Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.
Today (January 16, 2015): Travel news: most anticipated hotel openings of 2015.
Last week, we published our list of the best new luxury hotels of 2014. Today, we explore 40 new luxury hotels that will open their doors in 2015. Some of these hotel openings are managed by world’s most exclusive hotel brands. Please keep in mind that hotel openings do get delayed from time to time, so to avoid disappointment, try not to book before the hotel effectively opened.
More info and direct link to the hotel websites (click the hotel name) below the slide show! Think we missed one? Share your opinion in the comments section!
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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 10 suites—one designed by Bentley—will enjoy the elevated level of bespoke service of the St. Regis Butler.
- Opening date: March 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
2. PARK HYATT MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
The Hyatt Hotel Group has an impressive list of exotic hotel openings prepped under its luxury brand, Park Hyatt: St. Kitts (cf below), Zanzibar (cf below), Hainan (China) and Marrakech. The Park Hyatt Marrakech will be located only 15 minutes away from the “medina” (old city) and the international airport of Marrakech. The hotel will feature 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 will offer a unique atmosphere along with exceptional views of the landscaped gardens and the 18-hole golf course designed by Kyle Phillips.
- Opening date: 2015 (not specified)
- Hotel website
3. 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 will be 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 date: 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
4. THE CHEDI CLUB JIMBARAN, BALI, INDONESIA
GHM hotels & resorts will open its 4th property on the Island of the Gods in the first quarter of 2015, 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: first quarter of 2015 (opening delayed)
- Hotel website
5. SIX SENSES QING CHENG, CHINA
Six Senses’ fans, who admire the hotel brand’s eco-friendly barefoot (high) luxury in far-flung locations, will be thrilled with 3 new Six Senses resorts opening this year: Douru Valley (cf. below), Seychelles (cf. below) and Qing Cheng. The latter 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 designed to incorporate regional architecture and landscaping, resulting in an extraordinary cultural offering with a strong sense of place wedded to contemporary attitude.
- Opening: May 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
6. SIX SENSES DOURU VALLEY, PORTUGAL
Scheduled to premier in mid-2015, Six Senses Douro Valley is set in Portugal’s enchanting UNESCO World Heritage area. The 71-room resort is centered around a superbly renovated 19th-century manor house set high on a hill overlooking the vine-covered rolling hills of the Douro Valley and the river below. An expansive Six Senses Spa of 10 treatment rooms will present Six Senses specialties, locally inspired therapies – some of which are wine based, plus multi-day programs. Dining will feature a contemporary take on Portuguese classics, drawing upon the abundant fresh produce of the region and from the resort’s own gardens.
- Opening date: mid 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
7. SIX SENSES ZIL PASYON, SEYCHELLES
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles, will be located on the north side of the private island of Félicité, approximately 55 kilometers or 30 nautical miles northeast of Mahe, with access by helicopter from the International Airport or a short boat ride from neighbouring La Digue and Praslin islands. The feeling of being alone in a natural theatre, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, will be magnified by the intimacy of the resort with just 28 one-bedroom villas, 2 two-bedroom villas and 17 private residences, all with private pools. White sandy beaches and azure waters will compliment the picturesque landscape of untouched beauty.
- Opening date: 2015 (not specified)
- Hotel website: not available yet
8. BAHIA VIK JOSE IGNACIO, URUGUAY
With his first small luxury hotels in Uruguay, billionaire entrepreneur and art collector Alex Vik put the boho beach town of José Ignacio on the map. As with Vik’s earlier resorts, his much-anticipated Bahia Vik has a focus on art and architecture. The resort will consist of eleven uniquely designed bungalows, tucked into the sandy beach dunes, with one central building around which retreat living revolves. This main building will include 10 luxurious suites and will be defined by open architecture and flowing spaces, encouraging conviviality among Bahia Vik guests.
- Opening date: January 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
9. JW MARRIOTT VENICE RESORT, ITALY
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, guests will be able to easily reach Piazza San Marco and all the most interesting places of Venice.
- Opening date: March 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
10. PARK HYATT ST. KITTS, THE FEDERATION OF ST. CHRISTOPHER AND NEVIS
Set on a nearly-untouched Caribbean island, Park Hyatt St. Kitts will bring the unparalleled Park Hyatt experience for discerning business and leisure travelers to this idyllic destination in the West Indies. The 5-star hotel will be situated on a secluded area offering white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, overlooking The Narrows, a strait separating St. Kitts and the volcanic island of Nevis. The 134 guestrooms and suites will combine contemporary architecture with a timeless colonial feel that taps into the rich historic roots of St. Kitts. Many of the suites will offer individual rooftop pools with spectacular views of the calm turquoise Caribbean waters.
- Opening date: late 2015 (opening delayed)
- Hotel website
11. PARK HYATT ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA
Seated majestically on the beachfront in Stone Town, the historical centre of the city and a designated UNESCO Heritage site, Park Hyatt Zanzibar’s architecture will reflect its Swahili culture with a unique blend of Arab, Persian, Indian and European elements. Reminiscent of an exclusive Omani residence, the hotel will features 67 spacious guest rooms including 11 suites, brilliantly combing contemporary style and timeless regional accents. Standard guest rooms will range in size from 45 square metres to 50 square metres, and ocean front rooms will feature spectacular, picturesque views of dhows, the harbour and the Indian Ocean.
- Opening date: March 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
12. FOUR SEASONS BAHRAIN BAY, BAHRAIN
An architectural icon on its own exclusive island, Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is set on the northeastern waterfront of Manama, capital city of Bahrain. Destined to become the new downtown, the mixed-use Bahrain Bay district includes residential, commercial and retail – with Four Seasons as the focal point. Unparalleled in design, this 68-storey tower will be an urban hotel with resort-style atmosphere, including 273 guest rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, a spa with 17 treatment rooms and five swimming pools.
- Opening date: early 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
Cool and avant-garde on the beachfront of Morocco’s largest city, Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca will enjoy a prestigious resort-style setting, just a short distance from the business district and the historic city centre. The new hotel is part of the master-plannedAnfa Place community, combining residential, business, shopping and entertainment. The 183 guest rooms and suites will share a range of dining and recreation amenities in a style that mixes French and Arabic traditions. Meetings and events will unfold in the ballroom and five function rooms, open to outdoor terraces that will celebrate Morocco’s year-round warmth and sunshine.
- Opening date: mid 2015 (delayed)
- Hotel website: not available yet
14. HOTEL DE CRILLON, PARIS, FRANCE
Hôtel de Crillon is more than just one of the world’s most majestic hotels, it is a landmark that personifies the poise, elegance and spirit of Paris. Originally built in 1758, Hôtel de Crillon enjoys an unrivalled position overlooking Place de la Concorde, the most enviable address in Paris. In 2013, Hôtel de Crillon closed its doors for a complete restoration and when it reopens this year, it will be part of Rosewood Hotel’s portfolio. The renowned architect Richard Martinet will be working with artistic director, Aline d’Amman and three Paris-based decorators, Chahan Minassian, Cyril Vergniol and Tristan Auer, to create rich, new interiors.
- Opening date: 2015 (delayed)
- Hotel website
15. ROSEWOOD AL FAISALIAH, RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabia’s first luxury hotel & spa will be located approximately 15 minutes outside of the capital city Riyadh. The 28 acre Rosewood resort will feature 153 spacious guestrooms and suites and 10 private villas. Guests will enjoy an extensive array of leisure facilities including three outdoor pools and 4 private Pool Chalets complete with their own indoor and outdoor lounge areas and private pool. Separate ladies and gentlemen’s spas will each offer private facilities including extensive relaxation areas, hair salon, fitness center, swimming pool and will feature treatments reflective of the area’s culture and location.
- Opening date: 2015 (not specified)
- Hotel website
16. ROSEWOOD AT BAHA MAR, BAHAMAS
2015 will be a busy year for Rosewood with a third hotel opening, this time in the Bahamas. Located on the pristine sands of Cable Beach on Nassau, a mere 10 minutes from Nassau International Airport, the 200 room Rosewood Resort at Baha Mar will be an exclusive resort that blends the best of the old world and superb colonial architecture along with all modern conveniences. The Baha Mar complex will also feature 4 other hotels, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature course, the largest casino in the Caribbean, and a multitude of luxury shops, restaurants, bars and lounges.
- Opening date: March 2015 (delayed)
- Hotel website
Raffles Jakarta will stand at the heart of the central business district, in Ciputra World Jakarta, a prestigious new development with luxury boutiques and office buildings. The hotel will be exclusively linked to the new Ciputra Artpreneur Centre, dedicated to the celebration of art and theatre. Like its sister hotels, the stylish Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris and the stunning Raffles Istanbul, Raffles Jakarta will be a celebration of artistry – and in particular an homage to the iconic Indonesian artist Hendra Gunawan. The hotel will feature 173 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, some of the largest in the city.
- Opening date: March 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
18. ALILA SEMINYAK, BALI, INDONESIA
Cocooned along a pristine beach on Bali’s southwest coast, less than 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, this beautiful tropical retreat encompassing five-star resort facilities will stand on the last remaining undeveloped beachfront site in Seminyak. The ultimate expression of contemporary chic, the rooms and suites at Alila Seminyak will be an exquisitely crafted composite of thoughtfully designed spaces, unparalleled quality and comfort. They will comprise three types ranging in size from 46 to 177 square metres, and one spectacular 811 square metre penthouse.
- Opening date: second quarter of 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
19. MANDAPA, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE, UBUD, BALI, INDONESIA
Verdant rice paddies, meandering pathways, gently rolling hills and the soothing Ayung River set a glorious backdrop for Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Secluded from the distractions of daily life, guests will discover the peace of mind and body that has drawn devotees to area mandapas, or temples, for thousands of years. An intimate property of only 60 luxurious villas and suites, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, will feature two swimming pools, a luxury spa and active excursions to awaken the spirit. All villas and suites will feature welcoming Balinese style interiors to offer unparalleled luxury.
- Opening date: August 2015
- Hotel website
20. RITZ-CARLTON LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, fringed by lush tropical rainforests, will enjoy its own private cove and beach front overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea on the island’s south west corner. Known as the Legendary Island and Jewel of Kedah, the Malaysian island of Langkawi has long been famed for its dive sites, beaches and relaxed local culture, offering a rich trove of memories for travelers. The 132-room luxury resort, including 42 villas, will sensitively blend in with its surroundings with design elements that reflect the traditional kampong village with interiors by Strickland and Burega Farnell.
- Opening date: end 2015
- Hotel website
Malaysia will see another high-profile hotel opening this year. When it opens in December 2015, the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur will be one of the most desired addresses in the richly textured cosmopolitan capital city of the country, within minutes from the National Museum, Lake Gardens and the Bukit Bintang shopping paradise. The hotel will feature 200 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, all boasting magnificent vistas of the bustling metropolis. Three fine dining restaurants, a sumptuous spa and the ever-present, yet unobtrusive St. Regis Butler service will guarantee a six star hotel experience
- Opening date: December 2015
- Hotel website
22. W AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
W Amsterdam will mark the launch of the W Hotels brand in the Netherlands and is ideally located just behind the Royal Palace and steps from the city’s iconic canal district with its vibrant restaurants, bars and nightlife scene. Redefining modern luxury with its innovative design, unique programming and buzzing bars and restaurants, W Amsterdam will feature 238 stylish guestrooms across the two buildings, including 25 suites, one WOW suite and two Extreme Wow Suites (the W brand’s reinterpretation of the Presidential Suite). When guests enter the hotel, they will be brought directly to the rooftop to check-in.
- Opening date: autumn 2015
- Hotel website: not available yet
23. W RETREAT KANAI, RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO
Slated to open in July 2015 in Riviera Maya, Mexico, W Kanai will be the fifth W Retreat worldwide, joining W Maldives, W Bali, W Koh Samui and W Vieques Island. Nestled on the eastern coast of Mexico’s magnificent Yucatan Peninsula, the hotel will be located within an exclusive beachfront community surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mayan Rivera’s lush lagoons and pristine mangroves. The 180-room Retreat is being designed by acclaimed architect Richard Meier. W Kanai will be the centerpiece of the Kanai Resort, which will include four other hotels (including a St Regis) and a Beach Club.
- Opening date: July 2015 (delayed)
- Hotel website: not available yet
24. W RETREAT & SPA, GOA, INDIA
Besides the two hotels mentioned above, Starwood’s W is also opening another property in 2015, this time in India’s premier beach destination, Goa. The resort will have 105 guest rooms and suites and feature a host of facilities to ensure extremely comfortable stays for both leisure vacationers and business travellers booking tickets aboard flights landing in increasingly popular Goa. With a legacy in India that dates back to 1973, Starwood currently operates 33 hotels in India, and, since 2009, Starwood has opened nearly as many hotels in India as rivals Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott combined.
- Opening date: autumn 2015
- Hotel website: not available yet
Later this year, Andaz – the second luxury brand of the Hyatt chain – will open its 213-room Mayakoba resort, located about a 40-minute drive from Cancun’s international airport. The gated development – set amid tranquil mangroves and man-made canals – currently contains three hotels all operating under eco-friendly sustainable features – a Banyan Tree, Rosewood and Fairmont. Ultimately, Mayakoba is slated to house a total of five hotels, Andaz will be the fourth, and the fifth has not yet been announced. The Andaz Mayakoba will become the third resort in the world under this brand, after the Hawaii and Papagayo Resort.
- Opening date: 2015 (delayed)
- Hotel website: not available yet
26. CONRAD MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Conrad Manila will become the iconic luxury hotel along the Manila Bay. With a distinctive architecture inspired by the big vessels that ply the bay, the hotel will float atop a high-end retail podium, like a mega yacht, making strong visual and experiential connections to the immediate waters of the bay in front, and the skyline of Makati Central Business District behind. The hotel will have 347 guest rooms, with a high proportion of suites to anticipate and meet the expectations of the growing number of seasoned business and leisure travelers. The 8-storey structure will also house a dedicated sky park.
- Opening date: 2015 (not specified)
- Hotel website: not available yet
27. MANDARIN ORIENTAL MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
With the snow-capped Atlas Mountains as a backdrop, Mandarin Oriental Marrakech will be located in 20 hectares of landscaped gardens and olive groves, just minutes from the bustling Medina. With just 54 private-walled villas (with pools, sundecks and alfresco dining areas) and 7 suites (some with rooftop plunge pools), it will provide a unique oasis of luxury in the heart of the city. When it opens in the first quarter of 2015 Mandarin Oriental’s Moroccan outpost will have the brand’s signature spa, a traditional hammam, lush gardens and five restaurants and bars serving Moroccan and international fare.
- Opening date: first quarter of 2015 (delayed)
- Hotel website: Hotel website
28. MANDARIN ORIENTAL MILAN, ITALY
Only steps away from La Scala, Mandarin Oriental Milan will enjoy an exceptional location in one of the world’s most fashionable cities. Occupying four elegant 19th century buildings and with just 73 rooms and 31 suites, an eclectic choice of restaurants and the most comprehensive spa in the city, it will offer a beguiling mix of style and luxury. Decorated in a neutral palette with wood floors and an array of soft furnishings, bedrooms will enjoy a calming, restorative feel, while the adjacent marble bathrooms will feature heated floors, twin vanity units and large bathtubs.
- Opening date: 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
29. VIRGIN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA
When it opens this month, the 292-room Virgin Chicago will be the first Virgin Hotel, a new brand of hotels created by Sir Richard’s Branson’s Virgin Group. And this isn’t just a new Chicago hotel— this is a Virgin. Guests, for instance, will book a “chamber” rather than a room. While the rooftop bar and its Izakaya Japanese small plates won’t be ready for customers until temperatures rise in the spring, Virgin management promises they’ll have plenty to satisfy hungers and quench thirsts when the hotel opens at the site of historic Dearborn Bank Building at 203 N. Wabash Ave., just north of the Loop.
- Opening date: January 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
In 2015, the Turkish Rivera will reveal Viceroy Bodrum, a new diadem stretching over 32 acres above the beaches of Koyunbaba Bay. The rugged beauty of the Turkish coastline inspired internationally acclaimed architectural firm WATG in the resort’s design and amenities, where contemporary luxury will meld with the property’s natural splendor. Viceroy Bodrum will offer 84 guest rooms and 166 residences, a private beach club, a signature spa and several dining venues featuring Turkish and international fare. The combination of sophistication and historical significance will make Viceroy Bodrum a destination of distinction.
- Opening date: 2015 (delayed)
- Hotel website
31. SHANGRI-LA HOTEL ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA
Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar will be located right in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the Government House and main offices and embassies. Chinggis Khan International Airport will be a 40-minute drive away. The hotel will features 290 spacious guestrooms with a minimum of 42 sqm and contemporary and indigenous fusion design. All rooms will overlook either Nayramdal Park to the south or Great Chinggis Khaan Square and panoramic vistas of the city to the north. A fire struck the hotel construction last September, pushing back the official opening date.
- Opening date: 2015 (not specified)
- Hotel website
32. SHANGRI-LA HAMBANTOTA RESORT & SPA, SRI LANKA
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa will be located on 145 acres on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The resort grounds will be a natural extension to the region’s wildlife habitat. Yala and Bundala National Parks, Sri Lanka’s foremost bird watching destinations, and over 40 heritage sites will be within easy reach. The hotel will be surrounded by an 18-hole golf course, coconut plantations and sand dunes to the south. Built along the shoreline, the resort will offer 375 rooms including 26 suites ranging in size from 48 square metres to 240 square metres. All rooms will offer balconies of the ocean breezes.
- Opening date: second quarter of 2015
- Hotel website: not available yet
Ideally situated on the Arabian Gulf in Ajman, UAE, the newly built Fairmont Ajman will be in close proximity to the Sharjah and Dubai airports. The hotel will feature 252 guestrooms and suites, including two luxurious penthouse offerings, a multitude of dining options and fitness facilities. The beachfront location will offer guests a wide range of leisure activities including water sports and diving as well as access to shopping and cultural excursions. Event planners can take advantage of 2,000 square meters of indoor function space as well as outdoor facilities.
- Opening date: March 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
34. FAIRMONT JAKARTA, INDONSESIA
Fairmont Jakarta will be located in Senayan, with very close proximity to the Indonesia Stock Exchange, Jakarta Convention Center and linked directly to one of the city’s most stylish shopping venues, Plaza Senayan and Office Towers. The hotel will have 374 spacious guestrooms and 114 Fairmont branded suites. Additional features and amenities to the urban hotel will include a number of lounges and several restaurants featuring a variety of culinary offerings. For corporate events and local galas, the hotel will feature 3,500 square meters of function space, including a 1,200 square meter ballroom.
- Opening date: January 2015 (now open)
- Hotel website
35. KEMPINSKI HOTEL GOLD COAST CITY, ACCRA, GHANA
With a prime location on the former Accra racecourse in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Accra International Conference Center, ministry buildings and the State House, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City will be a unique addition to the Kempinski portfolio. As the centrepiece of the 35 acre “Gold Coast City” development, the hotel will boast the largest rooms in Accra, at a minimum of 50m² for each of the 269 rooms, including 22 luxury suites and 2 presidential suites. The hotel will offer two restaurants, a lobby lounge with outside seating, a Cocktail Bar, a pool lounge, 1,700 sqm of meeting and banqueting facilities including the biggest Ballroom in the city and 6,000 sqm of shopping facilities.
- Opening date: 2015 (not specified)
- Hotel website
36. KEMPINSKI HOTEL SUMMERLAND, BEIRUT
Kempinski will open its first property in the “Paris of the Middle East”, close to downtown Beirut and the international airport. Renowned for its golden sandy beach on the Mediterranean coast, the resort will have 153 Hotel keys and 73 luxurious furnished “village” apartments, banqueting facilities designed to attract large –scale conferences and trade fairs along with restaurants, lounges and bars offering refined International, Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine. The resort will also features a private marina with 47 berths, a 1,500 sqm Spa, indoor and outdoor pools, water-skiing, sailing and diving as well as a variety of other leisure activities offered to guests.
- Opening date: second quarter of 2015
- Hotel website: not available yet
37. ANANTARA QIANDAO LAKE RESORT & SPA, CHINA
Located within Chun’an County, Anantara Qiandao Lake Resort & Spa will be a 90 minute drive from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and two and a half hours from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The resort will perch on a hillside overlooking the crystal clear waters of Qiandao Lake, which is scattered with 1,078 jade-like islands and surrounded by verdant mountains, striking caves and remarkable stones. Guests will be able to choose from a collection of 120 beautifully appointed rooms and villas with spectacular views of Qiandao Lake below and alluring mountain peaks in the distance, as well as a myriad of scenic natural charms to explore nearby.
- Opening date: 2015 (not specified)
- Hotel website
38. ANANTARA GUIYANG RESORT & SPA, CHINA
Located in southwest China’s Guizhou province, on the east of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Anantara Guiyang Resort & Spa will feature 207 guestrooms and 11 pool villas, surrounded by a golf course and mountain scenery, for a beautiful view while relaxing in luxurious comfort. Known as the Forest City, Guiyang offers a perfect summer vacation to escape from the heat and experience vibrant nature. Guests of Anantara Guiyang Resort & Spa will be able to enjoy stunning landscapes, hot springs, and Huangguoshu waterfall, alongside the rich heritage of minority Xijiang Miao culture town and the ancient town of Zhengyuan.
- Opening date: 2015 (not specified)
- Hotel website
39. LOFOTEN OPERA HOTEL, NORWAY
The Lofoten archipelago is a dramatic union of soaring peaks, untouched beaches and sheltered bays. It’s here that you’ll soon find the Lofoten Opera Hotel, a property befitting its wild surroundings. Design firm Snohetta is behind the eye-catching building that cascades toward the sea and links the mountains and ocean. In addition to hotel rooms — all of which will offer unbroken views thanks to the hotel’s circular design — the 11,000-square-meter site will be home to apartments, an amphitheater and spa. It’s a far-flung corner of the world, but that’s part of the appeal. The surrounding wilderness offers treks, kayaking and sailing, among other activities.
- Opening date: 2015 (not specified)
- Hotel website: not available yet
40. INTERCONTINENTAL SHIMAO, CHINA
This spectacular cave hotel in the Songjiang Districthas been designed by British-based firm Atkins and will have 380 rooms over 19 storeys – two of which will be underwater. The rest of the InterContinental Shimao is built into the mountainous landscape and guests will be able to do watersports on the lake and use the nearby cliffs for rock-climbing and bungee jumping. The two underwater floors will have an aquarium with glass walls that look out onto an underwater restaurant and guest rooms.
- Opening date: 2015 (not specified)
- Hotel website: not available yet
