Awed By 'The White Lotus'? See These Newly Revamped Ultra-Luxe Hotels Around The World
These iconic luxury hotels around the world underwent a recent refresh, and have reopened their doors to holidaymakers once more
The White Lotus may have put luxurious hotels on everyone’s mind these days. And with the hit HBO show’s third season reportedly heading to Thailand, naturally speculation on where the series’ privileged vacationers will be checking in into is high. In the real world, though, there are equally classy – if not more grand – hotel destinations on our radar. Oozing glamour, old school charm and contemporary comforts, these legendary hotels housed in storied historical buildings make for a truly high-end vacay. Many are also getting a facelift or have been recently renovated, reopening just in time for your mid-year holidays.
Why go: This glamorous hideout in the French Riviera has been welcoming guests since 1870. Following a renovation to modernise and expand the hotel’s suites, the premises are reopening on April 14 for the 2023 season. Overseen by Countess Bergit Grafin Douglas of MM-Design Frankfurt, renovations were carried out in the Eden-Roc Pavilion, the Hotel du Cap main building and Les Deux Fontaines residence, bringing a new aesthetic and updated features to the suites. Artwork will include a mix of original postmodern and contemporary works by Andy Warhol, John Baldessari and Alex Katz, as well as other notable figures of 20th and 21st century art.
Address: Boulevard J. F. Kennedy, CS 10029, 06605 Antibes Cedex, France
Contact: +33 4 92 93 32 00 / reservations.hdcer@oetkercollection.com
Why go: Recently reopened in May this year, the 112-year-old glitzy Carlton Cannes has been reimagined by acclaimed French interior designer Tristan Auer, known for his singular approach and polyhedral aesthetics. The two-year grand-scale renovation skilfully preserved the hotel’s historic features including its legendary facade. What’s new are two wings measuring 20,000 square metres, which are home to 37 luxury residences. Updates have also been made to all 337 rooms, and there’s a courtyard featuring the largest infinity pool in Cannes, lined with chic cabanas and sunbathing decks.
Address: 58 Bd de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes, France
Contact: +33 4 93 06 40 06 / carlton@ihg.com
Why go: Few can claim a more stylish track record than the Copocabana Palace, which opened in 1923 and counts actresses like Marilyn Monroe, Brigette Bardot, as well as royals like King Edward III among its guests. The official centennial of the hotel will be celebrated in August 2023. To commemorate the occasion, it will host a grand party exclusively for the citizens of Rio. The event promises to be a memorable affair, complete with a red carpet and a surprise to be announced as the date draws nearer. Alongside the hotel sits the Copacabana Palace Theatre, which recently reopened and plays host to numerous creative and cultural performances.
Address: Avenida Atlantica 1702, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 22021 001, Brazil
Contact: 800 492 2240 / reservations.brazil@belmond.com
Why go:. An emblem of Portofino’s allure since the ‘50s, the grand dame hotel is undergoing a multi-phase renovation by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, with the first phase to be complete in June 2023. The entire renovation project will take place across several years, with the team undertaking a meticulous restoration of the former 16th century Benedictine monastery. Over the course of each summer reopening, the hotel will unveil brand new spaces, including a renovated pool area and new intimate, family villa dining experience at The Pool Grill restaurant, as well as the complete redesign of the Baronessa suite.
Address: Salita Baratta 16, 16034 Portofino, Genoa, Italy
Contact: 800 492 2240 / reservations.spl@belmond.com
Why go: Built in 1822, Capri’s first hotel is currently being transformed into an elegant and exclusive 50-room-and-suite hotel. Located mere steps from the famous Piazzetta, it will comprise a rooftop restaurant and bar, its own beach club, a newly built pool deck, a spa and a high-fashion boutique. Hotel La Palma will be Oetker Collection’s reimagined incarnation of Capri’s original hotel, that has played host to a collective of notable artists, poets, writers and musicians from all over the world. It’s scheduled to open for the 2033 season.
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 39, 80073 Capri NA, Italy
Contact: reservations.lpa@oetkercollection.com
Why go: Amansara was previously known as Villa Princiere, when it was built in 1962 for King Norodom Sihanouk and designed by French architect Laurent Mondet. Once a residence for guests of King Sihanouk, the building features ’60’s-era New Khmer architecture and is just ten minutes from the entrance to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. Amansara guests can enjoy private tours to Angkor Wat with tailor-made itineraries, allowing them to experience the once-sacred site undisturbed by other visitors. Other unique cultural activities include a traditional Khmer breakfast at Amansara’s village house, as well as a spiritual water blessing.
Address: Krong Siem Reap 93101, Cambodia
Contact: +855 63 760 333 / amansarares@aman.com
Why go: After a three year closure, the iconic hotel returned with a refreshed new look in June last year. Designed by French architect Ernest Hebrard in a style combining Khmer art and Art Deco furnishings, it first opened in 1932 with just 63 rooms. The Grand Dame has also welcomed distinguished guests like Charlie Chaplin, Jackie Kennedy and Michelle Obama. Guestrooms now feature lighter and brighter interiors, and upgrades like the addition of Segafredo coffee machines, USB charging stations and Simmons pillow-top mattresses. Another new addition is the Raffles Marquee, an events centre hosting Khmer performances, fashion shows wedding receptions and business conferences.
Address: Khum, 1 Vithei, Charles De Gaulle, 17251, Cambodia
Contact: +855 23 982 598 / bookus.siemreap@raffles.com
Text: Rebecca Rachel Wong/Female