Words: Aobh O'Brien-Moody
With days gradually lengthening and the mercury inching ever higher, we’re shopping for swim shorts and eagerly plotting our warm weather escapes. And with a host of new hotel openings slated for the next few months, there are plenty of options to choose from. To make the decision slightly easier, we’ve narrowed it down to a tight edit of stand-out summer stays...
Arev St. Tropez, St. Tropez, France
Promising “bespoke old-school glamour” in the centre of St. Tropez, Arev is guaranteed to be all over your Instagram feed this summer. The boutique hotel boasts 50 individually designed rooms and suites, many with private gardens; a sparkling pool surrounded by striped cabanas; a glamorous Champagne lounge and a luxurious spa offering treatments with Tropezian herbs.
SHA Mexico, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Cult-favourite Spanish medispa SHA has just opened a new centre on a secluded stretch of Caribbean coastline in Mexico, much to the delight of wellness enthusiasts. Oceanfront accommodation is just the beginning. Signature health programs, nutritious seasonal dishes and state-of-the-art fitness facilities — not to mention a sun-soaked setting — will have you feeling more like yourself in no time.
Dunas de Formentera, Formentera, Spain
Nestled in the dunes of Migjorn Beach, Dunas de Formentera is a Balearic island retreat that truly makes the most of its natural surroundings. The 45 rooms are tastefully designed by Antonio Obrador to reflect the colours and tones of the southern shore of Formentera, while local cuisine is celebrated at the hotel’s Mediterranean restaurant.
Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol, Baja California, Mexico
Boasting 96 rooms, three ocean-view pools, a spa with 10 treatment rooms and a fitness centre helmed by Oprah’s favourite trainer, the new Four Seasons on the southern coast of Mexico’s Baja peninsula is more village than hotel. When you’re not lounging by the pool, learn to free-dive; spot whales from a luxury yacht; enjoy the charming coastal village of Todos Santos or play golf at the stunning Fry Straka-designed Cabo Del Sol Course.
Kotiyagala Sri Lanka
This spring sees the opening of Kotiyagala, a seven-acre eco-resort in Sri Lanka overlooking the Indian Ocean. With access to Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife sanctuary, Yala National Park, plus an elevated design with raised pathways that wind through the treetops, it serves as a unique haven for those seeking to fully immerse themselves in the natural world. The 12 rooms, each with a private swimming pool, are designed to offer a blend of rustic charm and modern luxury, ensuring every stay is as authentic as it is comfortable.
Hôtel du Couvent, Nice, France
The group behind The Pigalle in Paris have restored a 17th-century convent in Nice, transforming it into a luxury hotel that will offer Roman baths, a movement studio, a lap pool with views over the Mediterranean, and even a resident herbalist. It’s the ultimate place to retreat to after a day exploring the winding streets and pebbly beaches of Nice.
One&Only Kéa Island, Greece
Kéa Island, the closest of the Cycladic Islands to the Greek Capital, is the latest spot for luxury hotelier One&Only to set its sights on. The hotel’s 63-villas (each with a private pool and stunning almost 360-degree views of the sea and bay) are set on a 65-hectare beachfront site on the west side of the island. If you’re feeling adventurous charter a private boat to explore hidden coves, enjoy a mountain hike or dive beneath the sea to discover legendary shipwrecks and colourful marine life.
Corinthia Rome, Italy
The former Central Bank of Italy, centrally located on Parliament Square with Piazza Navona and the Pantheon on its doorstep, will be transformed into a luxury 60-room hotel this spring. Highlights will include a world-class spa, elegant cocktail bar and rooftop with stunning city views.
Start your holiday before you even board the plane with our pick of the world's best airport lounges...
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