Words: Jonathan Wells
The last few years haven’t been kind on hotels. With lockdowns and travel bans, we can’t even remember the last time we cracked open a minibar or ordered room service. Thankfully, 2022 has some first-rate, five-star offerings opening up for discerning globe-trotters and jet-setters.
From Rome to the Maldives, Dubai to the Greek Islands, we’ve rounded up nine of the most exciting new hotels in the world below. So prime your passports, gents — it’s time to check in…
In ‘The Eternal City, W Rome opens its sophisticated doors
Spanning two adjacent 19th century palazzos, and primely located on Via Liguria next to the Spanish Steps, the W hotel chain brings a little dolce vita to ‘The Eternal City’ this year.
And many surprises reveal themselves throughout the guest experience. Whether it’s the hidden door in the bathroom leading to an intimate Parlapiano (a secret garden), or the tranquil rooftop terrace, complete with a plunge pool and Otto Rooftop Bar, there’s wonder around every corner.
How many rooms? 162 idiosyncratic options. Designed by Meyer Davis, W Rome juxtaposes the city’s traditional architecture and cultural heritage with a unique interpretation of Roman design.
Other amenities? ‘Wellness at W Rome’, curated by Italian athlete Pietro Boselli; the hotel’s ‘W Lounge’, which comes alive at night; and the fashion-forward ‘W The Store’, stocked with an inspired capsule by Daria Reina.
What sets it apart? The food. Michelin-starred Ciccio Sultano brings Sicilian flair and unrivalled gastronomic talent to Rome’s dining scene — as does and the world-renowned Pastry Chef Fabrizio Fiorani.
On the Greek island of Samos, Casa Cook’s latest washes up
Opening in May 2022, Casa Cook Samos is the latest in this shockingly sleek series of hotels. Originally established by the team behind Thomas Cook, this isn’t your usual package fare — and Samos makes complete sense for the latest outpost. Home to a wealth of lush greenery, breathtaking turquoise waters and that infamous sweet Muscat wine, it’s a hedonistic prospect…
How many rooms? 128. And it’s an adult-only resort — nestled in the the island’s forest-like landscape, and gazing towards the boundless beaches of the northeastern Aegean Sea.
Other amenities? The historic concept of a Grecian village has been embodied in the modern space, where the hotel’s infinite swimming pools act as the town centre of each small ‘neighbourhood’ within the hotel.
What sets it apart? It’s stripped-back, pared-down and not at all showy. In fact, the earthy textures and colours that make up the space are inspired by the local land and its organic elements: from palms, pines and agave to the wild olive trees.
In Dubai, 25hours Hotel One Central shows the city in a different light
The first ’25hours’ property to open outside of Europe, this Dubai-based hotel is the perfect setting for modern day nomads. As a city, the middle-eastern destination tends to divide opinion — but find the right bolthole and you’ll see place bathed in an altogether different light. Located next to the Dubai World Trade Centre and overlooking the Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future, this could very well be that hotel.
How many rooms? The 434 rooms and suites feature ‘Bedouin’, ‘Glamping’ and ‘Farmstay’ themes, whilst the ‘Artist Village’ suites are perfect for those looking for more space. The ‘Hakawati Suite’ is especially glamorous; with a double bathtub, triple king size bed and private dance floor.
Other amenities? Foodies are catered for handsomely. Options include Nomad Day Bar, in partnership with Dubai-based Nightjar Coffee Roasters, Tandoor Tina for playfully combined British and Northern Indian cuisine, popular Berlin rooftop bar, Monkey Bar and soon to open is Ernst Biergarten & Wirtshaus, from Bavaria.
What sets it apart? Delivered on demand in a trunk-case to guest’s bedrooms, a unique ‘analogue’ experience includes VHS tapes, vinyls, typewriters and Polaroids – encouraging guests to take a break from everything digital.
In South Africa, The Homestead shows off the Nambiti Private Game Reserve
Redefining the luxury African safari, ‘The Homestead’ arrives this year to throw a big cat among the pigeons. It’s not only a hotel, or a base from which to see some of the world’s most majestic and impressive creatures — it’s also a place of education. Whether that be animal photography classes, stargazing or anti-poaching learning sessions, each excursion will teach guests how to respect and revere their magnificent surroundings.
How many rooms? 12 luxury lodges, six of which are envisioned for couples or solo travellers with individual infinity pools, with the remaining half-dozen available for booking privately or to accommodate groups.
Other amenities? There’ll also be several event spaces on site, as well as a spa, a fitness centre, and multiple restaurants and bars — serving organic, locally sourced, African-inspired dishes curated by world-class chefs.
What sets it apart? The sustainability. The huge central structure of the complex (180 metres long and connected to a beautiful escarpment and lake) will have a roof completely planted with the same grass found on the surrounding land.
On the shores of Ibiza, The Standard moves in
Officially opening in April 2022, The Standard’s latest outpost promises to give guests an unparalleled ‘Ibiza’ experience. Whether that be late nights beneath the stars, intimate parties, or just long, languid dinners, it’s an exciting development from the team behind one of our favourite modern hotels in London. Ibiza is a logical expansion for the brand; epitomising as it does the White Isle’s heady blend of antiquity and modern fun.
How many rooms? The collection of 67 clean and serene rooms — including a freestanding private residence — can be found smack in the middle of the Old Town, mere steps from the sun-soaked waterfront.
Other amenities? A rooftop pool, perfect for day-lounging, as well as a ground floor restaurant — which offers everything from a midday espresso while sightseeing to a boozy dinner before you hit the clubs.
What sets it apart? That private residence, ‘Casa Privada’. Located just a few steps from the main hotel, it features 14 separate rooms, a private bar, rooftop, pool, gym and lounge. Perfect for privacy.
On the cliffs of Amalfi, Borgo Santandrea re-opens its doors
A new cliffside hotel in Amalfi — 90 metres above sea level — Borgo Santandrea had its soft opening in July 2021, following a meticulous three-year restoration. But 2022 is when it’ll get into a proper sun-soaked swing.
The hotel has been a passion project uniting two Italian families, who bring generations of hospitality experience — and the gorgeous interiors are inspired by the building’s origins in the 1960s, combining Mid-Century features with quintessential Italian design.
How many rooms? 29 guestrooms and 16 suites — and every single one of them offers uninterrupted views of the sea and the ancient fisherman’s hamlet of Conca dei Marini.
Other amenities? Three restaurants and two bars, all offering classic Mediterranean fare. Under the direction of Executive Chef Crescenzo Scotti, the restaurants — La Libreria, Alici and The Beach Club — will make use of local products and ingredients.
What sets it apart? The garden terraces. The owners worked alongside Ischia-based landscape gardeners Tano Amato and Philipp Auditori to create a series of terraces that stay true to the surrounding landscape. They are filled with plants typical of the coastline; such as lemon and pomegranate trees.
In the Maldives, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa drifts into view
Who hasn’t dreamt of packing up and jetting off to the Maldives — especially during all this dreary winter weather? Thankfully, you won’t have to wait long to drink in this idyllic new resort from The Emerald Collection. Set on a seven-hectare private island in the Raa Atoll, and surrounded by an extensive lagoon of 100 sparkling hectares, Emerald’s Faarufushi Resort & Spa will open on May 1, 2022.
How many rooms? 80 villas, split into six different categories. Expect 27 ‘Beach Villas’, 10 ‘Family Villas’, 39 ‘Water Villas’, 3 ‘Superior Water Villas’ and one ‘Presidential Villa’ down on the beach.
Other amenities? The Emerald Spa, with eight air-conditioned spa suites elevated amongst the palms. The signature Italian restaurant, ‘Mediterraneo’, and ‘Eclipse Bar’ are both located on the resort’s panoramic jetty.
What sets it apart? If you’re not swayed by the sound of that spa, then the water sports facilities. At the five-star Diving Centre, guests can even get their official PADI scuba certification.
On the Greek island of Syros, Hotel Aristide is an eco-resort like no other
A new boutique hotel on the lesser-known Greek island of Syros, Hotel Aristide is situated in a restored neoclassical mansion in the historical centre of Hermoupolis, eight minutes’ walk from the beach and city centre.
The owners fell in love with the island and house (one of the last neoclassical mansions to be built in Greece) and therefore kept alterations and renovations to a minimum. Look out for traditional materials — most notably nine different types of Greek marble.
How many rooms? Nine. Three of the hotel’s suites have spacious private terraces and plunge pools. Two of the new pools are built in stone, decorated with traditional Cycladic tiles and surrounded by vegetation.
Other amenities? A seasonal dinner menu that changes daily with produce from the hotel’s organic smallholding and inspired by traditional Cycladic recipes. Guests dine on the roof terrace seated in Honoré’s Deco vintage Croisette armchairs – renowned as the most comfortable chairs in the world.
What sets it apart? It has a permanent art collection, which can be found in both the rooms and public spaces, and includes original works by artists such as Christy Lee Rogers, Igor Skaletsky and Riccardo Vecchio.
In London, The Other House is changing the hotel game
This isn’t necessarily a hotel — but it’s worth a mention. ‘The Other House’ is a new hospitality concept; a ‘Residents Club’ launching in South Kensington in spring. It’s a one-stop venue for travellers (whether looking for short, long or business stays) offering ‘Club Flats’, exceptional dining, a private members club and wellness facilities. Super stylish with a distinctively congenial feel, it could be exactly what London has been looking for.
How many rooms? We’re not yet sure. But we do know that separate bedrooms and living areas with kitchenettes will feature in every ‘Club Flat’ with hotel services on-demand, digital lockers for deliveries, and luggage storage while you’re away.
Other amenities? There’ll also be several elegant spaces for food and drink, whether you’re after a carefully crafted cocktail or a light bite. There’ll be no finer space for drinking and dining in South Kensington when this one opens.
What sets it apart? The whole conceit — unlike the usual offerings in this sector, The Other House positions itself as a second home, meaning you can stay for as long as you please and select the services you want from the touch of an app.
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