Along with champagne toasts and parties, the New Year is also a time for making resolutions. Perhaps on your list for 2016 is the promise to travel more. Luckily, the hotel industry is eager for you to do the same and several high-end brands are opening new properties all over the world next year ready for you to come and explore. These are 16 luxury hotels opening in 2016.
Alila Fort Bishangarh, India
Originally a notable fort, this property has been restored and transformed in a stunning hotel with much of the historic site left in tact. The unique blend of Gharana architecture and décor that conjures the courtly flavor of Shahpura’s royalty makes for stunning escape in the Bishangarh Village in the Jaipur District of India. After the ecological restoration and the reconstruction of new residential areas, the hotel plans to open the second half of this year.
Elements of Bryon Resort & Spa, Australia
Byron Bay is home to spectacular beaches and unique wildlife. It’s no surprise that a luxury retreat would open on its shores. Over a hundred private villas will dot the some 22 hectares of Belongil Beach, beginning in February 2016. Along with a lagoon pool and fire pit, there will also be direct beach access situated on a tidal estuary, which carves out a calm water playground on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
Primus Hotel, Australia
Another down under property is set to open the same time as its beachy neighbor, but this time in the center of the city. Located in the former Sydney Water headquarters in the CBD, Primus Hotel will be home to 172 rooms, an onsite restaurant, rooftop bar and pool. This is the first Australian property for Greenland International Hotels Group who enlisted the country’s leading global architecture and design practice.
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, Italy
Though this resort is set to open in the fall/winter of 2016, it’s actually centuries old. Toscana Resort Castelfalfi is an 800-year-old Tuscan village located in the heart of Tuscany’s Golden Triangle between Florence and Pisa and will soon be the stunning locale for a new five-star green hotel. The three-story new build is designed to integrate the Tuscan landscape for everything including its 27-hole golf course, spa, wellness center and swimming pools all featuring stunning views of the countryside. And any trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without top-notch food, which is why they will provide farm-to-table cuisine using the estate’s olive groves and vineyards under the guidance of Michelin Star Chef Michele Rinaldi.
Seafire Resort + Spa, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Kimpton Hotels is known for their modern design and carefree atmosphere and while they’ve certainly made their mark in the U.S., they plan to take their popular attitude overseas. In addition to being the company’s first international property, it’s also the first development along Seven Mile Beach in 10 years. Opening in November of 2016, this island escape will feature open air, contemporary architecture, luxurious colorful guestrooms and suites, three on-property restaurants, a spa and fitness facility, two ocean view pools, and the only boardwalk of any resort on the island.
Hotel X Toronto, Canada
Opening in the summer, this new property by Library Hotel Collection will be the only hotel on the historic grounds of Toronto’s celebrated Exhibition Place. Situated 30 stories above the waterfront with a year-round rooftop pool, guests will get both lakefront views and access to the heart of the city in a modernistic iconic tower that’s been awarded the Silver “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.”
Beach House at Thompson Playa del Carmen, Mexico
After the success of Thompson Playa del Carmen’s main hotel opening in November 2015, the more intimate, bohemian-inspired Beach House will feature 27 luxury rooms and suites, each with its own terrace. By early 2016 guests of the new property will also get exclusive access to a beachfront pool, cabanas, and a casual restaurant and bar all set against the azure-blue Caribbean Sea.
The Surfjack, Hawaii
Opening in February, this new Waikiki-based boutique hotel will embrace that aloha spirit by offering guestrooms that will showcase décor and artwork by local Hawaiian artisans and will be home to the latest restaurant by acclaimed Hawaiian chef, Ed Kenney. The onsite Swim Club will serve as a hangout for travelers and locals alike, as well as apparel boutique and coffee bar, Olive and Oliver’s all guided by the mantra, “local first, organic whenever possible, with aloha always.”
The William Vale, New York
Manhattan is home to a plethora of top-notch properties, but its trendy neighbor Brooklyn is quickly becoming a rival. Opening in the spring of 2016 this 183-room hotel will be perched 21 stories above the hipster haven of Williamsburg. Though situated in the middle of it all, guests are promised a resort-like experience with the longest hotel pool in the city, outdoor green space and onsite shopping and dining.
Porter Hotel by Curio, Oregon
With the opening of a new food hall, urban wineries and the country’s longest car-free transit bridge, the hip city of Portland is solidifying its presence as the Northwest’s hot spot. Hilton’s new hotel under its luxury boutique brand, Curio will feature 299 rooms, a rooftop restaurant and a pool, sauna and spa in the basement level.
Room Mate Emir, Turkey
Madrid-based Room Mate Hotels has 19 hotels in 12 cities across Europe and North America and is set to add several more to its extensive portfolio in 2016. One of the highly anticipated properties, Room Mat Emir, is set to open in April in the heart of Instanbul’s Pera district near Istaklal Avenue. The hotel will feature 47 suite-style rooms designed by famed hospitality designer Lazaro Rosa-Violan. Rosa-Violan and like the rest of the properties worldwide will offer late checkout at noon, breakfast until noon and free WiFi inside and outside of the hotels.
Las Alcobas Napa Valley, California
A stay Napa Valley is all about R&R, sumptuous dining and, of course, wine. This new Luxury Collection boutique property opening in St. Helena in summer 2016 covers it all. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the hotel will offer 68 rooms and suites, each with terraces and views of the neighboring vineyard, a 3,500 square foot spa and wellness center, an outdoor pool, and a signature restaurant. To top it off, guests will be walking distance to the Culinary Institute of America and the restaurants and boutiques of downtown St. Helena.
The InterContinental New York Barclay, New York
The Barclay Center in New York has hosted some of the world’s top talent in everything from music to sports attracting millions of visitors. With this newfound popularity, it was inevitable that a property would be needed to match the arena’s allure. In spring 2016, the historic The InterContinental New York Barclay will again be welcoming guests after an extensive $180 million renovation that began in September 2014. Travelers will get to enjoy new interiors in the 704 rooms, which are a contemporary take on the luxurious residential feel of the original 1926 railroad hotel, and will be treated to one-of-a-kind Caswell-Massey bath products.
The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a Montage Resort, South Carolina
Nestled in a lush, 20,000-acre coastal nature preserve between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, this unique property has only been the setting for private homes, rentals and 50 cottages up until now. But, debuting in September 2016, the low country getaway will feature 150 luxury rooms, Montage branded residences, a new main resort building, which will house 74 guest rooms, a new lobby lounge, Spa Montage and fitness center, resort pool bar and grill, and the Montage signature Paintbox kids program. Along with the new expansion comes a new name; beginning in January The Inn at Palmetto Bluff will be called Montage Palmetto Bluff to evoke the Southern tradition tied with luxury chain’s service and hospitality.
Hilton West Palm Beach, Florida
Whether laying in bed or poolside, the views from this new hotel are the perfect blend of city and beach. The sleek design in the 400 guest rooms is just the tip of the iceberg of luxurious offerings. The property, which opens in late January, will also feature cuisine by Tiger Woods’ former chef, Matthew Byrne, custom bourbon and wine blends, music curator, glow-in-the-dark lawn games and partnerships with local coveted artists.
Vidanta, Mexico
This elite collection of resorts located on the most coveted beaches has been around for a bit, but there’s a good chance you’ve never heard of them. That’s because until very recently, access was limited to private membership. The group has just debuted to the general public and is now accepting hotel guests for 2016. Every property boasts an extensive list of amenities, signature services, world-class restaurants, spas, renowned golf courses and authentic experiences unique to each destination.
