 million dollars by the One & Only Hotel group, the resort reopened in  July as the One&Only Hayman Island. It is the northernmost of the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland, and within this private island resort, stylish elegance reflects the harmony of nature with beautifully appointed accommodation set against the backdrop of the Coral Sea. During renovation, One&Only reduced the room inventory from 210 to 160 to be sure that room size met their high standards (minimum 54 sqm). All rooms & suites feature a private balcony, spacious en suite bathroom, double vanity and open-plan dressing room.

One&Only Hayman Island features in our top 10 lists of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts and best luxury hotels in Australia.

Click here to read our review of One&Only Hayman Island.

• Hotel website

21. PARK HYATT NEW YORK, NY, USA

Park Hyatt’s new flagship hotel is located in the heart of midtown across from Carnegie Hall and a short stroll from Central Park. The hotel, designed by world-renowned, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc, features 210 generously sized guest rooms including 92 suites, designed by Yabu Pushelberg. The state-of-the-art guest rooms are among the largest in the city, starting from 475 square feet or 44 square meters.  The hotel is part of a 90-story mixed-use tower that features 94 Thomas Juul-Hansen-designed luxury spaces with breathtaking views of Central Park and the New York skyline.

Park Hyatt New York features in our top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in New York.

• Hotel website

22. PARK HYATT VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Park Hyatt Vienna opened last June,  the first incursion of the Hyatt brand into Austria. It’s in a nice, slightly different position from most of the other Vienna luxury hotels: on the slightly less touristy northwestern side of the Innere Stadt. The property occupies a 100-year-old listed building that formerly served as the headquarters of a Bank. The hotel is located within Vienna’s First District, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are 143 rooms, and a restaurant, bar, and cigar and whisky lounge (possibly copying the nearby Keminski’s). The spa boasts a pool in the old bank vault, and uses Sodashi products for its treatments.

• Hotel website

23. W BOGOTA, COLUMBIA

Colombia’s capital is a hot travel destination and since December 2014, you can electrify your stay at the W Bogota Hotel, adjacent to multinational corporations, embassies, restaurants, and shops in the upscale Santa Barbara Business Center. Prime retail, healthcare, and entertainment options are only steps away. The typical contemporary lifestyle aesthetics of the W brand are reflected in the 168 guest rooms, including in the 21 suites. All rooms feature state-of-the-art technology and the signature W Bed. Evidently, the Whatever/Whenever service is available to all guests.

• Hotel website

24. W BEIJING, CHINA

Steps from the mystical Forbidden City, vibrant Silk Market and famed Tiananmen Square, the W Beijing hotel lights up bustling downtown’s exclusive Diplomatic District with a potent remix of high style, exhilarating history and pulsating nightlife. Luxe enough for ancient royals but updated with modern treasures, the 340 lavish guest rooms offer stunning city views, W signature beds and fully wired technology. Munchie Boxes, Bliss Spa amenities and top entertainment ensure imperial indulgence. Guests can frolic amidst the garden, take a dip into the pool, or take advantage of the Wish Workshop to explore everything from culinary to yoga classes.

• Hotel website

25. ROSEWOOD BEIJING, CHINA

The Chinese capital saw another high-profile hotel opening last year. The Rosewood Beijing, the first China property for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, takes contemporary sophistication to new heights. Located in the prestigious Chaoyang District, this Beijing 5-star hotel delivers a unique blend of modern sophistication and comfort. With 283 luxurious rooms and suites that are amongst the largest in the city, the guest rooms evoke sensations of lavish apartment living. Featuring natural finishes, textural overlays, spacious bathrooms, walk-in closets, and non-traditional elements with subtle Oriental aesthetics, guests discover an intimate and sophisticated surrounding in the midst of Beijing. All guestrooms feature original cloisonné paintings, beautiful fine art prints, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

The Rosewood Beijing features in our top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in China.

Click here to read our review of the Rosewood Beijing.

• Hotel website

26. THE PENINSULA PARIS, FRANCE

Last August, Asian inspired luxury moved into the City of Light. It is the first European property of the Hong Kong based The Peninsula Hotels brand, which is widely acclaimed as one of the most exclusive hotel brands in the world. The Peninsula Paris is located in a late 19th century classic Haussmanian building,  which first opened as one of Paris’s most luxurious “grands hotels” in 1908. Steeped in history, the property has been meticulously restored and discreetly modernised with the ultimate in 21st century convenience. The Peninsula houses 200 luxurious rooms, including 34 suites. Six years in the making, some of France’s finest artisans were hand-picked to undertake this stunning restoration.

The Peninsula Paris features in our top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Paris.

• Hotel website

27. THE RITZ CARLTON BALI, INDONESIA

Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Nusa Dua in Bali is uniquely situated with a combination of white beach front and a spectacular elevated cliff top settings. Built on a sprawling 19 hectares of private beach front land, each of the 288 rooms (including 90 suites and 14 villas) and 10 private villas is orientated to take full advantage of the view of the Indian Ocean and the resort gardens. The resort offers six restaurants and bars, including a cliff-side restaurant in a natural cave, a beach grill, an Indonesian restaurant, a Japanese restaurant, a pool bar and an all-day dining outlet. We are already looking forward towards the opening of the Ritz Carlton Reserve near Ubud in of the Island of the Gods later this year!

• Hotel website

28. MANDARIN ORIENTAL BODRUM, TURKEY

Enjoying an idyllic location on Paradise Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum offers a seductive blend of style, luxury and comfort. It is the first beach resort of the famous ultraluxurious hotel brand, and located within easy reach of many of the Bodrum Peninsula’s most beautiful attractions. Guest can enjoy the wonderful coastal setting from the 2 private sandy beaches. As stylish as they are spacious, 59 contemporary rooms, 27 suites and 23 appartements offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. In addition, the resort has 5 restaurants, offering Turkish, Italian, Asian and international fine dining, as well as a world-class spa, inspired by the healing traditions of the Orient. The folks at Amanruya should start to get worried!

• Hotel website

29. MANDARIN ORIENTAL TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Setting new standards for luxury hospitality, Mandarin Oriental Taipei enjoys a superb location in the heart of this vibrant city, and is the city’s best luxury address less than one year after its opening. The hotel has 256 rooms and 47 suites with classically inspired interiors combined with contemporary design. Within the massive building, you can find a number of restaurants (French Brasserie COCO, restaurant Ya Ge for Cantonese, Bencotto for Italian), a Mandarin Oriental Bar, a Cake Shop, and the Jade Lounge for afternoon tea. An outdoor swimming pool, a spa, roof gardens, meeting rooms, and the largest spa of Taiwan round out the facilities.

• Hotel website

30. THE MIAMI BEACH EDITION, FLORIDA, USA

Hotelier Ian Schrager returns to Miami nearly two decades after the opening of Delano South Beach to make yet another splash on the trendy hotel scene with the Marriott’s The Miami Beach EDITION. The hotel comprises 294 individually designed guest rooms and suites, including 28 private bungalows — some with two stories — and a spectacular rooftop penthouse. Housed in a 1950s landmark building, which was once home to the Seville Beach Hotel, and a new tower, The Miami Beach EDITION features interiors designed by Yabu Pushelberg. The chic hotel is outfitted with a year-round ice-skating rink (in case you get tired of that endless Miami sun), a bowling alley, a nightclub, multiple bars, two pools, a spa and a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant.

• Hotel website

31. PORTRAIT FLORENCE, ITALY 

Hospitality is an art, and Portrait Florence has made of it a masterpiece. The new hotel, listed among the Leading Hotels of the World, is an all-suite property, where discerning travelers find the exclusivity they relish. The stars amongst the 34 suites are the spectacular rooftop suite and 273m2 Penthouse Floor. It is owned by the family of couture shoemaker Ferragamo family, that have poured heart, soul and money into this wonderful property. Florentine Architect Michele Bonan has given the distinguished, riverside location by the Ponte Vecchio a unique style and heritage. The views of the Florence’s famous Ponte Vecchio are unbeatable.

•  Hotel website

32. MONT ROCHELLE, SOUTH AFRICA

Richard Branson added another South African hotel to his portfolio of Virgin Limited Edition hotels (which already includes a private game reserve). Mont Rochelle is a stunning 22-bedroom hotel and vineyard at the foot of the Klein Dassenberg Mountains, just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town in the town of Franschhoek in South Africa. Franschhoek is a traditional vineyard town in the Western Cape Province famously known as the French Corner of the Cape and is considered to be the food and wine capital of South Africa. The hotel isn’t new but it re-opened in September following a £2 million ($3.1 million) refurbishment. There are restaurants on-site, but guests can also pack a picnic hamper to explore the 39-hectare estate, or hide away in the cellar at a bespoke wine tasting or vintage-fueled lunch.

• Hotel website

33. SOFITEL SO SINGAPORE

Expect the unexpected when stepping through the doors of Sofitel So Singapore’s heritage building. Designed by the legendary Karl Lagerfeld, the hotel invites guests to discover local experiences and cultural heritage. Timeless  French decadence and sophistication blends with Singapore’s modernity, giving the boutique hotel a unique style. Innovations in service, style and technology delight guests in each one of Sofitel So Singapore’s 134 meticulous rooms, including 9 suites. For the ultimate experience, step out on one of the 6 exclusive balconies, gaze at the city from the glamorous golden rooftop pool or tease your palate with tantalizing cuisine from celebrity chefs. Located near Raffles Place, in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, the hotel is minutes away from the city’s landmarks.

• Hotel website

*** Follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

• Opening in May 2014  (update: now open)
• Hotel website

4. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL LHASA, TIBET

Few places in the world are as magical as Lhasa, the administrative capital of Tibet, a city encircled by the fabled Himalayan mountains, glaciers and desert-like landscapes. This intriguing destination will become home to another highly anticipated property of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. The unique Tibetan culture will be the reference for the property’s harmonious, contemporary interiors, the heart of which will be the Lodgers Lounge. The hotel will have 279 contemporary guest rooms  and 10 long stay apartments.

• Opening in April 2014  (update: now open)
• Hotel website

5. COMO MAALIFUSHI, MALDIVES

Maalifushi by COMO is the first luxury resort in the Maldives to open in the pristine Thaa Atoll in the archipelago’s southwest. Among Maldives island hotels, the resort will stand apart with its understated style, encapsulating the spirit of the Indian Ocean and the barefoot chic of this COMO private island resort.  The luxuries are all here, with a COMO Shambhala spa, world-class yoga facilities and exceptional cuisine along with the Maldives’ vibrant marine life (whale shark sightings are common). With 33 33 overwater villas and garden suites, Maalifushi will therefore be the ultimate away-from-it-all destination for families, couples, surfers and divers.

• Opening in April 2014  (update: now open)
• Hotel website

6. METROPOLITAN BY COMO, MIAMI, USA

2014 is an important year for the COMO group with another grand opening, Metropolitan by Como in Miami Beach. Among hotels on Collins Avenue, the hotel has an enviable position for shopping, dining and entertainment. As one of the finest examples of Art Deco luxury hotels that Miami Beach has to offer, Metropolitan by COMO takes many of its aesthetic cues from the elegant 1920 and 30s. Geometric silhouettes, playful tones of pastel pink and sea-foam green, cool marbles and shining chromes accent each of the hotel’s 74 rooms. COMO Shambhala Urban Escape – the hotel’s luxury wellness spa – offers a highly personalised approach to wellbeing.

• Opening in February 2014  (update: now open)
• Hotel website

7. ANDAZ TOKYO TORANOMON HILLS, JAPAN

As only the 12th Andaz property in the world,  Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills will greet guests with inspiring, indigenous and unscripted atmosphere. Reflecting Tokyo’s contemporary urban culture, guests can expect dazzling experience at this hotel. Located in the 52-story business complex Toranomon Hills in the heart of Tokyo, Andaz Tokyo will house 164 guestrooms, including the largest guestroom in Tokyo (538 square feet) with a magnificent city view. Abundant natural materials will be largely used for décor, reflecting the traditional Japanese nature-oriented architectural style. The hotel will be located in the Toranomon area, home to many embassies and global company offices, and very accessible to government and financial districts.

• Opening in summer  2014  (update: now open)
• Hotel website

8. AMAN RESORT CAVTAT, CROATIA

In keeping with the philosophy of the Aman resorts, publicly branding itself as the most luxurious resort collection in the world, the new Aman resort in Cavtat (South of Dubrovnik) will have 40 very luxurious units. Guests will be able to stay in the 30 rooms of 80 square meters and 10 two-bedroom apartments of 160 square meters, and there will be a breakfast room, a restaurant lounge, a library, a bar, a garden restaurant and spa. The hotel building will be covered in Cavtat local stone and windows closed traditional ‘shutters’. Each room will have a terrace with views of the bay of Cavtat and the old town of Dubrovnik in the distance.

• Opening in (late) summer 2014  (update: delayed)
• Hotel website not yet available

9. WALDORF ASTORIA HOTEL AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS

Boasting a historical exterior comprising six monumental 17th and 18th century double-front canal palaces and featuring a unique grand staircase built by the architect of Louis XIV, Daniel Marot, the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam hotel will offer sophisticated comfort and unparalleled service in a setting characterized by a long, rich history. This luxurious Amsterdam hotel will offer 93 spacious rooms and suites overlooking the city’s canal or the courtyard garden. All of the sumptuous accommodations will feature expansive bathrooms, complimentary WiFi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs and attractive views.

• Opening in August 2014  (update: now open)
• Hotel website

10. ONE & ONLY HAYMAN ISLAND, AUSTRALIA

Hayman Island, Australia’s iconic private island resort, presents astonishing natural beauty, restorative peace, indulgence and adventure.  It is currently being renovated by the One & Only hotel group to join its portfolio of famous and exclusive resorts. Located in the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island is the northernmost of the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland. Within this private island resort, stylish elegance reflects the harmony of nature with beautifully appointed accommodation set against the backdrop of the Coral Sea. Even prior to being rebranded as One & Only Hayman Island, Hayman had been consistently recognised as a world leader in resort excellence with prestigious accolades.

Click here to read our review of One&Only Hayman Island.

• Opening in July 2014  (update: now open)
• Hotel website

11. ST REGIS ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Nestled in the heart of Nisantasi, The St. Regis Istanbul will be surrounded by the exclusive district’s shops, dining, art, and entertainment. Mere steps away are such destinations as Macka Park, the convention center, the city center, and the Bosporus. The property will have 2 signature restaurants: an intimate rooftop terrace venue and an eclectic French brasserie. The hotel’s 118 sumptuous accommodations will boast a unique identity of discrete luxury, timeless elegance, and compelling grace. Guests of the ten suites—one designed by Bentley—will enjoy the elevated level of bespoke service of the St. Regis Butler.

• Opening in July 2014  (update: delayed)
• Hotel website

12. PARK HYATT NEW YORK CITY, USA

Park Hyatt’s new flagship hotel in New York will be located in the heart of midtown across from Carnegie Hall and a short stroll from Central Park. The hotel, designed by world-renowned, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Christian de Portzamparc, will feature 210 generously sized guest rooms including 92 suites, designed by Yabu Pushelberg. The state-of-the-art guest rooms will be among the largest in the city, starting from 475 square feet or 44 square meters.  The hotel is part of a 90-story mixed-use tower that features 94 Thomas Juul-Hansen-designed luxury spaces with breathtaking views of Central Park and the New York skyline.

• Opening in mid-summer 2014 (update: now open)
• Hotel website

13. PARK HYATT MARRAKECH, MAROCCO

The Hyatt group has a huge list of 2014 openings prepped under its luxury Park Hyatt brand: New York (see above), Vienna (see below), Zanzibar and Marrakech. The Park Hyatt Marrakech will be located only 15 minutes away from the “medina” (old city) features 131 spacious rooms and suites as well as 44 deluxe villas built inside the private gated grounds of the hotel complex. All rooms, suites and private villas will be generously sized and offer a unique atmosphere along with exceptional views of the landscaped gardens and the 18-hole golf course designed by Kyle Phillips.

• Opening in 2014 (update: delayed)
• Hotel website

14. ROSEWOOD HOTEL BEJING, CHINA

Rosewood Beijing, the first China property for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, will take contemporary sophistication to new heights. Located in the prestigious Chaoyang District, this Beijing 5-star hotel will deliver a unique blend of modern sophistication and comfort. With 283 luxurious rooms and suites that are amongst the largest in the city, the guest rooms evoke sensations of lavish apartment living. Featuring natural finishes, textural overlays, spacious bathrooms, walk-in closets, and non-traditional elements with subtle Oriental aesthetics, guests discover an intimate and sophisticated surrounding in the midst of Beijing. All guestrooms will feature original cloisonné paintings, beautiful fine art prints, and floor-to-ceiling windows.

• Opening in autumn 2014 (update: now open)
• Hotel website

15. W BOGOTA HOTEL

Colombia’s capital is a hot travel destination and from September 2014, you can electrify your stay at the W Bogota Hotel, adjacent to multinational corporations, embassies, restaurants, and shops in the upscale Santa Barbara Business Center. Prime retail, healthcare, and entertainment options will be steps away. The typical contemporary lifestyle aesthetics of the W brand will be reflected in the 168 guest rooms, including in the 21 suites. All rooms will feature state-of-the-art technology and the signature W Bed. Evidently, the Whatever/Whenever® service will be available to all guests.

• Opening in September 2014 (update: delayed)
• Hotel website

16. W BEJING HOTEL, CHINA

Steps from the mystical Forbidden City, vibrant Silk Market and famed Tiananmen Square, the W Beijing hotel will light up bustling downtown’s exclusive Diplomatic District with a potent remix of high style, exhilarating history and pulsating nightlife. Luxe enough for ancient royals but updated with modern treasures, the 340 lavish guest rooms will offer stunning city views, W signature beds and fully wired technology. Munchie Boxes, Bliss® Spa amenities and top entertainment will ensure imperial indulgence. You will be able to  frolic amidst the garden, take a dip into the pool, or take advantage of the Wish Workshop to explore everything from culinary to yoga classes.

• Opening in June 2014 (update: now open)
• Hotel website

17. PENINSULA PARIS

Hong Kong-grade luxury moves into the City of Light with the Peninsula’s Avenue Kléber opening this summer of the brand’s first European property, only two years behind schedule. Situated in a beautiful, century-old Beaux-Arts gem, just off the Champs-Elysées, the hotel will have 200 guest rooms when it opens in late summer 2014. All rooms will showcase high-tech amenities such as bedside tablets that control the lights and temperature as well as allow guests to stream TV channels from around the world. The hotel will have five dining outlets, including The Lobby, a Chinese restaurant and a rooftop eatery serving modern French cuisine. 

• Opening in summer 2014  (update: now open)
• Hotel website

18. THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA, BATH, UNITED KINGDOM

A UNESCO World Heritage City, Bath has endured as a leisure and wellness destination for over 2,000 years. Its archaeological and architectural heritage is amongst the finest in the world. Set in the heart of Bath, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is perfectly placed to explore the city and its surrounds. Beyond its walls, a wealth of history, stunning architecture and beautiful countryside await. Created by award-winning Champalimaud Design, the 99 rooms and suites at The Gainsborough Bath Spa will be custom furnished, subtly referencing period details combined with contemporary forms.

• Opening in summer 2014 (update: delayed)
• Hotel website

19. RITZ-CARLTON, NUSA DUA, BALI, INDONESIA

Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Nusa Dua in Bali will be uniquely situated with a combination of white beach front and a spectacular elevated cliff top settings. Built on a sprawling 19 hectares of private beach front land, each of the 288 rooms (including 90 suites and 14 villas) and 10 private villas will been orientated to take full advantage of the view of the Indian Ocean and the resort gardens. The resort will offer six restaurants and bars, including a cliff-side restaurant in a natural cave, a beach grill, an Indonesian restaurant, a Japanese restaurant, a pool bar and an all-day dining outlet.

• Opening late 2014
• Hotel website

20. THE CHEDI CLUB JIMBARAN, BALI, INDONESIA

We stay in Bali. GHM hotels & resorts will open its 4th property on the Island of the Gods, an all-villa enclave set at Jimbaran that is expected to set a new precedent for privacy. Encompassing 34 butler-serviced pool villas nestled within a 22,000-square-metre estate, the hotel’s spaces will be the creation of Robert Nation, principal of Nation Architects, and Jaya Ibrahim, one of Indonesia’s foremost interior decorators. Each pool villa will feature round-the-clock butler and in-room dining services, a full kitchen and a Balinese pavilion for al fresco meals and barbecues.

• Opening late 2014 (update: delayed)
• Hotel website

21. SIX SENSES QING CHENG, CHINA

The Six Senses Qing Cheng pening will be the only resort located adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Chinese province of Sichuan. Drawing upon the renowned Six Senses perspective of responsible luxury, the 113-suite and-villa resort has been brilliantly designed to incorporate regional architecture and landscaping, resulting in an extraordinary cultural offering with a strong sense of place wedded to contemporary attitude. Chengdu Shangliu International Airport will be a one-hour drive from Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain and Chengdu City will be 30 minutes by car or rail link.

• Opening mid 2014  (update: delayed)
  
• Hotel website

22. MANDARIN ORIENTAL TAIPEI, TAIWAN

Setting new standards for luxury hospitality, Mandarin Oriental Taipei will enjoy a superb location in the heart of this vibrant city. The hotel will have 256 rooms and 47 suites with classically inspired interiors combined with contemporary design. There will be a number of restaurants (French Brasserie COCO, restaurant Ya Ge for Cantonese, Bencotto for Italian), an Mandarin Oriental Bar, a Cake Shop, and the Jade Lounge for afternoon tea. An outdoor swimming pool, a spa, roof gardens, meeting rooms, and the largest spa of Taiwan round out the facilities.

• Opening in the second quarter of 2014  (update: now open)
• Hotel website

23. MIAMI BEACH EDITION, MIAMI, USA

Hotelier Ian Schrager returns to Miami nearly two decades after opening Delano South Beach to make yet another splash on the trendy hotel scene with the Marriott’s Miami Beach Edition. The sleek hotel will have 294 rooms (including bungalows) with residences gracing the top floors. Housed in a 1950s landmark building (and a new tower), which was once home to the Seville Beach Hotel, The Miami Beach Edition will feature interiors designed by Yabu Pushelberg. The chic hotel will be outfitted with a year-round ice-skating rink (in case you get tired of that endless Miami sun), a bowling alley, a nightclub, multiple bars, two pools, a spa and a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant.

• Opening in the fall 2014 (update: now open)
• Hotel website

24. JW MARRIOTT VENICE RESORT

Just a short boat ride from the beautiful city of Venice and in an unparalleled setting, this 266-room resort will be the JW Marriott brand’s first hotel in Italy and a world-class addition to its global portfolio of 59 luxury properties. The resort will be located on the private island of Sacca Sessola in the Venetian lagoon, and be a serene retreat from the bustling central islands. Thanks to the 24-hour courtesy boat service, you will be able to easily reach Piazza San Marco and all the most interesting places of Venice.

• Opening in July 2014  (update: delayed)
• Hotel website

25. ANANTARA DOHA ISLAND RESORT & SPA

Anantara Doha Island Resort & Spa will be located just 11 kilometres from downtown Doha and 20 minutes by boat from its dedicated pier on an exclusive 13 hectare island. There will be 4 pools for guests: one with a wave simulator, another styled on a lagoon and two hydro-exercise pools. An offshore reef is being regenerated and will be home to a conservation center. Guests can plant their own coral and dive at the fully equipped dive center. On land, diversions will range from a bowling alley and cinema to four restaurants and bars, a holistic wellness center, tennis courts and nine-hole putting course.

• Opening in autumn 2014 (update: delayed)
• Hotel website

*** Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for a daily photo-moment of travel inspiration ***