From the French Riviera to the Red Sea, the hotel openings in May cover both new and reimagined properties, taking us on a design journey encompassing heritage, sustainability, and soulful design…
This month brings another exciting wave of new openings and transformations across the luxury hospitality world. Not content with a mere hotel, Zannier Île de Bendor has taken on an entire island, bringing new life to this Provençal escape; Airelles introduces its signature French style to Venice; and Mason & Fifth continues to grow its mindful living concept in London. Beyond Europe, from a safari camp in Kenya to a luxury retreat on The Red Sea, the big brands are amplifying the conversation on luxury through the lens of thoughtful design, sustainability, and a strong connection to local culture.
Zannier Île de Bendor
Image credit: Zannier Hotels
After five years of transformation, one of Europe’s most highly anticipated openings, Zannier Île de Bendor, is set to debut on the private French island of Île de Bendor this month. The Ricard family, guardians of Paul Ricard’s vision, has joined forces with Zannier Hotels to write this new chapter for the island. Facing the town of Bandol in Provence, the seven-hectare island was first brought to life in 1950, and now after a meticulous five-year revival project the property has been designed to intertwine heritage and modernity, positioning the destination as the new social, culinary, and wellness capital in the South of France.
True to Paul Ricard’s wish to “make Bendor an island garden,” the island has been completely rewilded, now boasting 15% more trees than before. With a joint commitment to restore and preserve its very essence, the Provençal-style village will reopen as an elegant 93-room hotel, set across three island locations, complete with a holistic wellbeing center, beach cove and diving centre, and a choice of eight dining spaces to reframe Paul Ricard’s dream of an island imbued with soul.
Airelles Palladio, Venice
Image credit: Vincent Leroux / Airelles
The prestigious French hotel collection Airelles, composed of some of the most spectacular Maisons in France, has opened its first luxury hotel in Italy. Airelles Palladio, Venice will mark Airelles’ ninth address – and the first outside France – in a collection revered for its exceptional French Maisons, including Le Grand Contrôle: the only hotel on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles.
Situated on Giudecca, an island beloved by locals for centuries as a place to escape the bustle of San Marco, Airelles Palladio, Venice will bring the group’s unique ethos to life while paying homage to La Serenìssima. The property was once the site of the Bauer Palladio and comprises three historically significant buildings, as well as a church and extensive gardens of almost one hectare. The hotel will offer an array of exquisite facilities and amenities, including 45 beautifully appointed rooms and suites; three elevated culinary destinations, a cicchetti bar, a main bar; a 1700 square metre Airelles Spa and gym with a dedicated wellness garden; three swimming pools; a Kids Club; and a dedicated event space for private functions.
Mason & Fifth, Belsize Park
Image credit: Mason & Fifth, Belsize Park
Following in the footsteps of its beautifully designed, flexible lifestyle buildings in Bermondsey, Primrose Hill and most recently Westbourne Park, Mason & Fifth is set to open its fourth location in Belsize Park.The latest addition to the Mason & Fifth collection continues the tradition of selecting London’s most sought after neighbourhoods, offering beautifully designed private studios alongside thoughtfully curated communal spaces.
The interiors embrace a philosophy of low impact and sustainable living, with quiet richness, carefully honouring the heritage of the restored estate. A sensitive and stripped back approach reveals the building’s original textures, celebrating repair over replacement. Throughout the studios, generous volumes and abundant natural light are complemented by timber floors, soft linens and timber furniture, creating a number of spaces that feel calm and grounded.
Fairmont The Red Sea
Image credit: Fairmont The Red Sea
Alongside the Raffles, Fairmont The Red Sea is set to redefine the relationship between luxury tourism and the natural world. The property will feature 193 rooms, six distinct dining concepts, including an overwater restaurant with views of the Red Sea, and a spa. The resort will be situated next to an 18-hole championship golf course, reflecting Fairmont’s reputation as a world-class golf operator. It will set new standards in sustainable development, positioned on 125 miles of untouched coastline, an archipelago of more than 90 unspoiled islands, dormant volcanoes, rich marine habitat, and ancient archaeological sites.
JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp
Image credit: JW Marriott
Nestled between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains on the 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve, JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp shelters 20 luxury tents with private plunge pools and several two-bedroom suites. Activities on offer include horse-riding safaris, night game drives, nature walks and quad biking and guests will have the opportunity to learn about the Solio Ranch Conservancy’s famed rhino breeding, rehabilitation programs, and visit the reserve’s orphanage. The camp, crafted with the conservation of the land and its inhabitants in mind, uses sustainable materials and prioritises energy-efficient infrastructure.
OVÉA Paros
Image credit: OVÉA Paros
OVÉA Paros introduces a quietly confident new expression of Cycladic luxury. Set just moments from the charming seaside town of Naoussa on Paros island, the design-led retreat united architecture, gastronomy and a deeply considered sense of place, offering a more private, residential approach to island hospitality. The design for OVÉA is rooted in a contemporary interpretation of Cycladic architecture, where clean lines, organic materials and spatial abundance define the experience. Natural stone, textured plaster and a muted, earth-toned palette create a sense of calm and cohesion, coupled with a minimal architectural design that frames expansive views across the Parian landscape.
Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley
Image credit: Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton
The reopening of Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley marks the culmination of a comprehensive, property-wide renovation and full rebrand, spanning guestrooms, suites, public spaces, dining venues, wellness facilities, and outdoor areas. The property now presents a modern interpretation of Napa Valley hospitality, where contemporary design, destination dining, and wellness-driven experiences have been thoughtfully rebuilt and integrated throughout to create a vibrant new gathering place for travelers and the local community.
Led by DyeLot Interiors, the hotel’s renovation elevates the guest experience through a sense of discreet elegance and an unmistakable local connection. Revitalised indoor-outdoor communal spaces encourage year-round connection and relaxation, from redwood-shaded corners to cozy firepit moments. Artwork inspired by local agriculture celebrates the region’s roots, and warm textures and natural materials create a timeless sense of sophistication.
Main image credit: Zannier Hotels
