Typically years (if not decades) in the making, a new hotel will always grab headlines — and the attention of seasoned travelers.
After all, while familiarity often ranks above all else (nothing beats arriving back at a favorite hotel as an old friend, where the team knows your name and, most important, your drink order), the allure of newness is hard to resist.
And those with a penchant for all things sparkly and new have been royally treated in recent years. The world of luxury hospitality is booming, with both independent hoteliers and big-name corporations quite fairly cashing in on a resurging demand for travel; new hotels have felt like a dime a dozen in recent years, yet each has still managed to make its own distinct mark, with some pretty special suites to boot.
From standalone villas on the Italian coastline to long-awaited city dwellings, the one-of-a-kind suites you’ll find in the following pages have all opened their reservation books in the past year (with a few ‘coming soon’ bonuses thrown in for good measure). Whether you’re looking for absolute privacy or absolute indulgence, here are the suites that have it all.
Six Senses La Sagesse, Four-bedroom Cliff Retreat, Granada
It was never a question of if but when Six Senses would bring its signature blend of wellness luxury to the Caribbean. With a worldwide reputation for relaxed charm and vibrant culture, the West Indies are a perfect fit for the sustainability-forward brand. Nestled on Grenada’s southeast coast, Six Senses La Sagesse has found its home on the Spice Island’s southernmost headland, surrounded by turquoise waters and lush greenery. The resort has carved a peaceful pocket for itself into the volcanic cliffside, spanning 38 acres of serene beachfront and gardens blooming with indigenous flowers. La Sagesse opened its doors in April 2024 — metaphorically speaking since, here, open-air living means there aren’t many doors to swing. Designed to resemble a contemporary Caribbean village, the resort seamlessly melts into the verdant hills, drawing all eyes to the bay’s views.
Each of the hotel’s 56 suites and 15 villas comes with outdoor pools and sprawling terraces, offering idyllic hideaways for couples and families alike. There are indulgent comforts and eco-conscious touches — organic cotton robes, pillow menus and in-room yoga mats for the days you don’t feel like making use of the hotel’s spa and wellness facilities (although you should; it’s what made Six Senses world-famous, after all). All villas and suites are also equipped with solar panels, and an on-site glass bottling facility provides freshly filtered spring water, upholding the resort’s commitment to being a self-sufficient and plastic-free operation. Guests can even visit the on-site Earth Lab.
While there’s no penthouse — buildings here don’t rise higher than a palm tree — the best perch is still at the top. Set on the resort’s highest point, the expansive two-level Four-bedroom Cliff Retreat boasts enough room for 10 lucky loved ones to spread out and soak up those panoramic bay views. A complimentary minibar is stocked with local and homemade treats, and a lap pool will keep little ones busy, while the private terrace is perfect for your morning coffee in peace.
From $9,600 per night. Contact reservations-lasagesse@sixsenses.com, +1 473 444 6666, sixsenses.com
Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Kaiser Franz Joseph Four-bedroom House, Austria
Amid a flurry of new openings for the brand across 2024, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl began welcoming guests in July last year. The fairytale-esque building sits on the banks of Lake Fuschl in Austria’s Salzkammergut region, which has long appealed to travelers drawn by the area’s rich cultural history. Celebrating the hotel’s surroundings is a regionally and seasonally focused dining program (there are six bars and restaurants) as well as numerous experiences and excursions — from access to otherwise private local workshops and hot air balloon rides over the mountains. Guests also have access to the neighboring lake house.
Among Rosewood Schloss Fuschl’s 98 rooms, suites and chalets is the showstopping Kaiser Franz Joseph Four-bedroom House — a sprawling abode on the upper floors of the castle. At 2,798 sq ft, it proudly takes the title as the hotel’s largest accommodation, with space for up to eight guests. Suite highlights include the window-front bathtub, alfresco terrace, formal dining room and central fireplace. Interiors are stylish but muted, with a luxe-feeling creamy color scheme accented by pops of rust-colored velvet furnishings, gentle lighting and curated artwork.
From $3,090 per night. Contact fuschl.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com, +43 622 939 980, rosewoodhotels.com
The Surrey, The Surrey Suite, New York
It’s not every day that a hotel can seamlessly slip into the polished fabric of New York’s Upper East Side and immediately catch the attention of the city’s elite. Then again, The Surrey long ago earned its place among the concrete jungle’s finest. Having first opened its doors a century ago, The Surrey has hosted a who’s who of icons, from JFK to Bette Davis and Claudette Colbert. Emerging after a four-year and multimillion-dollar renovation later, The Surrey has reopened under the Corinthia banner and is poised to welcome this century’s biggest names into its 100 guest rooms. The Corinthia’s European hospitality roots are clear, not just in the new shiny name hanging above the door, but in its impeccable service. From the front desk to housekeeping and the spa, every detail exudes white-glove reverence, with concierges beaming with pride as members of the prestigious Les Clefs d’Or.
Interior design, too, comes courtesy of a familiar touch: Martin Brudnizki, known for his jewel-toned maximalism, has kept things more understated here in a palette of soft creams and browns with accents of muted blue and green. Designed to feel like a home, it’s an atmosphere where you’ll never feel overpowered by ostentation — although you might quietly realize that access to its most exclusive spaces, such as the membership club at Casa Tua, will require more than a simple reservation.
The Surrey Suite takes a redefined approach to elegance, combining creature comforts with the sophistication of Manhattan living. The two-bedroom suite has a spacious living area with a glass-enclosed fireplace that invites relaxed evenings, while each bedroom has walk-in wardrobes and marble en-suite bathrooms with deep-soak bathtubs and rain showers. A butler’s pantry and guest powder room add touches of convenience, while sweeping views of Central Park seal the deal.
From $3,500. Contact reservations.newyork@corinthia.com, +1 212 730 4551, corinthia.com
Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay, Royal Villa, Morocco
Despite opening just shy of 15 years ago (that’s pretty young in these circles), Royal Mansour Marrakech rightfully sits on virtually any list of the best hotels in the world (and its Grand Riad is a regular inclusion in Elite Traveler’s Top 100 Suites). Exclusive and unashamedly luxurious, and with some of the world’s finest service, there are few boxes it doesn’t tick. Off the back of the original’s success, the powers-that-be have worked on replicating the recipe and opened not one but two new Royal Mansours in Morocco — one in Casablanca (you can dive back into our Fall 2024 issue for a full review of that opening) and, most recently, a third in Tamuda Bay.
Opened in fall 2024, Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay sits on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, around a 1.5-hour drive from Tangier, making it the collection’s first beachfront property. It’s a small hotel with just 55 suites and villas (all of which have views across the sea), but the standout is, without question, the Royal Villa. Spread over almost 18,300 sq ft and accommodating up to seven guests, the three-bedroom villa’s list of amenities is seemingly endless: there are private swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), direct beach access, a gilded foosball table, a spa, a cinema room, an office, a Steinway & Sons grand piano, and several lounging and dining areas.
As with the rest of the hotel (and, indeed, the wider Royal Mansour collection), the Royal Villa’s interiors are an abundant celebration of Moroccan architecture, with woven fabrics, marble mosaics and intricately carved woodwork, many of which have been created by local craftspeople. The Royal Villa’s positioning on the edges of the hotel’s confines ensures absolute privacy, too. If you can bear to drag yourself away from your sanctuary, the hotel has plenty to entice, from fine dining by the likes of Éric Frechon and Quique Dacosta and a comprehensive kids’ club where classes focus on Arabic traditions, to a whole menu of adrenaline- inducing excursions such as water biking, kayaking, foil surfing, wake surfing, water skiing and wakeboarding.
From $24,855 per night. Contact reservation@royalmansour.com, +212 538 100 100, royalmansour.com
Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, Two-bedroom Presidential Suite, Osaka
Stepping out from the shadow of its flashier, fluorescent neighbors Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan’s third-largest city of Osaka has been quietly carving out its own spotlight. Known as Japan’s most approachable city, Osaka charms with its warm, laid-back vibe, culinary prowess and a strong sense of local pride — so it was only a matter of time before hospitality heavyweights like Four Seasons were welcomed into the city with open arms.
The group’s fourth property in Japan, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka opened in August 2024 and captures the city’s unique duality as a forward-focused metropolis rooted in tradition. Covering 12 levels of a striking 49-story tower in the Dojima district, the hotel’s design is a mirror reflection of Osaka’s reputation as a convivial and cordial city, starting with its expansive, free-flowing social spaces. Guests don’t need to traverse the skyline for check-in — somewhat of a rarity in a Japanese city-center outpost — and instead, sunlight dapples the hotel’s facade of green plants, wood lattices and textured expanses of stone walls that were inspired by the nearby Osaka Castle.
The homage to hospitality history doesn’t end there. Of the hotel’s 175 total rooms, guests who bag the keys to one on the 28th floor will find they are staying on Gensui, an entire level that Four Seasons has dedicated to contemporary Japanese ryokan– style rooms. With the name taken from ‘gen,’ meaning the deepest black, and ‘sui’ (for water in a nod to Osaka’s maritime heritage), the rooms on this floor offer a rare taste of traditional Japanese aesthetics with a modern edge. They’re designed to be experienced barefoot, complete with tatami-mat spaces, light washi paper walls, low-level furnishings and futon-style beds. For those craving the comforting familiarity of Western hospitality — or simply requiring more space — the Two-bedroom Presidential Suite is the largest in the city. Spanning an impressive 3,293 sq ft on the 34th floor, the suite offers a spacious living and dining area with a private bar that makes it perfect for entertaining. Two full bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers, plus a guest powder room, ensure ample space for six guests, including up to four children.
Price on request. Contact reservations.osaka@fourseasons.com, +81 666 768 682, fourseasons.com
Soneva Secret, Crusoe Reserve, Maldives
One of the original purveyors of ‘barefoot luxury,’ Soneva remains a bastion of premium hospitality in some of the world’s most beautiful locales. While the original Soneva Fushi — opened in 1995 — is still routinely named as one of the Maldives’ best resorts, the group proved there are many strings to its bow with the opening of Soneva Secret in early 2024. As its name not so subtly suggests, Soneva Secret takes the brand’s tried-and-tested approach to sustainably minded luxury and makes it even more exclusive.
Marking the first resort in the Maldives’ remote Makunudhoo Atoll, petite Soneva Secret is made up of just 14 overwater and island villas — the finest of which is the Crusoe Reserve. Designed to ensure guests have no real need to ever step beyond the confines of their expansive villa (although you’ll most likely want to make use of the bikes for exploring the lush island), the reserve is entirely self- contained. Covering almost 12,000 sq ft, the two-bedroom overwater villa is a smorgasbord of amenities: there’s a gym, a spa treatment room, a dining area, two TV lounges, a swimming pool, retractable bedroom roofs, a pantry and an alfresco dining sala. Each suite sits in its own wing on either side of the primary living areas, providing an extra level of privacy.
A dedicated body of staff, including a chef, assistant and ‘guardian,’ cater to every whim and want. Crusoe Reserve guests are privy to a host of extras too, including an introduction to astronomy with the resort’s resident astronomer and access to both the chocolate room and the ice cream parlor — a dream for kids and kids at heart alike. If you do want to explore on those bikes, there’s castaway picnics, three signature restaurants and a yoga pavilion to explore on land; or there are dolphin cruises, PADI courses and swimming with manta rays to be experienced out at sea.
From $11,600 per night. Contact reservations@soneva.com, +960 660 4300, soneva.com
Three-bedroom Presidential Villa, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol, Mexico
Los Cabos doesn’t exactly have a vacancy problem when it comes to top-notch hotels. This sun-soaked stretch of Baja California has played host to some of the world’s top hospitality brands since Hollywood stars and LA A-listers began drifting south in the 1980s. But there’s something about this particular slice of paradise that keeps calling luxury back — so much so that Four Seasons has decided one resort simply wasn’t enough. Almost five years after staking its flagpole in the Costa Palmas development on the East Cape, the brand swung open the doors to the all-new Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol in May 2024.
Sure, the names are similar and will inevitably confuse the local cab drivers — although that shouldn’t be an issue if guests arrive via the properties’ partnered private jet — and they might only be an hour’s ride from each other, but other than the Fern logo embossed on every soft linen, the two properties couldn’t be more different. In the sleepy town of Costa Palmas, Four Seasons targets a quieter crowd of travelers, those seeking a more tranquil and intimate exclusive stay — whereas active vacationers looking to enjoy Cabo’s bustling social scene, nightlife, golf and beach clubs, the shiny new Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol might be just the ticket.
The design of the new property leans into thearea’s lively vibe with a modern hacienda-style village setup featuring whitewashed buildings, cobblestone paths and adobe-tiled roofs. The energy extends to the six restaurants and bars, and the seemingly endless list of adventurous activities on offer, all designed to fuel the resort’s vibrant atmosphere. While the resort features 96 rooms and suites plus 61 residences, all with sweeping Sea of Cortez views, for top-tier luxury, the Three-bedroom Presidential Villa delivers. Spread across three pavilions — each with its own plunge pool — it ensures maximum privacy. Add in a sprawling oceanfront pool, outdoor firepit and a private gym, and your very own dedicated attendant to take care of every detail, and you’re free to bask in luxury.
From $15,000 per night. Contact reservations.cabosanlucas@fourseasons.com, +52 624 172 1200, fourseasons.com
Coming soon: Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Villa Beatrice, Italy
A jewel on the lush, tumbling coast of the Italian Riviera, Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, has been enticing guests since 1902. Not one to rest on its laurels, however, the hotel has deftly moved with the times and, over the past few years, has been undergoing a comprehensive refurbishment led by what must be the busiest firm in the hospitality industry, Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. In 2023 a refreshed pool area and a new restaurants was unveiled; in 2024, new hotel suites and an updated lobby launched.
For 2025, the headline act is Villa Beatrice: a four-suite, exclusive-use property set within a secluded portion of the hotel’s verdant grounds. Slated to open in July, the villa has been under restoration since 2021, with a focus not just on offering guests a new, alternative accommodation option but also preserving the building’s heritage. Original Coppedè external frescoes and internal ceilings have been carefully renovated, and Brudnizki’s team has carefully selected a collection of heritage antiques and contemporary artwork from the region. The bathrooms are decked in marble, and most furniture has been purchased from local estate sales and auction houses — pretty much every aspect
of this redo is a testament to the extreme level of detail across
the project.
Outside, guests can enjoy the subtropical sea garden, a plunge pool with a sundeck, private sea access and a shaded terrace with alfresco dining areas with views across the azure sea beyond — perfect for absorbing those balmy Mediterranean evenings. Also included in the Villa Beatrice offering is La Casetta, a standalone one-bedroom cottage, and a summer yoga pavilion. Personal butler service, the option for a private chef and access to the wider hotel’s extensive facilities seal an already pretty sweet deal.
Price $1,990 per night. Contact Chiara Fulgenzi, villa manager, chiara.fulgenzi@belmond.com, +39 347 270 6841, belmond.com
Coming soon: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Five-bedroom Royal Suite, Dubai
It’s fair to say that Jumeirah practically owns this stretch of coastline — both literally and metaphorically. Not only does the brand actually control this prime beachfront real estate, but it’s been transforming the shoreline for years. From the island that Burj Al Arab sits on and the iconic Palm Islands just up the coast, to the 13 Jumeirah properties in Dubai (and 30 worldwide), no brand has shaped a city quite like Jumeirah has shaped Dubai. Now, Jumeirah’s reach is set to extend even further when Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab opens on March 14.
If Burj Al Arab is the elegant, gold-dripping relative everyone can’t stop talking about, and Jumeirah Beach Hotel represents the younger generation, then Marsa Al Arab is the sleek, cooler cousin. That said, the family resemblance is unmistakable: The nautical gene has been carried over from the Burj Al Arab’s majestic sailboat design and Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s wave-inspired structure. For Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, architect Shaun Killa drew inspiration from a futuristic yacht moving through the waters — not unlike the ones bobbing in the hotel’s private 82-berth superyacht marina.
The maritime theme flows into the interiors, with a palette inspired by striking sunsets: marble-clad surfaces, organic wood accents and handcrafted silk carpets in golden-hour hues. While the style is more subdued, Jumeirah’s signature hospitality remains front and center, with 11 restaurants, four bars and the three-story Talise Spa offering bespoke treatments and holistic therapies. The Five-bedroom Royal Suite is anything but understated. Spanning over 11,250 sq ft (including a nearly 5,000-sq-ft terrace), it features 180° views from the Burj Al Arab to the Burj Khalifa. With a private gym, treatment room and marble bathrooms, every detail is curated to perfection — right down to a vinyl record player and complimentary Bentley transfers.
Price on request. Contact maareservations@jumeirah.com, +971 4 540 8888, jumeirah.com
