Jetset in Style: Six Chic New Hotel Openings in Top Global Destinations
Jetset in Style: Six Chic New Hotel Openings in Top Global Destinations - The Ritz-Carlton Opens Stunning New Property in Malaysia's Langkawi Islands
The island paradise of Langkawi just became even more of a must-visit destination with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi. Nestled along a private cove, this lush new property transports guests to an utterly luxurious tropical escape. From the moment you arrive, you'll be awestruck by the resort's natural beauty and flawless service.
The Ritz-Carlton has crafted a sublime tropical hideaway tailor-made for total relaxation. Each of the hotel's 175 guestrooms, suites and villas comes with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the Andaman Sea or the ancient rainforest. Interiors are inspired by traditional kampung village homes with pitched roofs, creating an authentic local vibe. From oversized soaking tubs to indoor and outdoor showers, the rooms provide indulgent spaces to unwind after a day on the beach.
Dining is a highlight at the resort. Choose from six restaurants and bars, each with its own distinct concept and design. Tangerine offers refined global cuisine in a sophisticated yet convivial ambiance. The Lighthouse rooftop bar comes alive each evening with cocktails, tapas and stellar sunset views. And for an intimate romantic dinner, Teratai is set on a secluded jetty surrounded by water.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa takes pampering to new heights with treatments based on ancient healing traditions. There's also a comprehensive fitness center and yoga studio. Families can enjoy the kids and teens clubs, infinity pool and waterslide. Outdoor activities range from kayaking and snorkeling to jungle hikes and mangrove tours.
According to recent guests, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi exceeds expectations with its breathtaking setting, understated luxury and impeccable service. Travelers say the resort makes them feel like royalty from the moment they arrive. The grounds and common areas invite relaxation amidst gorgeous vistas. Rooms are beautifully appointed with high-end amenities and special touches. Staff go above and beyond to make guests comfortable. Overall, The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi is now considered one of the top places to stay in Malaysia.
Jetset in Style: Six Chic New Hotel Openings in Top Global Destinations - Mandarin Oriental Debuts Ultra-Luxe Retreat in Moscow
Russia's largest city just gained an alluring new jewel with the opening of the Mandarin Oriental Moscow. Located steps from historic Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre, the hotel blends 19th century Russian splendor with the legendary hospitality of Mandarin Oriental.
Designed by renowned Turkish architect Emre Arolat, the property occupies a former aristocratic residence dating back to 1880. The original building's striking façade remains, while interiors were fully reimagined for contemporary luxury. Guests can expect a quintessentially Mandarin Oriental experience - understated elegance, intuitive service and cultural authenticity.
The hotel's 257 rooms and suites are among the largest in Moscow. They feature the brand's signature design accents like walk-in closets, spa-like bathrooms and plenty of natural light. For the ultimate indulgence, book the three-bedroom Oriental or Riviera Penthouse with panoramic city views. An art collection curated with Moscow's Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts adds distinctive local flair.
Dining venues highlight both Russian and international flavors. A Tavro offers refined Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. Dr. Zhivago serves lavish caviar alongside contemporary takes on Russian classics. And for East-meets-West fare, there's Mandarin Oriental's signature MO Lounge. The Riviera Lobby Bar, with its stained glass ceiling and cozy fireplace, invites lingering over classic cocktails.
The expansive spa journeys through Moscow's fascinating history via treatments spanning medieval apothecary rituals to Soviet-era bathing traditions. There's also a dazzling 20-meter pool, vitality pool, ice fountain and Zen-like relaxation areas. Personalized one-on-one fitness sessions mean no crowded gyms.
Jetset in Style: Six Chic New Hotel Openings in Top Global Destinations - Rosewood Brings Sophisticated Style to Vienna
The fabled Austrian capital has welcomed an exquisite new hotel that's sure to delight seasoned travelers. Rosewood Vienna, situated in a heritage building overlooking Stadtpark, brings the brand's signature residential-style luxury to this historic city. Blending Viennese heritage with contemporary aesthetics, the property captures the city's storied past while heralding its cosmopolitan future.
According to recent guests, Rosewood Vienna's prime location can't be beat. Set on Petersplatz square, the hotel enjoys easy walking access to the city center, the Vienna State Opera, Musikverein concert hall and Ringstrasse. Additionally, an on-site park provides a peaceful urban oasis. Inside, the hotel flawlessly balances preservation and modernization. Historic architectural details were maintained during renovations, from inlaid marble floors to decorative moldings. Guest rooms feature bespoke furniture that fuses traditional elegance with subtle modern accents.
The common spaces shine as well, evoking Viennese intellectual salons of the early 20th century. Both Aspern and Stadtpark restaurants serve seasonal Austrian cuisine alongside wines from local small producers. And the gilded Karl Lueger bar harkens back to Vienna’s turn-of-the-century café culture. According to travel insiders, it's the ideal spot to enjoy a Melange coffee or regional craft beer.
Rosewood Vienna also excels at wellness offerings. Sensai Select Spa provides indulgent treatments within a sleek, minimalist sanctuary. There’s an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. But it's the staff that truly makes Rosewood Vienna exceptional. The hotel has perfected the balance of friendly yet unobtrusive service. From avid recommendations on local happenings to procuring hard-to-score opera tickets, the concierge team takes care of every need.
Jetset in Style: Six Chic New Hotel Openings in Top Global Destinations - Four Seasons Unveils First Resort in Napa Valley Wine Country
Napa Valley has long been a choice destination for oenophiles and foodies seeking world-class wines and farm-to-table cuisine. Now the region has gained an ultra-luxury retreat from iconic hospitality brand Four Seasons. The new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley opened its doors in October 2022, marking the company's first foray into California's acclaimed wine country.
Set amidst a working vineyard in the charming town of Calistoga, the resort aims to blend seamlessly into the bucolic landscape. Low-slung accommodations are scattered amid olive groves and landscaped grounds designed by landscape architect Todd A. Cole. Interiors by San Francisco-based BAMO reference Napa Valley's agrarian heritage with reclaimed wood, stone walls and textural fabrics in autumnal hues.
For Four Seasons' signature residential feel, the 85 rooms and suites feature separate living areas and private patios overlooking the vineyard and mountains. Should you require more space, one-, two- and three-bedroom residences come with full kitchens and fireplaces for an intimate 'home away from home'. Guests also have access to a private vineyard and wine cave, allowing for full immersion into wine country living.
Dining venues champion hyper-local, seasonal California ingredients. Famed chef Erik Anderson of Santa Monica's Raya helms the resort's signature TRUSS Restaurant + Bar. Dishes like butter-poached local rockfish and dry-aged beef carpaccio perfectly showcase the region's exceptional produce. The on-site Backyard Bar & BBQ captures the laidback essence of wine country gatherings. Outdoor fire pits encourage lingering into the starry evenings with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wellness reigns supreme at the LEED Gold-certified spa set amid olive groves. Treatments incorporate estate-grown botanicals along with Napa Valley mud baths and red wine antioxidant therapies. There's also a stunning rooftop pool, state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio offering vineyard views.
While seclusion and relaxation may be the goal for some, the resort also provides easy access to Napa Valley's plethora of wineries and restaurants. The concierge can arrange private tours, tastings and al fresco lunches at celebrated estates like Castello di Amorosa, Far Niente and Opus One. Guests can also partake in hot air balloon rides, cycling through picturesque vineyards or hiking on nearby Mount St. Helena.
Jetset in Style: Six Chic New Hotel Openings in Top Global Destinations - Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai - A Sparkling Jewel on the Bund
Shanghai has no shortage of luxurious hotels, but none sparkle quite like the Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai. As the first Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts property in Mainland China, this glittering gem sets a new standard for indulgence along the iconic Bund waterfront.
Upon arrival, you’ll instantly be struck by the property’s magnificent neoclassical façade overlooking the Huangpu River. Step inside the elegant lobby, accented with intricate Italian marble mosasels, and prepare to be dazzled. Bvlgari’s signature motif of curved lines and brilliant colors creates an atmosphere of contemporary extravagance.
Guest rooms fuse Florentine luxury with traditional Chinese aesthetics. Handcrafted furniture, silk wall coverings and lacquered screens are perfectly juxtaposed with modern luxuries like infinity rain showers and Bang & Olufsen televisions. For the ultimate splurge, book the Bvlgari Suite with its two bedrooms, media room and over 2,500 square feet of pure opulence.
Yet the true magnificence of Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai lies in the finer details that intuit your needs even before you realize them yourself. The staff have service down to an artform, providing seamless experiences without a hint of pretension. From the flawless housekeeping to bartenders who seem to read your mind, Bvlgari perfects personalized luxury.
The hotel also triumphs when it comes to dining. Bvlgari brings its signature Italian restaurant, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, to China, serving progressive Mediterranean fare crafted by the Michelin star chef. For East-meets-West flavors, the VOY restaurant blends Chinese ingredients with French techniques and presentation. Or enjoy an al fresco lunch at the Chini Bar overlooking the ever-changing vistas of the Bund.
Leisure facilities further elevate the opulence factor. The subterranean Bvlgari SPA transports guests to a soothing aquatic sanctuary with vitality pools, experiential showers, and exclusive La Mer treatments. Up on the 8th floor, an indoor pool shimmers under the Shanghai city skyline. Fitness fiends will appreciate the state-of-the-art gym with personal training and yoga.
Jetset in Style: Six Chic New Hotel Openings in Top Global Destinations - Raffles Istanbul - Palatial Elegance in the Heart of the City
The storied Raffles brand has debuted its first property in Turkey, bringing its legendary luxury to the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Raffles Istanbul captivates guests with an enchanting blend of Ottoman grandeur and contemporary refinement in the heart of the city.
According to recent travelers, the neo-Renaissance style 19th century building housing the hotel is nothing short of palatial. Design highlights pay homage to its rich history, like the two-story columned atrium with inlaid marble floors. Intricate ironwork balconies and a monumental staircase speak to the building's Belle Époque origins.
Yet inside the rooms, Raffles' has implemented a smooth melding of heritage and modernity. Handcrafted furnishings in calming neutral tones contrast beautifully with heated floors, rainfall showers and views of the Bosphorus River or Hagia Sophia. Witnessing sunset's soft pink glow behind the iconic basilica from your balcony promises to be an unforgettable moment.
That sense of place runs strong throughout Raffles Istanbul in delightful details. The staff don Ottoman-inspired uniforms designed by Turkish fashion icon Dice Kayek. An artistic staircase mural depicts a fantastical tree bearing objects symbolic to Turkish culture. Raffles Patisserie offers enticing local sweets like baklava alongside European delicacies.
The culinary experience excels at every turn. Isokyo brings Michelin-starred chef Orhan Erdek's artful Japanese sharing plates to an airy and elegant space. La Sala whisks you back to 1940s Istanbul through cuisine, music and decor. And the Long Bar pays homage to the birthplace of the legendary Singapore Sling cocktail (as the first spot outside Singapore granted rights to make it).
For quintessential Turkish hamam rituals, the two-story spa journeys through Anatolian bathing traditions. There's also a glass-roofed pool, jacuzzis, sauna, steam room and Technogym fitness center. Suite guests gain access to a private lounge offering complimentary bites, drinks and panoramic views throughout the day.
While the hotel shines as a blissful urban sanctuary, its central location allows easy exploration of Istanbul's cultural treasures. Sitting where historic Beşiktaş district meets lively Nişantaşı, the hotel offers walking proximity to top attractions like Dolmabahçe Palace, the Byzantine Chora Church and Taksim Square. For personalized recommendations and reservations, the Raffles team has you covered.
Jetset in Style: Six Chic New Hotel Openings in Top Global Destinations - One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos Undergoes Major Redesign
Nestled along the shores of the Sea of Cortez in sunny Los Cabos, One&Only Palmilla has long been considered one of the world's most coveted luxury beach retreats. Now following an extensive multi-year renovation, this iconic resort is ready to astound a new generation of discerning travelers.
One&Only tapped renowned Mexican architect Alberto Agraz to lead the ambitious revamp, which leaves no stone unturned across this sprawling 171-acre property. All of the resort's 120 guest rooms, suites and villas undergo a full interior redesign. Interiors now feel brighter and more spacious with neutral earth tones, artisanal textiles and contemporary furnishings with clean lines. Private terraces gain ultra-luxe enhancements like fire pits and personal plunge pools overlooking the sea in select categories.
Even Palmilla's three legendary Presidential Suites receive makeovers for the modern luxury age. Imagine curated art collections, private gyms, media rooms and butler’s kitchens, all bathed in ocean panoramas through floor-to-ceiling windows. Pelicanos Ocean Club also transforms with a breezy yet sophisticated aesthetic full of whitewashed woods, rope accents and palm-frond ceiling details. The family-friendly Beach Club gains more pools, cabanas and a redesigned restaurant with locally sourced Baja cuisine.
But one of the most significant shifts comes at Agua by Larbi. The resort's signature fine dining venue moves to a stunning new cliffside location. Chef Larbi Dahrouch’s cutting-edge tasting menus now pair seamlessly with spellbinding views of crashing Pacific waves. Travelers say the innovative dishes and cocktails make Agua an exhilarating epicurean experience. Other culinary highlights include seafood-focused La Fonda, stunning poolside seating at La Palapa and one of Cabo’s top sushi bars at SEARED.
While tempted to simply bliss out in one of the seaside cabanas with pool and beach attendants catering to your every whim, Palmilla offers endless activities for pent-up wanderlusters. Arrange a private yacht charter to cruise the cobalt Sea of Cortez and secluded beach coves. Tee off at the picturesque 27-hole Palmilla Golf Club, consistently ranked among the best in Latin America. Or tap into your zen at the 27,000 square foot spa, specializing in indigenous healing and natural Baja ingredients. Guests also rave about the resort’s excellent kids and teens clubs.
Jetset in Style: Six Chic New Hotel Openings in Top Global Destinations - Sensei Lanai Opens Wellness Retreat with Stunning Hawaiian Views
Nestled along the shimmering shores of Lanai, Sensei Retreat recently opened as the first wellness enclave from luxury hotel brand Auberge. As Hawaii's smallest inhabited island, Lanai offers an ultra-secluded setting to unplug and reconnect with nature, yourself and loved ones.
Upon arrival by private plane, you'll immediately ease into island time upon seeing the relaxed luxury of Sensei Lanai. The retreat's design draws inspiration from traditional Hawaiian healing practices utilizing natural elements of wind, water and fire. Tranquil neutrals and natural materials like stone, wood and woven fibers promote harmony with the peaceful surroundings.
Your personal guest assistant helps tailor every moment of your stay around your wellness goals and desired level of activity. Rise each morning to salutations from the sunrise yoga deck overlooking Hulopoe Bay's crystalline waters. Or tee off on Lanai's acclaimed golf course, repeatedly named one of Hawaii's best. Of course, plenty of indulgences remain like farm-to-table cuisine and spa journeys based on ancient Hawaiian healing traditions utilizing local botanicals and warm pohaku stones.
Accommodations further the connection between indoors and out with floor-to-ceiling windows framing inspiring vistas. The backdrop evolves throughout the day from cotton candy skies at sunrise to rich sunsets fading behind the jagged cliffs of Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock). While lounging on your private patio surrounded by lush gardens or soaking in your deep stone tub, it's easy to feel at one with nature.
Many recent visitors say the most transformative aspect of Sensei Lanai comes through interaction with the land and learning ancestral practices. Guides lead outings to secluded beaches for snorkeling among green sea turtles. Join early canoeing adventures to discover hidden sea caves and inlets while watching for humpback whales cresting offshore. Ancient Hawaiian fishing and farming techniques initiate you into a traditional lifestyle in harmony with the aina (land).