1. Raffles Boston
Boston, USA
Bringing the legendary Raffles brand into the Americas, Raffles Boston is now open. The 35-storey, 147-room hotel is located in the heart of the city’s Back Bay. Design firm Stonehill Taylor has taken cues from the city’s Emerald Necklace and Raffles Boston’s historic cultural surroundings, carrying botanical influences throughout the property, emphasising art and sculptural design and choosing materials and patterns that play off Boston’s iconic history and architecture.
A three-storey Sky Lobby across the 17th, 18th and 19th floors is more than just a place to check in for a hotel stay; it connects residents and guests with a diversity of spaces and features the Raffles Writer’s Lounge, a signature Raffles space made famous for the esteemed writers and poets who have frequented the brand’s properties. Dining experiences include Amar by Chef George Mendes, the signature restaurant serving modern Portuguese cuisine with influences from Boston’s seafaring culture, the Long Bar & Terrace, a Paolo Ferrari-designed lounge pairing cocktails with sweeping views of the South End, and a Speakeasy offering specially crafted cocktails and small bites. Amenities include in an exclusive state-of-the-art gym, a 20-metre indoor pool with expansive city views, and the prestigious Guerlain Spa.
2. METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella
Estepona, Spain
METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella, the first European lifestyle resort operated by Dubai-based Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), is now welcoming its first guests. Nestled in a high-end neighbourhood between Marbella and Estepona on the glistening Costa del Sol coastline, the resort follows the success of its Turkish counterpart. The property is primed to meet the desires of an evolving demographic of travellers who enjoy modern minimalism and easy living. The contemporary yet charming Andalucian property has 249 rooms and suites, each with spectacular views of the pool, sea or garden.
The hotel’s three dining venues are international award-winning brands, including the stunning Azure Beach Club which invites guests to kick back by the infinity pool and groove to a Balearic soundtrack while enjoying exotic cocktails, and Pan-Asian cuisine. The Marbella outpost of the popular Ammos Greek Restaurant offers Aegean coastal vibes and a nod to the rich culture of the Greek isles. Isola Ristorante is a contemporary Italian gastronomic experience consisting of home-made pasta, pizza and Italian favourites. Guests can also unwind at the poolside Bar De Lota with traditional Spanish tapas and delicious drinks. The fitness centre and soon-to-open spa will appeal to the wellness-focused travellers of today.
3. W Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Located in a dramatic curved structure rising over Darling Harbour, the opening of W Sydney brings new energy and a modern take on luxury to the city and harbour waterfront. Designed by acclaimed Australian architectural firm, Hassell, W Sydney rises above the roadways to hug Darling Harbour. Interiors by London-based Bowler James Brindley, showcase the authenticity of the city across the 588 marine-inspired rooms, 162 suites and public spaces. At the heart of the hotel’s design story is ‘the larrikin’, a quintessentially spirited Australian character. The FIT Gym with Technogym equipment will appeal to fitness enthusiasts with the chance to relax post-workout at the 30-metre open-air infinity pool showcasing a giant jellyfish tile motif.
At the AWAY Spa guests can enjoy treatments across the five treatment rooms and unique circular pods. Electrifying the city’s culinary scene, W Sydney brings four new dining and bar venues. BTWN weaves the iconography of night food markets into its spaces, coming alive with 2AM: dessert bar, a late-night hotspot created alongside Singaporean dessert guru Janice Wong. Living Room’s menus embrace the hotel’s location on the edge of Asia town. At 29/30, the two-level bar offers uninterrupted harbour views, the WET Deck pool bar evokes an underwater and Level 30 offers elevated cocktails with the décor of a super yacht.
4. SO/ Maldives
Kaafu Atoll Maldives
The sartorially-rooted retreat, SO/ Maldives is now welcoming guests to enjoy its pristine private island location on the Emboodhoo Lagoon. A quick 15-minute boat ride away from Malé, the resort harmoniously blends accessibility with exquisite privacy. Playful artwork and contemporary architecture are prevalent across the 80 beach and ocean villas which all come with private pools. Created in collaboration with leading artists and fashion designers, the villas are suited to everyone from young families and couples to groups of friends seeking sartorial experiences in this covetable locale. A complete antithesis of the staid all-day dining buffet, the hotel has three distinct dining options, each with its own unique food-driven concept.
The Citronelle Club is inspired by the flavours of Asia; Hadaba features slow-cooked dishes and smoked delicacies, using local produce; and guests looking for a more laid-back vibe can head to Lazuli, a hybrid beach bar and lounge which plays host to DJs and live music programming. The hotel’s Wellness Camp features specialist treatment rooms alongside a hammam, steam rooms and a full-fitted gym, while those looking for a more organic workout can head to the watersports centre located on the beach. For families, there is a Kids Club and teens have their own dedicated space.