In the face of challenges posed by the pandemic, future development across all regions is holding steady, with a flurry of highly anticipated hotels set to open their doors this year.
The hospitality industry couldn’t have predicted the extent to which coronavirus would halt its operations, but what the sector has shown of late means it can look towards the post-Covid era with promise. From Birch, a playful Hertfordshire retreat that speaks of craftsmanship, reuse and repair, to ME Dubai, an architectural masterpiece by the late Zaha Hadid in Dubai – both of which took home awards at last year’s AHEAD Awards – those that debuted in 2020 were a reflection of the design community’s fighting spirit.
There’s plenty of exciting activity on the boards for the next 365 days too. According to data collected by Tophotelprojects, there are currently a total of 7,420 projects in the pipeline globally, 41% of which are slated to open in 2021; that’s over 600,000 new rooms worldwide. But who will look to push the boundaries?
With hundreds of properties to choose from, we’ve sifted through the data to bring you a round-up of the very best hotels expected to arrive in the coming 12 months, including a Bjarke Ingels-designed newbuild in San Francisco and the reimagining of the ryokan for today’s traveller by Adrian Zecha, founder of Aman.
Aman, New York
Aman’s first urban outpost in the Americas will be situated at the crossroads of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in Manhattan's historically significant Crown Building. Belgian-born architect Jean-Michel Gathy, Principal of Denniston International, has been tasked with paying homage to the building’s heritage across 83 rooms and suites, 22 private branded residences, three F&B venues, a jazz club and a spa.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: Crown Invest • Developer: Crown Invest, Oko Group • Operator: Aman Resorts • Architecture and Interior Design: Denniston International
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Set to open in Q2 in the North Malé Atoll, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives Fari Islands – comprising 100 villas built across four islets, seven restaurants and a spa – has been designed by Kerry Hill Architects (KHA) to embrace the circle of island life. KHA used prefabricated methods and materials to ensure that no cutting was necessary on the island, reducing heavy operations and, crucially, generating zero waste or pollution.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Pontiac Land Group • Operator: The Ritz-Carlton • Architecture: Kerry Hill Architects (KHA), Studio MK27, Kengo Kuma & Associates • Interior Design: Studio MK27
One&Only Portonovi Resort, Montenegro
Overlooking a 1.2km stretch of Adriatic Sea from Montenegro’s Boka Bay, One&Only’s first European hotel will feature Venetian-inspired architecture by Turkey’s GMWM2 and interiors by Malaysia-based firm Denniston International. Framed by mountains and seeking to create a serene ambience year-round, the project’s F&B programme will incorporate a new outpost by Michelin-starred chef Giorgio Locatelli.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: Socar • Developer: Azmont Investments • Operator: Kerzner International Resorts • Architecture: GMWM2 • Interior Design: Denniston International, Case 3D
Zulal Wellness Resort, Qatar
Spanning over 280,000m2, with architecture echoing the local vernacular, Zulal Wellness Resort will bring a total of 180 keys to the private coastal region of Khasooma. Operated by spa pioneer Chiva-Som, the resort will be home to the first hub for Traditional Arabic Islamic Medicine – a 360-degree approach to healing sourced from Islamic medicinal historians and herbalists that focuses on mind-body therapy.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner/Developer: Msheireb Properties • Operator: Chiva-Som • Architecture: Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates, Oppenheim Architecture & Design
The Line
Designed by acclaimed architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), The Line San Francisco will become the first newbuild in the brand’s portfolio when it opens at the kinetic intersection of the SoMa, Civic Center and Tenderloin neighbourhoods later this year. The 12-storey Flat Iron-inspired building will comprise 236 guestrooms and four distinct dining experiences, including a landscaped rooftop solarium.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Opening Date: Q2 2022 • Developer: Sydell Group • Operator: The Line Hotels • Architecture: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Handel Architects • Interior Design: Sean Knibb
Azumi Setoda, Japan
The first property from Adrian Zecha and Naru Developments’ new Azumi brand will open its doors on Ikuchijima, a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, this Spring. Balancing tradition and innovation to offer a contemporary take on the ryokan – a type of Japanese inn traced back as early as the 8th century – the hotel will be housed within a 140-year-old compound restored by Kyoto-based architect Shiro Miura.
EXPRESS CHECKOUT: Operator: Azumi • Architecture and Interior Design: Shiro Miura
NoMad, London
New York-based developer Sydell Group has teamed up with investment firm BTC to bring the NoMad brand to Europe for the first time. Designed by Roman and Williams, with EPR taking the lead on the architectural renovation and restoration, and Beck overseeing the bespoke fit-out, the 91-key hotel will breathe new life into the Grade II-listed Bow Street Magistrates Court in London’s Covent Garden.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: Business Trading Company (BTC) • Developer: Sydell Group • Architecture: EPR Architects • Interior Design: Roman and Williams • Art Consultant: Be-Poles • Main Contractor: Beck
Habitas AlUla, Saudi Arabia
Located in Saudi Arabia’s canyon-filled Ashar Valley, Habitas AlUla will be constructed using the global hospitality group’s unique vertical integration method, with the light-footprint rooms created in Mexico, then delivered and assembled on-site using sustainable materials to minimise its environmental impact. The experiential resort is due to open in Autumn 2021, bringing 100 new keys to the sacred region.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), Habitas • Operator: Habitas • Architecture and Interior Design: Habitas (in-house design team)
Ace Hotel, Brooklyn
Marking the third collaboration between Atelier Ace and Roman and Williams, following Ace Hotel New York and Ace Hotel New Orleans, the 287-room Ace Hotel Brooklyn will be the group’s second newbuild property. Its façade and interiors will be inspired by the egalitarian nature of the borough – from the industrial grit of its shipyards to the Neo-expressionism of Brooklyn-born artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner/Developer: GFI Development Company • Operator: Ace Hotels • Architecture: Stonehill Taylor • Facade Design and Interior Design: Roman and Williams
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
Forming part of the recently developed Fari Islands archipelago in North Malé Atoll, Patina Maldives is the inaugural flagship from Patina Hotels & Resorts, a new lifestyle brand by Capella Hotel Group. The 90-key resort – made up of one- to three-bedroom beach suites and overwater villas, together with 20 Fari Studios – has been designed by Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan to create a dialogue with nature.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Pontiac Land Group • Operator: Capella Hotel Group • Architecture and Interior Design: Studio MK27 (Marcio Kogan)
Pan Pacific, London
Pan Pacific Hotels & Resorts will make its European debut this year with a 237-key project in London’s Aldgate. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg to balance aesthetic elements drawn from both the locale and the group’s Asian spirit, the property will feature a floor dedicated to wellbeing, an 18-metre infinity pool, 340m² of event space including an adjustable ballroom, and an abundance of landscaped outdoor space.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: UOL Group • Developer: Stanhope • Operator: Pan Pacific Hotels Group • Architecture: PLP Architecture, MSMR Architects • Interior Design: Yabu Pushelberg, MSMR Architects
Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique
Seeking to redefine responsible travel, Kisawa Sanctuary – comprising 12 one-, two- and three-bedroom bungalows – has used 3D sand-printing technology throughout its construction; the sand and seawater amalgamate is combined with Mozambican craft across the 740-acre resort, while coral reefs have been printed to revive marine habitats. The project has also created over 1,000 jobs for the local community.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: VistaJet • Architecture: Plus Design Studio • Interior Design: Nina Flohr
Hutton Brickyards, New York
Set within the Hudson Valley’s last architecturally intact brick manufactory and flanked by industrial structures, Hutton Brickyards was born out of a collaboration between Salt Hotels and owner Karl Slovin. The hotel will feature 31 guest cabins and suites designed by Kristina Dousharm Architecture, who has teamed up with Salt Hotels’ Chief Creative Officer, Kevin O’Shea, on the Shaker-inspired interiors.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: Karl Slovin • Operator: Salt Hotels • Architecture: Kristina Dousharm Architecture • Interior Design: Kristina Dousharm Architecture, Salt Hotels (in-house design team)
Six Senses Shaharut, Israel
Nestled into a cliff in the Negev Desert, Six Senses’ first hotel in Israel lies within the small community of Shaharut. Aside from its 60 suites and villas, multiple dining venues and a signature spa, the resort will be home to a desert activity centre incorporating the brand’s Earth Lab scheme, which showcases its efforts towards reducing its consumption, producing locally, and supporting communities and ecosystems.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Arava Vineyards • Operator: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas • Architecture and Interior Design: Plesner Architects
Rosewood São Paulo, Brazil
Occupying a former maternity hospital dating back to the early 1900s, Rosewood’s South American debut will feature design contributions from Philippe Starck, architect Jean Nouvel and Brazilian artists Beatriz Milhazes and Saint-Clare Cemin. Comprising 151 guestrooms, two restaurants and 100,000ft2 of event space, the project will also see the creation of a distinctive vertical park to house its residential element.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Groupe Allard • Operator: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts • Architecture: Jean Nouvel • Interior Design: Philippe Starck, Beatriz Milhazes, Saint-Clare Cemin
