03 Jan Lightfoot Travel Shines a Torch on the Hottest New Hotel Openings for 2018
In their pursuit of the most innovative, exclusive and inspiring experiences, Lightfoot Travel’s experienced travel designers have scoured the globe to identify the hottest new hotels for 2018.
The leading luxury tour operator’s 2018 portfolio will see the inclusion of nine new hotels in Asia, Europe, South America and the US. These include the most innovative architectural and design builds; properties embracing a heritage renewal; the latest wellness experiences; to authentic and more visceral experiences in luxurious accommodations which sate our growing appetite for solitude and closer contact with nature.
New openings for 2018 are:
COMO Echo Beach, Bali
February 2018 sees the opening of COMO Echo Beach on the south coast of Bali. With 53 rooms and suites, 66 one-, two-, and three-bedroom private apartments, as well as 12 Penthouses with private pools, this secluded resort will be sleek and contemporary in design. Expect modern Asian architecture and floor-to-ceiling windows facilitating stunning views of the views. COMO’s legendary Shambhala Retreat will have a strong presence, while COMO Beach Club will serve as the hub of the resort serving nutritious cuisine. There will also be an in-house surfing school for those keen to catch the waves away from the Kuta crowds.
Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan
Opening in late 2018, the new Six Senses Fort Barwara will feature 48 suites within a restored 700-year old historical fort once owned by the Rajasthani Royal Family. Retaining a gracious and regal ambience, the design will include the original fort structure, traditional gardens and water features. Amenities will include two restaurants, a bar and lounge, a fitness centre, two swimming pools, a retail boutique and a kids club. The original site of the women’s palace will be converted into a Six Senses Spa offering an extensive Ayurveda programme, meditation and wellness programmes.
Rosewood Luang Prabang, Laos
Rosewood’s first luxury tent and villa encampment will be in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, Laos. Rosewood Luang Prabang is immersed within a thick forested setting with a meandering river and waterfall, guests will have a selection of 22 luxury tents and villas to choose from. The five 100sq metre luxury tents will feature Laotian and French colonial furnishings, interweaving indigenous materials and accents of locally inspired artwork; each will also have a private dining areas and wrap-around decks. There will also be a bar and bistro serving French and Laotian cuisine, and a Rosewood Spa.
Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
Shinta Mani Wild, located along 1.5 kilometres of riverbank, is Cambodia’s newest luxury tented accommodation. Straddling Bokor and Kirirom National Parks, it will feature 16 super-sophisticated spacious tents perched over flowing water, evoking a “Jacky O’ meets Cambodian jungle safari” feel. Enjoy days filled with wildlife excursions, private boat expeditions, and observe conservation efforts in the lush jungle. Fuel up next to the resort’s largest waterfall with sustainable sourced food at the Waterfall Restaurant.
One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda
One&Only’s venture into nature resorts continues with this upcoming opening. Positioned at the foothills of the Virunga Volcano range, guests will be treated to majestic views of Rwandan Hills and the Volcanoes National Park. One&Only Gorilla’s Nest’s bespoke accommodation will honour the location with natural elements woven throughout the resort. There will be a One&Only Spa and fitness centre, and guests will enjoy local African cuisine with ingredients sourced from the resort’s own vegetable garden. The undisputed star activity here will be gorilla tracking, with intense conservation efforts underway to protect these endangered primates.
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing
Mandarin Oriental Qianmen will be one of Beijing’s most intriguing luxury properties providing a rare opportunity to experience luxury living in traditional and authentic Beijing surroundings. A low-lying resort in a traditional hutong quarter close to Tiannanmen Square, guests will reside in charming antique courtyard houses connected by a series of narrow alleyways, labyrinths and corridors. There will be a variety of dining venues within the courtyards including a Chinese restaurant, a traditional tea lounge, a cake shop and a roof terrace. There will also be a Spa at Mandarin Oriental, an indoor swimming pool, and fitness centre.
The Chedi, Montenegro
The Chedi in Lustica Bay is located within Boka Bay’s main marina promenade offering stunning views over the Adriatic Sea, and part of a new development being built on seven million square metres of land. Comprising 110 rooms, the hotel’s design and architectural style will reflect the natural beauty of its surroundings. All rooms will be comfortably furnished in a minimalist style, with simple, modern décor and sophisticated local twists. There will also be two restaurants, a bar, an outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, a spa, fitness centre and a gym.
Fasano Miami
Fasano takes its first step into the US with its much anticipated new development in Miami. The feel will be both relaxed and contemporary, with earthy-tones, woven fabric chairs and creamy hues adding to the atmosphere of sanctuary and seclusion. Guestrooms are thoughtfully designed in the same aesthetic with clean lines, white tones, and modern light wood furniture. The entire three-acre oceanfront complex will also include an iconic lagoon-style pool, a spa, fitness centre, and multiple fine-dining options directed by acclaimed chefs.
Mandarin Oriental Chile
Hotel Santiago is the group’s first property in South America, situated in Las Condes, a commercial and leisure neighbourhood packed with luxury shopping malls, restaurants and museums. Comprising 310 guest rooms, including 23 suites with views over the city and the Andes, the hotel’s 25,000sq metre of grounds contain a large free-form outdoor pool set amongst landscaped gardens, five restaurants and bars, as well as extensive banqueting and meeting space. There is also a spa and fitness centre.
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