There’s a lot to look forward to in 2022.
Contemporary hotel brands are bringing fresh ideas to famous destinations. And out in the wilderness there are new experiences for explorers seeking luxuries.
Be the First To Experience It
These properties top our watch list for 2022.
Hotel La Palma, Capri, Italy
This was the first ever hotel on the island of Capri. But having opened in 1822, we can forgive them for becoming outdated. 200 years later, after a huge renovation project, this 50-room-and-suite hotel will reopen. Now under the guise of the Oetker Collection, we imagine it quickly becoming the place to be seen on Capri island.
Wolwedans, Namibia
Hidden deep inside the Namibian desert, Wolwedans is a collection of one lodge, two camps and two private villas. The lodge has been revamped and reopened, while the Plains Camp and Boulders Camp are new additions. Both make the wilderness accessible and comfortable, providing stunning tented accommodation in one of the world’s least explored places. We also love their genuine and thoughtful approach to sustainability.
Rosewood Vienna
Fresh after opening outstanding new hotels in St Barths, Sao Paulo and Madrid during 2021, Rosewood have a string of new openings pencilled for 2022. We’re most excited about Rosewood Vienna, situated on Petersplatz in the Old Town. Rosewood always balance old with new and that will be refreshing in Vienna, where the accommodation is typically a step back into history.
&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, Tanzania
This was a nice but increasingly tired looking lodge in the private Grumeti Reserve, in far western Serengeti. Previously we only recommended clients stay here if they wanted to do one of the unique activities on offer, such as walking or horseback riding safaris. After closing its doors for over a year, &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge will reopen in June 2022. We can’t wait to see the upgrade. Nine suites, each with private plunge pools and bath tubs, overlooking a river that’s usually packed with animals.
Six Senses New York
Six Senses have forged their reputation on wellness and spa resorts in far-flung destinations and islands. So their first North American property will be a big shift. Located in Manhattan’s West Chelsea, in two twisting towers designed by Bjarke Ingles, we’re expecting this Six Senses to primarily be a city hotel. It’s hard to predict the vibe as the brand’s changes style, but it will probably have the best spa in Manhattan.
Banyan Tree Ilha Caldeira, Mozambique
Every year there are new private island resorts to consider in the Maldives and Mauritius. 2022 will see Alila Kothaifaru Maldives and Hilton’s Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. They’re interesting, but not that exciting. Ilha Caldeira has equally impressive white sand and Indian Ocean water. But the island is so much bigger and there are fewer rooms. Explorers are also turning to Mozambique islands because they’re better value. Banyan Tree is the latest project to inspire us: modern beachfront luxury that’s best for stays of one week or more.
Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Mexico
Mexico’s Pacific Ocean coastline is finally becoming public knowledge. Four Seasons is just the latest brand to open a new headline property above massive, empty beaches, in this safe and exhilarating part of the world. There’s already Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, One&Only Palmilla, Las Ventanas al Paraiso by Rosewood, and a Four Seasons at Punta Mita. In 2022 there will be one more reason to discover Mexico’s stunning and completely uncrowded Pacific Coast.
Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo, Japan
Do you know Bvlgari Paris just opened its doors – we went to check it out. Filling the top seven floors of a futuristic skyscraper close to Ginza and Nihombashi, their Tokyo offering will be very intriguing. We wait eagerly to see how they will bring signature Italian fashion to a city with such a distinctive, none-Italian style.
Alila Dahit Bay, Sabah Island, Malaysian Borneo
The opening of this 152-room eco-resort will help to make Borneo more accessible and appealing to families. Borneo’s attractions top many traveller bucketlists, not least the orangutans and scuba diving. With Alila Dalhit Bay, Borneo can also be a family beach destination.
COMO Le Montrachet, Burgundy, France
Italian designer Paola Navone was rehired by COMO to create the group’s first property in France. Her contemporary redesign of the Tuscan castle Castello Del Nero was a real eye opener and we expect something similar in Burgundy, a destination rooted stoically in tradition. We’re anticipating a modern wine lodge in an 18th-century villa, with endless views onto the vines.
More Exciting Openings in 2022
Is there a new property you’re looking forward to in 2022? Six Senses are also opening in Rome, Aman brings a new property to Montenegro, and there’s a string of EDITION hotels under construction. While 2020 and 2021 were slow years for travel, they’ve been big years for hotel development. And in 2022 we can guarantee you somewhere new to stay.
