Some having just opened and others slated to come on the scene before the end of the year, these are the most exciting new hotels to check into this season.
Joali, Maldives
Opening today, this new private island resort in the Raa Atoll of the Maldives aims to provide a less conventional luxury stay with a joie de vivre philosophy. Along with the overwater villas, turquoise sea, white sand and fine dining the Maldives is known for, you’ll find an immersive art studio and gallery, and artworks by local artisans and celebrated artists from across the world integrated into each area – follow the resort’s art map highlighting specific works. Days here can be spent snorkeling with manta rays, exploring by dhoni, trying out the treatments at Joali Spa by ESPA and taking part in botanical workshops in the garden, before indulging in an array of global culinary specialties. The most luxurious suite here is the four-bedroom beach residence, which covers 5,000 sq ft of its own beach enclave with a private infinity pool, spa cabana and sauna.
Al Seef Hotel by Jumeirah, Dubai
Last month saw the opening of this new hotel on the south bank of Dubai Creek (once an important hub for trade) in the heart of Old Dubai. A stark contrast to many of the luxury hotels in Dubai, Al Seef Hotel lies across 22 traditionally designed Arabian houses known as bayts, with walkways running between them. Paying homage to the local heritage and culture, the new hotel reflects the inspiration that’s been taken from the nearby creek, desert, local flora, tradition of pearl diving and Emirati craft, with guestrooms overlooking the souk and creek. The hotel’s restaurant Saba’a also draws on this pride in local culture by serving Emirati-inspired traditional cuisine, with the hotel concierge on hand to recommend other traditional restaurants in the area.
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Having launched this summer, this Four Seasons hotel is the latest addition to Kuala Lumpur’s fast-growing luxury hotel offering. Located within a 65-story skyscraper next to the Petronas Towers, the new hotel stands out for its spectacular city views as well as the comfort and luxury Four Seasons is known for. Integrated into this new property is Four Seasons Place, a complex of upscale boutiques, restaurants and bars including Cantonese restaurant Yun House with executive chef Jimmy Wong, and Bar Trigona with cocktails by award-winning head bartender Ashish Sharma. Wellness facilities within the hotel include an outdoor pool with private cabanas, an eight-treatment-room spa focusing on Malaysian wellness traditions, and a fitness center.
The Shanghai Edition, China
Launched in September as one of the latest editions to Ian Schrager’s hotel collection, The Shanghai Edition blends leisure with entertainment in one of the city’s historic buildings. In this Art Deco setting you’ll now find the traditional Cantonese restaurant Canton Disco, the all-day dining spot Shanghai Tavern by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, cocktail lounge (also seen at the London Edition) Punch Room, gentleman’s club-inspired lounge area The Club Room, and VIP Lounge and nightclub Electric Circus. The hotel also has a landscaped tropical Roof Garden and urban green space complete with cinema and bar, and a swimming pool sunken into stone overlooks the city. To retreat from the urban sprawl, head to the spa on level six. Here you’ll find six treatment rooms and suites, manicure and pedicure services, a sauna and relaxation area.
Shinola Hotel, Detroit, US
As the first hotel of luxury watchmaker Shinola there’s been great anticipation surrounding this property’s arrival. When it opens in December, we’ll see the result of a collaboration between Shinola, real estate firm Bedrock and design firms Gachot Studios and Kraemer Design Group. The food and beverage program is being led by chef Andrew Carmellini and it will be operated by Mac&Lo. All of these partners are coming together to create a hub that’s meaningful for locals—the hotel is taking up two restored buildings—and reflect its Detroit roots. In addition to its guestrooms, the hotel will have a lobby restaurant, mezzanine lounge, conservatory and event space. Each space’s furnishings and accessories have been custom-designed and references to Michigan run throughout, from the craftsmanship seen in its design to the local suppliers used for the restaurant and bar.
Six Senses Krabey Island, Cambodia
It’s with the December 1st opening of this resort that Six Senses marks its arrival in Cambodia. The luxury retreat is set on a 30-acre island off the coast of Ream National Park in southern Cambodia, with 40 private pool villas that stand out for their sustainability, each coming with a green living roof, sun deck with infinity pool and rain shower. Elsewhere on the island you can dine at the resort’s two restaurants focusing on local produce and seasonality in Khmer and Southeast Asian cuisine, and try out holistic treatments at the Six Senses spa inspired by the sacred Khmer Kbal Spean River. This wellness space is home to a rooftop yoga pavilion, crystal water room, meditation cave and the Alchemy Bar where you can create your own skin care products using local ingredients. Activities here range from water sports to organic farm visits with cooking classes; you can stargaze from the night sky observatory, swim laps in the pool and watch a movie at the open-air Cinema Paradiso.
Four Seasons Hotel São Paulo at Nações Unidas, Brazil
The first Four Seasons hotel to open in Brazil, this property will begin to welcome guests in from October 15th. The property was created by HKS Architects in partnership with Aflalo e Gasperini Arquitetoc with interiors designed by San Francisco-based firm BAMO. Together they’ve come up with a bold, modern design featuring Brazilian materials with artwork filling the walls. The culinary concept has then been led by Italian chef Paolo Lavezzini to offer diners a Brazilian spin on Italian cuisine. During your stay you’ll be able to relax in the spa, swim in the indoor-outdoor pool and set out on local expert led tours organised by the concierge.
Belmond Cadogan, London, UK
Another of the hotels preparing for a December launch, just in time for the holidays, is Belmond’s first London address, Belmond Cadogan. This opening follows a three-year, $48m restoration in which five adjoining town houses dating back to 1887 have been brought up-to-date with original features such as mosaic flooring and fireplaces being sensitively retained. Guests of the hotel will have exclusive access to the private gardens and tennis courts of Cadogan Estate, and renowned Scottish chef Adam Handling will be leading the kitchen.
Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
One of the most talked-about openings coming up soon is this luxury tented camp in Cambodia. Designed by Bill Bensley to evoke the grandeur of a safari in the jungles of Cambodia with Jackie O’ in the 1960s, it promises to combine the luxury of its Khmer inspired pool villas with the experience provided by its wild surroundings, river and waterfalls. The cuisine here will integrate foraged plants with local specialties such as mud crab and many of the experiences will be based around conservation and community outreach programs spearheaded by the Shinta Mani Foundation. Find out more by taking a look at our interview with Bill Bensley.
The post The New Hotels to Check into this Season appeared first on Elite Traveler.