VIP arrivals: hottest hotels opening in June 2024
Checking out some of the latest hotels guests will be checking into this summer, Editor Sophie Harper gives us her top picks from June’s hottest hotel openings…
Summer is upon us (not that we’ve seen much sunshine here in the UK)! But June does typically signal the beginning of peak season, particularly across the European travel market, and therefore we have seen the usual rise in new openings as hotels rush to have their doors open to the public in time for those all-important summer holiday bookings.
One region that has caught our eye this year is Greece. A hotspot on a number of travel brands ‘it lists’, Greece is experiencing a much needed development resurgence, and with that has already unveiled some exciting new resorts – but there are plenty more in the pipeline still to open over the next few months.
Due to open later this month, King Jason Zante is the first property to open under Louis Hotels new ‘Exclusive Collection’ brand. A spectacle of architecture and design, the 87-key hotel conceptualized and brought to life by SP Architect & Partners, is a water lover’s dream-come-true with each suite seemingly floating on a manmade lagoon made up of individual pools.
Nestled in the heart of Zakynthos, the new hotel attributes its laidback personality to the art of slow living. A floating masterpiece of modern architecture, indigenous plant life and localised materials ensure the property sits easily within its tranquil landscape.
Image credit: Louis Hotels
Just opened, Mandarin Oriental Muscat is an urban oasis located in Shatti Al-Qurum and offers 103 rooms and 47 suites designed by renowned French designer Xavier Cartron. Blending contemporary design with local craftmanship, the interiors are decorated with Omani-inspired art and furnishings, while subtle tones are complemented by colourful accents to bring sophistication and warmth.
Five distinct dining venues showcase Mandarin Oriental’s renowned culinary expertise with diverse flavours from around the world and unique design to reflect both the traditions of the property’s locale but with added cosmopolitan flair.
Image credit: Mandarin Oriental
Domes, Greece’s prestigious luxury lifestyle hospitality brand, has announced the upcoming opening of 91 Athens Riviera, The Resort which is set to welcome guests from 15th June 2024. Coined as the ultimate luxury cabana beach club experience, this inaugural project developed by Grivalia Hospitality and designed by Chadios Architects, will establish the very first hybrid model of holistic lifestyle experiences and luxury accommodations. Alongside Grivalia Hospitality’s introduction of an exclusive Private Members Club, this project will offer both private members and glamping guests the opportunity to unite in their pursuit of tranquillity, wellness and luxury.
Image credit: Domes Resorts
FORTH Atlanta will be the centrepiece of one of the largest and most transformative mixed-use developments on the Atlanta BeltLine and in the country’s Southeast region to-date. Local developer, New City, is leading the $150 million, 16 floor mixed-use project and tapped acclaimed hospitality firm, Method Co., to conceptualize and operate its 196-room luxury boutique hotel, four distinct food & beverage concepts, and members-only social club. The property will also feature an elevated outdoor pool with lounge seating, co-working space, and an event venue. Morris Adjmi Architects, FORTH Atlanta’s architect and interior designer, worked collaboratively with New City and Method Co. to create the contemporary landmark destination, which features a striking cast-in-place diagrid façade and rich and tailored interiors that provide a warm and welcoming counterpoint to the modern concrete exterior. FORTH Atlanta’s food & beverage concepts were meticulously designed by Philadelphia-based Stokes Architecture + Design, in collaboration with Method’s in-house design studio, and include a lobby cafe and bar, rooftop cocktail lounge, a full-service Italian steakhouse, and a Mediterranean-inspired poolside restaurant & bar.
Image credit: FOURTH Atlanta
Big things are in the pipeline for Zel – the brand collaboration between Melia Hotels International and Rafa Nadal. It seems the success of the brand launch and first hotel opening in Mallorca in 2023 has paved the way for some exciting developments planned, including hotels in Madrid, Sayulita, and Punta Cana, but if you can’t wait until 2025 for your next Zel hit fear not… Zel Costa Brava is set to open its doors this month.
The hotel will feature 214 guestrooms with interiors inspired by the property’s natural surroundings, showcasing dynamic outdoor spaces and biophilia.
Image credit: Melia Hotels International
Opening this month in the Riquier district, Mama Shelter Nice will become the 11th Mama Shelter location in France, remaining true to the brand’s commitment to opening in cities and neighbourhoods that are on the rise. Located close to Old Port, the historic centre, the hotel will occupy three buildings including one from the early 20th century with a preserved façade.
Benjamin El Doghaïli, architect and head of the Mama Shelter design studio, has embraced Nice’s artistic heritage and designed the hotel to be at one with its environment. El Doghaïli draws his inspiration from the works of the many painters who settled there, in the palettes, motifs, subjects and collages of Matisse, Braque’s birds, Picasso’s ceramics from the Vallauris period.
Image credit: Mama Shelter
Following an extensive renovation, Sani Resort is reintroducing its most exclusive hotel, Sani Asterias on 21st June 2024. Studio Gronda, a dynamic design studio with a focus on creating distinctive environments and unique experiences, has created the refined residences that are replacing beachfront suites, elevating the accommodation to a higher sense of luxury in the enchanting location of the Kassandra Peninsula.
With uninterrupted sea views, the new Sani Asterias residences are a masterpiece of architecture and decor, characterised by contemporary design, high-tech infrastructure, high-quality standards and exquisite attention to detail.
Image credit: Sani Resort
Main image credit: Louis Hotels
