By Janine Devine

What better way to kick off traveling again than visiting a newly opened hotel? 

Although the pandemic hit pause on the travel industry, along with many others, new hotel openings never seemed to slow down.  Building and opening a hotel is a multi-year journey involving hundreds of millions of dollars and lots of gray hairs. Travel is ramping up again and we’re willing to bet that planning a vacation is more than just a gleam in your eye. 

Even if an international trip is not in your immediate future, we’re revealing some of the hottest, recently opened new hotels we guarantee will inspire a call to your travel agent. 

Some destinations may not be open to American travelers. Delays in hotel openings are common, even in pre-COVID times, so please double-check the hotel’s site for the most up-to-date information. 

Chic & Boutique

The boutique hotels below are all under 35 rooms and are prime examples of good things coming in petite packages. If you love an intimate setting and very personalized attention, these are for you.

Airelles, Chateau de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle 
Versailles, France  

Airelles occupies buildings that have been part of the Versailles Palace estate since 1681. Restoration of the 14 luxurious guestrooms and apartments began in 2016. Airelles caters to deep-pocketed guests who wish to immerse themselves in all the trappings of 18th-century craftsmanship. 

The pricey per-night rate allows insider access to the Chateau, the Library, Orangerie gardens, and Le Petit Trianon after-hours. With an Alain Ducasse restaurant and a Valmont spa, Airelles hits all the high notes on a Francophile royalist’s wish list. 

NoMad London
England

The UK outpost of the New York brand, NoMad London is steps from the Royal Opera House, shops, and attractions of Covent Garden. A listed building formerly The Bow Street Magistrate’s Court and Police Station, this hotel has some stories to tell!  Oscar Wilde and Giacomo Casanova were some of the infamous defendants tried here.  The hotel’s décor reflects its heritage, incorporating historical elements into its residential-style rooms which feature king beds, touchless/keyless entry, and custom artwork. The effect is moody and traditional, perfect for London.  The glass ceiling-ed atrium is a beautiful venue to relax in for breakfast or dinner. And there’s that bar scene for which NoMad is famous: London’s craft cocktail bar and lounge are tucked away below the main lobby level.

The Woodward
Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva’s first all-suite property is set within a 1901 Belle Époque façade on the shores of Lake Geneva. The Woodward features views of Mont Blanc from each of the hotel’s 26 suites, a Guerlain spa, a 21-meter indoor pool, and two fine-dining establishments: L’Atelier Joël Robuchon and Le Jardinier, both of which earned Michelin stars in their respective New York City locations.  L’Atelier will also feature an open-kitchen concept, providing a theatrical private dining venue for up to 36 guests.  The Woodward is part of the luxe Oetker Collection which also operates the iconic Le Bristol in Paris and The Lanesborough in London, among others.  

Wellness & Calm

Indulge in and achieve a sense of well-being here at these retreats that create meaningful explorations of your physical, mental, and emotional health. You’ll find calm and healing here through alternative, spiritual, and standard wellness treatments. 

Six Senses Shaharut
Negev Desert, Israel 

The Six Senses brand is renowned for its approach to wellness. This 60- acre oasis in the Arava Valley of the Negev is their second Middle East property (the first is in Oman). Featuring 60 suites and villas, each with its own plunge pools, the resort integrates seamlessly into the rolling desert landscape. Indoors, guests will enjoy an expansive spa with hammams, saunas, yoga studio, and an adults-only heated pool. Outdoors, there’s a freshwater infinity pool with a shallow end for kids, an outdoor cinema, an earth lab for stargazing, and a camel farm. Arrive in style by helicopter transfers from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.   

The brand will be on a roll this summer, opening their new retreat at the northern tip of lively Ibiza, Spain with 116 suites and villas at roughly the same time. The Six Senses Ibiza is situated on nearly 10 acres of land between the sparkling waters of Xarraca Bay and lush groves of pine trees. In inimitable Six Senses fashion, the resort will offer guests an authentic Spanish lifestyle experience sensitively partnered with the island’s high life in its beachfront recording studio and beach cave residences.

Beach & Surf

There’s sun, fun, and surf aplenty at these new properties. If all you need for bliss is a pair of killer shades and an icy libation, then these beach beauties are for you.

Lovango Resort & Beach Club 
US Virgin Islands

A 10-minute boat ride from Cruz Bay, St. John, the Lovango Resort private island retreat is a headliner: It’s the first new hotel built in the US Virgin Islands in three decades.  Opening in phases over 2021, Lovango will first offer a private villa with its pool for guests, along with luxe glamping tents. The first beach club in the US Virgin Islands features an infinity pool with loungers and private cabanas, a retail village, beachfront restaurant, and great views. Daily ferry service from St. Thomas and St. John make getting to this private paradise a breeze.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Island
North Male Atoll, Maldives

The Maldives have never been short on overwater retreats; there are more here than say, Bali or Tahiti. The Ritz-Carlton,  from Marriott’s luxe division, offers first-honeymoon-worthy overwater bungalows, each with private pools, each arranged organically in an oval-shape around the central core of the resort. Each has its own island butler, or Aris Meeha, which in the Maldivian language means “tends to royalty.” From cuisine to guest experiences, spa, and décor, guests here are immersed in local Maldivian culture. 

One&Only Portonovi
Herceg Novi, Montenegro 

This resort is One&Only’s entry into Europe. Montenegro is now what Croatia once was:  beautiful, undiscovered, uncrowded. One&Only is a one-hour drive from Dubrovnik and sits at the entrance to Boka Bay, fulfilling the brand’s goal to be “the jewel of the Adriatic” on its 1.2 kilometers of seafront. The 118-room resort is surrounded by national parks and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Portonovi is adjacent to a full-service marina with berths for superyachts. Diving, sailing, and all watersports are ideal here. Guests are spoiled with 4 dining options and 11 swimming pools, including an indoor one located in the spa. 

Auberge Susurros del Corazón
Punta Mita, Mexico

In a resort area of Mexico’s Pacific Coast already dominated by large resorts, Auberge Resorts Collection offers a romantic boutique hotel overlooking Banderas Bay.  Sussuros whispers to guests’ hearts with its beautiful beachfront setting against a lush jungle backdrop. The hotel will open with 59 suites, 4 dining concepts, yoga studio, fitness center, and a spa with 11 treatment rooms. Three scallop-shaped swimming pools gently ease the way for guests down to the 1,850 feet of sandy private beach.

Honorable Mentions

Kalesma Mykonos
Greece

Rocco Forte Villa Igeia
Palermo, Sicily

The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay, Providenciales

Rosewood Le Guanahani
St. Barth

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo
Jalisco, Mexico

Wine & Dine

If delicious dining and the finest vintages are what motivate your getaways, this little gem brings a re-imagined light to a beloved destination’s appeal.

Castello de Reschio, Lisciano Nicone
Umbria, Italy

This converted 11th-century palace features everything you love about Italian life: history, art, food, wine. The 35 rooms and 25 exquisitely-restored private villas on the 2700-acre estate bordering Umbria and Tuscany will touch on all those passions in beautiful surroundings. The owner, an actual Count, purchased the estate and, with his family, set about returning everything to its former glory. They added 2 restaurants, replanted the organic farm and vineyards, installed a pool, added a spa in the wine cellar and a cocktail bar in the pool-side watchtower. Opening May 13th.

Honorable Mentions

Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley
Calistoga, California

Urban & Updated

These urban center hotels hit the sweet spots between prime location and ideal leisure destination, but businesses and locals will make use of them for their world-class dining. There’s something for everyone in these glittering locations.

Aman
New York

This hotel opening has been long-awaited both by Aman junkies as well as those working and residing around Manhattan’s Crown Building, once home to the original Museum of Modern Art.  When it opens this summer at the crossroads of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, Aman New York will offer 83 guestrooms, 22 private residences, and 3 restaurants on floors 4-24 of the building. An epic 3-story 24,000 square foot spa will feature a 20-meter indoor swimming pool surrounded by outdoor firepits and daybeds.  Below ground, there’s a Jazz Bar, a wine library, and a Mediterranean Restaurant. A 10th-floor wraparound garden terrace with a rooftop bar nicely covers every guest wish list imaginable.  It’s hard to be all things to all guests and Aman New York likely does it more imaginatively than any hotel brand.

Cheval Blanc
Paris, France 

Cheval Blanc Paris will be housed in the structure of the old art deco Samaritaine Department Store that closed 16 years ago and will feature 72 rooms and suites. The site is conveniently located in the 1st Arrondissement, between the Pont Neuf and Louvre-Rivoli metro stations, overlooking the Seine. The hotel aims to bring a subtle Parisian accent to the quintessential inflections of life: food, wine, a sense of wellbeing with its 4 restaurants and bars, and a Dior Spa. 

Honorable Mention

The Reykjavik Edition
Iceland

Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences New Orleans
Louisiana

The Rome Edition
Italy

Rosewood Sao Paulo
Brazil 

Great Outdoors & Open Spaces

This new opening pairs luxury with the focus on the discovery of a destination and its abundant outdoor appeal.  At this retreat, you can re-imagine the use of outdoor spaces on an entirely different level.

Montage Big Sky
Montana

Missed the ski season last winter? Hold on to your poles, because Montage Big Sky is a-comin’.  Tucked away in the 3,530 acres of the Spanish Peaks Enclave, the resort offers ski-in/ski-out access to Big Sky Resort’s 5,800 skiable acres. In warmer months, this year-round classic alpine retreat will spoil you with its 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course onsite and access to the region’s best fly-fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Your Rockies retreat with 150 rooms and suites is less than an hour’s drive to Yellowstone National Park. 

Honorable Mention

Bishop’s Lodge Auberge Resorts Collection
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Under Canvas
Acadia National Park, Surry, Maine

The Chatwal Lodge
Bethel, New York

The Aurum
Mount Tremper, New York

Open Already

If you’re itching to travel now, some of our favorite spots are already open. 

Alila Napa Valley
St. Helena, California

Slow it down at the airy, Napa Valley location perfect for lingering in your room before afternoons out at the vineyards for less hubbub than a Hollywood vacation. 

The Goodtime Hotel
 Miami Beach, Florida

Bathed in a pink aesthetic, there’s no shortage of Instagram vibes at this hot spot for Miami Beach fun. 

Higashiyama Niseko Village, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Hokkaido, Japan

If you’ve only ever visited southern Japanese cities like Kyoto, this is the perfect excuse to see the Southern region of Hokkaido. Be sure to pull yourself away from the hotel to visit some hot springs. 

Mandarin Oriental Ritz
Madrid, Spain

Centrally located, it’s easy to go explore Madrid here before returning to chef-made cuisine and a top-notch wellness center at this luxury hotel. 

Montage Healdsburg
Healdsburg, California

In the midst of the Sonoma wine country, alternate between outings for drinks and trips to the spa for a relaxing vacation. 

Yonder Escalante
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

For a laid-back, rustic return to travel stay in converted airstreams or luxurious cabins in this vintage-style stay. 

Which is the best hotel for you?

This is by no means a final list. We’ve listed the gems we felt would distract you from your latest Netflix binge. Whatever fills your traveling soul with joy, be it food, pampering, city excitement, or more active, outdoorsy pursuits, we hope this list of room properties inspired a few clicks to check out gorgeous guestrooms, fabulous public spaces, or spectacular surroundings.  If these haven’t spurred some intense wanderlust, we’ve included some hotels which opened earlier this year so you can visit right now, because the waiting is the hardest part. We’ve also listed others we couldn’t bear to exclude, including re-openings of some hotel classics.

If you’re not ready for international travel yet, explore our Domestic travel options.