It’s been a stellar year for high-end travel, with some incredible new properties cropping up across the globe. Now, as we inch ever closer to the end of 2023, Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) has released its pick of the best luxury hotel openings of the year.
From eco-conscious beach retreats to historic manor houses, the members-only digital resource has compiled a list of its 15 favorite properties.
Two of the coveted spots have been awarded to London destinations; The Peninsula and Raffles at The OWO are the blockbuster UK openings that got everyone talking this year. Rome is also having a moment, with both Six Senses and Bulgari featuring in LTI’s exclusive list. Read on for some inspiration for your next vacation.
[See also: Elite Traveler Top Suites in the World for 2023]
LTI’s Top 15 Luxury Hotels
15. The Peninsula, London
The Peninsula caused quite a stir when it opened on the edge of Hyde Park earlier this year. LTI notes the luxury hotel stood out for “taking the time to perfect everything” – something we found when we were lucky enough to visit in December (keep an eye out for our review).
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14. The Dolli, Athens
Next up on LTI’s list of the best luxury hotels of 2023 is this “chic yet informal” boutique in Athens. Set within a historic mansion a stone’s throw from the Acropolis, it’s the perfect spot for a last-minute city break.
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13. Capella, Sydney
Capella’s latest outpost in Sydney also turned heads this year. Located just around the corner from the Sydney Opera House in the former Department of Education building, the sandstone building has undergone a painstaking revamp with spectacular results. LTI loved the expansive spa, too.
12. Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Red Sea
The Red Sea has attracted some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry, with Six Senses among the heavyweights. LTI highlights the property’s “exceptional standards in sustainability” and impressive architecture as the main draws.
11. Como Metropolitan, Singapore
Como pulled out all the stops when it opened its first property in Singapore earlier this year. The hotel itself is just one part of the brand’s “immersive experience”; expect high-end shopping, gourmet dining, and a 9,000 sq ft wellness center.
10. The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City
Home to some of the planet’s hottest properties, it’s no surprise New York City got a mention. LTI loves The Fifth Avenue Hotel’s “old-school vibe” and “exceptionally appointed rooms”; renowned designer Martin Brudnizki was brought in to put his stamp on the interiors.
9. Four Seasons The Pearl, Qatar
If it’s space you’re after, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better than the new Four Seasons resort in Qatar. Boasting fully equipped kitchens and outdoor terraces, the sprawling beachside residences are more akin to luxurious apartments than hotel rooms.
8. Raffles at The OWO, London
It will come as little surprise Raffles at The OWO made it into the top 10 of LTI’s list. Undoubtedly one of London’s biggest openings of the year, the historic landmark has been transformed into an ultra-luxe hotel complete with nine restaurants, three spas and a Guerlain spa.
7. Six Senses, Rome
The first Rome property to secure its place in the coveted list is Six Senses. Located within a gorgeous 18th-century palazzo, the historic hotel has buckets of character and is described by LTI as “a total triumph”. We got to visit in November and couldn’t have put it better ourselves.
6. Estelle Manor, UK
Estelle Manor scooped the third UK spot in LTI’s pick of the best luxury hotels of 2023. The luxury travel report loved the stunning surroundings (the 60-acre country club is right next to the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire) and “vast choice of impressive accommodations”.
5. The Peninsula, Istanbul
As far as destinations go, The Peninsula’s new Istanbul property on the banks of the Bosphorus is up there with the best. The lavish hotel caught LTI’s attention, securing the fifth spot on the list with its ability to inject the “wow factor at every turn”.
4. Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino
LTI named Mandarin Oriental as the World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brand of 2023, so it’s little wonder the hospitality heavyweight gets a mention here. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the Peloponnese region along the Mediterranean coast, the new outpost comes in at fourth place.
3. Bulgari, Tokyo
In third place is Bulgari’s new hotel in Tokyo, which LTI believes could already be Japan’s most luxurious hotel. Set across floors 40 to 45 of the Yaesu skyscraper, the glamorous hotel features an expansive spa and several gourmet restaurants. It’s very much the place to be.
2. 1, Place Vendome, Paris
Renowned jeweler Chopard quietly unveiled this glamorous boutique in November. With just 15 suites it’s ultra exclusive and, according to LTI, a “seriously special place, particularly if you appreciate quiet luxury.”
1. Bulgari, Rome
The top spot on LTI’s list of the best luxury hotels of 2023 goes to Bulgari’s gleaming new property in Rome. It arrived on the scene back in June with a star-studded opening party and has gone on to cement its reputation as the place to stay in the Eternal City.
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