Get ready for sun-drenched escapes as we reveal the top spring and summer holiday hotels for 2024. From waterside parties to fresh farm-to-table meals, shipwreck dives, and more, here’s where to stay from Bali to the Balearics and beyond.
JAPAN
Japan is capturing our attention this spring with two exciting new hotel openings. Janu Tokyo, Aman’s lively sister brand, makes its debut with eight dining options, breathtaking city views, and an expansive spa, all set in the upscale Azabudai Hills. Unlike Aman’s serene retreats, Janu Tokyo is designed for a new generation of travelers seeking vibrant social experiences.
In Kyoto, Six Senses Kyoto is set to open its doors in late April, bringing eco-conscious luxury to the heart of Japan’s cultural capital. This hotel emphasizes service and wellbeing, perfectly aligning with Kyoto’s ichi-go ichi-e philosophy, which focuses on mindfulness and the appreciation of each moment. With its shoji doors and shinto-inspired ambiance, Six Senses Kyoto promises an immersive experience in harmony with nature and tradition.
MAINLAND ITALY
Italy remains a beloved destination for sun-seekers, and this year, it offers a quintet of new luxury hotels. In Liguria, two new seaside stays are making waves. Genoa’s Palazzo Durazzo features palatial bedrooms, handpicked antiques, and exquisite murals by Domenico Parodi. Meanwhile, Hotel Windsor in Laigueglia offers contemporary comfort with a nostalgic touch, featuring pistachio-hued loungers and scalloped parasols reminiscent of the Riviera’s golden age.
Piedmont’s La Foleia enchants visitors with its impressionist-inspired floral frescoes and serene lily-dappled lake, creating a picturesque retreat. In the green heartlands of Umbria, Orvieto’s Palazzo Petrvs is a must-visit for design enthusiasts, showcasing vintage Hans-Agne Jakobsson lamps and sleek plaster finishes within a 16th-century hideaway. For a classic Umbrian experience, Vocabolo Moscatelli offers an Elysian estate with bell towers, lavender fields, olive trees, and a well-stocked cellar of Trebbiano wine.
PORTO AND THE DOURO VALLEY
Porto’s Ribeira district, known for its azulejo-tiled buildings and winding streets, welcomes two new stylish hotels. The Rebello Hotel & Spa, overlooking the Douro River, pays homage to Porto’s industrial past with polished concrete floors and loft-style suites. Aquatic-themed artworks and a blue-and-white palette reflect the city’s nautical history.
Inland, Porto’s São Bento area, home to the world’s most beautiful train station, now hosts GA Palace. This revamped mansion boasts glamorous interiors, Bulgari-stocked bathrooms, polished Italian marble, and homemade pasta to enjoy between dips in the indoor-outdoor pool. GA Palace offers a luxurious stay with a nod to Porto’s rich history.
HAWAII
Kona Village by Rosewood on Hawaii’s Big Island revives the charm of a 1960s retreat with sustainable luxury. Thatched hale homesteads, beachside bars, lomi-lomi massages, and sand-dusted scenes capture the essence of island living. The resort also emphasizes responsible tourism, leasing land from Kamehameha Schools and consulting with the Marine Life Advisory Committee and Nature Conservancy. Creative methods, like using tilapia-filled lakes to manage invasive species, demonstrate the resort’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Run by a team of locals, Kona Village maintains a strong sense of ohana (family) and community.
MENORCA
Menorca, often overshadowed by its larger sister Mallorca, is emerging with a vibrant hotel scene. Vestige Son Vell, set on expansive grounds with palms, pine trees, and a private cove, features an 18th-century manor house. Historians and artisans were involved in the refurb, ensuring a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. New for 2024 are signature facials using the super-clean skincare brand Rowse.
Cap Menorca, debuting this year, transforms an old army base into luxurious cliff-edge lodgings in the island’s south. For a more urban experience, Cristine Bedfor in Mahón offers boutique elegance with a Cotswolds-inspired aesthetic, a glorious garden, and charming decor.
NEW YORK
New York City, known for its sleepless energy, welcomes Martin Brudnizki’s latest creation, the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Located near NYC’s legendary shopping district, this maximalist masterpiece features richly hued rooms filled with collectibles from the owner’s travels. The portrait-hung bar pays homage to the Gilded Age, and noted chef Andrew Carmellini creates culinary delights in the theatrical restaurant.
For a quieter retreat in NYC terms, Untitled at 3 Freeman Alley offers Scandinavian-style interiors and a scene-stealing rooftop terrace in the Lower East Side. This new hotel combines minimalist design with luxurious comfort, providing a serene escape in the bustling city.
SARDINIA
Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda remains a popular resort destination, but the island’s Costa Verde offers a tranquil alternative. Le Dune Piscinas, set on a wild swathe of dunes and Mediterranean scrub, offers luxury in a former warehouse. With 28 thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, top-notch dining, and a seafront setting immersed in nature, this hotel is perfect for peace-seekers.
GREECE
Greece continues to charm with new hotel openings in 2024. Folegandros, a tiny island in the Aegean, welcomes Gundari, a cliffside retreat with neutral-toned suites and endless Aegean views. This idyllic getaway offers the quintessential Cycladic experience with whitewashed buildings and bougainvillaea-draped tavernas.
On the mainland, the Athenian Riviera is experiencing a revival with the arrival of One&Only Aesthesis. Located near Glyfada and within easy reach of Piraeus, this glamorous hotel offers a luxurious escape with easy access to island adventures.
SOUTH AFRICA
Esiweni Lodge in South Africa’s Nambiti Game Reserve offers an unforgettable safari experience. Perched on a cliff edge, this lodge provides panoramic views and excellent wildlife sightings. Two daily game drives and all meals are included, ensuring guests have ample opportunities to spot the Big Five and other fascinating fauna. The lodge’s indoor-outdoor design blends seamlessly with the bushveld backdrop, and the elevated infinity pool is perfect for after-hours wildlife watching.
UNITED KINGDOM
Spring and summer bring the UK’s landscapes to life, with blooming country gardens, lush Highland contours, and abundant farm produce. In Somerset, Holm offers modern rooms and seasonal cuisine by chef Nicholas Balfe. Up north in Scotland’s Nairn, Georgian manor Boath House provides a creative haven for artists and guests, with poetically pared-back rooms and rich dining experiences.
SINGAPORE
Singapore’s newest luxury hotel, Como Metropolitan Singapore, fits perfectly into the city’s sleek and shiny aesthetic. This hotel features a standout spa, a rooftop pool, a barbecue restaurant, and a pâtisserie helmed by Cédric Grolet. High-tech amenities, including digital artwork and robot baristas, ensure a cutting-edge stay.
21 Carpenter combines modern luxury with heritage charm in Singapore. This sustainable hotel, set in a restored 1930s remittance house, emphasizes community and local culture with its extensive art collection and green-minded practices.
NEW ENGLAND
New England’s summer delights include bike rides through dunes, seafood dinners, and lighthouse views. Newport, Rhode Island, shines with its folk and jazz festivals. Stay at the Cliffside Inn or The Attwater for coastal charm and modern comfort. In Maine, the Kennebunkport Captains Collection offers historic seafarer homes, while Faraway Martha’s Vineyard provides elegant accommodations near Edgartown.
BALI
Bali’s devotion to spirituality and aesthetics is evident in new hotels like the Turiya, with its riad-inspired design, curving staircases, and polished-concrete pool. Mathis Lodge Amed offers jungle canopy views and a breathtaking vantage over the Lombok Strait. Both hotels combine architectural beauty with spiritual serenity, making them ideal retreats for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.
BALTIMORE AND WASHINGTON DC
Baltimore’s Hotel Revival and Sagamore Pendry showcase the city’s vibrant culture. Hotel Revival features colorful artwork, a tucked-away bar, and karaoke rooms, while Sagamore Pendry offers historic charm with its 1912 frontage, waterfront location, and grand sculptures. Both hotels highlight Baltimore’s unique character and community spirit.
In Washington DC, the Viceroy offers a stylish hangout with rich local color, while Lyle Washington DC boasts deco detailing and luxurious amenities. These hotels provide sophisticated stays in the nation’s capital.
ONTARIO
Ontario’s Wilfrid bed and breakfast offers an intimate retreat with farm-to-table feasts, forest-fringed views, and personal touches from the owners. Enjoy curated playlists, handmade ceramics, outdoor trails, a sauna, and sunset wine tastings under fairy lights in the vineyard. This cozy B&B is a love letter to local produce and hospitality.
Embrace the sun and elevate your spring and summer getaways with these top hotel picks for 2024.