SPOTLIGHT ON: Major hotel openings for Q1 & Q2 2019

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    1024 576 Hamish Kilburn
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    Hotel Designs is starting the New Year fresh by focusing the spotlight on significant hotel openings for 2019 that together are expected to transform the landscape of international hotel design. Here are our top picks of hotels that are launching in Q1 & Q2…

    Looking ahead, and kickstarting our Spotlight On feature on Hotel Openings, here are the most anticipated ribbon cuts that are planning to make waves in Q1 and Q2 of this year.

    Q1

    Hotel Bennett, USA
    Opening: January 2019 

    Hailed as the newest grand dame hotel to debut in the American South, Hotel Bennett is designed for travellers seeking an opulent and luxurious escape.  Overlooking Charleston’s iconic Marion Square, the hotel will comprise of 179 luxurious guestrooms and suites, a signature restaurant, , a stylish bar and lounge that will utilise reclaimed pink marble. In addition to a spectacular rooftop bar which stretches out to overlook the city’s famed park, the hotel will also feature a new destination spa for guests and locals to enjoy.

    Website: hotelbennett.com

    YTL Hotels’ Monkey Island, UK
    Opening: February 2019

    Exterior white building surrounded by leafy scenes

    Image credit: Monkey Island Estate

    The much-anticipated luxury hotel, designed by the award-winning Alexandra Champalimaud, will open in the historic village of Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire. The island, which dates back 800 years, has been the haunt of monarchs, aristocrats and artists, along with writers, famous performers and Berkshire locals.

    The private countryside escape will consist of 27 guest rooms and three deluxe suites, plus a separate barn with 11 rooms for private hire. The estate will also feature the Floating Spa – a first-of-its-kind bespoke barge, which will offer an aray of luxury treatments.

    Website: monkeyislandestate.co.uk 

    Santarena Hotel, Costa Rica
    Opening: February 2019

    Expected to be Costa Rica’s hottest new opening, Santarena Hotel will be a bohemian gem located in the town of Las Catalinas. The 45-guestroom hotel will include three suites, a rooftop lounge and swimming pool and elevated local cuisine that is focused on sustainability and farm-to-fork dishes.

    Website: santarenahotel.com

    The First Roma Dolce, Italy
    Opening: February 2019

    Modern bedroom with maroon art above white-linen bed and a white bookshelf to the right

    Image credit: The First Roma Dolce

    Situated on Via del Corso, The First Roma Dolce, a new patisserie-themed boutique hotel, is set to open its doors in February 2019. The Dolce will be the newest addition to the ‘First Experience’, which joins three distinctly unique hotels together and emboldens guests to truly experience the city as locals.

    The hotel will be housed within a classic 19th-Century building designed by the renowned Italian architect and urban planner Giuseppe Valadier, who is known and widely celebrated for creating the elliptical design of Piazza del Popolo.

    The boutique hotel will shelter 23 refined suites and guestrooms, with views overlooking the bustling Via del Corso. With particular attention being paid to the contemporary design of the guestrooms and spacious suites, the hotel encourages guests to feel as though they ‘live’ in the city during their trip. State-of-the-art amenities include in-room fitness equipment, and ensure The Dolce will become guests’ ‘home-away-from-home’, offering an elegant yet comfortable and familiar atmosphere whilst visiting the Italian capital.

    Website: thefirsthotel.com/dolce

    Magashi Camp, Rwanda
    Opening: March, 2019

    Interiors of the tented camp at the hotel

    Image credit: Magashi Safaris Camp, Rwanda

    Following the success of the award-winning Bisate Lodge, Rwanda, Wilderness Safaris will continue to expand its luxury arm and ecotourism footprint by opening a new camp in Akagera National Park in March 2019. In partnership with the Rwanda Development Board and conservation group African Parks, the six-tented camp called Magashi will be situated in the north-eastern part of Akagera overlooking Lake Rwanyakazinga.

    Website: wilderness-safaris.com

    Hotel EQ, Kuala Lumpur
    Opening: March 2019

    Image credit: EQ Hotel

    With a prime location in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, Hotel EQ will be an ideal base for bleisure breaks, a trend that is expected to reach new heights this year. Set in a multi-use 52-storey building occupying floors 29-52, the hotel will feature 440 guestrooms and suites, an authentic Pan-Asian restaurant and an impressive rooftop Sky Restaurant and Lounge.

    Website: eqkualalumpur.com

    Q2

    Lelewatu Resort Sumba, Indonesia
    Opening April 2019

    Exterior shot of large bed on decking overlooking majestic sea views

    Image credit: Preferred Hotels

    Expected to turn heads with its remote pristine beaches, Sumba Island’s latest hotel will be set on a cliffside overlooking a private lagoon and the Indian Ocean.

    Scattered over 10 acres of land, the resort’s 27 luxurious villas are designed with authentic Sumbanese wooden interiors, handwoven ikat fabrics, indoor marble baths, and private pools.

    Website: lelewatu.com

    Ikos Aria Kos, Greece 
    Opening: May 2019

    White, modern and clean interiors

    Image credit: Ikos Aria Kos

    Ikos Aria will bring an elevated and luxury dimension to all-inclusive offerings on the popular island of Kos. Situated on the southwest coast of Kos, the five-star resort will feature 373 elegantly appointed guest rooms with chic modern interiors, all with panoramic vistas across the Aegean Sea.

    Website: ikosresorts.com/resorts/ikos-aria/

    Hotel Samzeo, Georgia
    Opening: May 2019

    The remote village of Omalo, which is where Hotel Samzeo is situated, is positioned between two mountain ranges in Geogira’s historical Tusheti region. With just 43 guestrooms and suites, the boutique hotel is entirely powered by energy efficient systems and solar power.

    render of public spaces of the hotel

    Image credit: VFM Leonardo

    Website: preferredhotels.com

    The Kitano Hotel Tokyo 
    Opening: April 2019

    The Kitano Hotel Tokyo nestled in Hirakawacho is currently being renovated and will open in April 2019 as a new luxury boutique hotel in Tokyo.

    Website: kitanohotel.co.jp/tokyo

    The Chedi Mumbai, India
    Opening: June 2019

    Exterior render of the towering hotel

    Image credit: GHM

    Breathtaking views over serene Powai Lake to Mumbai’s dramatic cityscape elegantly finish the sophisticated and thoughtful offerings of this game-changing luxury hotel in India’s City of Dreams. The Chedi Mumbai will welcome business travellers with sophisticated meeting facilities, state-of-the-art equipment and communication technology.

    Seven exceptional and innovative dining options, a holistic spa and wellness facilities plus stunning venues for private events of all sizes extend our heartfelt welcome to business and leisure travellers as well as to this city’s most discerning residents. Each of the 312 generously sized guestrooms and suites will capture stunning panoramas, while tasteful interiors will reflect GHM’s legendary motto: ‘style to remember.’

    Website: ghmhotels.com/en/our-hotels/

    Main image credit: Magashi Safaris Camp, Rwanda

    Hamish Kilburn / 02.01.2019

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