Luxury hotels are having a glittery moment. Our A-List travel advisors share which new and soon-to-open properties they’re most excited about, including a safari camp on a private island in Botswana, a penthouse suite in London overlooking Hyde Park, and a fairyland castle set on an Austrian lake.
Flockhill Lodge, New Zealand
“Flockhill Lodge in New Zealand is opening 14 one-bedroom villas this December. Its goal is to make the property more accessible to couples and smaller families. A 90-minute drive from Christchurch (which has a new international arrival flight from the U.S.) and you get what I call a ‘New Zealand snapshot’ experience. Flockhill has mountains, lakes, adventure, wine, sheep herding, and fly fishing — all surrounded by spectacular views.” — Cassandra Bookholder, Camelback Odyssey Travel
Janu Tokyo, Japan
“The Janu Tokyo draws from the roots of its sister brand, Aman, with a fresh energy. I was lucky to stay at the property during opening week. The wellness facility and spa are the most impressive in Tokyo, and the whole property offers stunning views of Tokyo Tower. This opening marks a new spot to stay in the city as well — Azabudai Hills. The neighborhood mixes retail, gardens, food trucks, business, and art, and it sits right on top of the new TeamLab Borderless museum.” — Sarah Groen, Bell & Bly Travel
Wilderness Bisate, Rwanda
“The Wilderness Bisate opened in Rwanda this September, raising the bar on luxury with a private reserve that offers spectacular views of six stunning volcanoes. This follows years of hard work in buying back previously settled land at fair market rates, rehabilitating the ecosystem with native plants, and allowing the natural flow of fauna between Volcanoes National Park and Bisate’s private sanctuary, all with the goal of making Bisate Reserve an exclusive destination.” — Raza Visram, AfricanMecca Safaris
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Austria
“I’m excited about the Austria Rosewood resort, which opened this summer after a full revamp. There’s nothing else in the region like it. It balances giving guests a countryside resort while also being 30 minutes from Salzburg, where visitors can experience the gorgeous landscape of the Salzkammergut.” — Gwen Kozlowski, Exeter International
Atzaró Okavango, South Africa
“We’re especially excited to send our guests to the newly opened Atzaró Okavango and Tswalu Loapi. Atzaró is a partnership between two luxury travel brands, both doing incredible work in the tourism and conservation space. We’re excited for our guests to experience the beauty of Botswana’s delta from this elegant property. Tswalu Loapi consists of six homes in South Africa’s Northern Cape, with a conscientious approach to safaris. All the guests we have sent so far have fallen in love with the lodge.” — Shaun Stanley, Stanley Safaris
Lanserhof Sylt, Germany
“Sylt is an upscale island in northern Germany, near the border of Denmark, which Vogue called the ‘Martha’s Vineyard of Germany.’ With more than 120 million euros invested, the new 55-room Lanserhof hotel will be a sanctuary of modernity, style, and wellness. It was designed by world-renowned architect Christoph Ingenhoven with sustainable materials including thatch.” — Sofia Markovich, Sofia’s Travel
The Emory, London
“At least 13 high-end hotels are scheduled to open in London by 2025. Among them is The Emory. a modern architectural masterpiece overlooking Hyde Park. It will be the fourth hotel in the capitol from the Maybourne hotel group, operator of the prestigious Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Berkeley. The Emory will provide a quiet sanctuary in the heart of the city with state-of-the-art amenities. The Maybourne group has been leading the way in delivering the best hotel service for years, and we repeatedly send clients to them.” — Nicola Butler, NoteWorthy
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, Argentina
“Susana Balbo, the first female winemaker in Argentina, is part of an exciting venture called SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites in Mendoza. The Winemaker’s House looks beautifully designed and has a strong focus on wellness. This should be the perfect place for a relaxing stay in Mendoza.” — Lily Bunker, Jacada Travel
Torel Avantgarde, Portugal
“This boutique hotel in Porto, Portugal, blends contemporary design with artistic flair. Overlooking the Douro River, the luxurious retreat features avant-garde decor and a curated collection of modern art, including pieces by Portuguese artists. The hotel’s stylish rooms and suites offer panoramic views of Porto’s historic Ribeira district, creating a captivating backdrop.” — Pablo Argüelles & Nina Aquino, Bravo Luxury Travel
The Oberoi Vanyavilas, India
“Bandhavgarh National Park is a wonderful wildlife hot spot in India. The Oberoi Group, which created a class of luxury hotels in and around India, has also chosen Bandhavgarh as the location for their next new hotel. The Oberoi Vanyavilas is set to open its camp doors soon, and it will be a new upscale address for wildlife enthusiasts.” — Marion Miller, Micato Safaris
Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire, England
“Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire is offering a new base from which to explore the Cotswolds. It gives clients the feeling of staying in a country manor house with all the amenities — a spa, dining, and activities — in one place. Its Roman bath spa is also unique to the region.” — Susan Whitson, Susan Whitson Travel
Singita Milele, Tanzania
“Overlooking the vast Serengeti plains in Tanzania, Singita Milele opened in May 2024 and is perfect for a multigenerational family or a group of friends traveling together. Located on the private Singita Grumeti Reserve in the western Serengeti, the lodge has five suites, a fitness center, an infinity pool, a Jacuzzi, a wine cellar, and a fire pit. During the day, Singita’s private guides can craft a personalized itinerary of wildlife experiences such as game drives, walking safaris, and the opportunity to go behind the scenes of modern conservation. Back at the lodge, guests can enjoy wine tastinga, watch a movie in the 10-person theater, or relax and enjoy sumptuous cuisine under a starry African sky.” — Laura Burdett-Munns, Journeysmiths
Sitatunga Private Island, Botswana
“Sitatunga Private Island in Botswana opened last summer on an island in the idyllic Okavango Delta. The property is a true island, surrounded by water for most of the year. Visitors reach the property by boat or helicopter, and enjoy water-based activities such as boat excursions, fishing, and mokoro rides. The camp is small, accommodating a maximum of eight travelers. Great Plains Conservation designed this camp using recycled materials. I love having this exclusive option deep in the delta.” — Craig Beal, Travel Beyond