13 new idyllic retreats: New luxury independent hotels defined by their deep cultural connections within their destinations

 

Luxury Hospitality: 13 must-have visits for the a new decade of travel.

These new high-end property additions to the the Leading Hotels of the World include luxury hotels around the globe that are set in restored monasteries, luxurious tented camps, expansive farm estates, and even new waterfront masterpieces.

“The hoteliers within these properties demonstrate the creativity and agility that makes the experience of independent hotels so special” – Shannon Knapp, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Leading Hotels of the World.

New luxury hotels opened recently to Europe:

@Grand Park Hotel Rovinj

Grand Park Hotel Rovinj (Rovinj, Croatia, Europe)

This 209-room luxury seafront property is nestled in a fragrant pine forest overlooking Katarina Island and the charming Old Town of Rovinj in Croatia. The seaside oasis includes an award-wining spa where guests can discover the secrets of Istrian wellness.

@Relais San Maurizio, Santo Stefano Belbo

Relais San Maurizio (Santo Stefano Belbo, Italy, Europe)

Relais San Maurizio in Santo Stefano Belbo, a former Italian monastery founded in 1619, arrived at its current incarnation as a luxury spa resort in the early 2000s. History and character infuse the luxurious property, from the 31 guestrooms that once accommodated monks, to the gorgeous vineyards.

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel; @Rocco Forte Hotels

 

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel (Sicily, Italy, Europe)

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel is an idyllic retreat on Sicily’s stunning southwest coast blends modern design with local charm. The expansive 550+ acre property includes 254 rooms and endless sea and countryside offerings – play tennis among the orange groves or master Sicilian cooking.

@São Lourenço do Barrocal, Monsaraz, Portugal

São Lourenço do Barrocal (Monsaraz, Portugal, Europe)

In the same family for over 200 years, São Lourenço do Barrocal in Portugal is the heart of an ancient, small farming village in Portugal’s foothills of Monsaraz. The 2,000-acre estate was lovingly restored to a luxurious hotel and working farm that includes 75 guestrooms and cottages, a winery, two farm-to-table restaurants, a spa, and stables.

@Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Hotel

Abadia Retuerta LeDomaine Hotel (Sardon de Duero, Spain, Europe)

This restored abbey is majestically set on 500 acres of vineyards in the Duero Valley in Spain. The exclusive 30-room retreat specially curates experiences around wine, gastronomy, nature, art, and wellness so that guests can immerse themselves in the spirit and style of LeDomaine.

@Anantara Villa Padierna Palace, Spain

Anantara Villa Padierna Palace (Marbella, Spain, Europe)

The serene 132-room Anantara Villa Padierna Palace resort is just minutes from the sea and effortlessly blends nature with art and culture of the Marbella region in Spain. More than 1,200 works of classic art adorn the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace resort. Three golf courses and a Mediterranean Beach Club entice active visitors.

@La Reserve Eden au Lac Zurich; VJC, Eden au Lac

La Reserve Eden au Lac Zurich (Zurich, Switzerland, Europe)

This lakeside masterpiece opened January 2020 after a two-year restoration project led by Philippe Starck who reimagined the legendary luxury Swiss hotel. The 40-room La Reserve Eden au Lac Zurich property has a 100- year history on the shores of Lake Zurich.

New luxury hotels opened in The Americas:

@Nayara Tented Camp

Nayara Tented Camp (La Fortuna, Costa Rica)

Set on the edge of the Arenal Volcano National Park, Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica opened with much acclaim in December 2019. It is one of the first luxury camps in Central America. 29 tented luxury accommodations showcase unobstructed volcano views and private plunge pools fed by natural mineral hot springs.

@Nobu Hotel Chicago

Nobu Hotel Chicago (Chicago, Illinois, United States)

Nobu Hotel Chicago provides a stylish stay right on Chicago’s famed “Restaurant Row.” The hotel is brought to life through its architecture, 115 tastefully appointed rooms, a signature Nobu Restaurant and the new-concept Nobu Rooftop.

 

New luxury hotels opened in Asia

@The Murray Hong Kong Hotel

The Murray Hong Kong (Hong Kong SAR, China) – one of the newest, iconic landmark hotels in Hong Kong

Located along legendary Cotton Tree Drive, The Murray is The contemporary urban sanctuary was re-designed so that the architectural and interior finishes celebrate the past and future of the city. 336 rooms, five dining destinations and a glamorous rooftop with panoramic city views welcome guests.

@The Kahala Hotel Resort Yokohama

The Kahala Hotel Resort Yokohama (Yokohama, Japan) – graceful elegance and superlative hospitality to Yokohama’s waterfront.

The Kahala Hotel Resort Yokohama property, which includes 146 rooms, was designed to invite guests into a mood of deep relaxation. Various culinary options, a spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center allow for a refresh of the mind and body.

@Capella Bangkok

Capella Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand) – A new kind of luxury beckons on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

The new urban resort Capella Bangkok in Thailand boasts 101 luxury accommodation offerings, that include river-front villas with private plunge pools. Fine dining overseen by a Michelin-starred chef and a breezy trend-setting style make the new hotel the ultimate perch from which to witness a river in renaissance.

@Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

Eighth Four Seasons in California represents Napa Valley’s first and only resort set within a working winery

The highly anticipated Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley will welcome its first arrivals in early spring 2021 in the heart of California’s famed wine region. Representing Napa Valley’s first and only resort set within a working winery, guests will be treated to an incomparable hospitality experience centred on exceptional food, wine and spirits, plus wellness-inspired amenities, authentic service, and a distinct, approachable luxury environment akin to its locale in the charming town of Calistoga.