We like to keep our eyes on hotel openings across the globe and 2025 looks set to be a thrilling year for luxury abodes. In this list of the hotel openings we’re most excited about, you’ll find a historic church in Venice, a glamorous country club in Sweden, an art hotel in Lisbon, a palace in India and a luxury sleeper train that boasts the British countryside as its backdrop.

Top hotel openings of 2025

Six Senses at the Whiteley

London, UK

Six Senses brings its unique wellbeing concept to the former Whiteleys department store in Bayswater, describing it as “an emporium of the senses”. Draper and entrepreneur William Whiteley opened the store in 1911 as one of London’s iconic department stores, alongside Selfridges, Liberty and Harrods. The spa will “mirror the different energies of city life, from the sensory stimulation and movement of the street to the stillness and calm of a quiet café or park”. There’ll be a huge gym and swimming pool, a relaxation room with vaulted ceilings and the Alchemy Bar, where guests can explore a sensory selection of aromatic herbs, salts, fruits, and spices, and craft their treatment.

British Royale is our 10-day guided tour of England and Scotland’s national treasures.

Belmond’s Britannic Explorer

UK

Making our cut of the best hotel openings despite not strictly being a hotel, England and Wales’ first luxury sleeper train is causing a commotion. The Britannic explorer will whisk travelers out of London to their choice of three locations: Cornwall, Wales and the Lake District. But of course, it’s not about the destination. The private sleeper cabins are incredibly plush sanctuaries, inspired by the British countryside and coastline. And in the dining cars, guests will feast on menus designed by Michelin star chef Simon Rogan. There’ll be an onboard spa room, too.

 

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Hjortviken Country Club

Hindas, Sweden

Twenty minutes from Gothenburg, this coolly glamorous concept is described as a “down-to-earth city escape”. Hjortviken country club wants you to get outside and put your phone down – for some cross-country skiing in winter, lake sports in summer, or just to lounge beneath a fringed parasol beside a sparkling pool. The nightclub will be reminiscent of 1980s New York City and restaurants will include a Swedish brasserie and a Cali-style Spanish restaurant. For the in-between times, there’ll be padel, boules and croquet.

 

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Timeless Scandinavia is a 12-day guided tour of Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Mandarin Oriental

Vienna, Austria

Joining new hotel openings for the luxury hotel brand in Beijing, Dubai and Mallorca, this is Mandarin Oriental’s first Austrian property. It will contain 151 rooms and 17 apartments and penthouses arranged around a courtyard in a listed art nouveau building. Designed by architect Alfred Keller in 1903, the imposing building sits on Riemergasse, and served as the city’s commercial court until 2003. Guests will be steps from St Stephen’s Cathedral, in the chic District One neighbourhood.

 

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Harmony of Central Europe is a 13-day guided tour of Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary.

Capella

Kyoto, Japan

One of the most exciting luxury hotel brands of recent years is heading to Japan – and specifically to Kyoto’s Miyagawa-chō district, one of the hanamachi (“flower towns”) or geisha districts . The hotel promises to curate cultural experiences with the Miyagawa Maiko Performance School and to create enchanting interiors with the area’s rich heritage woven through them, with artworks and artefacts sitting alongside soothing hues and intricate textures. It will be a 92-room with a bamboo courtyard – a true celebration of Japanese design.

Experience the majesty and mystery of Japan on our 11-day Japan guided tour.

The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace

Madhya Pradesh, India

This 350-year-old painstakingly restored palace – once the home of actual royalty – is one of the hotel openings of the year. In true fairytale style, the sprawling, towering residence sits atop the Maniyagarh Hills with views over 60 acres of hillside and a rain-fed lake, close to the 1,500-year-old temples of Khajuraho. There’ll be 66 rooms across the palace and its sprawling gardens, plus an opulent spa, which guests will access by boat, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the nearby tiger reserve.

 

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There are two India journeys to choose from: Essence of India (9 days) and Imperial Rajasthan (13 days) – explore the itineraries.

The Cooper

Charleston, USA

On a curve of the Cooper River, this resort-style hotel is being billed as “downtown vibrance meets lowcountry charm”. It will combine lush landscapes and incredible sundowner terrace moments with tantalising proximity to Charleston’s best restaurants and shops – the famous Pineapple Fountain is right next door. An infinity pool will overlook the water and there’ll be a private marina complete with luxury vessels for guest use, a yacht for dinner cruises, and a water taxi for day trips to Daniel Island.

Few and Far Luvhondo

South Africa

Spanning 100,000 hectares in the wild and unexplored Soutpansberg mountains of Limpopo, surrounded by some of the biggest Baobab trees in Southern Africa, this luxury lodge is “reimagining the traditional safari” – they’re calling it a “wild, luxurious bush experience”. This is one of the planet’s most biologically diverse regions and Few and Far has designed every inch of it to be meaningful and purposeful. There will be just six impeccable ecolodges and a solar-powered cable car, providing guests with a 25-mile game-viewing perspective above the treetops.

 

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Spectacular South Africa is our 9-day guided tour featuring vineyards, mountains and safari.

MACAM Hotel

Lisbon, Portugal

The Museu de Arte Contemporanea Armando Martins will be Europe’s first combined museum and luxury hotel concept. In a beautiful 18th century palace tucked between the neighbourhoods of Belem and Alcantara, MACAM will display 600 pieces owned by the Portuguese entrepreneur of its name (Armando Martins). There’ll be 64 rooms blending an artistic aesthetic with opulent but restful spaces. The complex will also feature a restaurant and cafe showcasing local specialties, as well as an auditorium and museum shop.

 

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Embrace the passion and culture of Portugal on our 13-day journey: Spain and Portugal in Style.

Airelles Venezia

Venice, Italy

There are a few new addresses in Venice that are firmly on our radar, but none more strongly than the Airelles Venezia. As luxury hotel openings go, this one looks to be positively palatial – all dark blue velvet, rich mahogany, Murano glass, Rubelli fabrics and custom Fortuny chandeliers. Airelles is the opulent French luxury hotel brand and Venice is … well, it’s Venice. Airelles Venezia will occupy the three buildings of the former Bauer Palladio complex, as well as its 16th century church, Santa Maria della Presentazione, which will be available for weddings and events. There will be a terrace for sundowners, with panoramic views of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Ultimate Italy is a 12-day behind-the-scenes look at Italy’s most amazing locations.

Each year, Mercer, the consultancy focused on global economics, publishes its list of the most expensive cities in the world. The index lists 226 cities in the world in order, measuring how ‘expensive’ each one is by comparing the costs of more than 200 items in each location, including transport, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. Mercer says “the comprehensive ranking serves as a valuable compass, providing guidance through the intricate landscape of living expenses in cities worldwide”. At the other end of the Mercer list, the cities that ranked the lowest for living costs last year are Islamabad, Lagos and Abuja.

Mercer’s list of the most expensive cities in the world is aimed at companies with employees who are assigned internationally and it includes four Swiss cities (Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Bern). There are other similar lists, including one by The EIU (Economist Intelligence Unit), which publishes a worldwide cost of living survey naming its most expensive cities in the world each year. And there’s another, by Numbeo, which focuses on the prices of consumer goods such as food, restaurants, and transportation, but not housing. Below, we’ve combined our findings to make a list of the 10 most expensive cities in the world, which happen to make wonderful luxury travel destinations.

1. Singapore

Poised at the top of both lists, there is no denying this luxury paradise’s position as one of the most expensive cities in the world. Singapore has pizzazz in abundance – even its botanical garden is described by Lonely Planet as “a S$1 billion, 101-hectare fantasy land of space-age biodomes, high-tech Supertrees and whimsical sculptures”. The soothing Mandarin Oriental overlooks the Marina Bay Sands development – the crown jewel of the skyline, and the symbol of modern Singapore.

2. Hong Kong

This city wears its luxury credentials glamorously, via an iconic skyline, glittering harbour and spectacular restaurant scene. But there are lush green peaks all around, too, offering panoramic views, Hong Kong camellias and sightings of spoon-billed sandpipers. Stay at the Peninsula to absorb some old-world magic, right on the Kowloon waterfront, and dine at Wing, Vicky Cheng’s rule-free fine dining establishment, which celebrates the eight great Chinese cuisines to dazzling effect.

3. Zurich

Another long-term resident of the top 10 list, this Swiss city rides high as a result of expensive housing prices and high transportation costs. Our 10-day Majestic Switzerland journey begins and ends in Zurich, where we stay at the stunning art deco AMERON Zürich Bellerive au Lac on the shore of Lake Zurich, a short walk from the opera house.

4. Geneva

On the same captivating Switzerland journey, which sweeps round the country with a stint on the Glacier Express, we pause in Geneva for a stay at the uniquely grand but intimate Hotel d’Angleterre, on the shores of the lake. It’s a sumptuous address – lots of dark wood, soothing tones, rich fabrics and imposing drapery. The lake views from the restaurant are exquisite, making for a meal perfectly befitting one of the most expensive cities in the world.

5. Copenhagen

Number 8 on the EIU list, Denmark’s impossibly cool capital is well documented as an expensive destination to while away a weekend. It’s worth every penny. Our Timeless Scandinavia journey combines a divine mix of fjords, scenic railways, countryside abodes and dazzling cities, starting in Copenhagen. Our chosen city lodgings are the epitome of Scandi minimalism: 71 Nyhavn is made up of restored canalside warehouse buildings, originally built in the early 1800s. We dine at the Michelin-star Høst – on the best Nordic ingredients, meticulously assembled.

6. Paris

Naturalement, some of the world’s most fabulous vacations are taken in Paris. On our Ultimate France journey we luxuriate in Paris last of all, so you can also extend your trip and linger longer. We stay at the Hotel Napoleon, a romantic address in the city’s heart, a short walk from the Arc de Triomphe. At the very end, our guests reminisce over dinner on the Eiffel Tower, potentially the most alluring dining destination in the world.

7. New York City

We flock to the Big Apple to shop widely, dine opulently and sleep soundly in some of the world’s most exquisite boudoirs, amid the unmistakable buzz of one of the most expensive cities in the world. Our current hotel pick for sheer grandiosity is the Fifth Avenue Hotel, once part of the estate of a 19th century socialite, sensationally restored with a jewel box palette, elaborate wallpapers, ornate paneling and oysters à la pomme at Café Carmellini.

8. London

Maintaining its position in the top 10 thanks to enormous demand for a tightly constrained supply of city-centre property, London is still Europe’s biggest financial centre, and the average house costs around 850,000 USD. On our journey through the regal glory of Great Britain, we begin in London – very centrally – across the road from Buckingham Palace. The Rubens at the Palace is a riot of lavish Englishness, with four poster beds, doormen in tailcoats and afternoon tea.

9. Nassau

The high cost of living in Nassau is due to its status as a tourist destination and financial hub, and because of high demand for limited housing from both locals and expatriates. Modern Nassau is all high-end fashion designers, extremely fine dining and superyachts – all with that turquoise backdrop. Soak it up at the Rosewood Baha Mar, a haven of exclusivity, with a golf course, French restaurant and soothing, richly decorated residences, opening on to the powder white sands of Cable Beach.

10. Los Angeles

LA has higher than average costs for housing, taxes, food, transport, health care, and utilities. The most expensive neighbourhood is Bel-Air. If you’re in town, only the rose-coloured Hotel Bel-Air will do, set within 18 acres of bougainvillea, ficus, orange blossom and fern. This classic Hollywood hideaway makes guests feel like A-listers, and is a peaceful antidote to the traffic.

First published in 2009, The World’s 50 Best Bars list is voted for by 700 drinks experts from across the world. It’s part of William Reed’s 50 Best brand which also compiles and publishes The World’s 50 Best Hotels and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In their own words:

“Incorporating grand hotel bars, secretive speakeasies, quirky salons and classic drinking dens, The World’s 50 Best Bars list is a celebration of the diversity and universality of drinks culture and a reflection of new bar scenes developing all over the world.”

Some individual awards are given, too. This year, Lyaness in London won the Best Cocktail Menu award for their “tightly curated selection of drinks that go big on flavors from unexpected sources”. Caretaker’s Cottage in Melbourne won the Michter’s Art of Hospitality award for their “convivial and disarmingly unpretentious desire to build a community”. And Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires won the Remy Martin Legend of the List award for being a pioneer of the BA scene.

Our highlights from The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 are below. If delving a little deeper into the innovation, genius and sheer flavor of the best bars in the world sounds appealing to you, all of them are in Luxury Gold cities, which means they can be incorporated into one of our journeys.

Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires

Serving natural wine and cocktails through a secret refrigerator door in a florist (what could be more glorious than a place of wine and flowers?), Florería Atlántico is the speakeasy du jour. The cocktail menu tells the city’s multicultural story, with a focus on the communities that migrated to Argentina after democracy was restored in 1983. Choose the Chile for fruity Pisco Capel flavored with soft corn, basil and turmeric.

Swing by on a journey through Grand South America.

 

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Lady Bee, Lima

Through cocktails and small plates, Lady Bee adeptly showcases the biodiversity of Peru and celebrates the humble honeybee, the hardest worker in the world’s ecosystem. The bee motif can be seen throughout decor, garnishes and glassware. There are just five tables and four bar seats. At the honey-colored bar, you can order the namesake cocktail: Lady Bee combines gin, orange, herbs and honey for a taste of everything that’s right with the world.

Discover the best of Peru’s capital on: Treasures of the Incas

For more mixology-related travel inspiration: Our Favorite Classic Cocktails, and the Timeless Hotels To Try Them At

 

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Bar Ben Fiddich, Tokyo 

On the ninth floor amid the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, this apothecary-style bar has been a labor of love for the magical mixologist Hiroyasu Kayama (and his white suit) for over 10 years. In a dusky, low-lit space with just eight seats, dark wooden shelves groan beneath Kayama’s concoctions, made using ingredients from his family’s land, like anise, fennel and wormwood. There is no menu. Book a seat at the bar and let your host light the way.

Join us for the ultimate luxury tour of Japan on Majestic Japan

 

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Jewel of the South, New Orleans

Get a potted history of New Orleans’ unsurpassed food and drink culture in this sky blue Creole cottage, resplendent with plant-filled courtyard and parlor rooms. Southern cocktail pioneer Chris Hannah is known for his riffs on the Manhattan (try the Night Tripper), and for reviving classics like the Sazerac (try the Jewel Sazerac). Order anything (or everything) from his Jewel Classics menu. If you like cocktails and are travelling on our Southern Grace journey, consider this magical spot unmissable.

You may also enjoy reading: The History of New Orleans’ Favourite Cocktail, and How to Make It

 

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Locale, Firenze

For a perspective on Florence that you won’t get anywhere else, Locale is a sort of time machine. It’s set in the Palazzo Concini, so it has the frescoes and lavish detail that Florence loves to spoil its visitors with, but it’s also a very modern, light-filled space – impeccably restored – serving futuristic drinks. Throw yourself at the mercy of its genius and order the Giardiniera – blueberries, pickles, rye whisky, champagne and chili. Yes, really.

See Italy in luxury style on: Ultimate Italy

 

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Lyaness, London

Like all of Mr Lyan’s menus along the way, the focus of the menu at his bar in the glamorous Sea Containers, overlooking the Thames, is on exploring complex ideas and thinking about how things could be different. In a large, electric blue room, over a green marble bar, let the staff fling you a Frisbee Fix, which the menu describes like so: “We’re told not to play with our food, but like with this zesty and tropical sour, sometimes it’s just too damn fun. This was the origin of the frisbee; having snarfed the goodies from the local Bridgeport Frisbie Pie Co., 1940s Yale students would fling around the UFO-shaped tins, yelling ‘Frisbie’ to avoid any collisions with an unsuspecting passerby.”

England’s capital is your start point for our Castles & Kingdoms luxury small group journey.

 

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Maybe Sammy, Sydney

Sipping a Pool Side (gin, Martini Ambrato, palo santo, coconut and basil) poured by a bartender in a pastel pink blazer is an experience that should be very high on your Sydney to-do list. Maybe Sammy is not a hotel bar, it’s a bar inspired by hotel bars, with the menu organized according to hotel spaces, like the spa and the lobby. It’s a fun, uplifting, makes-your-day kind of a place.

Bookmark for later: 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants Around The World

 

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The Cambridge Public House, Paris

In the Marais, where everyone wants to while away their hours, this place combines the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of a pub with a world-class cocktail program. There are craft beers, natural wines, pies and sausage rolls, plus raucous cocktails like the Cigarette after Sex, which is a velvety, earthy and fresh combination of Agua de Jamaica (hibiscus iced tea), with sloe gin and mezcal.

Extend your Ultimate France journey with a few extra days in Paris, and you can while away as many hours here as you desire.

In Full: The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024

1. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
2. Bar Leone, Hong Kong
3. Sips, Barcelona
4. Tayēr + Elementary, London
5. Jigger & Pony, Singapore
6. Line, Athens
7. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires
8. Alquímico, Cartagena
9. Zest, Seoul
10. Paradiso, Barcelona
11. Himkok, Oslo
12. BKK Social Club, Bangkok
13. Connaught Bar, London
14. Double Chicken Please, New York
15. Overstory, New York
16. Lady Bee, Lima
17. Baba au Rum, Athens
18. Coa, Hong Kong
19. The Cambridge Public House, Paris
20. Tlecān, Mexico City
21. Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne
22. CoChinChina, Buenos Aires
23. Salmon Guru, Madrid
24. Martiny’s, New York
25. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
26. Maybe Sammy, Sydney
27. Superbueno, New York
28. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
29. Satan’s Whiskers, London
30. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
31. Tan Tan, São Paulo
32. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
33. Drink Kong, Rome
34. Jewel of the South, New Orleans
35. Byrdi, Melbourne
36. Locale Firenze, Florence
37. Scarfes Bar, London
38. Moebius Milano, Milan
39. Bar Nouveau, Paris
40. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai
41. Bar Us, Bangkok
42. Virtù, Tokyo
43. Atlas, Singapore
44. La Sala de Laura, Bogotá
45. Röda Huset, Stockholm
46. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires
47. Analogue Initiative, Singapore
48. El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara
49. Danico, Paris
50. 1930, Milan