The Most Exciting New Hotel Openings In 2024

From Aman’s sibling brand, Janu Tokyo will soon be the newest luxury hotel in Japan’s capital city, overlooking the new neighbourhood of Azabudai Hills. In its innovative interior, the classic Japanese architecture of seclusion and serenity meets the vibrant capital’s rich culture of art and design. At the heart of Tokyo’s newly built Azabudai Hills, Janu Tokyo is set to be the meeting point. Inside the 13-floored tower are 122 spacious guest rooms, some of which have the option to merge into larger suites to suit families and groups, and many have private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, making the most of light and airflow in the busy city. Janu Tokyo also includes two Japanese restaurants, one with a sumibiyaki (Japanese barbecue) menu and the other a sushi restaurant, as well as a Chinese restaurant and a private dining space. Downstairs, the wellness centre will be one of the biggest in Tokyo’s hotel scene with yoga, pilates, golf, hydrotherapy and a thermal area.

Sixty three villas with panoramic windows, open living spaces and a sea-view swimming pool make up one of Saudi Arabia’s newest projects in The Red Sea; Nujuma, a Ritz Carlton Reserve. Structured in a cyclical shape atop shallow sea waters, and linked to isolated sandbars that peak above the blue island strip, the pod-shaped residences are designed to offer a sense of community while maintaining privacy within their domed designs. Six years in the making, this avant-garde cluster is dedicated to outdoor adventure and, unsurprisingly, given the location, water-based activities, such as diving and snorkelling in the vast sea surrounds, are central. However, much more awaits. Sleek, bright interiors reminiscent of a modern beach house merge into the expansive horizon via an indoor-outdoor living concept at the residences while a spa, conservation centre, retail area, swimming pools, and restaurants are located on the island resort.

The architectural firm of the globally-acclaimed, late Zaha Hadid – whose work has changed the face of countless global cities and landscapes – debuts its latest design project, ROMEO Rome, in spring this year. Hadid’s iconic and idiosyncratic curvature used to create buildings of mind-blowing theatrics and engineering carries over into this unique Roman haunt. The tempting medley of innovative and antique found within ROMEO Roma honours Rome’s leading status in the global art scene, as well as the city’s well-preserved architecture. The artisanal design extends to the experience of the stay, where guests will enjoy the mastery of Alain Ducasse at II Ristorante, with the choice to dine in any of the four other bars and restaurants, including rooftop La Terrazza, with views of the city. After a bustling day exploring Italy’s capital, venture downstairs in the hotel where LA SPA by Sisley Paris awaits with state of the art treatments.

The Homestead is set to become one of the eco-conscious, luxury haunts to stay at when you’re seeking the Big Five. This eco-lodge lies on the Nambiti Private Game Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa, known for rolling green hills and fertile lands, and home to vast sugar cane and banana plantations as well as wetland ecosystems. The safari here is impressive, but you don’t need to be looking for your next safari adventure for this wilderness retreat to pique your interests; The Homestead will also boast a welcoming indoor-outdoor retreat with large patios, a swimming pool and floor-to-ceiling glass windows with extended views towards the horizon. Twelve suites are designed in an Art Deco-inspired modern comfort, while the private deck spaces become amphitheatres for nature’s sundown display before a night of unobstructed stargazing commences. Constructed from local ironstone and indigenous grasses, the property sources its energy from the sun and its safari vehicles are electric, reducing CO2 emissions and noise disturbance. African-inspired dishes will be whipped up using local, seasonal ingredients, and tailored to suit your dietary preferences.

Six Senses is opening its twenty-sixth hotel, in Japan’s old capital, Kyoto, and will offer a peaceful haven in the busy city. Located close to the colourful Gion district and nearby Myoho-in temple and Tokyokuni-Jinja shrine, simplicity, privacy and space are at the centre of the authentic design. Organised around a central courtyard, where a seasonal landscape can be watched and enjoyed throughout the year, design here offers a calming ambience. Each of the 81 guest rooms celebrate Japanese traditions and include futon beds, folded screens and plenty of greenery. As in other Six Senses properties, the hotel will also boast Earth Lab, a dedicated space for environmental engagement research. A luxury wellness spa with comprehensive facilities will be open to guests, as well as Ryokan-style tea ceremonies and traditional spa treatments, ensuring an experience rooted in zen that is sure to instil mindfulness throughout any stay. 

Delicately etched into the volcanic surrounds that form the popular Greek island of Santorini, sustainably-minded Santo Mine from the Santo Collection, prepares to open its doors. Welcome spring in the heart of the Cycladic village of Oía at the new five-star, 37-suite luxury resort, where a considered, earth-like minimalism in the architecture foregrounds an indoor-outdoor style of living. Despite the summer crowds, this is an island believed to have a natural, spiritual energy and the resort’s outdoor pools and dining spaces will invite you to explore it. In tune with the circadian rhythms of the island, the property is designed to enhance this feeling, boasting a landscaped garden and veranda with panoramic views over the Aegean, indoor and outdoor kitchens, jacuzzis, swimming pools, and saunas.

The clear waters and white stone and sand beaches of the Cyclades in Greece are no stranger to luxury villas, many of them boasting rolling vistas and quiet luxury. Folegandros, a lesser-known Cycladic island, is where Gundari is set to open this May, across 80 acres of secluded island space. Here, raw luxury leads the way; the hotel’s stone-like façade blends into the rugged charm of the cliffs, hiding behind them a lush greenery and feature pools. Inside, Lefteris Lazarou – the first Greek chef to receive a Michelin-star back in 2002, leading the way for others – serves up traditional Greek cuisine sourced from the nearby land and sea. No two suites here are the same, each accommodating between two and eight guests, with amenities including private jacuzzis and pools. Holistic wellness will also be on offer at the Gundari spa, with Ancient Greek rituals and treatments using herbs native to Folegandros taking precedence. 

In central London’s prestigious Hanover Square, Mandarin Oriental Mayfair will be reborn this spring. Sister property to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, and in addition to its impressive rooms and suites with butler services, the hotel will feature: a 25-metre indoor swimming pool lit by soothing gold-toned lights within dark stone surrounds; a vitality pool and experience shower; plus a gym and wellness centre. Dining is varied, too; guests and visitors will be able to opt for creative Japanese and Korean dishes at Akira Back as well as contemporary Korean at DOSA, relaxed aperitifs at ABar Lounge and cocktails with a city view at ABar rooftop.

Paros in Greece is an Aegean island of traditional white-washed villages peppered with small swimming coves. In May it will welcome the (long anticipated) Adronis Minois. Typical to the Cycladic region of Greece, Adronis Minois resort will consist of a cluster of traditionally-Cycladic, cube-shaped residences, centred around a swimming pool: opt for a pool-view room, or choose a sea view suite for sweeping coastal vistas. Similar to Adronis’ five hotels in Santorini, here, a stay will ooze a Mediterranean-style of living with elegant wood-detailed interiors and light-filled rooms. Cuisine, as to be expected on a Mediterranean island, is set to be a fresh variety including the catch-of-the-day and homegrown vegetables, paired with a local extra virgin olive oil. Find it at Olvo restaurant, where the only competition to the taste is the romantic setting overlooking Parasporos beach.

In downtown Denver, next to Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Populus will be the first carbon-positive hotel in the USA. Designed by Studio Gang, the milestone hotel’s success lies in the architecture, where nature’s own Aspen tree is the inspiration for its innovative structure. The hotel plans to offset its carbon footprint by minimising consumption through eco-choices, as well as offsetting any remaining pollutants with forest and agricultural collaborations. Setting the standard for hotel design, Populus will offer all the amenities of a modern hotel – including 265 modern guest rooms, event spaces, a coffee bar, a rooftop bar and a ground floor restaurant – while maintaining its green credentials.

Once a New York legend; a place where JFK, Bette Davis and Claudette Colbert were known to frequent, The Surrey is set to re-open bigger and better than ever before, under hotel group Corinthia Hotels, and while staying true to the city it calls home. The iconic five-star hotel will reclaim its former status this summer, as it merges historic grandeur with a new-found modernity. Originally built in 1926 as a residence hotel, The Surrey will reopen with 70 guest rooms, 30 suites and 14 residences, including four signature suites inspired by the bridges of Central Park. In the lobby, Casa Tua, the Miami Beach hotspot loved by celebrities, will make its New York debut, serving its much-loved menu of grand Italian dishes. An Upper East Side favourite is back. 

With an impressive 155 guest rooms and suites, a 1,500 square-meter ballroom, and eight meeting rooms, Rosewood Doha in Qatar certainly boasts generous facilities. But perhaps the most impressive thing about Qatar’s newest hotel is its exterior design. Inspired by the coral reefs found in the seas it overlooks, this two-towered, glass structure is clad with white, woven metal structures, an unmissable addition to the city’s already impressive coastal skyline. Inside, of-the-minute technology will meet all the comfort you’d expect from the brand, including Asaya, an onsite wellness and personal training concept. The Rosewood Doha is part of the 45-billion dollar Lusail City expansion which aims to house 450,000 residents, too. While a luxury residence for guests, the Rosewood Doha will therefore also play a significant role in the city, and is set to become a dynamic culinary destination with restaurants and bars, plus the hotel brand’s signature Manor Club executive lounge. 

Located in Fitzrovia, The Newman is the debut project by Kinsfolk & Co, namely the alumni from Corbin & King, Firmdale, and The Beaumont, among others. With a nothing-short-of-prestigious portfolio, the group is fusing the findings of the world’s most-loved luxury hotels with the exclusive design of Lind + Almond, the creative duo behind Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen. But, regardless of the global outlook, a love for London will encapsulate this new boutique hotel; the townhouse-style remains in tune with its neighbourhood, a London borough known for its Victorian streets plus rich artistic and literary history. With delicate artistic nods in each room and ample public spaces downstairs, The Newman is set to be London’s newest social hotspot, opening just in time for this year’s winter party season. 

With a foyer of decorum and elegance, where dark marbled floors meet panelled walls, and a mahogany grand piano sits idle in the centre, the Waldorf Astoria is New York’s new glamorous getaway. This one-time favourite with New Yorkers and visitors alike closed its doors to guests in 2017, but is set to reopen at the end of 2024 – just in time for New York’s magical winters. The property previously boasted more than 1,400 guest rooms but in its new guise will be home to 375, making it a more private affair. The multi-million dollar, revamped ballroom space is likely to become one of the city’s preferred event spaces but, if you’re looking for something more relaxed, there will also be a more intimate bar space ideal to sit back at, as you take in the New York nights. 

Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah, a private, five star resort, is coming to the golden sand peninsulas of Ras Al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. A quieter emirate to its Dubai and Abu Dhabi sisters, this is a place where turquoise lagoons are surrounded by environmentally-protected mangroves; and the resort will offer guests all the idylls of the natural world while remaining within easy reach of a day’s shopping in Dubai. Accommodation – 174 rooms, suites and overwater pool villas – will be scattered across small buildings throughout the resort, with Asian and Mediterranean restaurants at their heart. The location may be more serene than others in the UAE but here, an exciting medley of water sports, bars and wellness facilities are being conceptualised to make sure even the most energetic guests stay entertained.