Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) rates 15 properties as this year’s best.
Several of these top spots are deservedly taken by boutique properties, smaller-scale brands and one-off projects created by truly passionate owners.
Here is the BEST OF 2022 – in reverse order:
15. Nobu, Santorini
There is certainly a trend developing within the Nobu hotels, and a continued global expansion. Their city properties continue to mostly underwhelm us, but the beach locations tend to deliver the upscale and chic lifestyle experience the brand is known for. This particular property proved a real hit in Santorini this summer and for good reason. It ticks all the boxes.
14. Vista Palazzo, Verona
This welcoming boutique hotel sits in a 19th century mansion and has opulent suites and bedrooms, creative cuisine and Italian charm in spades. The 13 suites and three bedrooms are designed with ultimate luxury in mind.
13. Buahan, Bali
The first property from Banyan Tree Escapes, a brand extension from this much loved operator, focuses on creating immersive experiences that combine deep nature and sustainable design. Just 15 totally secluded ‘no walls, no doors’ villas surrounded by rice paddies and jungle, deliver a very different experience.
12. The Outpost, Qatar
Putting aside the ongoing and very unfortunate situation we discovered for many newly opened luxury hotels in Doha (another story for another day), this new resort, that’s due to officially open in the next few days, is embedded in the unique Inland Sea nature reserve, and ready to provide a one-of-a-kind luxury experience celebrating Qatar’s rich natural environment and heritage. Surrounded by soaring sand dunes and desert wilderness, each of the very private 21 tented villas deliver an authentic nature experience, blended with the expected flourishes of luxury hospitality.
11. Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia
The second Banyan Tree property to make this year’s list is this all-villa resort offering 79 luxurious tented villas in one of the world’s most mysterious and exciting new destinations. Infused with elements from the nomadic nature of Nabataean design and heritage, the resort offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with private pools and outdoor living space, showcasing stunning views of the rock formations in the Ashar Valley.
10. Cali, Mykonos
A discreet collection of 40 stunning villa suites between two mountains overlooking the Aegean – and the hotel’s own private beach. The salt water infinity pool also significantly adds to the wow factor.
9.Alila Kothaifaru, Maldives
It would be strange for a new Maldives property not to make our annual list, such is the rate of continued investment in creating exclusive and ultra luxury resorts in this very special part of the world. This year Alila Kothaifaru, with 80 villas (all with pools) certainly gets our vote.
8. Hotel Barriere Fouquet’s, New York
This 97-room property brings a new level of sophistication to the bustling streets of New York, mixing Parisian opulence with Tribeca panache – unlike the recently unveiled New York Aman, which despite the huge investment and pre opening anticipation, leaves us cold.
7. Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh
The iconic Gleneagles sporting and country estate has arrived in the very heart of Edinburgh. Outstanding architectural features are found throughout the charming urban retreat, with each room uniquely designed to imbue a sense of understated luxury with an appreciative nod to the heritage of the building. The vibrant all-day restaurant is perfect for breakfast, long lazy lunches and spirited dinners. A wellness centre, two striking bars and a rooftop terrace with extraordinary city views complete this new Edinburgh gem.
6. The Club House at Fontanelle Estate, Tuscany
We are so pleased to have discovered this new and off the radar gem during our recent Tuscany research trip. It has just 15 understated and elegant rooms and suites, an impressive wellness sanctuary, three restaurants, golf facilities and a beautiful pool, all surrounded by the tranquillity of the stunning Tuscan vineyards and rolling countryside. Exceptional.
5. Naviva Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita
This just opened luxury tented resort is as unique as nature itself, welcoming guests to a world where the deep, green jungle is the backdrop for a profoundly personalized retreat. With just 15 luxury tents surrounded by 48 forested acres on the edge of a private peninsula, Naviva is an adult-only sanctuary that harnesses nature to create an environment that fosters community, personal growth and appreciation for local heritage.
4. Rosewood, Vienna
Housed in a grandly proportioned neoclassical building, Rosewood Vienna is ideally situated on Petersplatz, one of the most famous squares in Vienna’s Old Town. Combining the best of European architecture and design with a refined yet modern style, there are 99 guestrooms and suites, all of which feature separate spaces for entertainment and relaxation. We love the rooftop cocktail bar with exceptional views of the city.
3. Susurros del Corazon, Punta Mita
Auberge Resorts, rated No3 in this year’s LTI World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brands, rarely puts a foot wrong – and once again they have delivered a luxury beachfront playground for the free-spirited. Each of the 59 rooms and suites and 30 villas and homes offer indoor-outdoor spaces with private terraces and large, nature-framing windows. Abundant sunlight, natural wood furniture and artisanal textiles capture the raw simplicity of the location and spotlight Mexico’s rich craft culture.
2. Stanly Ranch, Napa Valley
Yet another impressive opening from Auberge Resorts, with two new properties appearing in this year’s World’s Best list. Set on over 700 acres of rolling vineyards and farmland in the southern section of Napa Valley’s wine-growing region, the resort has 135 airy, cottage guestrooms, all with outdoor terraces with fire pits and views of the Mayacamas Mountains.
https://aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch/
… and the WORLD’S BEST NEW LUXURY HOTEL 2022 is:
1. Passalacqua, Lake Como
Passalacqua is the latest passion project for one of Italy’s most well-known hotelier families – Paolo, Antonella and Valentina De Santis. As the sister property to the lake’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo – one of the world’s most iconic hotels – it offers total privacy and magnificence, with 24 suites, including the largest suite on Lake Como where Bellini played his piano. The bathrooms are extraordinary, with sheets of marble that are like works of art. This is a place of wonder created from the heart, by a family who have an ambition to give life to a new Lake Como.
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