Far-flung destinations and closer to home
We are already halfway into the year and there have been some exciting new announcements recently to the hotel scene acorss the world. With this in mind, DLUXE writer Donna Richardson, evaluates some of the hottest hotel openings into one handy feature to give you some holiday inspo.
SOALTEE KATHMANDU
The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection, featuring 285 rooms, is set to open in Nepal, offering stunning views of the Himalayan range and the sacred Swoyambhunath Stupa, as well as tranquil gardens. Kathmandu, the vibrant capital, is a cultural treasure known for its ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, blending tradition with modern urban life. Established in 1966, the hotel features a curated installation called “The Storyteller,” attracting dignitaries, celebrities, and travellers in search of luxury and authenticity.
All the walls are adorned with local artistry, including wooden jaalis, exposed bricks, and Thangka paintings. Each room blends luxurious amenities with contemporary technology.
Experience 12 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Kathmandu’s Tahachal area. The Garden Terrace offers an all-day dining restaurant with signature Nepali thali, while Kakori serves Awadhi-Indian specialities like Murgh Chapli Kabab and Rogan Nalli. For authentic Chinese cuisine, visit Bao Xuan. Enjoy open-air dining with live music at the Patio, and relax with drinks at the Rodi Bar and Sports Lounge.
Explore the spa’s offerings, including hot stone therapy, Shirodhara, and the Traditional Newari Massage. There’s also a swimming pool, a clay tennis court, and a 24-hour fitness centre, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. The hotel champions sustainability through energy-efficient systems, a water bottling plant, and initiatives focused on waste reduction and local sourcing.
IMPERIAL HOTEL – KYOTO
Imperial Hotel, Japan’s premier luxury hospitality brand, is opening its long-awaited fourth property, the Imperial Hotel, Kyoto. Built in 1936 by architect Tokusaburo Kimura, the hotel aims to preserve the Yasaka Kaikan- a 90-year-old former theatre and community centre with architectural ties to Frank Lloyd Wright. It is a cultural landmark in Gion and it is connected to the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo and both properties feature terracotta from Tokoname in the Aichi prefecture.
Kyoto was once the captial of Japan and is on the island of Honshu. It is famous for its classical Buddhist temples as well as imperial palaces and shinto shrines. The new hotel blends into the historical surroundings and is set to be completed by October 2025 and open in Spring 2026, the hotel will have 55 rooms across seven storeys preserves and promotes cultural experiences and will offer stylish guest rooms, upscale dining, a bar, and wellness amenities like a spa and fitness centre. This opening marks the first for the brand in 30 years, highlighting its dedication to hospitality and culture. Originally established in 1890 as a state guest house, the Imperial Hotel is Japan’s premier hotel brand, blending the legacy of the Yasaka Kaikan with modern sensibility. In April 2025, it became a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World.”
About Imperial Hotel, Kyoto
PEMAKO PUNAKHA, BHUTAN
Bhutan is becoming popular to escape fuelled by evidence that visitor arrivals have risen 41% in 2024. Pemako Punakha in Punakha Valley, is a one-of-a-kind retreat that features 21 luxurious tented villas thoughtfully woven into 60 acres of pristine Himalayan wilderness. Designed by American landscape architect and interior designer Bill Bensley, this property embraces the great outdoors, blending Bhutan’s landscape and spirituality.
Overlooking the Mo Chhu River, the property is engulfed by greenery, and the retreat is only accessible via a prayer-flag-lined bridge which guests cross before being greeted by a traditional prayer ritual for well-being. Each of the tented villas, which categories include a luxury tented pool villa, a two-bedroom family villa and an expansive presidential suite, are opulent hideaways with private temperature-controlled pools (a first in Bhutan) and expansive outdoor decking with panoramic views over the Mo Chhu river. The interiors draw from the local culture, and feature the yellow, white, and orange of the national flag; black-hued tones reminiscent of highland tents; and furnishings that pay homage to ancient Dzong architecture – a distinctive type of fortress-monastery found primarily in Bhutan. Pemako Punakha is a sanctuary where visitors are encouraged to slow down and feel immersed in Bhutanese heritage. The name “Pemako” means “hidden lotus-shaped land”, drawing from Himalayan folklore and the concept of beyul which means mystical hidden lands said to offer spiritual refuge.
BALI KUTA NGURAH RAI
One of the hotels on our list is Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Ngurah Rai a hotel designed around simplicity. With 166 guest rooms, including 147 superior rooms with city and pool views, 13 deluxe rooms, and six spacious suites, each room is a haven of relaxation where you’ll find smart TVs, sofa seating, a desk, ample charging ports, and comfortable bedding. Guests can begin their day with a hearty breakfast at Sun Rice, the all-day dining restaurant, which also serves a curated à la carte selection of international and local cuisine for lunch and dinner. The cosy lobby bar offers a relaxed setting to enjoy signature cocktails, fine wines, and artisanal beers, complemented by a menu of light bites.
There is also a large meeting room that can accommodate up to 500 guests and the hotel features five flexible meeting venues, including a 401 square metre ballroom, multiple breakout rooms, and a boardroom, all supported by a warm and welcoming pre-function area ideal for registration and refreshments. Additionally, there’s a 24/7 fitness centre, featuring modern cardio equipment, resistance machines, and free weights and an outdoor swimming pool and dedicated kids’ pool. Conveniently located close to the airport, ideal for business and leisure travellers, guests are steps away from Krisna Oleh Oleh, one of Bali’s largest souvenir shops, and within walking distance of Bali Mall Galeria and Duty Free Shop. Popular attractions such as Kuta Beach, Jimbaran Seafood Market, Uluwatu Temple, and Nusa Dua’s white-sand beaches are just a short drive from the hotel,
Fairfield by Marriott Bali Kuta Ngurah Rai is now open and accepting reservations. Visit fairfieldbalikutangurahrai.com.
CLOSER TO HOME
LE BEAUVALLION – COTE ‘D’ AZUR
Le Beauvallon, which first opened in 1914, distills the essence of the Cote D’Azur lifestyle: a striking Belle Epoque palace, 10 acres of terraces and gardens with palms and umbrella pines overlooking the Bay of Saint-Tropez, a glamorous Mediterranean beach club, and a private pontoon for yacht tenders. Occupying a beachside location and adjacent to the renowned Golf Club de Beauvallon, the hotel is only eight minutes by boat from the vibrant heart of ‘St Trop’ on the other side of the bay.
After nearly a decade of playing host to unforgettable celebrations and events, this Riviera icon is beginning a new chapter. Our 25 sea-facing suites will be available individual guest stays. This is part of a significant two-phase development for Le Beauvallon in collaboration with the COMO brand, a family-owned, luxury hospitality company founded by Mrs Christina Ong which is renowned for precise service, holistic wellness, and exceptional, Michelin-starred cuisine. Guests can currently enjoy Asian and Mediterranean flavours, served with panoramic views of the Bay of Saint-Tropez in a relaxed, sun-soaked seaside atmosphere. Next year when it becomes COMO Le Beauvallon, they will launch new culinary concepts created by Yannick Alléno, a visionary chef and the most decorated talent in the Michelin Guide, with 17 stars to his name.
The shift, from a private events venue to a classic hotel, will appeal to guests in search of a last minute, hyper-exclusive summer vacation – with suites available from 1 July to 31 October 2025.
Visit www.lebeauvallon.com
MARRIOT RESIDENCES SALGADOS RESORT ALGARVE
Marriott Residences Salgados Resort in the Algarve is a newly opened, family-friendly retreat nestled between the golden sands of Salgados Beach, the serene Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve, and the lush fairways of Salgados Golf Course. The resort offers 192 spacious residences, designed for luxury extended stays. Guests can enjoy a host of facilities, including 10 outdoor swimming pools, multiple restaurants, two bars, a kids’ club, outdoor gym, and courts for tennis, volleyball, and football.
The standout all-day dining restaurant, Amara transforms as the sun sets into a romantic Italian-inspired terrace, perfect for long, leisurely dinners. The menu celebrates the art of Cicchetti, Venetian-style small plates, ideal for sharing and sampling the best of seasonal Mediterranean flavours. At the heart of the resort Aperitivo 18is effortlessly stylish and buzzing from morning to night. Guests can start their day with expertly poured barista coffee and flaky local pastries, best enjoyed on the sun-dappled terrace. As the day unfolds, the space shifts into a relaxed aperitivo spot serving signature cocktails and regional wines. Come evening, the Espresso Martini trolley makes its rounds, bringing a touch of theatre to any nightcap.
With digital check‑in, free Wi‑Fi, pet‑friendly options, and on‑site parking, the resort perfectly blends autonomy with Marriott’s signature service, making it ideal for families, golfers, and nature lovers seeking a relaxed yet activity‑filled getaway on Portugal’s sun‑soaked coast. What’s more, just a 10minute drive away, guests can take a long boardwalk stroll through the Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve, a stunning wetland teeming with flamingos, herons and other migratory birds. It’s a peaceful, flat route perfect for walking, cycling or pushing a pram, and leads directly to the beach. Pair it with an early morning for the best bird sightings, or a golden hour walk for incredible light.
LONDON CALLING
Amsterdam-born apartment-hotel brand The July is bringing its Amsterdam-born charm to London’s Victoria, with a brand-new apartment-hotel offering short and long stays, families, solo travellers, day-trippers and more. Blurring the lines between residence and retreat, July London Victoria merges business and leisure travel in a space that feels like neither a hotel nor just serviced apartments, providing a cosy area for the local community, just a five-minute walk from Victoria station. The July features 114 inviting rooms and two exclusive residential apartments, serving as a sustainable urban sanctuary. Deep in the heart of theatreland, access great restaurants, west end shows and excellent transport linkso nearby attractions. Unwind in the July’s wellness area and gym, along with a public lobby, restaurant, bar, and event space. With Art Deco architecture, and moden bright interiors, custom lighting, and a mix of materials like oak and natural marbles.
The July brand began in 2012 with ID Aparthotel in Amsterdam, quickly growing from 28 to 127 units. New locations are set to open in Dublin, Lisbon, and Amsterdam South Axis by 2026 after rebranding from City ID in November 2023.
Each property connects to its local area, promoting flexible stays which are like personal sanctuaries where guests can live, work, and explore. Take part in yoga classes and wine tastings, and Chef Jay Campbell runs The Idler, an all-day restaurant serving modern British cuisine with Mediterranean twists. The menu features shareable starters and seasonal dishes. The bar offers creative cocktails and British wines. The Deli has freshly baked goods available throughout the day for guests to enjoy in their room or they can pre-order items for their fridge, arrange flowers, or have a bottle ready for them to create a homely feel. The rooms are designed for comfort with minimal clutter and easy technology, ensuring relaxation. The July London Victoria opened in June 2025, with room rates starting at £249 per night.
MAR HALL GLASGOW
Following an extensive £20 million transformation, the five-star Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort officially opens its doors and celebrates the start of a new era,. The Victorian mansion boasts 74 guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, and enticing grand spaces, cosy corners and hidden nooks to be discovered, soon to be joined by a 22-person private cinema, Gaming Room and Billiards Room. Inside you’ll find classic bedrooms to grand suites with the grandeur of a private residence, featuring separate lounges, grand pianos or pool tables and Spa Garden Suites with their own private gardens you’ll be spoilt for choice. private gardens. The Gallery, a vibrant social hub and at the centrepiece is a marble-topped champagne bar surrounded by casual seating, reading nooks and a grand piano. It is a great space to enjoy afternoon tea and nibble delicate pastries from award-winning executive pastry chef, Szilard Szentesi, dainty sandwiches and expertly crafted savouries, complemented by a wide choice of loose-leaf teas, Champagne and sparkling wine. Meanwhile, executive chef Tony Tapia is carving a niche in Glasgow’s thriving elevated dining scene, bringing fresh local produce to guests and locals at “The Dining Room”. A destination in its own right, The Dining Room’s innovative new menu follows the rhythm of the seasons, shining a spotlight on the finest local produce. Slàinte’ bar is helmed by Head Mixologist, Chris Mullen. Drawing inspiration from the hotel’s storied past and Scotland’s native flavours, Chris has curated a beautifully bound menu of signature cocktails,
Find out more at Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort | Luxury Five Star Hotel in Glasgow
About the writer
Donna Richardson is a travel writer who loves to travel and discover new adventures. She has been to 26 countries and counting. She loves good food, wine, and cultural experiences, as well as hotels or destinations with a story or history. Here she is at Lake Garda in Italy.
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