Picture this: it’s 2022, and the best new hotels in the world are opening their doors ready to check you in.
While travel has been a bit of a dirty word of late, we can finally start dreaming about it without feelings of despair washing over us. We’ve already filled you in on the top travel destinations for 2022 and given you the lowdown on the Vaccinated Travel Lane, but what hotels have been under construction while the rest of the world was locked down? From sustainable retreats in Saudi Arabia to an urban cool hang in the UK, here are the best new hotel openings for your 2022 travel bucket list.
Best new hotel openings in the world for 2022
1. The Good Time Hotel: Miami, US
What can’t Pharrell do? The music and fashion mogul has recently developed a property in Miami, Florida, and it’s absolutely stunning to look at. Even if you’re only stalking it on IG right now, every single corner of this Ken Fulk-designed hotel will spark joy in your heart, while its four restaurants and bars bring the flavour.
Live it up by The Pool at Strawberry Moon. The 24,000 sq ft pool deck and lounge feature dusky pink and mint shades to give off that cool retro vibe. Plus, oversized palm frond sculptures made of steel to transport you to the beach. Rooms are equally lush with sun-kissed colours, fun art prints on the wall, and cleverly-designed storage to make your travel life easier. With rates starting from just US$129, you can experience the magic for yourself at a fairly reasonable price point, too. Thanks, Pharrell!
The Good Time Hotel, 601 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
2. The Londoner: London, UK
Self-billed as “the world’s first super boutique hotel”, The Londoner has just opened its doors in the heart of England’s capital. Book in at this property on Leicester Square and the colourful city will be your backyard. But, your home-away-from-home will be pretty amazing too.
This hotel is all about experiences, each brought to life over 16 storeys. They’re curated to reflect the neighbourhood: The West End. It’s designed by Canadian interior royalty, Yabu Pushelberg, so expect drama everywhere – from the 350 rooms and 30 suites to the subterranean spa and private screening rooms. Oh, and there are six stunning restaurants and bars to choose from when you just can’t fathom going out.
The Londoner, 38 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7DX, United Kingdom
3. Mamaka by Ovolo: Bali, Indonesia
Bali, Bali, Bali! It just got even better thanks to the opening of Mamaka by Ovolo, a modern hotel set in the heart of Kuta’s Legian area. As the first hotel from the group which has some wonderful properties in Hong Kong and Australia, you can look forward to all the Ovolo fun here.
Expect bright colours and natural materials with interiors executed by Ara Design. These reflect the beach locale and proximity to the famed surf break. Home to 191 rooms and suites, each level is a little different. That means you can return time and again to try a new experience. Work out at the 24/7 wellness zone (complete with TRX, boxing, and balancing surfboard), eat and drink at the cool restaurant and cafes, or take in the views from the stunning pool.
Mamaka by Ovolo, Jl. Pantai Kuta No.32, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
4. One&Only Portonovi: Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Travel experts predict that Montenegro will come back in a big way once the world really starts moving again. When it does, you’ll have another gem to add to your list: One&Only Portonovi. The European debut for the hotel group, it features celebrity-like seclusion, making it the perfect choice for a private getaway.
Rooms and suites at the hotel promise the finest fittings and amenities, each with stunning views of the Adriatic, nearby mountains, and expansive gardens. Go diving in Kumbor Strait, relax by the beach, or visit Chenot Espace, the on-site spa and wellness centre that offers diagnostic testing alongside restorative treatments.
One&Only Portonovi, Portonovi, Herceg – Novi 85340, Montenegro
5. Habitas AlUla: Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
With Saudi Arabia’s move into the tourism market, it’d be remiss of us not to include one of the many new offerings launching in the Middle Eastern nation. This one’s a sustainable option nestled in the heart of the north-eastern part of the country, famed for ancient walls and proximity to the Unesco World Heritage site, Hegra. To access the hotel, you need to travel by electric cart, and what you’ll find is kind of awe-inspiring.
Nature is the inspiration for the villas that make up this property, as they sit almost magically inside canyons and valleys. Our pick? The Celestial Villa, which comes complete with a private terrace and telescope for gazing at the stars – so romantic! Indulge in regional cuisine created with produce from local farms, experience wellness rituals in historic settings, and learn more about the music, art, and culture of the area.
Habitas AlUla, Ashar Valley, Al Ula, Saudi Arabia
6. The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Opening later in 2022, The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai is one of the most exciting new hotels on this stretch of coast about an hour’s drive south of Cancun. Made up of 180 guestrooms and suites, you can expect the modern refinement synonymous with the brand at its first opening in Mexico.
Sunseekers will love the beach club and pool deck, while those in need of some pampering will no doubt head straight to the spa. Six F&B outlets are planned to keep you going and there’s even a huge deck for large-scale parties and events. You’ll see this part of Mexico becoming more popular too, as it’s home to the world’s second-largest coral reef and has easy access to ancient Mayan cities.
The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai, opening soon
7. Lux* Grand Baie: Grand Baie, Mauritius
One of our favourite spots in Mauritius is getting a new hotel, and it’s luxe. This innovative and elegant opening comes from the group behind famed international havens such as Lux* South Ari Atoll and Lux* Chongzuo, Guangxi.
The hotel is all about enjoying the slow life, but not too slowly. With three distinct dining concepts, including the restaurant and beach club, Bisou, you’ll be in food heaven, as the produce in Mauritius is some of the best. You’ll also find the Indian Ocean’s first-ever outdoor rooftop wellness experience here, complete with Olympic-standard running tracks, complemented by Niyama Mind & Body Studio. Take all our money!
Lux Grand Baie, opening soon
Add these hot new hotel openings to your 2022 travel bucket list for a holiday like no other.
