VIP arrivals: hottest hotels opening in August 2024

As we journey across the globe, we take a small detour to discover some of the most anticipated hotel debuts of August…

ahama gym

This month’s hotel openings take us from the quiet sophistication in Osaka, to the vibrant and cool in London. Let’s discover what’s new on the block in August 2024.

Four Seasons Hotel, Osaka

four seasons osaka

Image credit: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

The highly anticipated Four Seasons Hotel Osaka has officially opened its doors, marking a significant addition to the city’s luxury hospitality landscape. This stunning new property seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design, offering guests an unparalleled level of comfort and sophistication. With its prime location, world-class amenities and impeccable service, the Four Seasons Osaka is poised to become a leading destination for discerning travellers and a benchmark for interior designers worldwide.

Virgin Hotels, London Shoreditch

virgin hotels london shoreditch

Image credit: Virgin Hotels

Virgin Hotels has made a cold entrance into the London market with its Shoreditch property. This dynamic hotel redefines the boutique experience, blending edgy urban style with comfort. The interior design is a masterclass in contemporary cool, featuring unexpected details and social spaces that pulse with energy. From the moment guests step inside, they are immersed in a world of Virgin-branded innovation, where design and hospitality converge to create a truly unforgettable stay.

Borneta, Barcelona

borneta lounge

Image caption: Borneta | Image credit: Miiro

Borneta Barcelona redefines the contemporary city hotel with its stylish and inviting atmosphere. Situated in the vibrant El Born neighbourhood, the property seamlessly blends modern design with local Catalan charm. The interior is a harmonious balance of light-filled spaces, natural materials and bold accents, creating an effortlessly cool ambiance. Borneta offers guests a sophisticated retreat where they can experience the best of Barcelona’s energy while enjoying the comforts of a luxurious sanctuary.

Ahãma, Turkey

ahama turkey

Image credit: Ahãma

Ahãma redefines the luxury retreat with its harmonious blend of nature and contemporary design. Nestled in the heart of Turkey, this extraordinary property offers guests an immersive experience rooted in the region’s rich heritage. The interior design is a masterful celebration of natural elements, with organic materials, earthy tones and a focus on well-being. Ahãma is more than just a hotel; it’s a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with themselves and the natural world.

Forth, Atlanta

forth atlanta

Image credit: Method Co.

FORTH Atlanta presents a fresh perspective on the modern hotel experience. Blending residential comfort with sophisticated design, this property is a haven for both leisure and business travellers. The interior aesthetic is a harmonious balance of industrial chic and warm, inviting spaces. With a focus on wellness and community, FORTH offers guests a truly enriching stay in the heart of Atlanta’s vibrant Old Fourth Ward.

 

Main image credit: Ahãma

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.