The best new luxury hotels opening this year

There’s a lot to love about travel, but arguably one of the most exciting aspects is its frequent evolution, from restaurants to bars and more. New hotels and resort openings too allow you to discover classic destinations – or emerging ones – in fresh, unforgettable ways. 

With that in mind, these are some of the top luxury hotels opening in 2023, from low-key island hangouts to show-stopping architectural marvels openings in the world’s most iconic cities.

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya – Mexico

Opening: August 3, 2023

Nestled between 200 acres of lush jungle and the sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Maroma, A Belmond Hotel has long been adored by the jetset elite. After a significant glow-up, which saw a top-to-bottom reimagining of the hotel, it’s back and better than ever.

Beachside restaurant 'Woodend' from Curtis Stone is sure to be a popular hangout.

Mayan culture now reaches to the core of the experience, with each of its 72 rooms and suites (including 10 new waterfront suites) now delivering a stronger sense of place through art and textiles.

Each room would look right at home in the pages of Vogue.

A fresh gastronomic experience from Mexican-born chef Daniel Camacho will take your taste buds on a local adventure, while a wellness spa in collaboration with Guerlain (the first of its kind in Latin America) and three gorgeous pools amp up the relaxation and bliss.

The Peninsula London – England

Opening: September 12, 2023

The Peninsula London is among this world’s most-anticipated openings this year, and it’s easy to understand why, with the five star hotel cut from the same cloth as siblings in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Istanbul. That said, it will be distinctly British too.

The new hotel occupies a prime position at Hyde Park Corner.

Within the classically-inspired Belgravia address are 190 light-filled rooms and suites, plus several noteworthy dining venues including Brooklands from Michelin chef Claude Bosi, which has a scale model of the Concorde suspended from the ceiling of its dining room.

A cobble-paved central forecourt will allow guests to arrive in style.

In case you’re wondering, one of the Peninsula’s iconic green Rolls Royces will be parked in the drive, with this painstakingly-restored 1935 Phantom flanked by four bespoke hybrid Bentley Bentayga and a zippy electrified 1960 vintage Austin taxi.

Raffles Boston – United States

Opening: September 1, 2023

Some hotels you just know are worth a visit, even before you’ve finished reading the lengthy list of features inside. Raffles Boston is among them, as the brand’s debut property in North America, you can be sure it’ll be an experience worth talking about.

Its debut brings the Raffles worldwide tally of properties up to 17.

Within the gleaming 35-storey building in Back Bay are 147 chic rooms and 146 residences, all affording views of the Charles River and skyline, in addition to five bar and dining venues, a state-of-the-art spa, and rooftop garden terrace.

Signature restaurant Amar and Long Bar & Terrace are just two of the five venues.

The location too is worth discovering, with the neighbourhood famed for its rows of Victorian Brownstone homes, not to mention great shopping and sidewalk cafes that spill onto the pavements. Be sure to stop by the grand Boston Public Library.

The BoTree London – England

Opening: September (date TBC), 2023

Another soon to enter the fray in London is The BoTree, a chic hotel at the crossroads of Marylebone and Mayfair. However, rather than falling back on a heritage look befitting its neighbourhood, designers have taken it in a decidedly more exciting direction.

It’s quirky and colourful, with each of its 199 personality-filled rooms and suites adorned in bold artworks, eclectic textiles and marble bathrooms. This same vibe echoes through its two restaurants, one of which boasts a fabulous rooftop.

There's nothing understated about the decor here.

Part of the Preferred Hotels ‘Legend’ portfolio, it’s surrounded by a bevy of independent cafes, book shops and boutiques – all mere steps away from iconic Bond and Regent Streets.

&Beyond Punakha River Lodge – Bhutan

Opening: September 1, 2023

Known for its exquisite stable of African safari lodges, luxury brand &Beyond will soon make its long-awaited debut in Asia, as &Beyond Punakha River Lodge throws open its doors in the Kingdom of Bhutan from September. It will offer a true Himalayan adventure.

Guests are met at Paro airport and transferred to the hotel.

Draped along the banks of Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley, around four hours drive from Paro, the intimate hotel is a perfect case of ‘less is more’, with six tented suites complemented by a one- and two-bedroom suite.

Traditional cuisine is a delicious fusion of Indian, Tibetan and Chinese influences.

Each tent and suite is inspired by traditional Bhutanese architecture, and fitted with all the mod cons too. And as for experience, these can be as active or relaxed as you like, from hot stone massages and yoga to hikes, rafting, biking and archery.

COMO Metropolitan – Singapore

Opening: September 2023

Spanning 11 floors within Singapore’s COMO Orchard development, a new integrated complex of restaurants, retail outlets and a signature spa, the soon-to-debut COMO Metropolitan Singapore is – surprisingly – the group’s first hotel in its home country.

The brand's COMO Shambhala wellness centre makes a welcome appearance.

In line with the group’s 16 properties around the world, décor across the 156 rooms is elegant and refined, with a focus on neutrals and timbers, complemented by bold pops of mustard. Views are extraordinary too, particular from the rooftop bar.

A render of the spacious Emerald King room.

Dining takes the form of three venues: the first international outpost of Michelin-starred COTE Steakhouse from American restaurateur Simon Kim, plus a patisserie from French pastry chef Cédric Grolet and COMO Cuisine, serving all-day dining classics.

Raffles London at The Owo – England

Opening: October 9, 2023

Raffles Hotels will see a second hotly-anticipated launch this year when Raffles London at The OWO (an abbreviation for the Old War Office) in Whitehall welcomes first guests from October. And it’s guaranteed to be something very special, indeed.

Originally completed in 1906, the OWO has stood witness to many world-shaping events.

How special? Think spending the night in rooms which were former offices of influential political and military leaders such as Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and John Profumo for a start, followed by rooms in corner turrets overlooking the Horse Guards.

A five-year restoration has seen many original elements brought back to their former glory.

A sprinkling of signature restaurants from Argentine Michelin chef Mauro Colagreco – including a rooftop restaurant and bar with views over Whitehall, The Mall and on to Buckingham Palace – plus a serene Guerlain Spa and indoor pool are also key parts of the experience.

W Sydney – Australia

Opening: October 2023

Good things come to those who wait. In the case of W Sydney, travellers have been waiting a rather long time. But the moment the Darling Harbour Marriott hotel opens its doors is almost upon us, and it looks to be as spectacular as we’d hoped.

'The Ribbon' tower will also house an IMAX theatre, apartments and retail outlets.

Sophisticated rooms and suites with curvaceous circular bathtubs and vibrant waratah-inspired prints, a glamorous two-storey rooftop bar, and a heated infinity pool angled to offer uninterrupted harbour views are just a few of the standouts.

The 585-room hotel features ultra-modern interiors by British design agency Bowler James Brindley.

Guests in this new Sydney hotel can also take their stay on the road thanks to a newly-revealed collaboration with Genesis Motors, which will see a nimble fleet of electrified GV60 and GV70 available for loans, VIP pickups and ‘special guest drives’.

Six Senses Kanuhara – Maldives

Opening: September 1, 2023

If it’s overwater glamour you seek, Six Senses Kanuhara in the Maldives is the one for you – and its overwater villas aren’t even the most notable feature of the private island escape.

Six Senses Kanuhara is an IHG Hotel, which is great news for members of the IHG One Rewards program.

A scenic 40-minute seaplane ride from Male, the new resort is a top-to-bottom reimagination of one of the country’s most iconic hideaways, one which not only adds Six Senses’ signature approach to wellness and sustainability but dials up the indulgence to dramatic effect.

Alternate between your private pool and the sea.

From the bold circular swimming pool with swim up bar to 12 freshly-added Beach Retreats, complementing its 91 new-look beachfront and overwater villas, this is a resort destined to be featured on everyone’s Instagram feed (so you need to get in quick).

One&Only Aesthesis – Greece

Opening: mid-October, 2023

The Greek Isles often take top billing on holiday wish lists, yet the mainland also has stunning existing and soon-to-debut options worth taking note of. Like One&Only Aesthesis on the Athenian Riviera, only a short drive from the ancient capital.

Overlooking the sapphire waters of the Saronic Gulf, the impending island-style retreat boasts 95 stylish bungalows, 18 residences and two iconic villas replete with private pools. All of this nestled within a private 21-hectare beach and forest reserve.

Unwind at the Beach Club, enjoy chilled beats by the Pool Bar, or feast of succulent seafood at Ora.

Beyond a feast for the eyes and the soul, taste buds will be well taken care of also, with ‘Ora’ from Michelin starred chef Ettore Botrini leading Aesthesis’ roll call of mouth-watering restaurants and bars.

Southern Ocean Lodge – Australia

Opening: December 2023

One of Australia’s most iconic hotels, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, is set to open following a complete rebuild of the property, after the original was razed by bushfire in 2020. By all accounts, it’s set to be even more incredible than before.

SOL is part of the Baillie Lodges stable, which also includes The Louise and Longitude 131.

While adhering closely to the original design, SOL 2.0 features some ingenious refinements to its guest rooms, most notably angled outlooks which now take full advantage of the dramatic views along the coast. A new owner’s residence has also been created.

The distinctive ‘Great Room’ terrace now boasts a wet-edge pool too, while the spa now includes three treatment rooms, plus a gym, sauna and hot and cold plunge pools.

One&Only One Za’abeel Dubai – UAE

Opening: December 1, 2023

Dubai is no stranger to high end (and high reaching) hotels. One&Only One Za’abeel will soon leave its own mark on the city, and not just for its rather impressive location in One Za’abeel – a dual tower development featuring the world’s largest cantilever.

The Link cantilever is artfully poised between One Za'abeel's dual towers.

In addition to exquisitely-furnished rooms and signature suites, the hotel’s home to 11 dining options, six of which are from Michelin chefs including Dabiz Muñoz (of world #3 restaurant DiverXO), Sophie-Anne Pic and Japanese-Australian icon Tetsuya Wakuda.

Michelin-star fare takes you through French, Japanese, Indonesian, Thai and Andalusian cuisines.

Beyond rooms and restaurants, guests will find the UAE’s longest infinity pool perched 27 storeys up, together with a lagoon-style pool with swim-up bar down on level four.

SIRO Dubai – UAE

Opening: late 2023

Despite what its brand name may suggest, One&Only isn’t the only hotel within One Za’abeel. It’s joined by SIRO Dubai, a premium hotel focused around holistic fitness and wellbeing.

Hosted activities include cycling, hiking, boxing, climbing, and parkour.

A near-1,000 square metre gym and recovery lab (physiotherapy, acupuncture, oxygen therapy) spanning two floors is the star attraction, while rooms will also have a strong wellness focus. The views are next level also.

Rooms are simple, yet beautifully furnished.

Rather than just leaving guests to work out solo, a team of fitness and wellbeing experts are on hand to provide guidance and coaching. Programs will focus on five experience pillars for guests: fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery and mindfulness.

InterContinental Lifou Wadra Bay Resort – New Caledonia

Opening: late 2023

Less than three hours flight from Brisbane and Sydney, New Caledonia is regularly described as ‘a slice of France in the South Pacific’, yet the Melanesian Kanak culture and island beauty are also worth travelling for.

The enchanting reception area sets a tone for what awaits.

The first major hotel on Lifou island, InterContinental Lifou Wadra Bay Resort not only takes liberal design cues from its location but was created in close consultation with local tribes, giving it a strong sense of cultural connection. 

The hotel is part of the IHG Hotels & Resorts family.

On top of 50 bungalows and villas, you’ll also find an outdoor swimming pool, two restaurants and a bar, while guests can also snorkel in the lagoon – home to turtles, fish, manta rays and other majestic species.

Need a break now? There are plenty of stellar hotels and resorts already open for business down under, in the South Pacific, and just across the ditch in New Zealand too.