Desert, Himalayas or Vineyards: These are the Most Spectacular Hotel Openings of the Year

Everything is still completely new, the beds have not been used often and so far only a few have swum in the pool. Staying in a hotel that has just welcomed its first guests is a very special experience. Secret Escapes has researched the most spectacular hotel openings this year – and we have added four more of our favorites to the list.

Abu Dhabi: Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa

The Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa has opened in the desert of Abu Dhabi, where guests can feel like in an oasis of One Thousand and One Nights. The luxury resort will have 103 rooms and suites as well as 13 villas with private pools – surrounded by winding courtyards, lush gardens and water channels leading into a 90 square meter pool.

Five restaurants and a desert camp serve Italian, Arabic and international dishes. The spa area consists of 13 treatment rooms, saunas, whirlpools, a steam bath, a crystal salt room, hot and cold plunge pools and a hammam – separately for men and women.

Bhutan: Six Senses Bhutan

The Six Senses Bhutan consists of five lodges spread all over Bhutan – from Thimphu to Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang to Paro. Each has its own individual design and focuses on the respective regional traditions. This allows guests to travel from lodge to lodge and discover the whole diversity of the country.

The largest lodge is located just outside Thimphu – the world’s only capital without traffic lights – at 2,650 meters above sea level and comprises 20 suites, five villas, a restaurant, a bar, a spa, an indoor pool and a prayer pavilion. From 15 February 2019 guests can stay overnight in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha. The opening of the lodges in Gangtey and Bumthang is planned for summer 2019.

Indonesia: Lelewatu Resort Sumba

Sumba Island is a relatively unknown paradise in the Indonesian archipelago of the Lesser Sunda Islands and offers pristine beaches, impressive surf spots, lush jungle and diverse local culture. In April 2019, the new Lelewatu Resort Sumba was opened on the island on a cliff overlooking a private lagoon and the Indian Ocean.

The 27 luxurious villas of the resort, which stretches over ten hectares of land, are equipped with marble bathrooms and private pools. Guests can taste local delicacies in two gourmet restaurants, indulge in Maraga Spa and explore the beautiful coastline, traditional villages, sacred lakes and waterfalls.

California: Four Seasons Resort Napa Valley

In the middle of this year the Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley opens in the Californian wine-growing region Napa Valley. The luxury resort is located in Thomas Rivers Brown’s more than two hectare organic winery and is surrounded by forests and mountains. The 85 villas all have a private terrace and fireplace.

Guests have access to a restaurant, two outdoor pools, a gym, an event area and a spa with eight treatment rooms. In the middle of the vineyards there are two cabanas, where different wellness treatments are offered during the day and an elegant dinner in a special ambience in the evening.

Namibia: Tent Camp Sonop

From summer 2019, the luxurious Tent Camp Sonop in the south of the Namib Desert will take its guests back to the British colonial era of the 1920s. The camp consists of ten spacious tents equipped with antiques, colorful carpets and high-quality wooden furniture.

Dining is at a gastronomically high level with silver cutlery and candelabras, while the staff serve with white gloves and bow tie. Relax in the cocktail & cigar lounge, spa, fitness area, heated outdoor pool or open-air cinema. Guests can explore the fascinating desert landscape on an excursion on the back of a horse or by night walk.

Israel: Six Senses Shaharut

In the Arava Valley of the Negev Desert, the Six Senses Shaharut will celebrate its opening in late summer 2019. On 18 hectares there are 58 villas and suites, some of which have their own pool. A restaurant, a bar, a Six Senses Spa with hammam, an earth lab and an open-air amphitheater complete the offer.

The luxury resort will be built in the typical construction style of the Negev Desert: The rocks from the surrounding area should blend perfectly into the topography and the play of colors of the rock landscape. Special outdoor lighting will minimize light pollution. The location in the desert offers a variety of experiences, ranging from camel camping and hiking to jeep safaris.

Düsseldorf: b’mine hotel

In late summer 2019, the first b’mine hotel in Düsseldorf will open its doors with a concept that is unique in the world: Thanks to special lifts – the so-called CarLifts – guests can get to their hotel room in their own car. Even on the fifth floor. With a total of 202 rooms, the hotel in the Flingern district will have 26 CarLofts where electric cars can also be charged directly.

The building was designed by the renowned Berlin studio Neikes Architekturen. In addition to a welcome area with coffee shop and bistro on the ground floor, a lounge with bar and restaurant is planned on the top floor. It is also part of the rooftop, which consists of several roof terraces. Here exclusive views are guaranteed. A fitness and wellness area rounds off the offer.

Dominica: Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski

Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski will celebrate its opening in autumn 2019 in the beautiful Douglas Bay on the northwest coast of the Caribbean island of Dominica. Located on the edge of Cabrits National Park, not far from Portsmouth, Dominica’s second largest city, it will have 160 rooms, a spa, several pools and restaurants and extensive gardens.

For the hotel chain, the Cabrits Resort is the second luxury hotel in the Caribbean after the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana opened in 2017 – the first five-star hotel in Cuba. The project on Dominica is backed by Range Developments. The company has made a name for itself with the Park Hyatt St. Kitts opened in 2017 and is currently developing the Six Senses St. Kitts announced for 2020.