1. The Heritage Grand Perast by Rixos
Perast, Montenegro
The Heritage Grand Perast by Rixos in Montenegro marks Accor and Rixos’ first hotel in the country. Housed in a UNESCO World Heritage Site restored 18th-century palace the hotel – one of only 16 preserved palaces – is located in Perast a picturesque coastal town on the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, surrounded by breath-taking views of mountains and crystal-clear waters. Its Baroque architecture is a tribute to the culture and history of the idyllic location it is named after. Opening following two years of painstaking renovation work, the hotel houses 130 modern rooms, including doubles, deluxe doubles, junior suites, a royal suite and duplex suite.
The hotel is home to a diverse range of restaurants and bars, serving a range of à la carte dishes; three seafront terraces including Riva, situated next to the outdoor swimming pool, a spa with 18-metre indoor heated swimming pool, hammam sauna and ice fountain and a private beach club. Via the concierge service, guests will be able to find the best private tours regardless of whether they’re looking for an unusual, guided tour of Montenegro or something a little more adventurous, including Eco Tuk ride around Boka Bay or a hike of Lovcen mountain and National Park.
2. SSH No.03
Karuizawa, Japan
Shishi-Iwa House – an international hospitality brand deeply rooted in Japan – is a collection of intimately crafted retreats, fusing a mastery of contemporary architecture, design, and art with culinary tastemaking and a deep connection with nature. Designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Ryue Nishizawathe, the hotel is a nature mountain retreat, situated in Japan’s popular Karuizawa region. SSH No.03 follows SSH No.01 and SSH No.02, with guests sharing all common facilities. SSH No.03 is comprised of 10 pavilions – a mix of both Western style superior rooms and traditional tatami suites – interconnected by a series of covered walkways and garden courtyards.
Inspired by spacial transparency as well as Ma, the Japanese concept of negative space, rooms feature minimal furnishings and embellishments, allowing natural light to stream in. A bathhouse and tea house also serve to complement the Ma experience envisioned by the architect. In the surrounding, forest guests can enjoy forest bathing, hikes and waterfall trails, art and architecture tours, and farm excursions. SSH No.03 also offers massages, yoga and meditation sessions.
3. Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel
Dublin, Ireland
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has debuted in Ireland with the opening of Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel. The contemporary and architecturally impressive building is located in the heart of the Docklands, a stylish and innovative part of the city that is home to some of the world’s most famous names in tech. Previously known as The Marker, a significant renovation has now been completed with a multi-million Euro upgrade. The 187 renovated modern guest rooms are spread over six floors and bathed in natural light with views of the waterfront.
The hotel’s new destination restaurant, Forbes Street by Gareth Mullins, serves contemporary cuisine with a unique Irish twist, using locally sourced ingredients. An award-winning Anantara Spa will proffer a series of healing and restorative rituals inspired by Irish folklore in a luxurious setting too. The hotel also offers bespoke sporting, cultural, and historical experiences to showcase the best of Irish hospitality, such as wild swimming in the famous 40ft seaside swimming spot, horse racing with a leading horse trainer, and a night of storytelling with a traditional seanachai (Gaelic for ‘storyteller’).
4. JW Marriott Goa
Goa, India
JW Marriott has made its debut in Goa, India, with the opening of JW Marriott Goa. Set in an unparalleled location along the golden Goan coastline, the hotel is close to landmark attractions, historic forts, churches, and pristine beaches. Inspired by the rich culture and traditions of Goa, the 151 rooms reflect the tranquility and beauty of their surroundings, with an architectural narrative featuring local artifacts such as wooden paneling, mother-of-pearl detailing, intricate glassware chandeliers and water fountains. Four inviting dining venues range from all-day dining to a French-style lobby bar, a sky-dining bar and café and an Asian fine dining restaurant.
Many of the seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs featured on the menus are grown in the hotel’s signature JW Garden, so flavour is everything. For guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the hotel offers holistic treatments at the spa which features Goa’s first and only Turkish and Moroccan hammams. The hotel’s modern gym houses the latest cardio and weight equipment, and a stunning outdoor infinity pool, with poolside cabanas, invites guests to enjoy an afternoon under the Indian sky. The Family by JW program offers an entertainment centre with VR games, a bowling alley and a children’s play area for quality family time together.