From a series of luxury tents in western Mexico to a floating palace anchored along Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach, 2023 is shaping up to be another stellar year for the global hotel market.
2022 hasn’t been without its fair share of landmark openings. Aman launched its first urban resort in the US, with celebrated designer Jean-Michel Gathy bringing the Zen ethos of the brand to the bustling streets of Manhattan, while Lore Group championed sustainability and adaptive re-use in its refurbishment of a neighbourhood favourite in Shoreditch. And then came the arrival of Rosewood São Paulo, which marked the group’s entrance into South America and scooped the highly coveted Hotel of the Year at AHEAD Americas for its “deft references Brazilian modernism” and “almost ethereal quality” within the city’s landscape.
There’s plenty of promising activity on the boards for the next 365 days too. According to data collected by Tophotelprojects, there are currently a total of 7,383 projects in the pipeline globally, 2,470 (33%) of which are due to debut in 2023; that’s over 500,000 new rooms worldwide. But who will stand out from the rest?
With hundreds of properties to choose from, we’ve sifted through the data to bring you a round-up of the very best hotels opening their doors in the coming 12 months, including a first-ever safari lodge for Marriott International in Kenya, a series of Four Seasons tents in Mexico, and a debut for The Peninsula in Istanbul.
Janu Tokyo
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EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Mori Building Co • Operator: Aman • Architecture: Pelli Clarke & Partners • Interior Design: Denniston
Soho House, Mexico City
Marking Soho House's entry into Latin America, Soho House Mexico City will occupy a restored private residence with a Casa and Annex housing three bars and lounges, a restaurant, and a courtyard with outdoor dining. Conceived by Soho House Design, the interiors will reflect the historic French influences and Baroque heritage with a mixture of locally-made custom furniture and vintage pieces, as well as an art collection including more than 100 bespoke works from artists born, based, or trained in Mexico.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Operator: Soho House • Interior Design: Soho House Design
The Rome Edition, Italy
Located close to Via Veneto and Bernini’s Tritone Fountain in Piazza Barberini, The Rome Edition – a first Italian property for the brand – will comprise 93 rooms and suites, including two penthouses each with a private terrace. Amongst the public spaces will be a signature restaurant with outdoor dining, a Punch Room bar, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Eternal City. In addition to customisable indoor and outdoor event spaces, plans also include a rooftop swimming pool, gym and two treatment rooms.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Ian Schrager Company • Operator: Marriott International • Interior Design: Patricia Urquiola
Kempinski Floating Palace, Dubai
Built by Dubai-based firm Seagate Shipyard, Kempinski Floating Palace will be anchored on an exclusive beach on Jumeirah Beach Road, with guests arriving on a speed boat or their own vessel. The 156-key hotel's main building is structured in four parts and connected in the centre by a glass pyramid, with amenities including restaurants and bars, a spa, pools, boutiques and banquet areas. Completing the project are 12 luxury villas and a floating helipad next to a yacht parking deck for up to 16 yachts.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Operator: Kempinski Hotels • Architect: Seagate Shipyard
The Standard, Singapore
Designed by homegrown architecture firm DP Architects, The Standard Singapore will feature 143 rooms with interiors crafted by Ministry of Design. Other highlights across the hotel include The Standard’s signature restaurant, a rich arts and cultural programme, as well as an infinity swimming pool and bar that will be set within a lush botanical courtyard. Singapore represents the latest destination for the brand in Southeast Asia, following The Standard Hua Hin and The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon.
EXPRESS CHECK OUT: Developer: Invictus Developments • Operator: Standard International • Architecture: DP Architects • Interior Design: Ministry of Design
Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Mexico
Nestled in the forests of the Riviera Nayarit, Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort will comprise 15 tents designed by Luxury Frontiers, whose low-impact scheme will be integrated into nature. A cocoon-inspired bamboo bridge greets guests, while a cliffside yoga pavilion and jungle-view pool continue the theme. With sustainability in mind, eco-friendly initiatives such as solar panels, efficient water systems and natural drainage will be used too, as well as electric vehicles, upcycled artwork and locally sourced products.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Operator: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts • Interior Design: Luxury Frontiers
The Peninsula Istanbul, Turkey
Set along the banks of the Bosphorus in the Turkish capital's Karaköy district, The Peninsula Istanbul will be made up of four separate buildings, three of which are protected landmarks dating to the early 1900s. Across 177 rooms and a rooftop dining venue amongst other areas, the design by Tanju Özelgin and Özer+Tulgan Architects will celebrate Turkish art and design and the juxtaposition between old and new, taking cues from its immediate surroundings – including Bosphorus boats and the city’s Grand Bazaar.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner: The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Dogus Group • Architect: Tanju Özelgin, Interior Design: Özer+Tulgan Architects
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, Kenya
Marking Marriott's entry into the safari segment, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge will feature 20 private tents, including one presidential canvas-topped pavilion and two interconnecting canopied suites, each with a private terrace overlooking the river. Shared spaces are to include a restaurant, lounge bar, spa, and an outdoor terrace with fire pits, which will play host to traditional Masai dance performances. Interiors by Kristina Zanic will exude a sense of place, furthered by the hiring of 50 locals from the Masai region.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Grupo Baraka Madrid • Operator: Marriott International • Interior Design: Kristina Zanic Consultants
Kimpton Naranta, Bali
Nestled on a hillside estate, Kimpton Naranta Bali will bring barefoot luxury to the Nusa Dua coastline. Designed by architect Andra Martin with interiors by White Jacket, the boutique resort is home to 50 villas – most of which feature with a private saltwater plunge pool. All boast an outdoor balcony offering views of the tropical landscape, Maj Valley, Mount Agung or the Indian Ocean. Completing the facilities are a restaurant, bar, shared lounge and garden, along with a holistic spa with several treatment rooms.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Operator: IHG Hotels & Resorts • Architecture: Andra Matin • Interior Design: White Jacket
The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie, Arizona
Spread across more than 20 acres, The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley is being developed by Five Star Development Resort Communities, with several parties involved in the design. Upon completion, the resort will comprise 215 casita-style guestrooms with views of Camelback Mountain, together with a spa offering both an indoor and outdoor desert-inspired menu. A citrus orchard and garden will grow seasonal produce harvested for the restaurants, while 20,000ft2 of function space can host events.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Five Star Development • Operator: The Ritz Carlton • Architecture: Mason Architects, Nelsen Partners • Interior Design: SB Design, BBGM Architecture & Interiors
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Austria
Perched on the banks of Lake Fuschl, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl will mark the brand’s second property in Austria following Rosewood Vienna. First used as a hotel space in 1954, Hotel Schloss Fuschl was initially constructed as a castle to serve as a country escape for Austrian royalty, with its original structure dating back to 1450. The reimagining of the 15th century landmark will see the renovation of 98 guestrooms – including 46 suites and six chalets – and the addition of restaurants, lounges and wellness centre.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Arabella Hospitality • Operator: Rosewood Hotel Group
One&Only One Za’abeel, Dubai
An architectural collaboration between Nikken Sekkei Dubai, WSP Middle East and Rockwell Group, One&Only One Za’abeel will be housed within a two-tower development connected by a panoramic sky concourse called The Link. The hotel itself will feature 497 rooms, the brand’s signature Club One on the 50th floor, and 11 restaurants and bars spanning Argentinean, Indonesian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Rounding out the offer is a 2,500m2 spa with an infinity pool on the 25th level, just above The Link.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Ithra Dubai • Operator: Kerzner International • Architecture • Nikken Sekkei Dubai, WSP Middle East, Rockwell Group • Interior Design: Denniston
The West, Minneapolis
As the latest property in Salt Hotels’ North American portfolio, The West in Minneapolis integrates four historic buildings in the city’s North Loop. Inside, the 123-room property will boast interiors by Neri & Hu, whose scheme combines bespoke wooden cabinetry and furniture with clean lines, lush fabrics and bespoke art. Rooms will also feature exposed brick walls evoking the buildings’ 19th century pedigree, while the lobby occupies a former brass foundry and comprises a fireside lounge, library and bar.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Developer: Commutator • Operator: Salt Hotels • Architecture: Snow Kreilich Architects • Interior Design: Neri & Hu
Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino, Greece
Situated on the southwest coast of the Peloponnese, Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino will become the operator’s first Greek property, bringing with it 48 pool villas, 1,500m2 of wellness facilities, a 25-metre indoor-outdoor pool, and five restaurants and bars. The resort will be set within 140 hectares of natural landscape in Navarino Bay, which is now a hotspot for luxury hotels, private residences and gourmet restaurants; other brands in the area include W, The Westin and The Romanos by Marriott International.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Owner / Developer: Temes • Operator: Mandarin Oriental • Architecture: Tombazis & Associates Architects, K-Studio • Interior Design: MKV Design
Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique
Occupying a previously uninhabited island of Ilha Caldeira off the coast of Mozambique, Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira will be dotted with 40 private pool villas inspired by the diverse local cultures, nature's soothing colors and native materials. Given its location within the Primeiras and Segundas Archipelago – Africa’s largest marine reserve, home to living coral reefs, green and hawksbill sea turtles – the resort will remain committed to the environment, with the island 100% solar-powered and desalinating all of its water.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT: Operator: Accor
There’s also several projects that were due for completion in 2022 but will now land in 2023, from Raffles London at The OWO to The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York. And that’s just two on our best of the rest list:
One&Only Aesthesis, Greece
The Lana by Dorchester Collection, Dubai
Habitas Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Le Grand Mazarin, Paris
Rosewood Doha, Qatar
Bulgari Rome, Italy
Nobu Marrakech, Morocco
Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London
