Still undecided on where to head for your next getaway for the upcoming holiday season? Thankfully for you, the list of new hotel launches this month that might help make that task much easier – because with their stylish design and breathtaking locations, these chic stays are a destination in themselves.
The buzz: If you’re looking for a trendy new hotel for a staycation, put this one on your list. Accor and Ennismore’s Mondrian brand will debut in Singapore this March, in the Duxton Hills neighbourhood. It will house 302 guestrooms and shophouse suites, a cinematic rooftop pool and eclectic restaurants and bars. Designed by Los Angeles-based Studio Carter, the hotel reflects the Duxton area’s rich history, with the tropicana-leaning design drawing inspiration from the heritage conservation area’s traditional architecture. The hotel will also present immersive installations and a contemporary collection of local and international artwork.
Address: 16A Duxton Hill
Contact: enquiry.sg@mondrianhotels.com; tel 6019-8888
The buzz: Scheduled for a soft opening in March 2023, Cap Karoso, located in the island of Sumba is named for the beach on which it is located, and is a 50-minute flight east from Bali. Helming its design is Jakarta-based Bitte Design Studio and the hotel’s aesthetic melds regional heritage with contemporary features. Guests will find references to the local religion of Marapu, as well as the region’s craft traditions and culture. For example, in-room accents include hand-carved wooden headboards by local artists and ikat wall hangings by Indonesian artist Alexander Sebastian Hartanro. A casual all-day beach club will serve cuisine with a focus on local produce, while the Julang restaurant will be operated by international chefs visiting for short takeovers. The property will also host visiting artists and DJs throughout the year, for exhibitions and music events.
Address: FW9P+J7R,Unnamed Road, Ate Dalo, Kec. Kodi Kabupaten Sumba Barat Daya, Indonesia
Contact: Contact the hotel here
The buzz: The recently opened Somewhere Lombok is the first project by sisters Claire and Valia Gontard, both of whom have collective experience in the investment, events, travel and hospitality industry. The sisters teamed up with Hong Kong-based architecture firm SW Design and design studio Eight Partnership, to create the hotel’s modernist look. The property boasts 20 independent villas featuring private plunge pools, with floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist interior design. Natural materials like wood, local stone, and concrete abound, with furniture and lighting custom-made in neutral tones. Guests can also enjoy an infinity pool overlooking the bay of Are Guling , along with an in-house restaurant serving Indonesia fusion.
Address: Prabu, Pujut, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara 83572, Indonesia
Contact: hello@somewherelombok.com; tel: +62 813-72300-100
The buzz: Just 45 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Noku Phuket is the fourth Noku outpost and offers stunning views of Chalong Bay from its hilltop location. There are a total of 91 villas and lofts, all of which are furnished in soft earthy tones. Each roomy loft features a balcony overlooking the surrounding hills, and the spacious hill villas provide sea views over Chalong Bay. Guests also have the option of choosing stand-alone tree villas with private pools. The hotel’s curated shop celebrates fashion, crafts and collectables of the region as well.
Address: 48/13 Moo 6, Soi Sai-Namyen, Chao Fa West Road, Chalong, Phuket Town, Phuket 83130, Thailand
Contact: h4-re@nokuhotels.com; tel: +66 76-384-076
The buzz: Recently opened at the start of 2023, Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach is the Andaz brand’s first foray into Thailand. Nestled across over 15 acres of beachfront land, this luxury lifestyle resort provides numerous ways for guests to connect with the local culture and nature, from destination excursions to authentic dining, wellness and family activities. The distinctively local yet modern design of the resort is also inspired by the site’s history as a private estate, and conceived by award-winning Thai architecture firm A49 and PIA interiors. Most of the hotspots in the city are a quick drive away too, including lakes, wineries, golf courses and cafes.
Address: 345 Moo 3 Na Jomtien Sub-District, Pattaya City, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand
Contact: Tel +66 38-221-234
The buzz: This three-villa property features a contemporary and sophisticated interpretation of Cycladic traditions. Helming the project is Aristides Dallas, one of Greece’s most celebrated architects. Design-wise, each villa is characterised by stone walls, wood details, and broad, airy openings. Private pools and fireplaces also offer cosy spaces to relax, and interiors are filled with bespoke furniture, earthy wooden décor, warm neutral hues and natural fabrics. Showcased works in the hotel by contemporary young Greek artists are also available for sale, while each villa features a curated selection of books and design magazines. Guests have access to onsite gardens too, including an orchard, Mediterranean herb garden, tea garden with flowers to make infusions and an organic vegetable garden.
Address: Lagkades, Ag. Fokas 842 00, Greece
Contact: info@pnoestinos.gr
The buzz: Set to re-open in the second quarter of 2023, Manna in Arcadia is housed in a former sanatorium in the southern Greek region of Peloponnese, at an altitude of 1,200m. Overseeing the renovation and design is K-Studio. The firm’s portfolio includes other prominent travel and hospitality projects in Greece like Hotel Crete, Museum Samos and Helios Restaurant in Four Seasons Athens. The 32-room hotel celebrates serenity and craftsmanship, with a specific focus on well-being and nature. In addition to guestrooms, the communal spaces will include a dining room, ritual room, bar, lounge, library, and spa with two treatment rooms.
Address: Korfoxylia, Magoulianon, 22010, Arcadia, Greece
Contact: info@mannaarcadia.gr; tel: +30 2710-309-009
The buzz: It doesn’t get more isolated than Mamula Island. Set to have its grand opening in March, this hotel was previously a long-abandoned 19th-century fortress, situated on a previously uninhabited islet. Mamula Island is being revitalized by architecture firm MCM London, and will feature a glass-covered courtyard, a memorial museum, a spa, multiple restaurants and bars, outdoor pools and a club for non-motorized watersports. Guests can also expect spaces infused with references to the surrounding region and culture. Materials like local Cevsky stone, aged brass, solid oak and breathable, organic textiles will be used, and artworks are being made specifically for the property by local artists.
Address: Mamula Island, Herceg Novi, Montenegro
Contact: reservations@mamulaisland.com
The buzz: Culture vultures will definitely dig this historic, art-centric hotel, which is salted to open in the third quarter of this year. Situated in the historic district of Belem, Lisbon, The Curator Hotel is located within the Palace of the Counts of Ribeira Grande. The building dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, and will house the Museum of Contemporary Art Armando Martins – a new cultural project dedicated to modern and contemporary art. A total of 44 rooms will be spread among the first through sixth floors of the palace, along with six studios in an independent wing and 14 rooms in a new annex. An onsite restaurant will also be dedicated to local flavours and regional products and producers. Other amenities include a garden and a desecrated chapel to host cultural programming, with a focus on performing arts and literature.
Address: R. da Junqueira 66, 1300-307 Lisboa, Portugal
Contact: To be announced
The buzz: Designed by renowned Parisian architect Jacques Garcia, Selman Marrakech is located at the foot of the scenic Atlas Mountains. The hotel features 55 rooms, suites and villas – all of which embrace the Arab-Moorish atmosphere with refined textures, fine fabrics and traditional furnishing. There’s also a unique stud farm home to a private collection of Arabian thoroughbreds, which guests can visit during their stay. Be sure to check out the exquisite Chenot Spa as well. The 1,200 sq metre spa is reminiscent of a traditional Turkish bath and includes seven treatment rooms, four hydrotherapy rooms, a hydro-massage pool, two heated outdoor pools, a gym and a spa boutique.
Address: Km 5, Route d’Amizmiz Marrakech 40160, Morocco
Contact: info@selman-marrakech.com; tel: +212 524-45-96-00
The buzz: Opening March 2023, this property is situated in the south of Zihuatanejo, in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero. With only 13 bedrooms, the boutique hotel is also home to private residences, organic farms, a beach club and freshwater bio pool. Workspaces, a recording studio and a media arts hub are also in the works. As for design, think a stripped-back architecture, with organic accents from hand-crafted, locally sourced and natural materials.
Address: Rumbo a la playa 79, Loma Bonita, Guerrero, Mexico
Contact: resy@findmusa.mx; tel: +52 755-106-8611
The buzz: Maroma is situated between dense tropical jungle and the white sands of Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with access to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Featuring 72 rooms, suites and villas, the hotel officially reopens on May 25 this year, following an extensive renovation and redesign by designer Tara Bernerd which goes big on colours. While the space will be completely reimagined, its design will honour Mexican artisanal traditions, authentic craftsmanship and local materials throughout the interiors.
Address: Carretera Cancun-Tulum, Km 51 77710 Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Contact: reservations.mar@belmond.com
Text: Rebecca Rachel Wong/Female