BEST 10 NEW HOTELS IN THE WORLD IN 2017, ACCORDING TO CONDE NAST TRAVELLER
Conde Nast Traveller picks the best new hotels in the world in 2018 and it all starts with the amazing Soho House Barcelona. Also on the list there is famous Ritz Paris, L’Hotel from Marrakech, Brown Beach House in Croatia and Six Senses Zil Pasyon in Seychelles.
1.SOHO HOUSE BARCELONA
Soho House Barcelona is the members club’s latest outpost, part of a dramatic overseas expansion which has also included launches in Istanbul and Chicago. And, like many of the group’s properties, it comes with guest rooms that can be booked by the public.
Housed within a 19th-century former apartment building in the Gothic Quarter, the Barcelona branch comes with locally-inspired touches such as traditional red bricks on the double-height vaulted ceilings — but it is still very clear that you are in a Soho House.
A member of young, hip staff is never far away, the strict “no photos inside” policy is enforced and the rows of stripy beach towels next to its rooftop pool is reminiscent of its sister property in Shoreditch.
The 57 bedrooms come in a range of sizes, from the honestly named “Tiny” to the more generous corner rooms, many of which overlook the sprawling Port Vell marina. They are all individually styled, with a modern look that incorporates rustic features including traditional Spanish patterned textiles. The generously stocked mini-bar includes miniature bottles of premium spirits as well as a cocktail shaker and fresh citrus fruit — complete with marble chopping board — for wannabe mixologists. A fridge contains mixers and a range of British chocolate bars. As well as a kettle there is a Nespresso machine and a jar of cookies (replenished every day).
2. THE PIG AT COMB, DEVON
The premise was simple: create a country house hotel for the modern day with accessible rates that disrupted this quintessentially British tradition and broadened its demographic. Little wonder The Pig hotels have been such a success since the first opened in the New Forest in 2011.
Certainly, the most recent opening, The Pig at Comb in July 2016, is the most ambitious. The hotel’s 27 bedrooms combine elegance with practicality: gold mirrors turn into flat-screen TVs at the touch of a button, and antique chests and cabinets picked up by Robin’s wife, Judy, on her travels house larders packed with British produce – including olive favourites Chase popcorn, Burt’s crisps and Cracking Nuts – as well as KitchenAid coffee machines and kettles to brew Prince and Sons teas. Other luxuries include Roberts radios on bedside tables, fluffy white towels, his ‘n’ hers sinks, Bramley bath oils and toiletries and – in our room – a roll-top bath sitting below a pretty lace-curtained window.
No two bedrooms are the same so it’s worth discussing your preferences before you book, whether that’s a cosy hideaway room in the attic with a mahogany writing desk, exposed beams and sloping brick ceiling or one of the 10 rooms set in what was originally the property’s stables.
As well as the bedrooms, restaurant and bar there’s a suite of reception rooms to snuggle into with a book or a pre-dinner drink. Sit in the drawing room and enjoy a refreshing lavender cocktail with lemon verbena from the garden, glancing between the stunning scenery beyond the windows and an extensive wine list – double sided A3 pages of tiny writing for each colour (well-briefed staff will help you out if you’re overwhelmed by choice).
3. THE RITZ, PARIS
After a renovation that kept its doors shut for nearly four years, the Ritz Paris reopened in June 2016, a few days and 118 years after its original June 1, 1898, opening and almost three months later than intended because of a fire at the property in January.
Historic hotels and stories of their renovations don’t always make for original ink, but the Ritz Paris, on the Place Vendôme in the city’s First Arrondissement, is more storied than most.
When the Swiss hotelier César Ritz bought the property, then the Hôtel de Lazun but originally a private palace constructed in the early 18th century that was home to several noble families, he did so with visions of opening the most luxurious hotel in the world. It should have, he is said to have declared, “all the refinement that a prince could desire in his own home.”
And indeed, with every guest room equipped with its own bathroom, an unheard-of amenity then, the Ritz seemed to instantly attract high society. What prominent names were regulars? Maybe the better question to ask is, which ones were not? The cadre of famous names with an affinity for the Ritz throughout its existence included Marcel Proust, Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Coco Chanel, who lived there for 34 years, from 1937 to 1971.
In addition to the Proust suite, Mr. Despont has designed the Salon Proust, a space with French oak walls where guests can partake in afternoon tea. Other additions to the property include a tunnel under the Place Vendôme linking the hotel with its parking garage to give guests the option to enter in privacy; the world’s first Chanel spa, Chanel au Ritz Paris, a seven-treatment-room area that is part of the two-story health club; an underground ballroom that can accommodate 400 guests; a third kitchen in the cooking school, École Ritz Escoffier; a shopping passage linking the Ritz’s two buildings; and retractable roofs for the two existing restaurants, the brasserie-style Bar Vendôme and the gastronomic French restaurant L’Espadon, to make their terraces usable all year.
4. 1 HOTEL BROOKLYN BRIDGE
The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, as the name implies, sits directly beside the iconic 19th century architectural marvel. There, on Pier 1, with nothing but a park and the East River separating it from Lower Manhattan, this brand new luxury hotel delivers unprecedented views and packs a handful of surprises. Its proximity to charmed and ever-developing DUMBO further supports its value. And with numerous subway lines in the area, and the bridge just right there, guests can access Manhattan with ease—if they want.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is the luxury brand’s first ground-up development. Tremendous care and attention to materials went into the project, as mindfulness is a pillar to the 1 Hotels portfolio. Entering the building, guests are greeted by a 25-foot steel grated wall, overflowing with vines and hand-placed vegetation. Further within, one finds 194 guest rooms, including 29 suites. Many rooms feature city views, some of which extend from midtown to the Statue of Liberty. Naturally, the views are a substantial draw, but comfort in the space is also top notch.
The warm tones of each room, underscored by ample use of wood and leather, feels charming. The Keetsa mattress is a hemp-blend and the organic cotton sheets are cozy. The hotel provides guests with socks, to keep. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass windows open the space to the outside world. Eco-consciousness is always present—even the marble rain-head shower features a five-minute hour-glass timer to remind guests of the importance of water conservation. And wellness amenities are present, from in-room yoga mats to on-demand meditation videos. Each room comes complete with a small, lush garden, also by Harrison Green.
5. LOS ENAMORADOS, IBIZA
Perched on the rocks in the northern part of the country, the tiny Hotel Los Enamorados Ibiza is a dream project of Pierre Traversier, ex-basketball player, and the Dutch Rozemarijn de Witte, founder of the famous Dutch magazine “Linda”. After selling the magazine they decided to transform a worn-out hostal into a cool & creative crashpad. Opened in 2016, laidback-luxe Los Enamorados offers attractive accommodation, a bar & restaurant that won’t disappoint and a boho boutique bazaar for treasure seekers.
Who stays here? Style-conscious hedonists as well as boutique hotel lovers searching for something small and different will be in seventh heaven here. On the other hand, dogs and “drugs and candy rush addicts” are not welcome. Furthermore, Hotel Los Enamorados Ibiza guarantees there’ll be no screaming babies or over-energetic toddlers to spoil your style – this is pure grown-up indulgence.
The owners have travelled the world and the hotel is filled with impressive pieces they brought back from their travels. And, if you fall in love with something… don’t worry. You can buy it. Such an inspiring concept! Stylish all the way and bursting with good taste, Los Enamorados Ibiza’s Instagrammable interior is a daring hodgepodge of bold colours, unique textures from bamboo to velvet, quirky & eclectic furniture and artfully considered touches such as the fish net sculptures made by Korakot.
Upstairs, all nine rooms at Hotel Los Enamorados Ibiza are slightly different styled with a personal stamp and global influence. Don’t expect minibars (there’s a Smeg fridge full of drinks on the upper floor) or TV’s, it’s all about simple luxury here. But, the Italian bedsheets are ultra-soft and the three double Coco-mat mattresses are heavenly. Good to know: the bathrooms look gorgeous, but are not the most comfortable ones. We love: the pretty seaview from all the cosy & colourful – think kicks of azure blue and blasts of orange – rooms. If you can’t see the sea from your balcony, they guarantee you a hundred percent refund.
6. SIR ADAM, AMSTERDAM
A solitary Seventies skyscraper behind Amsterdam’s Central Station has emerged from a major makeover as a pulsing media, music and nightlife hub, with the Sir Adam hotel romping through its first eight floors. Big speakers keep up a steady beat throughout, and funky themed lifts (the disco one has a mirror ball and coloured-light floor) lead you up to the rooms. All have plenty of quirky Dutch design details – drag-queen-sized red stilettos – and retro touches, such as a vinyl library and turntables.
The musicians, roadies and producers who populate the place must love (if not feel tempted to steal) the authentic Gibson guitars on the walls. The Butcher Social Club in the lobby serves great Aberdeen Angus burgers, but excels at breakfast, with beetroot-and-carrot juices and spicy shakshuka. This is certainly no place for retiring souls, but rooms are well-enough soundproofed and many have great views across the city.
7. BROWN BEACH HOUSE, CROATIA
Located in Trogir, a historic town and harbour set within medieval walls on a tiny island just off Croatia’s mainland, the 25-room and suite property occupies a former tobacco shipment station (“Duhanka”) that has been transformed by Amsterdam-based designer Saar Zafrir.
There are six double rooms and 19 suites (one or two bedrooms). All are spacious with lots of natural light, wood flooring with silvery blue banana silk rugs, extremely comfortable beds (double or twin), as well as a kettle and Iperespresso machine for making tea and coffee. Their spotless bathrooms have grey marble tiles and a bathtub. Suites have an additional living room with two sofas and a coffee table.
Breakfast is served on the terrace of the Cartina restaurant, offering fresh juices (carrot, apple or orange), platters of cheeses and salamis, and baskets of buttery croissants as well as made-to-order dishes such as eggs royale. The all-day restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes, such as sea bass carpaccio and fresh lobster, prepared with summery herbs and fragrant spices. The hotel’s cool and breezy bar, enclosed by windows on three sides, allowing for lots of natural light, stocks Cuban cigars.
Double rooms from €320 (£273) year-round, with discounted prices depending upon availability in low season. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.
8. HOTEL EDEN, ROME
Located in the heart of the Old City of Rome, the newly restored Hotel Eden is just a short stroll from the legendary Spanish Steps and picturesque Villa Borghese. This elegant city oasis dates back to 1889 and throughout its illustrious history has welcomed royalty, dignitaries and numerous celebrities.
The beautifully redesigned 98 rooms and suites offer a luxurious and classical feel with fine fabrics and elegant artwork, where you can relax in comfort.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of an elegant private home and you can enjoy modern luxuries such as master controlled lighting and climate control, high-speed Wi-Fi, Bang & Olufsen televisions and sound systems with Bluetooth connectivity. All guestrooms feature stylish marble bathrooms and have a selection of indulgent Bottega Veneta toiletries.
The exquisite rooftop restaurant, Hotel Eden’s La Terrazza is a must. Experience the spectacular views of the majestic St Peter’s Dome and across the Eternal City as you dine on the creative Mediterranean cuisine of executive chef, Fabio Ciervo. Alternatively, visit Il Giardino Ristorante & Bar where you can indulge in a modern interpretation of Italian classics.
9. L’HOTEL MARRAKECH
L’Hôtel Marrakech is a privately owned Riad set in the heart of the ‘red city’s’ Medina. L’Hôtel is conveniently close to the vibrant Jemaa El Fna square, the bustling Souk and nearby the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque. This historic 19th century riad, originally the central part of a Caidal palace, comprises five spacious suites surrounding a uniquely wide courtyard garden and swimming pool.
This charming retreat combines delicious food, great comfort and service whilst capturing the elegance of hotels of the1930s. Owned by Jasper Conran, the riad combines superb Moroccan craftsmanship with pieces of antique furniture, textiles, lighting and art from his collection, making it feel more like a home than a hotel.
The roof terrace offers extraordinary views of the Atlas mountains and the skyline of Marrakech. It is a place to unwind after a day’s foray into the souks, and somewhere to lie on sunloungers. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea can be taken under the pergola. Cocktails can be enjoyed amongst orange blossom and fig trees, a wilderness of honeysuckle, bougainvillea jasmine and scented roses whilst watching the sun go down over the snowcapped mountains.
10. SIX SENSES ZIL PASYON SEYCHELLES
True to Six Senses heritage of creating exceptional guest experiences in places of incredible beauty, the 30 villa Six Senses Zil Pasyon occupies just one third of the island’s land total – the rest is left to the beauty of nature and wildlife. The resort includes 30 villas plus 17 private residences. There will also be six distinctive dining and bar venues on the island, sport and leisure facilities, three pristine sandy beaches and an outdoor main pool.
A highlight of any Six Senses resort is of course the Six Senses Spa which will feature nearly 7,000 square feet (650 square meters) of spa space spread over 19,000 square feet (1,765 square meters) of towering rocks, boulders and oceanfront. The resort also features the Trouloulou Kid’s Villa, an interactive camp just for children between 4 and 12 years old.
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