The New York EDITION

“People are changing. New York is Changing. Luxury is changing…” Words inked by the team at The New York EDITION, a hotel that is claiming to evoke a new era of luxury. So how does that actually work? By breaking down the idea of modern luxury, Ian Schrager and Marriott International have determined this isn’t an oxymoron – and there is a luxury in simplicity. Not unlike The London EDITION, the hotel has been given a modern twist and punk touches to the likes of a traditional, aristocratic English country estate, or even the quintessential London private gentleman’s club, offering a similar fusion of old and new. The 273-room hotel also welcomes a Jason Atherton restaurant, as well as two bars and a billiards room.

Fairmont Ajman

The UAE’s tranquil Northern Emirates have put another foot toward luxury travel. The 252-room Fairmont Ajman opened last month on the shore of the Gulf, flanked by 200 metres of beach, just a short drive from Dubai International Airport. The 14-storey property boasts two-floor light-filled penthouses, dressed in a palette of pearl silvers and neutral tones and, of course, panoramic views. Three years in the making, the hotel arrived with a large infinity pool, children’s activity area, and a spa and fitness centre. When it comes to dining, seven restaurants and lounges are available to guests and visitors, the most exciting of which is international venue Spectrum- based on its dynamic Dubai counterpart.

Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel

The Excelsior Hotel Gallia has been restored to its former glory, thanks to a little help from Qatar-based Katara Hospitality. The property opened its doors last month, revealing the original splendour of the Milanese landmark, formerly known as “Palace Gallia”. The Luxury Collection stunning hotel offers a prime location in the heart of the emerging Porta Nuova district and arrived in tandem with the annual design fair, Salone de Mobile, and the recent launch of EXPO Milano 2015. Following the renovation, Excelsior Hotel Gallia now offers 235 guest rooms, fitted by Cassina. This includes 53 suites and the foremost 1,000 square-metre Katara Suite – with two terraces, four bedrooms and a private spa.

Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen

The beloved Riviera Maya beach resort has been revolutionised with the addition of the new Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. The property vows to offer a more flexible approach to travellers a unique and extremely contemporary design concept that is entwined with nature and flavoured with local Mayan-inspired touches such as the Cenotes – the natural swimming holes in the spa. Another standout feature is the collection of Air Suites that appear to float over ancient mangrove forests on the ocean’s edge. The locale is also a draw, given the hotel is set on the sandy white Mamitas Beach, facing the pristine turquoise waters of the Caribbean, just minutes from the bustling La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue).