Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria New York
For the traveler who craves nothing less than the best, 2025 offers an array of lavish new hotels where the art of luxury travel reaches new heights. Setting a fresh standard for indulgence, elegance and exclusivity, these remarkable properties are not just places to stay—they’re immersive experiences. From sleek skyscrapers in bustling metropolises to serene retreats tucked away in nature’s embrace, each hotel promises a destination unto itself. So pack your bags as we explore a handful of the most anticipated stays on the planet.
Waldorf Astoria New York: Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the long-awaited refurbishment of this storied New York icon boasts a 30,000-square-foot spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, serene outdoor terrace and the reimagined Peacock Alley (the ICONIC bar synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria brand). Spacious rooms and suites feature subtle Art Deco accents, a nod to its ICONIC heritage, and acclaimed Chef Michael Anthony takes the culinary lead at signature restaurant Lex Yard, an American Brasserie that delivers a world-class dining experience.
Photo courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria New York
Ardbeg House, Scotland: Ardbeg, “The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky,” is creating a world-class whisky and hospitality experience in the small town of Port Ellen, on Islay’s south coast, just a few miles from its ICONIC distillery. Changes include a reimagined bar with a courtyard, a new restaurant, quirky and luxurious bedrooms and suites that convey unique stories of Islay and its legends, a new name—Ardbeg House—and, of course, an exclusive Ardbeg whisky available only at the hotel and the Ardbeg Distillery Visitor Centre. Ardbeg is an LVMH brand, so naturally, the luxe quotient is high.
Photo courtesy of Ardbeg House
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Indulgence meets sustainability and authenticity at this luxury hotel, which offers immersive eco-adventure experiences within Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo. Take an unparalleled journey into the heart of Guanacaste’s natural wonders and enjoy curated experiences by Jean-Michel Cousteau, Ambassador-of-the-Environment, with immersive access to 570 square miles of protected wildlands. Nekajui features 170 lavish guest rooms with spacious canopied patios and private plunge pools framing spectacular ocean and sunset views across the Gulf of Papagayo.
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Photo courtesy of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Rosewood Mandarina, Mexico: Located in the Riviera Nayarit region—renowned for its lagoons, rivers, volcanoes, abundant vegetation, and nearly 200 miles of beach—Rosewood Mandarina features ultra-luxurious accommodations boasting dramatic views of untouched shoreline and mountain ranges. Think individual plunge pools, large outdoor terraces and design elements created in partnership with local artists. Gourmands will love the array of gastronomic experiences, and adventure seekers will enjoy thrilling activities such as surfing, ziplining and horseback riding. Four pools, a fitness center and the signature Asaya Spa round out the amenities.
Photo courtesy of Rosewood Mandarina
The Carlton Milan, a Rocco Forte Hotel: The fabulous Rocco Forte hotel brand has thoughtfully redesigned the historic Carlton Milan on the city’s fashionable Via della Spiga. This hotel, Rocco Forte’s eighth hotel in Italy, provides an authentically Milanese aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the 1950s—an era that introduced Italian cinema to the world—and the 1980s—when Milan was cemented as a global fashion hub. Seventy beautifully appointed rooms and suites offer a blend of luxury and surprise. A centerpiece garden bar opens to a vibrant greenhouse and garden terrace, and a signature flower shop at the hotel‘s entrance provides guests with beautiful bouquets and a welcoming fragrance.
Photo courtesy of The Carlton Milan, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Andaz Lisbon, Portugal: This urban property offers guests an exciting new hotspot in the Portuguese capital. Located in the center of Lisbon’s bustling Baixa district, the hotel comprises five separate buildings, including the former offices of one of the major banks in Portugal. The property incorporates Lisbon’s rich culture and heritage through locally inspired architecture and design. Guests can enjoy cocktails and local dishes at the hotel‘s rooftop restaurant and bar, and they may relax and rejuvenate at the spa and fitness center.
Photo courtesy of Andaz Lisbon
OKU Andalusia, La Alcaidesa, Spain: Located on a secluded beach on Spain’s southern shore with breathtaking views over the Spanish coast, the property is the ultimate beachside retreat for exploring this region, which is nestled between Sotogrande, San Roque and the Los Alcornocales nature reserve. Beachside bohemian-flair guest rooms are designed with an aesthetic deeply rooted in nature and the location’s traditions. The expansive OKU Spa is a relaxing haven, and the adults-only OKU beach club features poolside DJs, a beach bar and an elegant, produce-focused dining experience.
Photo courtesy of OKU Andalusia
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La Bahia Hotel & Spa, Santa Cruz, CA
This Santa Cruz resort blends a bygone era of relaxed surf culture with contemporary hospitality and is a celebration of one of California’s most idyllic, storied coastal towns. Evoking a seaside Mediterranean escape, its expansive guestrooms (including 21 suites) give way to unobstructed ocean views. Four distinct culinary concepts invite both travelers and the local community to celebrate Santa Cruz’s rich agricultural scene. The Spa at La Bahia redefines the wellness offerings in the destination; the Moorish concept features four indoor and four outdoor treatment rooms, a sauna that overlooks Monterey Bay, two steam rooms and a rooftop Zen deck that provides clear sightlines of the horizon. With its enviable Main Beach location, the hotel sits mere moments away from some of California’s greatest outdoor and marine attractions.
Photo courtesy of La Bahia Hotel & Spa
Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore: When the original Raffles Hotel opened in 1887 in Singapore, it represented the dawn of the Golden Age of travel. Raffles Sentosa Singapore expands on this legacy with a 62-villa resort overlooking Tanjong Beach on the southern tip of Sentosa Island, one of Asia’s most desirable resort destinations and a stone’s throw from the buzz of central Singapore. The property, designed by Yabu Pushelberg, is inspired by the brand’s history and heritage and features meticulously curated gardens and a world-class spa dedicated to regenerative wellness.
Photo courtesy of Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa
The St. Regis Aruba Resort: Ideally located in Aruba’s renowned Palm Beach, The St. Regis Aruba features spectacular views of infinite sunsets over the Caribbean Sea. The resort’s setting, combined with the legacy of the St. Regis brand, creates a luxury retreat where culture, rituals (such as the evening champagne sabering) and ICONIC butler service ensure an impeccable stay. Relax in a private cabana at one of the infinity pools, pamper yourself at the Iridium Spa, or savor state-of-the-art cuisine at the rooftop restaurant and bar.
Photo courtesy of The St. Regis Aruba Resort
The Vineta Hotel, Palm Beach, Florida: Following the success of its Hotel La Palma in Capri, Oetker Collection takes its European hospitality to the U.S. for the first time to open The Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach. With a 100-year-old history (it was most recently known as The Chesterfield), the landmark building will be restored and reborn to its original splendor. Dining and social spaces will offer four distinct environments: the emblematic courtyard, with its lush backdrop of flowering vines and palms; the former Leopard Lounge—a popular Palm Beach night spot in its heyday; a Mediterranean-inspired, indoor/outdoor poolside restaurant, and a highly exclusive, minimal seat “American Bar.”
Photo courtesy of The Vineta Hotel
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Singapore: Located within Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve and overlooking the Upper Seletar Reservoir, this resort integrates with its natural surroundings with a design that emphasizes rainforest harmony. This is Singapore’s first Super Low Energy (SLE) hotel, prioritizing sustainability using innovative energy-saving technologies. Guests can indulge in locally inspired cuisine, explore the surrounding rainforest and enjoy wellness experiences at the signature spa.
Photo courtesy of Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, Dominican Republic: This all-inclusive resort opens this summer in the stunning up-and-coming Miches area of the Dominican Republic, a coastal region north of Punta Cana with pristine beaches, lush landscapes, adventure opportunities and authentic charm. Taino-inspired guestrooms, suites and beach bungalows are nestled on an exclusive beach with breathtaking views of the clear waters of Playa Esmeralda. Guests can indulge in an array of global flavors at more than 11 dining and bar venues, enjoy the sprawling pool complex complete with a water park and take advantage of the state-of-the-art fitness center.
Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Naples, Florida: The reimagined Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort—where storied history meets contemporary elegance on Florida’s Gulf Coast—opens in late 2025. Guests can discover the revival of beloved Naples restaurants, along with new oceanfront dining. The resort will feature a two-level spa, ocean-view pools and a new Tom Fazio golf course.
Photo courtesy of Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort
Four Seasons Hotel New York: Though technically reopened in the fall of 2024, the long-awaited return of this Big Apple icon is worth mentioning. Located in the area referred to as Billionaire’s Row, Four Seasons Hotel New York is just steps from Central Park, Fifth Avenue shopping, world-class museums and galleries, and countless dining options. Boasting some of the city’s largest luxury rooms and suites, accommodations are light-filled with higher floors offering panoramic views of Central Park, the Manhattan skyline and beyond. Many suites also have outdoor terraces, a rarity in the city.
Photo courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel New York