Cheval Blanc, Seychelles, is latest property of group owned by luxury giant LVMH and opened on December 1 (Photo: Cheval Blanc)
With the growth in luxury travel globally showing no signs of slowing down, the number of new hotels catering to the upscale segment of travellers has also continued through the year.
In a press statement, Michael Crompton, Co-Founder of LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence, a membership-based business intelligence gathering organisation, says that 2024 has been a really exceptional year for new luxury hotel openings, and 2025 is looking just as exciting.
Crompton adds that it is a global, members-only organisation providing digital reporting for affluent travellers who wish to make informed travel decisions based on honest and highly detailed intelligence.
The organisation has released a list of the hotels that it has identified as being the 15 best luxury hotels which have opened this year. With two hotels each, London, Saudi Arabia and the French Riviera region of Côte d’Azur take the top spot for most openings.
The statement goes on to list the top 15, presenting them in the reverse order.
- Arev, St Tropez, France
Arev combines timeless luxury with bold design and warm, impeccable service. This boutique property impresses with 50 lavish rooms and suites, authentic cuisine in the Strand Restaurant, exquisite cocktails at Q’s Bar, and the small but perfect Arev Spa.
- Hôtel du Couvent, Nice, France
After a decade-long transformation from an abandoned nunnery, Le Couvent is an engaging property, offering a characterful oasis in the heart of Nice’s Vieille Ville.
- The Dunlin, South Carolina, United States
A new property from the highly regarded Auberge Resorts Collection, this coastal escape is set within the exclusive waterfront community of Kiawah River and offers 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites plus 19 villas.
- Nujuma, Saudi Arabia
It is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East. Set on Ummahat Island in the serene cerulean waters of the Red Sea, this private island sanctuary is in the incredible Blue Hole cluster of islands, famed for its thriving coral reefs and jaw-dropping nighttime celestial displays.
- The Surrey, New York, United States
This landmark Upper East Side hotel has re-opened following a total and superb makeover by Corinthia, creating an ultra-luxury boutique gem, complete with a hot destination restaurant by Casa Tua of Miami Beach fame.
- Four Seasons, Mallorca, Spain
Another iconic property, Hotel Formentor, is now fully restored and enhanced by Four Seasons. This 100-acre private estate is enchanting and oozes European sophistication.
- Raffles, Jaipur
The ultimate tranquil palace retreat in India’s Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, indeed, it has a touch of the Taj Mahal in its gleaming white beauty.
- Shebara, Saudi Arabia
The Red Sea’s latest and most impressive resort to date, this futuristic ultra-luxury haven certainly has wow factor at every turn.
- Bijal, Türkiye
This impressive resort from Gürok Group, creators of the renowned Joali and Joali Being resorts in the Maldives, offers guests 19 luxury private villas ranging from intimate one-bedroom retreats to expansive four-bedroom corner villas, each equipped with private pools.
- The Potlach Club, Bahamas
A legendary property brought back to life following a seven-year renovation. Twelve acres of lush tropical gardens and pink sand beach, with just 11 suites, cottages and villas. Some are fully restored historic buildings dating back to mid-century, others are new but beautifully designed and positioned in the verdant landscape. All have a private veranda or terrace, and some have gardens and gazebos.
- Royal Mansour, Casablanca
Set in an iconic monument from the 1950s, Casablanca’s new luxury hotel embodies a vibrant journey through a timeless golden age. The effervescence of the lounges, the monumental lighting of the lobby and the superb signature restaurants, everything sparkles with an elegant and warm energy.
- The Emory, London
London’s first all-suite ultra-luxury hotel certainly impresses. This super discreet property is the latest addition to the Maybourne Hotel Group’s prestigious portfolio, which includes Claridge’s, Connaught, and Berkeley.
- Soneva Secret, Maldives
The first resort in the Makunudhoo Atoll, Soneva Secret, offers 14 overwater and island villas, each having a dedicated team of three, including a Barefoot Guardian, Barefoot Assistant and dedicated chef, to ensure your stay is fully personalised. It may well now be the most expensive resort in the Maldives, but you most certainly get your money’s worth.
- Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
Mandarin Oriental has created the ultimate boutique ultra-luxury property in Mayfair. It’s very discreet and offers guests a spectacular spa, an excellent destination restaurant in Akira Black, and two Abar options, including one on the rooftop with views over Mayfair.
- Cheval Blanc, Seychelles
Curled around the Anse Intendance beach on Mahé Island in the Seychelles, LVMH, the world leader in luxury, has created Maison Cheval Blanc, which is truly exceptional. Situated in the perfect idyllic setting, this maison embodies a unique art de vivre in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
With 52 villas that offer stunning, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, the property stands out for its harmony with the lush nature of the Seychelles. The villas meld spacious volumes, contemporary lines and local inspirations, creating a perfect balance. The culinary offering features five restaurant concepts and its spa offers unique treatments inspired by the island’s nature wonders, combining expertise and well-being.
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