Has there ever been a better time to travel? We think not. From charming island abodes to far-flung retreats, there’s no shortage of great-looking hotels with good service that fit every price point. We’ve been keeping our eye on this year’s crop of hotel openings. There’s so much happening! Major destinations like Reykjavík and Como welcomed their first true luxury hotels, while less-traversed parts of the world, like Northern Australia and the Faroe Islands, have brand new boutique offerings.
These are the newcomers we’re thinking and talking about in the Fathom office. Keep an eye out for more coverage throughout the year.
Montage Los Cabos
Where: Los Cabos, Mexico
Why we’re excited: With a surplus of exciting new openings in the last year, there’s something brewing on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. This 122-room hotel with 52 furnished, resort-style residences opened its doors on 39 quiet acres of beachfront property between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Three swimming pools, a full-service spa, multiple dining options, kids’ program, fitness center, and a tennis court provide plenty of entertainment, but we’re most excited about swimmable beaches, which are few and far between in this part of Mexico. Come fall, the hotel will open an 18-hole Fred Couples Signature golf course.
Check in: Book a room.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
Where: Grindavik, Iceland
Why we’re excited: By all appearances, Iceland’s popularity as a vacation destination is showing no sign of slowing down. This spring marked the opening of the country’s most luxurious hotel, with a subterranean spa and a private lagoon containing the same storied waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. Also on offer: free yoga classes, guided hikes, and Northern Lights viewing tours. The 62 contemporary suites have floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the surrounding moss-covered lava fields and stunning blue waters. For fine dining fans, Moss Restaurant serves fresh, seasonal Icelandic fare that is certain to make the hotel a new culinary destination.
Check in: Book a room.
Collective Retreats Governors Island
Where: Governors Island, New York City
Why we’re excited: A mere eight minutes by ferry from Downtown Manhattan, the newest outpost from Collective Retreats is one of the group’s most exciting locations yet. A patch of land on the 172-acre island in New York Harbor has been transformed into a seasonal, Scandi-style glamping oasis with a fire pit, onsite restaurant, outdoor yoga classes, and views of Lady Liberty in the distance. Accommodations range from ten luxurious Summit Tents (with king-sized beds and ensuite bathrooms) to the more basic, but equally stylish Journey Tents (of which there are 27). Onsite restaurant Three Peaks offers hearty dishes along with BBQ-in-a-box kits. The hotel is expected to be open through October.
Check in: Book a room.
Shipwreck Lodge
Where: Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Why we’re excited: For a one-of-a-kind adventure, head to this striking hotel in the remote northwest region of Namibia, which is home to some of the most arresting landscapes on the continent. Inspired by the shipwrecks that line the Skeleton Coast, the cabin-style bedrooms feel like a respite from the surrounding elements, with wood-burning stoves, thick faux-fur blankets, and hot water bottles. Activities include game drives, climbing sand dunes to watch the sunrise, and a visit to the mysterious Suiderkus and Karimona shipwreck remnants. Pair your stay with a visit to the equally impressive (and new) Hoanib Valley.
Check in: Book a room.
Bullo River Station
Where: Baines, Northern Territory, Australia
Why we’re excited: Interior designer Sibella Court is one of our favorite globetrotters to follow on Instagram. This year, she refreshed the guest wing at Bullo River Station, a 500,000-acre working cattle farm in a remote pocket of northwestern Australia that offers travelers an elevated and authentic homestead experience. Immerse yourself in station life before retiring to one of the new guest rooms inspired by Mother Nature and decorated in a palette of earthy tones and materials, like leather, salvaged wood, and blackened steel, that are meant to age beautifully.
Check in: Book a room.
Hotel Havgrím
Where: Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
Why we’re excited: We choose the Faroe Islands as one of our Top 10 Places to Travel in 2018 for the archipelago’s rugged natural beauty and close proximity to countries like Denmark, England, Iceland, and Norway. With limited hotel offerings, the new seaside escape – located inside the historic Commodore’s House, an impressive white home overlooking the main road in Tórshavn – makes for an excellent base for exploring the island country’s wild and unspoiled surroundings.
Check in: Book a room.
The Middle House
Where: Shanghai, China
Why we’re excited: Located in the heart of Shanghai’s popular Jing’an district, the newest addition to the Swire Hotels portfolio was inspired by the city’s rich heritage of craftsmanship and culture. The 111 sophisticated studios and 102 serviced apartments blend contemporary design with traditional Asian elements, creating an oasis in one of the world’s busiest cities. Amenities include an indoor heated swimming pool, 24-hour gym, state-of-the-art spa, and a collection of contemporary restaurants.
Check in: Book a room.
The Line Austin
Where: Austin, Texas
Why we’re excited: With much of the city’s thriving boutique hotel scene located in South Congress, the size and downtown location of this 428-room hotel feels like an outlier. Like its two sister properties, The Line Los Angeles and The Line Washington, D.C., the hotel draws inspiration from its urban surroundings. Interiors have a cool rock-meets-ranch vibe with sandblasted plywood headboards and lounge chairs with chrome piping and saddle leather straps. Texan artists Xochi Solis, Alyson Fox, and Manik Raj Nakra were tapped to add art to the space, while Kristen Kish is manning the kitchen at lakeside restaurant Arlo Grey.
Check in: Book a room.
Read more on Fathom: Crossing All the Right Lines in Austin
The Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club
Where: Kennebunkport, Maine
Why we’re excited: Overlooking the scenic Kennebunk River, this 30-room hotel has debuted a punchy new look. Each of the 30 harborside bungalows has a terrace with unobstructed river views and is decorated with white shiplap walls and boutique-style furnishings in cheery shades of mango, magenta, and sky blue. A partnership with Kennebunkport Marina provides guest with boat slips for overnight stays and access to water sports equipment rentals.
Check in: Book a room.
Six Senses Duxton
Where: Singapore
Why we’re excited: Known for their portfolio of barefoot luxury country and beach hotels, we’re looking forward to seeing Six Senses’ first city property in Singapore’s bustling Chinatown neighborhood. Situated in a row of trading houses that have been sustainably restored under designer Anoushka Hempel, the eclectic east-meets-west-style hotel has 49 rooms and a traditional Chinese doctor offering readings, health recommendations, and medicinal herbal dispensary. Sister hotel Six Senses Maxwell is slated to open just down the road in September.
Check in: Book a room.
White City House
Where: London, England
Why we’re excited: Soho House has transformed the former BBC London headquarters into its largest members club yet, with a 45-room hotel, rooftop pool and bar, cinema, screening room, and gym. Inspired by the building’s storied heritage, decor details include oak wall panels designed after the original panelling in the BBC reception and 1960s-inspired sun loungers and parasols on the pool deck. Guest rooms range from small to big, with George Nelson lamps, mid-century Terrazzo tables and reading lights, modernist wooden minibars, and a full range of Cowshed products.
Check in: Book a room.
Stamba Hotel
Where: Tbilisi, Georgia
Why we’re excited: Georgian hospitality group Adjara has knocked it out of the park with another eye-catching design hotel. Housed in a former Soviet-era publishing house, the 42-room hotel (soon to be 150) is filled with references to its history (original print paraphernalia, freestanding brass bathtubs, concrete columns ). The soaring, five-story “living lobby” is lined with foliage and features a stunning glass-bottom rooftop pool visible from the ground floor. Also on site: an Art Deco-inspired casino, all-day cafe, and a chocolaterie-coffee shop.
Check in: Book a room.
The Ramble Hotel
Where: Denver, Colorado
Why we’re excited: The independently owned and operated 50-room boutique hotel is the first of its kind in Denver’s industrial-chic RiNo neighborhood. Guest rooms have an Old-World Frenchie vibe inspired by Paris’ original salonniere, Madame Rambouillet. Picture antique Persian rugs (hand-picked by the hotel’s founder), custom throws from Parisian brand Khadi & Co., and nostalgic brass room keys. New York City’s upscale cocktail bar Death & Co. is bringing its craft cocktail game to the marquee lobby bar with an ingredient-driven and seasonal menu of snacks. For a more intimate drinking experience, reminiscent of their original East Village outpost, guests will be able to book an evening at Suite 6A (opening this fall). Also worth noting: Vauxhall, an intimate theater and performance space, will have a regular roster of events including film screenings, live music performances, and art exhibitions.
Check in: Book a room.
East Wind NY
Where: Windham, New York
Why we’re excited: Dating back to the 1920s, the mountain hideaway was originally a bunkhouse for hunters, fly fisherman, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The sixteen traditional guest rooms have a minimalist Scandi-meets-Brooklyn vibe, with clean white sheets, mid-century Modern furniture, and plaid wool blankets. Three Lushna cabins (A-frame wooden huts) offer a more reclusive “glamping” experience with tidy beds and views of the great outdoors. Open year-round, guests can look forward to a full-service cocktail bar, outdoor deck, fire pit, and events like movie screenings and farmers markets.
Check in: Book a room.
Raffles Europejski Warsaw
Where: Warsaw, Poland
Why we’re excited: Originally opened in 1857, Hotel Europejski was one of the Russian Empire’s most luxurious hotels. A series of significant restorations ensued, most recently under the Raffles umbrella, which carefully preserved the hotel’s heritage and character. The 106 classically styled rooms and suites feature blackened oak floors, contemporary Polish art, and sleek marble-clad bathrooms with Art Deco touches. Culinary options include an elegant but contemporary Polish restaurant, Raffles’ signature bar, a cigar lounge, and a patisserie evoking the hotel’s fascinating history. Bespoke treatments from Sisley are on offer in the hotel spa.
Check in: Book a room.
Vista Palazzo Lago di Como
Where: Como, Italy
Why we’re excited: This 19th-century lakeside Venetian-style palazzo was transformed into the first five-star hotel in the city of Como. Each of 18 spacious rooms and suites showcases the finest Italian craftsmanship, with large marble-clad bathrooms, walk-in wooden closets, and king-size beds. Views of the lake can be seen from the guests-only rooftop restaurant, bar, and library.
Check in: Book a room.
Hotel Pippa
Where: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Why we’re excited: The newest addition to the picturesque island’s thriving hotel scene is a petite seventeen-room inn with mid-century flair located in the historic downtown area. Guest rooms are outfitted with plush bathrobes, Matouk linens, and Davines bath and skincare products. A complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning and the lobby houses a wine bar stocked with varieties from around the world.
Check in: Book a room.
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