25 most anticipated luxury hotel openings of 2014

• 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

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