Fifteen game-changing hotel openings to get excited about

Sydney Morning Herald

24-05-2025

Japan's first property from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts opens July 1. In the Shibaura district, it occupies floors 35 to 43 of the Blue Front Shibaura South Tower. Blue Front Shibaura is a 4.7-hectare development designed by renowned architect Fumihiko Maki whose other works include The National Museum of Modern Art Kyoto. On a waterfront Tokyo Bay site that previously included a train yard, the mixed-use development has cutting edge green credentials. The Fairmont Tokyo will include five restaurants, two bars, a sundeck and pool and the Fairmont Spa and Health Club on the 35th floor. Many of the 217 rooms and suites, will have bay views. See fairmont.com
Paradisus by Melia Bali, Nusa Dua, Bali
When the Melia Bali opened in 1985, it was the first Melia outside the brand's home country of Spain, and its location, Nusa Dua, was a very different place to now. Thirty years later, Nusa Dua is home to most of Bali's largest resorts, and the Melia Bali is undergoing a metamorphosis to keep up with the neighbours. In December 2025 the now-closed property will reopen as Paradisus by Melia Bali. Paradisus is a brand made successful in Mexico and the Caribbean. It's all-inclusive with an ethos built around cultural immersion, barefoot luxury and eco-sensitivities. See melia.com
The Vineta Hotel, Palm Beach, Florida, US
A historic landmark in glitzy, glam Palm Beach is being restored to its former glory thanks to British developers the Reuben Brothers and German-based five-star hoteliers, Oetker Collection. Since 1989 the century-old Mediterranean Revival-style hotel building has been known as The Chesterfield – but the reinstatement of the original name, Vineta, which it held for more than 50 years, heralds a total renovation led by London-based interior designer, Tino Zervudachi, known for sumptuous homes. Opening this year, there'll be four dining and social spaces including reinstatement of the Leopard Lounge which, in its heyday, was a popular Palm Beach night spot for celebrities and locals alike. See oetkercollection.com
Mollie's, Manchester, UK
It's 30 years since impresario Nick Jones opened the first Soho House private members' club on Greek Street in London's Soho. In that time, it has extended its celebrity-laden reach globally and spawned a B-label, Mollie's. There are currently two of the American-inspired motel-diners in the UK, one in Bristol, the other in Oxfordshire. And soon, Mollie's is opening its third and largest site in the Old Granada TV studios in Manchester. It will offer 128 bedrooms and a 150-seat diner-style restaurant, with the top three floors of the building to be shared with the new Soho House Manchester, also opening on the site and offering a club, swimming pool and private spaces. See mollies.com
Villa Ostuni, Puglia, Italy
A 14th century convent turned tobacco factory that sat empty and decaying for 60 years is set to be Puglia's newest covetable stay. Vista, an independent Italian hospitality group owned by the Passera family, famed hoteliers and restaurateurs of the Lake Como and Verona areas, are opening Vista Ostuni, a boutique hotel of 28 rooms and suites, in July. It is designed by architect Roberto Murgia, of Milan's RMA Studio, to reflect the property's original design, its history and the surrounding Apulian environment. Vista Ostuni is the first hotel in Italy to feature landscaping by Belgian designer Erik Dhont. His portfolio includes the grounds of the Musee National Picasso-Paris and private gardens for many esteemed architects and designers. See vistapalazzo.com
Mar Hall, Scotland, UK
The likes of Harry Styles, Beyonce and Kylie Minogue had stayed at Mar Hall before it went into administration in 2023. Now the historic hotel is set to twinkle as brightly, if not brighter, than the stars who've stayed there, thanks to new owners who have poured money into saving the property, located on the banks of the River Clyde just outside Glasgow. Originally designed in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect of London's British Museum, a $42 million renovation set to debut shortly comprises a total overhaul of all 74 guest rooms, suites and apartments, as well the main entrance and reception, Members' Lounge, Gallery restaurant and bar, and events areas. New additions to the hotel include a 24-person private cinema, gaming room and billiards room. The property is also home to the Earl of Mar Golf Course. See marhall.com
Bloody Mary's Hotel, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
An authentic tiki bar and grill dating to 1979, Bloody Mary's is a Bora Bora institution. Now its owners are positioning the legendary Bloody Mary's for a viable future. It closed in September 2023 for works that will include adding a hotel to its footprint as well as a full renovation of the iconic eatery. Set to open at the end of 2025, the property that's seen many famous faces, from Buzz Aldrin to Jason Momoa under its thatched roof, will offer bungalows both on the hillside behind the bar and over the water in front of it. The Bloody Mary's private pontoon, which has been the boat access point for guests from nearby resorts to pop in, is also getting an upgrade. With prime snorkelling and diving in the nearby reef, expect it to get a good workout from Bloody Mary's Hotel guests, too. See bloodymarys.com
Waldorf Astoria New York, New York, US
A renovation halted by the pandemic had left New York City without access to one of its most beloved and important landmarks. That's about to change in the coming months (if not weeks). The Waldorf Astoria New York is about to re-emerge from years of closure and extensive works. Opened in 1931 on Park Avenue, the 1400-room art deco hotel was originally owned by the Astor family and was the first hotel in the world to have electricity throughout. The guest list is full of esteemed names. Now, guests, esteemed and otherwise, will be greeted by Pierre-Yves Rochon-designed rooms (his high-end hotel credits are extensive), a huge spa and, essential for modern-day New York, an aspirational fitness centre and an outdoor terrace. Acclaimed Chef Michael Anthony is behind the signature restaurant, Lex Yard, a two-storey American brasserie, while the iconic Peacock Alley, will return with its plumage newly plumped. See hilton.com
Sax Paris, France
It may seem hard to believe, but despite managing more than 8000 hotels around the world, up to now, Hilton has not had a five-star in Paris. The 118-room hotel Sax Paris marks the arrival of the conglomerate's LXR Hotels & Resorts in France, and hence, Hilton's first luxury hotel in the capital. LXR is a collection of unique hotels that offer stand-out features such as a remarkable location, special history or destination decor. Sax Paris, which opens in June, is in the 7th Arrondissement, home to landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides; its rooftop terrace has stunning views of the Tower. In addition to enjoying the hotel's Left Bank location next to Place de Breteuil, guests can relax at the library bar on the ground floor as well as a bar and restaurant on the top floor that serves Japanese cuisine. See hilton.com
Andaz Gold Coast, Broadbeach, Queensland
The Star Entertainment Group has its problems but the Andaz Gold Coast isn't one of them. The Hyatt-brand hotel is set to open by the end of 2025 in the company's Broadbeach complex. Andaz is a so-called 'lifestyle hotel', and the Gold Coast branch is Australia and the Pacific's first. Occupying floors six to 21 of one of towers in the multi-use development, the hotel will feature 202 guest rooms and suites, a fitness centre and three restaurants. The pool deck on level six is bound to attract sun and fun lovers thanks to its cocktail bar, beach club with private cabanas and al fresco dining. The architecture by Australian design firm DBI Architects will be matched with contemporary interiors by Melbourne-based design firm, Hachem. See star.com.au
Four Seasons Resort Mykonos, Cyclades, Greece
Despite being a tourism hotspot for decades, most of the hotels on Mykonos in Greece's Cyclades Islands remain independent. The balance will tilt slightly when Four Seasons enters the island's life in late 2025,with a 94-key luxury resort on the coastline of Kalo Livadi Bay. For purists who remember when Mykonos was the chosen holiday spot for bohemians, The Four Seasons Resort Mykonos does at least attempt to blend in. Its guest rooms, suites and villas, all with sea views, are set in whitewashed buildings with requisite blue accents – the latter including private plunge pools. See fourseasons.com
Nu By Yoo, Melbourne, Victoria
Australia's style capital is welcoming a hotel with serious style credentials. Yoo Group was founded by legendary French designer Philippe Starck and UK-based property developer-turned-disruptor John Hitchcox, who saw an opportunity to create mostly private residences based on extraordinary design principles.
It has been behind more than 80 projects in 40 countries and has the Yoo Hotels & Resorts arm for creating lodgings. Managed by La Vie Hotels and Resorts, the 97-key Nu By Yoo hotel, opening in 2026, will feature luxury accommodation and a signature restaurant. Rooms will overlook the Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens from the hotel's position in the Domain Precinct, on the edge of the city in South Yarra. See yoo.com
Hoshinoya Nara Prison, Nara, Japan
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A prison built in 1908 and decommissioned in 2017 is set to become a luxury hotel. Located in Nara, the prefecture next to Kyoto, The Former Nara Prison – one of Japan's Important Cultural Properties – will become Hoshinoya Nara Prison, Japan's first hotel in a former penitentiary. Accommodation brand Hoshinoya draws on a property's location, history and culture when forming conceptual frames for its projects. It's owned by Hoshino Resorts, a fourth-generation family-run Japanese company that has several brands under its umbrella, all linked by the aim to provide unique lodgings. It is expected to open by the end of 2026. See hoshinoresorts.com