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Writer's picturekemiwells

Top 10 Hotel Openings I'm Most Excited About for 2021

I'm a hotel lover through and through. There's nothing more exciting than checking into a new hotel, or revisiting an old favourite. I love seeing the hotel decor, the amenities, enjoying the comfy beds and duvets...but my absolute favourite thing to do is head down to the pool and get booked at the spa!


Despite the chaos of the past year, so many incredible hotel brands have soldiered on with their plans for growth and expansion around the world.


There are a lot of new properties, big and small, scheduled to open in 2021 – opening dates are subject to change (as always). So many amazing things are on the horizon, it was hard to choose, but here are my personal picks and top 10 of hotels to have on your radar!


DUBAI: Atlantis Royal the Palm - Summer 2021


I recently met with the Sales Manager (virtually) to learn all about the newest Atlantis property being built in Dubai. WOW. Atlantis, The Royal Resort will forever change the landscape of Dubai. Crafted by the world’s leading designers, architects and artists, this iconic destination will offer extraordinary stays with infinite ocean and skyline views, unparalleled dining experiences, attractions, entertainment & nightlife.


An avant-garde luxury hotel that features exquisite first-of-its-kind rooms with spellbinding views of the Dubai skyline and Arabian Gulf. There will be 795 Rooms and Suites, each room has its own innovative touch, including 44 suites with private pools. I can't wait to see their Sky Pool Suites in real life! They look incredible!



ICELAND: Reykjavik EDITION - Summer 2021


It's fantastic to finally see some major luxury hotel players moving into Iceland. I LOVE the EDITION brand and their collection of unique boutique hotels around the world (their list is growing too I am pleased to see)!


The Reykjavik EDITION is situated in both a vibrant and scenic part of Iceland's historical capital, adjacent to the prominent Harpa Concert Hall.


Ian Schrager Company has collaborated with architects T.arch and designers Roman & Williams to introduce EDITION Hotels to Iceland. Poised to offer 253 rooms and suites, The Reykjavik EDITION will house a rooftop, nightlife space and ballroom. In addition, the hotel is expected to offer guests and locals a diverse culinary offering with a signature restaurant, destination bar and a café. I am impressed with the offerings at their London and New York property so I have no doubt this will be amazing too!



ENGLAND: The Farmyard at the Newt, Somerset - Summer 2021


Popular jaunt The Newt in Somerset is now adding a spin-off called The Farmyard, located in a quiet corner of the productive estate. For those who have heard of Babylonstoren in South Africa, this is their sister property. There will be 17 rooms with a rustic vibe, spread between a former farmhouse, cider mill, apple loft and cheese barns. The property is home to meticulous gardens where the chefs farm produce to showcase at The Farmyard’s own farm-to-table menu and the Newt's main restaurant.



JAPAN: Azumi Setoda - March 2021


Azumi Setoda will be the first hotel opened by Japanese hospitality group Naru Developments. Located on Ikuchijima, a small island of about 11,000 people in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, this traditional ryokan concept will be infused with a quality offering that appeals to the modern, global traveller. The balance between tradition and innovation is integral to all parts of the Azumi; demonstrated through everything from the design, service, food and beverage, to wellness and cultural programming.


The developers are saying that Azumi will be offering wholehearted hospitality, characterized by the peacefulness of a ryokan and the warmth of family. Blissful!


Photo credit: Tomohiro Sakashita


ITALY: Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel - Spring 2021


Set to open in Spring 2021, Villa Igiea will be a beautiful addition in Palermo, Sicily. Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo. A long-loved seaside-meets-city sanctuary for royalty, dignitaries and Hollywood luminaries, trace their paths through tiered villa gardens that sweep down to the port and out to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visit nearby bustling markets and people watch on the promenade, You will be able to enjoy Villa Igiea’s Italian restaurants, atmospheric bars and palatial Art Nouveau interior, revitalised as a Rocco Forte hotel.


SPAIN: Six Senses Ibiza - May 2021


Having spent a summer working in Ibiza back in 2011, the stunning island will always have a place in my heart. This gorgeous new Six Senses property will be in the tranquil northern tip of Ibiza on crystalline Cala Xarraca Bay. There will be 134 guest accommodations including townhouses, pool suites and beach cave units set on a 25-acre (10-hectare) site, just 30 minutes from the airport. With unobstructed westerly sunset views, the resort, spa and residential community will dance tothe beat of a new mantra: transformative wellness to nourish the body, mind and soul. I can't wait to return to Ibiza!

MONTENEGRO: One&Only Portonovi - March 2021


Montenegro is still considered as many as an untouched hidden gem and the jewel of the Adriatic. This stunning new One&Only in located in Portonovi, at the elegant entrance to Boka Bay, Montenegro's flourishing new riviera. I am sure interest in private villas will continue to boom folliowing the pandemic and One & Only undoubtedly offer the finest accommodation in Montenegro. Each expansive standalone villa is set in its own blooming garden with a private swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, six massage stations, an outdoor shower, and incredible sunset views over the Adriatic Sea. Complemented with attentive, holistic service from a dedicated team of butlers, chefs, and valets. Dreamy!





ENGLAND: NoMad London - Februrary 2021


Having visited the trendy NoMad in Las Vegas after it's debut in 2018, I was excited to hear that the ultra-fashionable boutique hotel collection was making its debut in Europe this year. Located in heart of London, in Covent Garden, it takes over a former magistrates' court where Oscar Wilde once stood trial,. The hotel will have 92 rooms. The most impressive feature sets to be the three-story glass atrium, which will serve as the all-day dining space, NoMad Restaurant.



BOTSWANA: Little DumaTau– April 2021


The newest lodge from one of my favourite sustainable travel partners, Wilderness safaris, is a haven of sophisticated elegance. There will be just four supremely spacious tented guest rooms, each with its own lounge, private plunge pool, and bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers. This intimate camp promises an exceptional Linyanti safari experience, perfect for that romantic occasion, but also an ideal spot to rent exlcusively with friends or family.


Guests have the opportunity to learn more about elephant conservation and the concession’s important biomonitoring project. The stylish Star Bed sleep-out (weather permitting) is an unforgettable way to experience the nearby Zibadianja Lagoon. With easy access to the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve’s extraordinary range of habitats, prolific plains game and attendant predators are a certainty all year round. Count me in!



USA: Four Seasons Napa Valley - June 2021


A Four Seasons in Napa Valley? A perfect combination right?! “No other wine-country resort integrates the grape-to-glass experience so thoroughly” boasts the forthcoming Four Seasons Napa Valley, which opens this year on the north-east edge of Calistoga. The resort overlooks 3 hectares of organic Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards and the Palisades mountains. The resort has 85 rooms and suites, and they are also building “farmhouse villas” too. There’s a spa, two pools, a restaurant overseen by Erik Anderson (his main kitchen, Coi in San Francisco, has two Michelin stars. Guest amenities include access to a complimentary house car to take you into town.


When you feel the time is ready to travel, I will be here waiting! Please don't hesitate to contact me to book any of these incredible properties in the future!


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