As we move into a month of shifting seasons, Q2 is usually a busy quarter for hotel openings across the globe, and this year is no exception. With this in mind, writer Pauline Brettell identifies the hotel openings that will transport you from the beaches of Cancun to a rooftop vista in Kathmandu – with more than a few stops inbetween…
In May, as we march purposefully into the high season for summer destinations, there is always a buzz of activity with hotels opening and introducing us to their narratives, the stories behind the placemaking, which are in most cases, driven by design. Sifting though the news and announcements, the renders and the images, here are some of the openings that have caught our eye, bringing a diverse range of design and development onto the hotel scene.
The Store, Oxford
Image credit: The Store
Opening its doors onto Broad Street, in the heart of the Oxford, The Store has made its home in the reimagined building of the historic department store and local institution, Boswells. In the tradition of great British department stores, Boswells was a place of discovery – a treasure trove of toys, cosmetics, fashion, household essentials, a haberdashery, well-known tearoom and café. Now reimagined as a hotel, restaurant, rooftop bar, co-working space and spa, The Store, delivered by Reef Group and EQ Group, will present a labyrinth of spaces to discover and explore.
Arranged over seven floors, the interior design has been informed by the heritage of the two distinct buildings that make up The Store. Both buildings have a clear architectural language that runs throughout the refurbished and extended spaces.
Hilton Kathmandu
Image caption: Hilton Kathmandu | Image credit: Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels & Resorts debuts in Nepal this month with Hilton Kathmandu, situated in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley. The hotel embodies a harmonious blend of Nepal’s rich heritage and modern design, offering panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan mountain range. The hotel shelters 173 guestrooms, complemented by versatile event spaces that can be customised to suit different occasions. Dining options include an all-day dining restaurant, an iconic rooftop bar that provides a stunning vantage point, and a grab-and-go deli with a unique street market concept. Throughout the property, guests can immerse themselves in the charm of local art and culture, evident in the meticulously crafted detailing and incorporation of traditional motifs.
Hyde Bodrum
Image credit: Ennismore / Hyde
Set against the picture-perfect backdrop of the shimmering Aegean Sea and surrounded by verdant pine forests, Hyde Bodrum, a member of the Ennismore portfolio, is inviting guests and locals alike to enjoy an always-summer feeling with beat-filled days, carefree nights and programming ranging from yoga sessions to gigs and DJ sets. The all-inclusive destination offers 216 guestrooms, suites and villas, five vibrant restaurants and bars, a palm-fringed swimming pool and unique event spaces primed to host the summer’s hottest launches and parties. Framed by the lush, pine-scented national park and flowing down to the golden sands and turquoise waters of Torba Bay, the Hyde Bodrum’s aesthetic has been crafted to encourage guests to connect with the spectacular natural beauty of its setting, as well as each other.
Hotel Mousai Cancun
Image credit: Hotel Mousai Cancun
Located along the stunning and serene white sand beach of Costa Mujeres, this elevated adults-only property is slated to become Cancun’s most coveted refuge, complete with exceptional hospitality, chic modern design, a dreamy rooftop infinity pool, spacious accommodations, countless gourmet dining options and access to the world-renowned, Spa Imagine. With a bold, contemporary design throughout its 88 suites, Hotel Mousai Cancun will offer multi-bedroom suites equipped with large terraces and private jacuzzies that overlook the breathtaking waters below.
Odera
Image credit: Odera
Odera, will be the first luxury boutique hotel of its kind on the unspoilt island of Tinos. Offering a selection of curated culinary delights and rejuvenating wellness offerings along with a contemporary yet timeless design, the property will shelter 77 guestrooms and pool suites, an expansive spa, secluded private beach and beach club. The property will feature interiors designed by Studio Bonarchi, celebrating Tinos’ traditions, local artisans and producers. The commitment to preserving the environment and supporting the island’s local craftsmanship is reflected in every corner of the hotel, from traditional Tinian stonework and authentic pigeonholes showcasing the island’s natural beauty and heritage, to meticulously crafted marble furnishings and incredible dining menus that celebrate local suppliers.
Bob W St Paul’s
Image credit: Bob W
Spanning across a mid-20th century building on Watling Street and a Neo-Georgian building on Groveland Court, Bob W St Paul’s skillfully blends modern convenience with historic charm. The strategic expansion reinforces Bob W’s commitment to deliver high-quality hospitality, genuine local experiences and sustainable practices. Bob W St Paul’s adds to the company’s growing portfolio of top-tier properties in some of the English capital’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, including Tower Hill, the Tower of London, Commercial Street, Knightsbridge and Hyde Park.
The design concept for the new property in London is inspired by ‘the nomad,’ capturing the essence of the city’s rich historical tapestry and its contemporary status as a vibrant global hub. This melding of London’s architectural grandeur with the lively pace of a sophisticated lifestyle and diverse cultural landscape serves as the foundation for the property’s design ethos.
Main image credit: The Store
