1. The St. Regis Red Sea Resort
Ummahat Island, Saudi Arabia
Ahead of its debut in December 2023, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort is now accepting bookings. The hotel is located on a pristine private island, Ummahat Island, which is accessed from Saudi Arabia via chartered boat or seaplane. The area surrounding the resort offers white sandy beaches, lush tropical gardens, and is fringed by a thriving coral reef. 90 spacious beachfront and overwater villas, offer elegant one-to-four-bedroom accommodation, each with a private pool and sundeck. With vistas of the azure water, the interiors of the rooms pay homage to the surrounding natural landscape by drawing inspiration from wind, water and coral elements. The location of the resort will give guests access to explore the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system, untouched islands, dormant volcanos, sweeping desert dunes, mountain canyons and historical cultural sites. Water activities including diving, snorkelling, paddle boarding, and kayaking will all be on offer, ensuring that guests’ make the most of their aquatic surroundings. The resort will also feature five restaurants offering unique culinary concepts, two outdoor pools, a high-tech fitness centre, a signature spa and children’s club. Every stay will be enhanced by the renowned St. Regis Butler service and a curated selection of signature rituals.
2. SO/Uptown Dubai
Dubai, UAE
Making its stylish debut within Dubai’s up-and-coming new smart district, SO/Uptown Dubai brings a slice of avant-garde living, to DMCC’s Uptown Dubai district. An urban resort with a rebellious twist, SO/ Uptown Dubai represents an avant-garde world of design and style, tied closely to art and fashion. Dubai-based architecture studio, Woods Bagot, has ensured that every aspect of the dynamic design – from the kaleidoscopic lobby to the contemporary nuances across the property – are imbued with sophistication. 188 design-led rooms and suites merge a fashion-forward outlook with indulgent elements. Marble bathrooms, rich fabrics, and dark wood finishes are accentuated with eclectic pops of colour and bold graphics with Ain Dubai and the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf offering a scenic backdrop. The resort’s five culinary outlets range from Uptown Brasserie to Asian fusion at The Citronelle Club, to Savant Mixology Bar with scenic views, Celeste’s entertainment-led dining experiences and the laid-back ambiance of Lazuli, the hotel’s signature pool bar. The Uptown Spa by SO/ features industry-leading wellness treatments that represent a new generation of holistic wellbeing. Occupying the top 28 floors of the Uptown Tower are 227 signature branded residences, which include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as duplexes and a spectacular penthouse.
3. The Peninsula London
London, UK
The much-awaited first British outpost of the almost century-year old Peninsula brand is now open. The Peninsula London, located in the heart of Belgravia, is a newly built hotel that embodies the finest British craftmanship and artistry. Designed by Hopkins Architects, the property is set around an expansive courtyard landscaped by celebrated designer Enzo Enea. Guests have access to the hotel’s luxury automotive fleet to arrive at the property in discreet style. Inspired by grand British houses, Peter Marino has designed the 190 rooms and suites to feature bespoke furnishings and artwork that evoke a sense of private residences. The hotel’s six culinary outposts offer options for both casual and refined dining with the signature restaurant, Brooklands, opening early this month. Architects Archer Humphryes has created a dining space which honours British aviation and motorsports with Michelin-starred Chef Director Claude Bosi curating the menu. The property’s quintessentially British aesthetic is the result of exclusive collaborations with some of the country’s most acclaimed talent including designer Jenny Packham, perfumier Timothy Han, and more than 40 artists from The Royal Drawing School. When it opens in November, the spa will offer a diverse array of well-being choices – including a results-driven wellness programme, a fully equipped fitness studio, and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool.
4. Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino
Messenia, Greece
Bringing its legendary hospitality to the Grecian shores for the first time, Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino is now open in sustainably-driven Messenia. Developed in collaboration with TEMES, known for its commitment to sustainability, the team (which includes Tombazis & Associates Architects and K-Studio) has combined creativity and craftsmanship, to maximise the breathtaking views. The bioclimatic design features locally sourced materials and embraces green living concepts, drawing inspiration from local agricultural traditions and cultural heritage. 99 suites and villas boast spacious terraces and private pools respectively, with living spaces echoing the warmth of the Peloponnese. The property’s spa draws upon the group’s oriental traditions combined with the surrounding abundant Greek flora. A 25-metre indoor-outdoor swimming pool, hammam, cold bath, and herbal sauna provide unique detoxifying experiences. The resort’s Fitness Centre encourages active guests to achieve their fitness goals, who will also appreciate the variety of water activities available at the beach club and the 18-hole Bay Course with its stunning coastal views. The hotel offers cultural enthusiasts the opportunity for cultural immersion through expeditions, ranging from olive oil tastings to traditional cooking classes, and visits to local historical sites. The hotel’s five distinct culinary concepts invite guests to explore a diverse array of international dining overseen by Chef Bertrand Valegeas.