From the world’s first energy positive hotel in Arctic Norway to a safari lodge in the remote reaches of the Serengeti, 2022 promises to be another compelling year for hospitality.
If there’s one good thing that has come out of this pandemic, it’s the widespread recognition that the industry has received in bringing people together. And many of last year’s most talked about openings did just that; The Londoner brought a boutique feel yet staggering scale to Leicester Square with a collection of intimate spaces, while The Goodtime Hotel in Miami – dreamt up by musician Pharrell Williams, nightclub magnate David Grutman and American designer Ken Fulk – devoted itself to doing exactly as the name suggests with a Wes Anderson-esque interior scheme that dances eloquently between haven and playground.
There’s plenty of inspiring activity on the boards for the next 365 days too. According to data collected by Tophotelprojects, there are currently a total of 6,893 projects in the pipeline globally, 2,653 (38%) of which are slated to open in 2022; that’s over 500,000 new rooms worldwide. But who will look to raise the bar?
With hundreds of properties to choose from, we’ve sifted through the data to bring you a round-up of the very best hotels that will arrive in the coming 12 months, including the first international site for The Ned in New York, a new 78-storey Asia flagship for The Standard in Bangkok, and Raffles Hotels’ debut in London.
The Ned NoMad, New York
Taking over the former NoMad Hotel in Manhattan’s Johnston Building next summer, The Ned NoMad will be the first international site to open for The Ned following the launch of its London development in 2017. Inside, the 167-room property is set to comprise a stylish public bar and restaurant as well as the members-only Ned’s Club, which encompasses a mezzanine bar, rooftop bar and terrace restaurant.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Operator: Soho House • Interior Design: Soho House Design
The Standard, Bangkok
As part of Standard International’s expansion plan, the group will launch a new Asia flagship in Bangkok in 2022. Housed within the 78-storey King Power Mahanakhon Building, the 155-room hotel has been envisioned by Spanish designer Jaime Hayon in collaboration with The Standard’s in-house team. On the menu will be a Tea Room, Grill Restaurant and Thailand’s first outpost from acclaimed venue Mott 32.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Operator: Standard International • Architecture: Ole Scheeren • Interior Design: Hayon Studio, Standard International (in-house design team)
One&Only Aesthesis, Athens
Occupying a 21-hectare beachfront estate in Athens, One&Only Aesthesis will draw inspiration from its surroundings, celebrating the Athenian Riviera by showcasing elements dominant in Greek mythology, such as fire and water carved from a palette of natural stone and timber. The F&B programme meanwhile will include a beach club and two signature restaurants, and a Chenot Spa will offer tailored treatments.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: Grivalia Hospitality • Operator: Kerzner International
The Lana by Dorchester Collection, Dubai
Marking the Middle Eastern debut for The Dorchester Collection, The Lana will pay homage to its location beside the Dubai Creek and Marasi Marina. Arriving in Q4, the 225-key hotel occupies a 30-storey tower designed by Foster + Partners, with interiors by Parisian duo Gilles & Boissier. Amongst the amenities are a signature restaurant and lounge on the 18th floor, a spa on level 29, and rooftop pool on the 30th floor.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Omniyat Properties • Operator: Dorchester Collection • Architecture: Foster + Partners • Interior Design: Gilles & Boissier
The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai, Mexico
Set to become Edition Hotels’ first property in Mexico, The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai will comprise 180 guestrooms and suites, six food and beverage outlets including a signature restaurant, pool bar and beach club, a destination spa, and an expansive Penthouse Suite spanning 206m2. Together with multiple meeting spaces, the hotel will also house an outdoor deck for hosting large-scale events and parties.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Ian Schrager Company • Operator: Marriott International
Regent Phu Quoc, Vietnam
As the inaugural resort to open following IHG’s acquisition of the brand in 2018, Regent Phu Quoc will comprise 176 suites and 126 villas, as well as six dining venues including Franco-Japanese eatery Oku, a cocktail bar, and a rice market for traditional Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. The locally inspired spa is also complete with treatment rooms, rooftop and outdoor yoga pavilions, and several swimming pools.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Bim Group • Operator: IHG Hotels & Resorts • Architecture and Interior Design: Blink Design Group
Svart, Norway
Located in Norway at the base of the Svartisen glacier, Svart will become the world’s first energy positive hotel in 2022, leaving a minimal footprint thanks to its roof clad with solar panels and geothermal wells connected to heat pumps. The circular-bodied retreat, developed by Arctic Adventures of Norway, architects Asplan Viak and construction firm Skanska, will also feature interiors by Space Copenhagen.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: US Capital Global • Developer: Miris Eiendom, Arctic Adventure of Norway, Entra, Skanska • Architecture: Asplan Viak • Interior Design: Space Copenhagen
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, Tanzania
Having been flooded in April 2020, andBeyond Grumeti is set to undergo a comprehensive rebuild with a focus on sustainability, including the installation of a 130-kilowatt-hour solar system that allows it to run on 80% renewable energy. The hot-water systems are also being replaced with new energy-efficient versions, while wastewater will be repurposed and rainwater will be collected for the swimming pools.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner / Operator: andBeyond Travel • Architecture: Jack Alexander • Interior Design: Fox Browne Creative
Conrad, Los Angeles
Hilton Worldwide has tasked interior design firm Tara Bernerd & Partners with drawing on the organic form of the building and the energy of the surrounding architectural landscape to design the 28-storey Conrad LA. Situated opposite Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall on Grand Avenue, the property will comprise 305 guestrooms as well as restaurants, bars and a pool terrace overlooking the Hollywood hills.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Related California • Operator: Hilton Worldwide • Architecture: Gehry Partners, AECOM • Interior Design: Tara Bernerd & Partners • Landscaping: James Burnett
Tri Vananda, Phuket
Built on 232 acres of land, health and wellness resort Tri Vananda is spread across three main zones: a residential community with 263 villas; a comprehensive medical centre; and a wetland nature reserve. Ranging from 150 to 750m2, the villas are decidedly minimalist dwellings, with the simple architecture of each lending itself to warm, balanced interiors by AvroKo and P49 Design featuring earthy materials.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Montara Hospitality Group • Architecture: Arsomsilp Community & Environmental Architect, Habita Architects • Interior Design: AvroKO, P49 Design
Virgin Hotel, Edinburgh
Marking the brand's first opening in the UK, Virgin Hotel Edinburgh has been designed by British studio Ica. The 225-room property, located in the Old Town's landmark India Buildings near The Royal Mile, will bring together a combination of preserved elements and mod cons across a number of Virgin's signature Grand Chamber Suites, and multiple food and drink outlets including cultural venue, Commons Club.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: Flemyn, India Buildings • Developer: Jansons Property, Dreamvale Properties Development • Operator: Virgin Hotels • Architecture and Interior Design: Ica
Rosewood Doha, Qatar
Housed within two striking towers that form part of Qatar's US$45 million Lusail development – a mixed-use scheme spanning 38km and four islands with 19 residential, entertainment and commercial districts – Rosewood Doha will comprise 185 guestrooms, 173 serviced apartments and 300 residences, together with eight culinary outlets, a signature spa, a 1,500m2 ballroom and an executive lounge.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: Arkaz Investment • Operator: Rosewood Hotel Group • Architecture: Arab Engineering Bureau • Lighting Design: Nulty Lighting
Four Seasons Hotel & Residences, Fort Lauderdale
Adding to the expectation of a new Floridian Riviera, the 148-key Four Seasons Hotel Fort Lauderdale will feature an understated interior design scheme by Tara Bernerd & Partners that echoes the heyday of the coastal city – an era of Chris-Craft boats and Capri pants. For the F&B spaces meanwhile, Four Seasons has tasked acclaimed designer Martin Brudnizki with envisioning the property’s restaurant and pool area.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: Merrimac Ventures, Fort Partners • Developer: Fort Partners • Operator: Four Seasons • Architecture: Kobi Karp Architects • Interior Design: Tara Bernerd, Martin Brudnizki
Raffles at The OWO, London
Forming part of the Old War Office’s restoration, Raffles London will incorporate 125 guestrooms and suites; nine restaurants and bars; a spa with a 20-metre indoor pool; and a 620-capacity grand ballroom. The redevelopment is being overseen by EPR Architects, while New York-based designer Thierry Despont is taking the lead on the interiors, and 1508 London has envisioned 85 Raffles-branded residences.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner / Developer: The Hinduja Group, Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarollos • Operator: Accor • Architecture: EPR Architects • Interior Design: Thierry Despont
Nobu Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Becoming the very first five-star hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nobu Hotel Riyadh will be housed within a 23-storey, glass-panelled tower that rises above the city’s skyline, while inside, design touches will reflect Nobu’s Japanese heritage. On offer are 119 guestrooms and suites, a full-service fitness facility and an executive club lounge, as well as two ballrooms and the Kingdom’s inaugural Nobu Restaurant.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: Najmatik Co • Developer / Architecture: Dhaliliyah Group • Operator: Nobu Hospitality • Interior Design: Rockwell Group
