VIP arrivals: hottest hotel openings in July 2022

The sunbeds have been rolled out and with summer in full swing north of the equator, the hotel openings continue at a pace taking us from island hopping in Greece to a luxury staycation in London, with an Italian vineyard visit in the middle for good measure…

pool terrace at Nordelaia overlooking the vineyards

Anyone else feeling like this year is rolling by relentlessly? No sooner is one event wrapped up than another is on the horizon, and the same can be said for hotel openings which show no sign of slowing down.  With projects and ambitious pipelines being announced constantly, new hotels are constantly changing the hospitality skyline  – some opening their designer doors quietly while others are making a bit of a noise – from rural retreats to city statements, here are a few that caught our attention this month.

Nordelaia – Piedmont, Italy

dramatic four poster bed in guestroom of Nordelaia in Piedmont Italy

Image credit: Nordelaia

Heading for the vineyards of Italy, this new rustic-luxe 12 guestroom hotel invites guests to disconnect and reconnect with nature. Nordelaia, slated to open mid July, has seen a careful three-year restoration of an 800 year old farmhouse steeped in a rich history by British design studio These White Walls. Working alongside local architects Tunesi Studio Genova, this historic building has been thoughtfully transformed into the guestrooms and spa, alongside a striking new three-tiered building within the grounds, which is home to the dining and events space.

Nobu Santorini – Santorini, Greece

Nobu hotel Santorini at sunset

Image credit: Nobu Hospitality

Situated on the island’s captivating northeast coast, the boutique hotel is a first in Greece for the brand, and will house a signature Nobu Restaurant, full-service spa, fitness facility, dual-level infinity pool, and five luxurious pool villas, and offers panoramic views of both the Caldera and Aegean Sea from its unique clifftop location in Imerovigli.

One&Only Aesthesis – Athens, Greece

One&Only resort Athens master bedroom with seaview

Image credit: One&Only Aesthesis

The expansion of the ultra-luxury brand One&Only in Europe, continues with the development of One&Only Aethesis on the Athenian seafront.

In a 21-hectare seafront estate, within a six-hectare forest reserve, One&Only Aesthesis will be positioned a short distance from the capital and its most iconic sites, such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Syntagma Square and Cape Sounio. The resort, overlooking a 1,600-metre shoreline, will offer a statement beach club where guests and residents alike can gather and enjoy priceless views from sunrise to sunset.

Cap Karoso – Sumba, Indonesia

chair and plants on the terrace from guestroom at Cap Karoso

Image credit: Cap Karoso

Sitting on the shores of a coral reef and surrounded by turquoise lagoons and traditional villages, Cap Karoso is a luxe launchpad for exploring the Indonesian island of Sumba. The 47 guestroom, 20 villa resort brings a sophisticated and multi-dimensional approach to the island experience, focussing on mindful exploration, finding solitude in nature, while enjoying lifestyle experiences. With the organic farm at its heart, this hotel is about cultural immersion, adventure and artistic refelctions.

Rosewood Vienna – Vienna, Austria

Image credit: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

Making its mark in the heart of one of Europe’s most historic cities, Rosewood Vienna is set to provide visitors with an authentic, original, and personalized travel experience inspired by the destination’s local culture and international spirit. Situated in a historic 19th century building, Rosewood Vienna is a collaboration between A2K Architects, BEHF Architects and interior designer Alexander Waterworth. The end result is a hotel that marries historic charm and European Belle Époque architecture with modern interiors and timeless sophistication.

Cosme Paros – Paros Greece

circular garden and fountain in the grounds of Cosme, Paros

Image credit: Marriott / Kanava Hotels & Resorts

With a design to embrace the authentic Cycladic lifestyle and encouraging a carefree state of mind, Cosme has opened its doors and is able to make good on the promise by Konstantinidou to welcome global explorers an invigorating journey of experiences on the shores of the Aegean Sea, celebrating the joy of life in the charming town of Naoussa. Developed by Kanava Hotels & Resorts, Cosme embraces hoteliers Antonis Eliopoulos’ and Kalia Konstantinidou vision and ethos for understated luxury while elevating authentic, Greek hospitality.

The Other House

dark burgundy and blue in the club flat in The Other House

Image credit: The Other House

And finally, a small hotel making a grand entrance claiming to herald in a new era of hospitality! The Other House is an innovative concept that we first explored earlier this year. Combining concepts of hotel with private club, The Other House is as much an exciting, eclectic, boldly designed new destination for guests coming for just a few days, as it is a London bolt-hole for those who moved to the country during the pandemic or international visitors needing a place in London to call home. Offering ‘Club Flats’, a Private Club for residents and hotel services, it is the first of this type of accommodation that the UK has seen. Sheltered inside Harrington Hall, a heritage property, The Other House South Kensington will offer 200 Club Flats – all of which will feature signature, fully fitted and contemporary design – for leisure travellers and corporate visitors alike. 

Main image credit: Nordelaia