We are extremely picky with hotels we select to curate here at TravelPlusStyle.com, so you can be sure that the new hotels we select are the absolute top-of-the-league trendsetters in contemporary luxury travel. Coupled with the hottest locations, they are sure to satisfy even the most demanding sybarites. From the Maldives to Oman and from Paris to Botswana, the hotels we picked this year are the trendsetters in contemporary luxury as much as they reflect the hottest destinations.
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“COMO Cocoa has the atmosphere of a tiny uninhabited island, where ‘worry’ is not in the dictionary. All you need to remember is to pack the swimsuit… and maybe a couple of books.” — from our review of COMO Cocoa Island.
This is the first luxury resort given the license to open in the pristine Thaa Atoll, in the southwest of Maldives. Combining a wild island setting with luxury villas, COMO Maalifushi entices with peaceful ambiance and pared-down looks. It’s a lovely remote destination island, especially for couples who are after some peace and quiet, looking to escape it all.
UPDATE: We have since visited and stayed at COMO Maalifushi.
Read our review of COMO Maalifushi here.
Alternatively, book COMO Cocoa Island via Expedia | Agoda | Mr & Mrs Smith | Como Hotels and Resorts or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos (including the leading image) © COMO Hotels
Aman Resorts are known for sophisticated destination hotels, situated in remote and tranquil locations, and focused on privacy, exclusivity, serenity, and impeccable personal service. Almost all these qualities are present at Aman Tokyo, but this is a city hotel and a departure for what was traditionally a beach resort brand. Occupying the top six floors of Otemachi Tower, and facing the Imperial Palace Gardens, Aman Tokyo has eighty-four rooms and suites, each with panoramic city views. The hotel’s centerpiece is its reception hall, rising six floors through the center of the building and distinguished by a majestic architectural feature resembling the interior of a Japanese paper lantern.
See more: Aman Launches a City Resort in Tokyo
Alternatively, book Aman Tokyo via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Aman Resorts
The best five-star hotels in Paris
Transformed from a 1908 hotel into a luxury jewel in the prestigious arrondissement of Paris, The Peninsula Paris stands among the city’s elite Palace-grade hotels. Housed in a a meticulously restored Haussmannian building, the hotel is defined by airy, refined public spaces, and a soft cream color scheme. Original wood features and intricate stonework, are complemented by opulent touches of gold leaf, totaling an impressive 40,000 pieces. The hotel has five dining venues on-site, including LiLi serving Cantonese cuisine, L’Oiseau Blanc offering French dishes with an aviation theme on its sixth floor, and Le Bar Kleber with its alluring ambiance set against original 1908 oak paneling and terrace views. The 200 rooms and suites have been meticulously designed to prioritize comfort, each exuding a serene sense of modernity with crisp linens and luxurious marble bathrooms.
Alternatively, book The Peninsula Paris via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © The Peninsula Hotels
Sandibe Okavango lodge has relaunched after a thorough reimagination and overhaul, as part of the multi-million investment into &Beyond’s luxury safari camps and lodges across Africa. Uncluttered and elegant, the design of the lodge celebrates Botswana craft and refined elegance. The lodge is raised above their surroundings, and their suites overlook the rich in animal life landscape of Okavango delta.
Alternatively, book andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge via
Kiwi Collection or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © &Beyond
With the ratio of staff to guests almost 1:1, Mandarin Oriental offers refined luxury on the glittering coastline of Bodrum’s tranquil Paradise Bay. The resort is spread over nearly 150 acres on a wooded hillside, descending to two private beaches. The range of facilities includes restaurants, a fabulous spa, and a choice of stylish rooms, suites, and villas. The interiors are luxurious and sleek, laid with teak and marble, and are elegantly furnished.
Alternatively, book Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum via
Mandarin Oriental | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited
The most recent unveiling of this glamorous Parisian hotel followed a 200 million euro expansion and renovation. Opened with 208 rooms, a Christian Dior-appointed spa, five restaurants run by a Michelin-starred chef, and an air of exclusivity, the Hôtel Plaza Athénée embraces opulence, playfulness and ostentatious luxury. This fabulous hotel enjoys one of the most iconic views of Paris and earned fame as a location in fashion-themed films such as Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada.
Alternatively, book Hôtel Plaza Athénée – Dorchester Collection via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © © Dorchester Collection
We’ve been to Oman’s Hajar Mountains and can attest: these landscapes are breathtaking. Positioned atop a cliff that drops hundreds of meters into a dramatic gorge, with stunning views of the mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar uses the spectacular beauty of this region to the greatest advantage. Only some two-hour drive from Muscat, the resort is ideally placed for exploring the region.
UPDATE: Read our review of Alila Jabal Akhdar here.
Alternatively, book Alila Jabal Akhdar via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Alila Hotels and Resorts
Fizzing with original art, quirky furniture, and playful ideas, the Artist Residence London is a small boutique hotel with only ten guest rooms, located on a peaceful side street of Pimlico. Vibrant and fun, the hotel offers retro-inspired rooms for a comfortable stay. Its original atmosphere and style is defined by a tasteful mix of velvet armchairs, milking-stools, antler chandeliers, Smeg fridges, and smile-inducing prints.
See also: The Best Luxury Boutique Hotels in London.
Alternatively, book Artist Residence London via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Artist Residence Ltd
In recent years Sri Lanka blossomed into one of the hottest destinations for luxury travel, and new luxury resorts and hotels began to appear all over the island. Among the best ones is Cape Weligama. Perched on a stunning oceanfront cliff just 30 minutes outside of Galle, this gorgeous, boutique-style retreat is an all-in-one destination resort, with excellent facilities and superb spots for relaxing. The fabulous crescent-shaped swimming pool positioned on top of the cliff and just above the gym and bar is the hotel’s most iconic feature.
UPDATE: Read our review of Cape Weligama here.
Alternatively, book Cape Weligama via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Resplendent Ceylon Ltd
Luxury in the cradle of the Renaissance
Situated along the water, yet away from the tourist crowds, Portrait Firenze offers a slick, stylish retreat with a touch of Florentine elegance. This luxurious, all-suite property features contemporary Italian design, utilizing high-quality materials like dark woods, light metals, and hand-crafted pieces from Ferragamo. Each suite boasts modern amenities and expansive living spaces, some with fireplaces and plush couches. The top accommodation, Portrait Penthouse Floor can accommodate up to 10 guests. Owned by the Ferragamo family, the hotel prides itself on white glove service and seamless, personalized experiences. Guests can enjoy perks like access to an exclusive rowing club, guided city tours by butlers, and private chefs for in-suite dinners. For an unparalleled view of Florence, upgrade to a suite with a private terrace.
Alternatively, book Portrait Firenze via
Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Lungarno Collection
Let’s supplement the above 10 Hottest Hotel Openings of 2014 with the list of new hotels and resorts that are worth at least a mention, even if they didn’t quite make it to the list proper.
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 01/07/2025
Luxury in the cradle of the Renaissance
