Luxury Hotel Openings in 2024 You Need To Know About
Goodbye 2023, TTYN. Hello, 2024 and new destinations!
We bet your bucket list is already filled with exciting destinations, so we apologize in advance if you end up adding a few more after reading this article.Every year brings new hotel openings and destinations claiming to be the 'ultimate luxury destination.' We've handpicked a few exciting new resorts opening this year, overlooked any superlatives, and examined what they actually will have to offer.
Remember, Andrea at Journeys can tailor your travels for the upcoming year. Get in touch if you're ticking something off your bucket list or need tips on where you and your companions should travel.
Soneva Secret - Maldives
This will be Soneva's third resort in the Maldives, and they haven't held back. As a leader in eco-resorts, Soneva has placed its new hotel on one of the archipelago's most remote atolls. Here you'll find The Castaway. This isn't just any villa; it's 'floating.' Let's call it overwater living, where you have two floors to enjoy. The villa can only be accessed by boat, and you'll have your own small electric boat to travel to and from the island.This exclusive complex consists of a total of 14 overwater villas. It's a very short distance from the bed to dipping your toe into the azure waters or enjoying lazy days on pristine white beaches. Each villa is said to have its own team: a private chef, an assistant, and a caretaker (whom they've nicknamed 'Barefoot Assistant and Guardian' – just in case you doubt their eco-alibi). We dare say the pictures speak for themselves when it comes to the villas.
All jokes aside, this seems to be among the very best the Maldives has to offer, from incredible cuisine to nature experiences and service. Soneva Secret opens in February 2024.
Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island
Waldorf is more than a salad. It's synonymous with eco-luxury and quality. So, the expectations for their new project are quite high. Hilton's luxury brand is set to open an entirely new resort on a secluded island in the Seychelles during the spring of 2024.
With a total of 50 villas, all facing towards the horizon of blue seas, surrounded by palm forests and wildlife, this could become a noteworthy destination.
The boss himself, Elias Pertoft – the director of this new establishment, told Forbes, 'I have never seen an island as pristine as Platte Island, nor one so teeming with wildlife […]. This, combined with the elegant service from Waldorf Astoria and tailored guest experiences, makes for a winning combination that will redefine luxury in the Seychelles.'
Eastern & Oriental Express Belmond - Southeast Asia
The famous luxury train returns to Southeast Asia! If you've dreamt of the Orient Express, you can now add two new routes to your wishlist. The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, is set to launch two new seasonal routes.Both new routes will take you through Malaysia, either east or west in the country. You'll experience one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests, the islands of Langkawi and Penang. Activities and top-notch dining are, of course, included in the package. They promise opportunities to see the Malayan tiger, rhinoceros, and snorkeling in Pulau Payar Marine Park.
We hardly need to mention that the train is of the utmost class. Very little can beat the combination of this almost nostalgic mode of transportation, stunning nature, and unmatched elegance.
Singita Milele - Serengeti Tanzania
Panoramic views of the great migration, right in the heart of Serengeti. If this doesn't pique your interest, we're at a loss.
This is just part of what Singita promises from their new location in northern Tanzania. The villa has a maximum capacity of only 10 guests, spread across five suites inspired by African nature. Of course, you have your own plunge pool, outdoor shower, and expansive decks with unforgettable views.This ultra-exclusive resort provides you with private guides and safari vehicles, a personal chef, and top-notch service from an in-house team. They promise a wine cellar filled with delights, an infinity pool, and everything else you'd expect from a premium offering in Africa's wilderness.
Our Habitas Santa Teresa - Costa Rica
"Opening 2024" might be a bit vague, but we choose to believe it's accurate. Habitas, perhaps best known for its flagship in Tulum, is opening their first resort in Costa Rica during this year.The destination is conveniently located on the Nicoya Peninsula, surrounded by jungle and just minutes away from one of the area's best surf breaks. With immediate proximity to nature, there are, of course, opportunities for land activities.
Habitas is highly focused on sustainability, and the 45 rooms and 10 luxury tents are built using local materials. They've also planted as many trees as it took to build the complex. The restaurant follows a 'farm-to-table' concept, and you have access to a spa, gym, and everything else you'd expect from a place like this.All surf enthusiasts should book a trip here – and faster than you can say 'shaka.'
Gundari - Folegandros, Greece
Folegandros is an island near Santorini, but here you escape the crowds – to put it mildly. The plan is for an opening in May 2024.
Gundari draws its aesthetic inspiration from the ancient tones of the island, surrounded by scenic landscapes at every turn. The resort features 25 villas, a cliff-edge pool, and an underground spa (described as holistic – naturally). Their organic farm supplies vegetables to the chef Lefteris Lazarou, Greece's very first Michelin-starred chef.
We believe this is something to look forward to!
Are you curious about how to visit some of these places, or interested in similar destinations that suit your bucket list?Get in touch with Andrea at Journeys!"