Hotels today are offering travelers far more than a place to rest their heads after a day of sightseeing. From historic landmarks in Bangkok to overwater villas in Palawan, these six new and reimagined properties are making the hotel itself part of the travel experience.
Asia-Pacific
Vietnam
NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton has opened in Central Vietnam, marking the debut of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection in the country. Located along the Co Co River in Cam Thanh village, the 174-room resort provides access to Hoi An Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach and the Cam Thanh Nipa Forest.
Designed by Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, the resort incorporates biophilic design with locally sourced stone and timber, panoramic windows and handcrafted details inspired by Hoi An’s craft heritage. Accommodations range from garden- and river-view rooms to suites, including the one-bedroom Khang Suite and NHAAN Presidential Suite. The resort also offers connecting rooms for families and groups.
Four restaurants and bars showcase Central Vietnamese flavors. Dining options include Keng Restaurant, Plait Restaurant, Bong Lounge and Nipa Pool Bar.
Guests can participate in cultural activities such as pottery, woodcarving and lantern-making workshops, as well as bicycle tours and private dining experiences. The resort also features an eforea spa & health club, rooftop yoga deck, infinity pool, 24-hour fitness center and Kids’ Club.
For more information, visit hilton.com
Thailand
The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok is now accepting bookings for stays beginning Dec. 20. Set along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s Bang Rak District, the 75-key hotel centers on the restoration of the city’s historic Custom House, built in 1888 under King Rama V.
The property includes 60 guestrooms and 15 suites in a contemporary building adjacent to the restored landmark. Designed by Thai architect Smith Obayawat, the new structure features a curving form inspired by the Chao Phraya River. Interiors blend contemporary comfort with subtle references to Thailand’s royal and architectural heritage, including natural textures, Siamese-inspired details and sculptural bathtubs.
The restored Custom House and adjoining heritage structures will serve as public gathering spaces, with dining, drinking and lifestyle concepts to be announced. Wellness amenities include Chuan Spa and a fitness center equipped with Technogym’s Sandstone collection.
Guests will have access to nearby attractions including Asiatique The Riverfront, ICONSIAM, Chinatown and the creative district of Charoen Krung. Additional experiences will include private river journeys and chauffeured Bentley transfers.
For more information, visit langhamhotels.com.
Indonesia
Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud is set to debut later this year, marking Kimpton’s arrival in Indonesia. Located on Jalan Bisma in Ubud and set alongside the Wos River, the 101-key hotel will offer access to attractions including the Ubud Art Market, Ubud Palace and Water Palace.
Designed by Denton Corker Marshall, the property takes inspiration from Balinese ceremonial processions and follows the natural contours of Ubud’s hillside and riverside landscape. Accommodations will include guestrooms, pool suites and private pool villas.
The culinary program will feature five dining concepts, including Imamura Ubud, an intimate omakase restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Hirofumi Imamura, and Shaku by Imamura, which offers a contemporary take on Japanese izakaya cuisine.
Wellness offerings will include a two-story fitness studio, recovery facilities with movement and contrast-therapy experiences, and Sakshi Spa, which draws on Balinese healing traditions. Guests will also have access to Kimpton signature programs including daily coffee, tea and pastries through Kimpton Kickstart, the evening Kimpton Social and the “Forgot It, We’ve Got It!” amenity program.
For more information, visit ihg.com.
Philippines
El Nido Lagen Island Resort in Palawan, Philippines, has reopened following a 12-month transformation that introduced redesigned overwater villas, a reclaimed white-sand beach and interiors inspired by Filipino craftsmanship. The renovation reduced the resort from 51 to 42 keys, including 18 overwater villas and 24 forest rooms and suites.
Inspired by traditional bahay kubo huts, the overwater villas feature sunken lounges, direct views of the bay, woven details and locally crafted wood and ceramic elements. Forest accommodations overlook the sea and surrounding Napuro forest and limestone cliffs.
Sustainability is central to the redesign, with original materials repurposed where possible and locally sourced materials and techniques used throughout the property. The resort’s pool uses UV cleaning technology, while low-wattage lighting helps minimize light pollution and creates a turtle-friendly dark zone along the beach. A new conservation center offers educational exhibits and eco-experiences focused on the region’s wildlife and ecosystems.
The new Lagen Wellness Sanctuary features three treatment rooms, a Pilates studio, Technogym gym, hot and cold plunge pools, steam room, sauna and garden. Dining options include the Beach Club, Club House restaurant and Boat House arrival lounge.
A dedicated marine sports and dive center offers PADI courses, snorkeling, kayaking and access to more than 20 dive sites.
For more information, visit ayalalandhospitality.com.
Europe
France
Bel Hotel Oléron Thalasso & Spa – MGallery Collection has opened on France’s Île d’Oléron, an island off the country’s western coast. Set along the Atlantic at Plage de Gatseau, the 102-room property, including eight suites, is surrounded by pine forests and coastal landscapes.
The hotel’s design draws inspiration from traditional Oléron seaside homes and the Hamptons, with natural materials, mineral tones and large windows highlighting the surrounding landscape. All accommodations feature furnished balconies or terraces, while two signature suites offer nature-focused experiences inspired by the island’s ocean and forests.
Dining is led by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, with menus showcasing locally sourced seafood and regional produce. A chef’s table accommodates 12 to 16 guests for a five- to seven-course experience, while beach service and multiple bars offer more casual options.
The property’s Spa & Thalasso features 27 treatment rooms, an indoor pool, hammam, glass-walled sauna and herbal tearoom. Wellness programming includes yoga, breathing exercises and paddle excursions. As part of MGallery’s signature “M Moment” experience, guests can enjoy a private sunset picnic for two overlooking Gatseau Bay.
For more information, visit mgallery.accor.com.
Croatia
Boutique Hotel Venturo has opened in Split, Croatia, joining the Design Hotels portfolio. The adults-only property (ages 12+) draws inspiration from the Dalmatian coast and the region’s layered history, incorporating local materials and craftsmanship throughout its design.
The hotel features a contemporary facade made from locally quarried limestone. Interiors by Serbia’s Studio Nacrt combine Mediterranean influences with natural materials, heritage-inspired details and original artwork depicting local Dalmatian landscapes.
The hotel offers 22 guestrooms and two suites, with neutral tones, natural textures, Croatian-made linens and spa-inspired bathrooms. An all-day restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and traditional Croatian dishes and opens onto a garden terrace with lemon, olive, magnolia and jasmine trees. A bar provides an additional social space.
On the fifth-floor rooftop, guests can relax on a sundeck with an infinity plunge pool and panoramic views of the Adriatic. Boutique Hotel Venturo is located steps from Bačvice Beach and about a 10-minute walk from Split’s Old Town and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian’s Palace. The Riva waterfront, shops and restaurants are also within walking distance.
For more information, visit designhotels.com.
