Week #10: New Hotel News

What's happening in the world of super cool new hotels? Check-out our latest five most noteworthy openings of 2021 as featured by the editors at HotelMap? & Roomcard?.

Across the globe, from the Maldives to Montenegro, the Israeli desert to the African bush, we explore five stunning new hotels launching in 2021. Book your own private island, sleep under the stars in a baobab-shaped treehouse, dive into the One&Only's luxury spa, stay overnight in the Negev Desert and see the revamp of the Spanish hotel Cesar Ritz set up over 100 years ago.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi – The Private Island | Opened January 2021

MALDIVES: The largest private island in the Maldives, Ithaafushi “offers all the Kim Kardashian West vibes you don’t want to miss” (Forbes). A “world-class destination for the privileged few” (Travel + Leisure) in the heart of the Indian Ocean. At 32,000 square metres, it accommodates just 24 guests in villas “placed across the island’s private beach” (Country & Town House). “One of the freestanding villas is located overwater,” writes The Points Guy while the other “has its own direct beach access and two swimming pools”. It’s just a short boat ride from the main Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi Resort and “guests can be escorted directly via a 40-minute ride on the resort’s Princess yachts or via a 15-minute seaplane flight” (Country & Town House). As well as snorkelling and diving, guests “can ask to be marooned for a day on a nearby private sandbank” (Travel + Leisure) and there’s even a “dedicated children’s play area and pool — for the luckiest kids alive” (The Points Guy). In the words of Country & Town House, “Sounds like the ideal post-lockdown escape, no?”

Our favourite feature: Your own exclusive private island paradise.

Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana | Opened January 2021

AFRICA: The opening of a new safari lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta is “the culmination of a lifelong dream of South African hoteliers the Tollman family;” - Sleeper Magazine - “a love letter to the African bush if you like”. With accommodation for 24 guests in 12 individually designed suites, Xigera Safari Lodge is “unlike anything else in the region” (Architectural Digest). The latest addition to the Red Carnation boutique-hotel collection, promises a “level of privacy” that's “almost impossible to find anywhere else in Africa today” - Conde Nast Traveller. A “‘living gallery’ of bespoke design pieces” (Architectural Digest) showcases artworks “crafted by Africa’s most promising young artists and artisans.” Excursions led by bush veterans Mike and Marian Myers “ensure guests have an experience like no other” (Sleeper Magazine). As well as “animal sightings straight out of a National Geographic documentary” you’ll find a gym, yoga pavilion and “a baobab-shaped treehouse for nights sleeping beneath the stars” - Conde Nast Traveller.

Our favourite feature: Game sightings on safari & a baobab-shaped treehouse.

One&Only Portonovi | Opens 1st May 2021

MONTENEGRO: "With all the sophistication you’d expect" (Harpers Bazaar), One&Only's first opening on European shores is "a sprawling, Venetian palace-style resort" (Vogue). This "ultra-luxe resort" (Robb Report) from the South African hotel group overlooks Boka Bay - "a fjord-like idyll that feeds from the Adriatic sea" (Vogue) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A short stroll to the shore, it "includes a private sandy beach and a 238-berth superyacht marina" (Robb Report). While "the resort itself is full of stylish spaces and arresting views" (Harpers Bazaar), the spa - based "on a more scientific and medical" approach (Forbes) - "is a highlight" (Harpers Bazaar). There's a choice of six swimming pools to dive into and with the exclusive private homes, you not only get a private pool but your own jetty. The new opening prompted The Telegraph to say: "Move aside Croatia, Montenegro is the hot new summer holiday destination".

Our favourite feature: Luxury & spa next to the sea, against stunning mountain views.

Six Senses Shaharut | Opens 5th August 2021

ISRAEL: In the Negev Desert, the Six Senses Shaharut resort is set into a "dramatic cliff with panoramic views of the desert landscape" - Country & Town House. In the "tiny desert community" (Dezeen) of Shaharut in the south of Israel, this "nature-inspired resort" (Robb Report) houses 60 suites and villas "nestled halfway into the ground" (Country & Town House) and surrounded by 46 acres. With "expansive views of the Arava Valley and ridges of the Edom mountains" (Dezeen) the new hotel aims to "create something the country didn’t have: a five-star desert resort" (Robb Report). With aerial yoga, hammam, a poolside bar and grill, and its own stable of 12 camels, it sets the bar high. As well as a "Bedouin dining experience with a fire pit for late night feasting", there's an "open-air amphitheater" - perfect for watching movies "beneath the stars" - Country & Town House. Altogether, it makes this a "must-stay for adventure travellers" - Travel + Leisure.

Our favourite feature: Bedouin dining & a stable of camels on site.

Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid | Opens 15th April 2021

SPAIN: "A glamorously classic restoration of a true Madrid landmark" is how Harpers Bazaar describes the opening of the Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid. The culmination of a three-year renovation project, Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz and the French designer duo Gilles & Boissier collaborated on the new design, which "preserves the striking Belle époque character of the original building" (Forbes), established by Cesar Ritz himself 110 years ago. "A jewel that has been hidden for 80 years" (Vogue Spain), the impressive glass ceiling of the Palm Court has been carefully unveiled. The "lavish spa" (Forbes) includes a heated indoor swimming pool, steam room and fitness centre. As well as 100 meticulously restored rooms, there's a spacious Royal Suite and Presidential Suite with magnificent views over the Prado. Its "generous proximity to the Prado and Thyssen museums" makes it, "a haven at the heart of things" - Harpers Bazaar. This hotly anticipated new opening, along with the first Four Seasons in Spain - launched in September last year - firmly puts Madrid on the luxury hotels map.

Our favourite feature: Top floor turret suites with views over the Prado Museum.