1. QUEEN ELIZABETH 2
Mina Rashid, Dubai, UAE
Welcome aboard! The QE2 is an iconic vessel steeped in British heritage, with a storied history spanning almost 50 years. She now continues her legacy as a 13-deck hotel, with 13 dining venues, entertainment and events and even a museum, docked permanently at Dubai’s Mina Rashid.
The ocean liner has been given a new lease of life 10 years after the Arab emirate bought it for $100 million from Cunard Line and boasts an incredible 1,300 rooms, with rates ranging from less than $200 to as much as $15,000 for a top suite.
2. W AMMAN
Amman, Jordan
The fun-filled W brand has debuted in Jordan, adding a splash of colour and merriment in Amman. The 280-key hotel is neatly located in the trendy and up-and-coming Abdali neighbourhood with interiors inspired by Jordanian history and culture, with a playful and energetic twist. Guests will be treated to stunning views of the bustling city’s seven hills running across the Jordanian capital.
The ‘Living Room’ lobby has been designed as a clubhouse for the modern traveller, with a fusion of intimate and open areas, low seating and mood lighting. This is the first collaboration between Marriott International and Eagle Hills Jordan, which will be followed by three more hotel openings across Jordan - The St. Regis Amman, The Westin Saraya Aqaba and Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Saraya Aqaba.
+962 6-510-8888
www.wammanhotel.com
3. RAFFLES EUROPEJSKI WARSAW
Warsaw, Poland
Raffles Europejski Warsaw (also pictured top) takes its place once again at the heart of Poland’s capital – over 160 years since its 19th century heyday. The neo-renaissance palace was built by Enrico Marconi in 1857 and quickly became the city’s creative heart, filled with writers, poets and artists, resonating with the glamour of the period.
The hotel seeks to reflect and champion the creative side of Poland, with stunning contemporary interiors that act as a showcase for the best of modern Polish artworks. The 106 elegant guest rooms and suites are the largest in the city as of the June 1 opening date, with the 293sqm Raffles Suite being a notable highlight, decked out in bespoke furniture and carefully curated art from the Hotel Europejski collection.
+48 22-255-9590
www.raffles.com/warsaw
4. WESTDRIFT MANHATTAN BEACH, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
Los Angeles, USA
It’s a mile from the beach but the new westdrift, just a quick hope from LAX, is infused with coastal vibes, evident across all 393 luxurious guestrooms and suites – 112 of which have private balconies.
Named for the westerly winds that famously swept dunes of sugary sand over the Manhattan Beach boardwalk, westdrift features a breathtaking lobby with a custom Argentine driftwood check-in desk framed by striking wooden columns with metal accents inspired by the nostalgic pier. The hotel also offers a 9-hole, par-3 golf course as well as an outdoor pool flanked by cabanas and a CrossFit-inspired fitness centre.
+1 310-546-7511
www.westdrift.com
5. SAADIYAT ROTANA RESORT AND VILLAS
Abu Dhabi, UAE
A one-of-a-kind, five-star property with modern Arabic architecture and a regal presence, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas has opened its doors, welcoming guests with a vast choice of 327 rooms and four diverse dining options; the signature Turtle Bay Bar & Grill restaurant, Sim Sim all-day dining, Sama Lobby Lounge with stunning sea views, and the refreshing Swim Up Pool Bar.
In the heart of Saadiyat Island, the resort’s location boasts a haven of abundant natural beachfront beauty and wildlife, only a convenient 15-minute drive from the city. Guests will be in good company with regular visitors including Hawksbill Turtles, seahorses, dolphins, dugong and even oryx. You might also see some culture vultures, as the island is also a haven for cultural and heritage experiences, home to world-class museums including the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
NEW DUBAI RESORT OPENING LATER IN 2018:
EMERALD PALACE KEMPINSKI DUBAI
Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Located on the West Crescent of Dubai’s exclusive Palm Jumeirah, the 100,000sqm Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai pays homage to the palaces of 18th century Europe. With 389 rooms and suites, eight world-class restaurants and bars, 3,000sqm Cinq Mondes Spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre and yoga studio, 500-metre private white sand beach and 80-seat private cinema, beach resort provides a gateway into palatial living.
That’s particularly evident when you consider the 389 rooms and suites are divided into eight lavish categories, with the entry level Deluxe Rooms starting at a sizeable 65sqm. The eight world-class restaurants and bars will ensure that Emerald Palace Kempinski becomes a renowned dining destination – most notably thanks to Mix, the first UAE restaurant by world-renowned three Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse.
+971 4-444-2000
www.kempinski.com