Bling, bling.
The travel industry might still be regaining its balance post-pandemic, but 2023 ushered in a wealth of new luxury hotels and resorts anyway, each one offering pampering beyond belief — along with eye-watering nightly rates that ensure few to none of us will ever have the privilege of passing through their front doors.
Not that we — and surely, you — aren’t terribly curious to see what goes on inside the walls of these over-the-top pleasure palaces, anyway.
LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence, a members-only organization providing intel to some of the world’s wealthiest travelers — shh…no names, but you can probably guess at a few — has checked out the new pretenders to the throne, unlocking just some of their secrets and giving the nod to a handful of the year’s most lavish and worthwhile openings, all around the world.
From bold luxury in Rome to discreet elegance in an intimate Parisian refuge, and even right in the heart of the Big Apple, here’s a peek at 10 of 2023’s very best.
10. The Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City
“This is such a rich, romantic and colorful new property with an old-school vibe, and we love it. There are 153 exceptionally appointed rooms and suites. each with its own personality and engaging details that make this historic mansion feel like home,” researchers said.
9. Four Seasons The Pearl, Qatar
“This is a little different to the usual Four Seasons resort, with only residential-style apartments on offer. Each comes with a large bedroom, bathroom, lounge, fully equipped kitchen and spacious terrace. There are also two and three-bedroom apartments available, creating a real home-from-home feel, Four Seasons style.”
8. Raffles at The OWO, London
“Another superb property fashioned from a historic landmark. This is the Old War Office (OWO) and from the moment you enter and take in the grand staircase, you can sense the immense importance of this building in its former life. Now, it hosts 120 opulent rooms and suites, nine restaurants, three bars and a Guerlain spa.”
7. Six Senses, Rome
“This is a bold project for Six Senses, creating an urban wellness-focused resort and a true oasis within Rome’s chaotic and magical historic epicenter. We are pleased to report that this is a total triumph. Some guest rooms and all of the suites have terraces and the dramatic yet soothing Roman Spa sits across two floors.”
6. Estelle Manor, United Kingdom
“This 60-acre country club and hotel nestled in Oxfordshire, perched on the Cotswolds doorstep, is billed as a ‘new school club with old school values’. We love the vast choice of impressive accommodations (108 rooms and suites with more to come). Also soon to arrive – a Roman-inspired bathhouse and spa.”
5. The Peninsula, Istanbul
“A lavish resort-style property, with ‘wow’ factor at every turn. Spread across four buildings, there are 177 rooms and suites offering multiple layouts and categories, a classic Peninsula-style lobby, an impressive spa, plus indoor and outdoor pools.”
4. Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino, Greece
“Mandarin Oriental is one of many luxury hotel brands we monitor daily. Recently, we named them as the World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brand 2023 and this spectacular new resort demonstrates exactly why. This is a breathtaking haven, with 99 elegantly appointed suites and villas, each providing exceptional views and abundant space while seamlessly blending traditional Messenian elements with contemporary luxury.”
3. Bulgari, Tokyo
“Even though it only opened in April, this could already be Japan’s most luxurious hotel. Located on the penthouse floors of the Yaesu skyscraper, from the 40th floor upwards, with 98 very spacious rooms and suites (spacious is now a Bulgari hotel trademark), a seriously lavish spa and multiple dining and drinking options, this is a true haven, high above the city’s franticness.”
2. 1 Place Vendôme, Paris
“We have rarely witnessed such a low-key and discreet opening as this, but it did not evade our resourceful researchers. Chopard, the renowned jeweler, has quietly created this gem of a boutique Paris grand dame, with just 15 suites and rooms. Currently, even the hotel website only consists of a booking page. But, trust our judgement, it is a truly special place, particularly if you appreciate quiet luxury.”
1. Bulgari, Rome
“Having reported on luxury hotels and brands for over 12 years, we would never have envisaged that a renowned name in fine jewelry could surpass the worlds leading luxury hospitality operators to create the World’s Best New Luxury Hotel. But is it so surprising?”
“Bulgari clearly understands the needs and likes of global high-net-worth clients, so why not utilize this to create exceptional ultra-luxury hotels? With Rome, the investment in both time and money is extraordinary and subsequently so is the property.”
“With upcoming resorts in the Maldives, Miami Beach and Los Angeles, the continuing rise of Bulgari as a luxury hospitality operator is a potential game changer and such an enthralling watch.”
