Hottest Hotel Openings Shoreside

From boutique properties in France to big-time name arrivals in Greece, there’s plenty in the world of travel to get excited about right now. Here’s everything to have on your radar for the forthcoming spring and summer seasons.

The Urban Oasis, Thailand

An Aman opening is always big news, but the opening of the Aman Nai Lert Bangkok is the ultra-luxury group’s first “urban oasis”. A verdant sanctuary in the city center, the 36-story property is surrounded by nature that is Bangkok’s Nai Lert Park. Aman’s 52 suites and 50 high-tech residences are crowned with a rooftop infinity pool. aman.com

The Chic Outpost, Greece

When it comes to cruising destinations, the Greek islands have long been a favorite – something that is unlikely to change anytime soon. With the country’s never-waning popularity, it comes as no surprise that One&Only opened its second new property this spring. One&Only Kéa Island is the most hotly anticipated new arrival in the Cyclades, and is the perfect base from which to explore the idyllic archipelago. Enjoy the cliffside location with a few nights ashore, or simply drop anchor and tender in to spend an afternoon at the One&Only’s Beach Club. oneandonlyresorts.com

The Secret Retreat, Maldives

Leading hotel brand Soneva opened its first resort in the Maldives’ Haa Dhaalu Atoll in February. Thirty years in the making, Soneva Secret has 14 over-water and island villas, including the Maldives’ only floating villa. For the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, each villa comes with a “guardian” (aka butler), assistant and private chef, and in-villa gyms and spa treatment rooms. Bedrooms have retracting roofs for stargazing, and every property has an adjoining children’s room. Some of the villas are situated on strips of private beach, while others have slides that run directly into the clear sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean. soneva.com

The Riviera Spa, Nice

A stone’s throw from the old town of Nice, the Maison Albar – Le Victoria is the newest property to open along this gilded coastline. With views of the surrounding hills and Mediterranean, the 132-room hotel pays homage to the Côte d’Azur with chic nautical interiors. Whether cruising or staying ashore, the property’s spa is a welcome retreat with a marble indoor swimming pool, hammam, sauna and a wide range of wellness treatments. Alternatively, simply tender ashore and sample fresh, local flavors in the rooftop restaurant with panoramic views. maison-albar-hotels-le-victoria.com

The Eco Retreat, Costa Rica

The new year welcomed a new Nayara Gardens as the original Costa Rican rainforest retreat emerged from a complete rebuild. Casitas feature private decks with plunge pools amidst the lush foliage of the rainforest, along with an education center, pool and restaurant, and a brand-new spa. The property has sustainability in its DNA – from creating a sloth sanctuary and reforesting the area surrounding the property, to working with the local community to provide housing, Nayara Gardens is a showcase of all this eco-cruising ground has to offer. nayaragardens.com

The Six Senses Caribbean Debut, Grenada

While cruising the Windward Islands, take time out to visit the brand new Six Senses property on the “Spice Island” of Grenada. Opening in May, Six Senses La Sagesse is the brand’s first ever property in the region. Designed to reflect the surrounding local architecture, the resort is surrounded by nature, with the bright flora and fauna for which Grenada is known. In keeping with Six Senses ethos, the property’s 56 open-plan pool suites and 15 beachfront or hillside villas are built with natural, renewable and repurposed materials. sixsenses.com

The Culinary Hotpot, Dubai

Located in the heart of Dubai, The Lana is the Dorchester Collection’s first address in the Middle East. Designed by the award-winning architects Foster + Partners, the striking 30-story tower has views of the Burj Khalifa and overlooks Marasi Marina. With eight restaurants headed up by Michelin-starred chefs like Martín Berasategui and Jean Imbert, dining is a core focus of the property. Whether staying as a guest or berthing in the marina, head to the Veranda for cocktails and small plates in the quiet refuge of the gardens or escape to the secret cigar lounge of Txakolina for some vinyl tunes. dorchestercollection.com

The Bohemian Villa, Ibiza

New for 2024 on the Balearic island of Ibiza, Fincadelica Xarraca is a magnificent eight-bedroom property overlooking the shores of Cala Xarraca Bay – a hidden gem of a beach on the northwest side of the island. With arguably one of the most privileged waterfront locations on the island, the new nine-bed villa defines Ibiza barefoot luxury. Fluid indoor-outdoor living, sea views from just about every vantage point, and access to a coastal path winding down to a secret cove, Fincadelica Xarraca is a great extension to a charter through the Balearics. fincadelica.com

The Star of Sorrento, Italy

Spring welcomed a stylish new haven on the Amalfi Coast with the opening of Ara Maris Sorrento. Offering unparalleled views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius, the latest property in the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio is the perfect setting in the town of Sorrento. Enjoy Italian elegance with a contemporary and vibrant twist that runs throughout the property’s 49 guest rooms. Relax at the rooftop bar, enjoy a dip in the indoor or outdoor pools, and dine in the property’s lemon garden – the perfect spot to acclimatize to a relaxed pace of life before embarking on a yacht charter along the vertiginous Italian coastline. aramarishotel.com