1. Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa
Az Zallq, Bahrain
Invoking a sense of well-being and inspiration, Jumeirah’s new retreat in Bahrain sits on the unexplored beaches of the West Coast. A secluded oasis away from busy city life, the property offers incredible ocean views, lush greenery, and meandering waterways. Guests looking to disconnect can stay in one of the resort’s 196 modern, spacious rooms and suites, or enjoy the privacy of its exclusive 11-bedroom Gulf Summer House, located directly on the beach.
A peaceful design aesthetic draws on the Arabian Gulf, with rich blue tones and iridescent mother of pearl paying homage to Bahrain’s reputation as the Island of Pearls. Every occasion is catered for across the resort’s eight signature dining concepts, from unique family-style dining to a relaxed poolside eaterie focusing on local ingredients to deliver an authentic Bahraini experience. The epicentre of relaxation is Jumeirah’s award-winning Talise Spa with its range of therapeutic treatments. Children’s edutainment is on tap at the Kids Club, the 36-seater cinema, or at the family pool with slide. Bahrain’s heritage can be experienced on an Abra canal tour, excursions to Qal’at Al Bahrain Fort, or a visit to the royal houses of Muharraq Island.
2. Banyan Tree AlUla
AlUla, Saudi Arabia
The CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla outlined how the historical city was being groomed to receive two million visitors by 2035, putting hotel expansion in the area at an all-time high. Luxury brands want to construct properties which sustain the landscape, positively impact local communities and honour the ancient culture of Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This mantra is echoed by Banyan Tree AlUla. French design agency AW² has taken inspiration from the nomadic Nabatean culture for the Bedouin-style canvas villas in the Ashar Valley.
The area known as the world’s largest living museum is a short flight from both Riyadh and Jeddah. Banyan Tree has transformed the former Ashar Resort with the addition of 47 new high-end tented suites and 35 renovated suites. Ancient atmosphere meets modern amenities in the sandy-toned villas decorated with authentic handcrafts reflecting AlUla’s heritage. The largest villa with three bedrooms is spread over 240 sqm with a 10-seater dining table, opening into a wide terrace that overlooks a private pool. The resort also features a rock pool, a Banyan Tree spa, and two restaurants, AlBan and Saffron. From stargazing to discovering geological marvels, taking in local art and opportunities for adventure, the resort will offer guests a real chance at exploration and cultural immersion.
3. Grand Hyatt Kuwait
Zahra, Kuwait
Swinging open its doors earlier this month, the Grand Hyatt opened its flagship hotel in the country. The 302-key property embodies a narrative of exploration and opulence reflective of the nation’s sailing and pearl diving legacies. Elegant interiors designed by New York-based Meyer Davis take inspiration from the sea, dhows, and mashrabiya pattern through a contemporary lens. The elegantly designed rooms feature wooden parquet flooring, large-scale contemporary artwork, marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and thoughtfully planned dressing spaces.
As a leading culinary destination in the Middle East, there are four dining outlets across the property: Liberté, a modern brasserie rooted in classicism; Stambul, a Turkish lifestyle-dining venue; MEI LE, a fine-dining Chinese restaurant, and Saheel Lounge, a casual lobby lounge. The hotel is connected to 360 Mall offering guests easy access to an array of luxury retail and fine dining options. The hotel’s desirable location also boasts proximity to Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy Kuwait, as well as the brand new multipurpose indoor The Arena Kuwait. After days spent exploring, guests can relinquish themselves to Noor spa, with its rejuvenating therapies and treatments, and tranquil indoor pool, all serving as perfect urban respite.
4. Zambezi River Resort
Lower Zambezi, Zambia
The newly opened Zambezi Grande is a luxurious, family-owned safari lodge, situated on the banks of the Zambezi River. Minutes from the Lower Zambezi National Park it is the ideal destination for those seeking a five-star escape with unfenced nature, adventure and opulence. The boutique 10-room lodge offers two room categories: Luxury Rooms and Exclusive Suites, each providing privacy and unobstructed views of the Zambian wilderness. Reimagined by Michelle Throssell Interiors, the lodge, which was previously a Cape Dutch-style homestead, has undergone a sophisticated redesign drawing inspiration from its verdant landscape. Much of Zambezi Grande’s furniture is custom-designed by South African artisans and decorative accents are locally sourced.
Each room comes complete with a handmade drinks cabinet, curated individually for each guest and stocked with a variety of South Africa’s finest wines, local Zambian gin, and fresh juices. Meals made in-house support the local farming communities by celebrating seasonal flavors with a sustainable approach. While classic game drives and walking safaris are on offer, Zambezi Grande is known for its river safaris, offering guests a unique experience to encounter wildlife lingering on the banks in their natural habitat.