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It’s time to start planning for this year’s big escape.
From Soho House and Six Senses to a luxury train on a bridge overlooking Kruger Park in South Africa, the world’s top hoteliers are gearing up for a year of exciting openings.
All you have to do is decide where to go first …
Hottest hotel openings of 2021
Mustique? Old news. St Barth? Forget it. Soon, the tiny five square mile island of Canouan – which is part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – will be the place to see and be seen. In a year of big openings for Soho House (they are also setting up a camp in Rome, Paris, Tel Aviv and Austin in 2021), the premiere will take place in the Caribbean. The seaside retreat will have sea views, 40 bedrooms and a gym.
On the northern tip of the White Island, a soothing Six Senses, set on 20 acres with 134 rooms, will offer a different kind of Ibiza experience. Head to the Spiritual Learning Center and Spa which will offer specialized programs and retreats. This doesn’t mean that there is no fun to be had. They will be DJs all night in the beach caves and organic cocktails by the pool. Healthy hedonism at its best.
(Six senses)
The Gleneagles Townhouse promises to be impressive. The former Bank of Scotland building in St Andrews Square will host the first urban opening of the vast historic estate. With 33 uniquely designed rooms, an all-day restaurant, two bars, a rooftop terrace and a members’ club, this will be the most requested location in town. We’ll see each other there.
The farmyard at Newt, Somerset
The Newt fans, rejoice! One of the UK’s most exceptional country hotels is expanding with The Farmyard later this year. With 17 new rooms and suites in an impeccably restored dairy farm, plus an indoor pool, bar and farm-to-table dining experience. You will also have access to the spa, gardens and main restaurant.
(The newt)
An infinity pool with a panoramic view of Central Park? Uh, yes please, when can we go? AMAN’s first urban hotel is one of the most exciting openings of the year, with a three-story spa as well as three restaurants (Nama for sushi; Arva for Italian; and The Wine Library for events. private), an underground jazz club. Bookmark the booking page now
( A MAN )
It will be another big year for the brand backed by Robert De Niro, with new properties in Tel Aviv, Toronto, Sao Paulo, Riyadh and Atlanta, Nobu Hotels will open its first African outpost. It will be in the super central Hivernage district with 71 rooms and suites, a rooftop restaurant, world-class cuisine, and indoor and outdoor pools. Expect super chic interiors and design details.
Zannier Bai San Ho, Vietnam
If you are going anywhere this year, make it the new Zannier Hotel in Phu Yen Province, Vietnam. Bai San Ho translates to “Coral Bay” and is set in 230 acres of lush paddy fields. It has its own stretch of pristine white sand beach, all the water activities you can imagine, plus a large spa, yoga studio, three restaurants, and two bars. Barefoot luxury at its best.
(Zannier Hotels)
Airelles Palace of Versailles
You probably read this opening last year, but the pandemic had other plans. Finally ready to welcome guests this year, the Château d’Airelles de Versailles is located within the walls of the Château de Versailles itself. In a world premiere, guests will have access to the backstage of the palace. It will be an Alain Ducasse restaurant (it has 20 Michelin stars so expect gastronomic delights), a Valmont spa and a swimming pool. The prices will be sky-high, but it’s only once in a lifetime.
(Adobe Stock)
Rocco Forte Villa Igiea, Sicily
For unwavering glamor, the Fortes have delivered, as always, a cost-free renovation of the Villa Igiea palace in Palermo on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea. They’ll be Italian glamor in spades and local Sicilian dishes from chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Pack your Ferragamos and we’ll see you there.
One & Only Portonovi, Montenegro
Another coveted victim, the first European luxury hotel One & Only will finally open this spring, making Montenegro, or more precisely Boka Bay, the destination of 2021. They will be for all tastes with Giorgio Locatelli creating the menu of the restaurant Sabia and Live DJ and parties at the Tapasake Club. On the other side of the spectrum, wellness enthusiasts will be put to the test by Henri Chenot in his specialized health and detoxification center. Yachts and celebrity spots guaranteed.
(One only)
Kruger Shalati train on a bridge, South Africa
One of the most spectacular settings in a hotel, Kruger Shalati the train on a bridge is literally, well, a train on a bridge. Thirteen train cars have been transformed into a luxury hotel overlooking the Kruger National Park. The glass walls will provide incredible views of the Sabie River and beyond and the pool will provide plenty of programming opportunities. A unique way to go on a safari.
(Shalati)
The Londoner, Leicester Square
A mega opening for London with 16 floors and 350 rooms, six restaurants and bars (including one on the roof), a stage for live music, two cinemas, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym and a lounge. It is costing £ 300million to build and we expect some exciting stuff.