2019’s Most Exciting New Hotel Launches

Do you need a break in 2019? Then try one of these luxury hotel and resort openings around the globe.

Vintry & Mercer, London

Set to open: February
A few blocks back from the Thames and walking distance to St Paul's and Borough Market, it's hard to find a more central location in London. The neighbourhood is steeped in history but the interiors of the 92-room hotel are thoroughly modern: beds feature plush velvet headboards in rich hues (a nod to 14th-century fine fabrics traders the Mercer Guild, which started in the area in 1304), movies are on demand, wi-fi is complimentary and ceramic-tiled bathrooms in the deluxe studio and studio suites have built-in televisions. There are also three dining and drinking spaces on site, including a rooftop bar with views of the cathedral and an underground speakeasy cocktail bar.
Image credit: Amy Murrell

Amara, Cyprus

Set to open: March
The growing international reputation of Cyprus’s southern coastal city Limassol – a combination of gorgeous waterfront, captivating historical centre and the ancient ruins of Amathus - will receive a boost with the mooted autumn opening of the new luxury hotel brand Amara (pictured top). The design of the 207 guestrooms and suites is inspired by Cypriot culture, with views of the Mediterranean from private balconies, while restaurants from Giorgio Locatelli and Nobu Matsuhisa will up the delicious ante.

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Mexico

Set to open: April
Japanese minimalist style meets artisan workmanship at the first Mexican hotel from the partnership of acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert de Niro. The beachfront Nobu Hotel Los Cabos will have 200 rooms and suites and – of course – a branch of Nobu-san’s eponymous restaurant taking care of diners as well as the room service menu.

Ānanti Resort, Residences and Beach Club, Montenegro

Set to open: April
Lapped by the Adriatic Sea and boasting stunning mountainous peaks, the tiny Balkan Republic of Montenegro is becoming a hot destination – and it will get even hotter thanks to this luxe resort hugging the Budva Riviera. A stone’s throw from the fortified village island of Sveti Stefan, Ānanti Resort has its own private beach and an Instagram-worthy collection of red-roofed villas.

Baglioni Resort, Maldives

Set to open: April
Did the Maldives need another high-end resort where overwater bungalows sit serenely above the improbably blue waters of the Indian Ocean? Judging by the Baglioni Resort, the latest addition to the Italian luxury chain, the answer is a resounding yes. On the unspoiled Maagau Island in the Dhaalu Atoll, a 40-minute seaplane ride from the capital Malé, immerse yourself in the coral atolls with assistance from an instructor at the resort’s own dive centre.

St. Regis Hong Kong

Set to open: Autumn 2019
André Fu of acclaimed design studio AFSO is bringing his signature style to Hong Kong’s first St. Regis. The 27-storey, 129-room hotel will be the newest luxury hotel in hip Wan Chai, with stunning views across Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Bay.

Savoy Palace, Portugal

Set to open: June
On the Portuguese island of Madeira, a two-hour flight from Lisbon, this extravagant property will feature a sky bar and rooftop infinity pool and a moody, grotto-like spa. The Old Town of Funchal is just a short stroll away along the picturesque waterfront.

Raffles Hotel, Singapore

Set to open: August
At 131 years old it’s certainly not a new hotel but Raffles has been closed for two years for a comprehensive makeover. An icon of colonial Singapore, the refurbished grand dame’s 115 suites will be fit for modern luxury travellers, while the iconic Long Bar will return in its original location, complete with the cult cocktail Singapore Sling.

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing

Set to open: Early 2019
Expect luxury fit for an emperor when the Mandarin Oriental plants its flag in Beijing for the first time in the lively Wangfujing area. The 73-room hotel on the top two floors of premium retail centre WF Central will have views over the Forbidden City from its rooftop garden terrace.

Rosewood Bangkok

Set to open: 2019
Inspired by the “wai” hand greeting, the curious slanted towers on Phloen Chit Road are set to bring new levels of luxury to Bangkok’s downtown area. Due to open sometime in 2019, the 159-room urban resort will include Sky Villas with large terraces and private plunge pools in the heart of the urban jungle.