It’s a New Year and we’re counting down the newest hotels, including some firsts from established hotels and new heights of luxury in age-old destinations.
4. Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit
The Radisson Hotel Group has opened the Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, its first Safari hotel in Africa and 11th hotel in South Africa. Tucked between two renowned nature reserves, Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, the hotel is located just over a mile outside of Hoedspruit in the heart of the grasslands in the Limpopo province, 20 minutes from Eastgate Airport.
Boasting majestic views of the Drakensberg mountains—highest mountain range in Southern Africa—the new property is surrounded by destination-immersing activities including safari adventures to view lions, rhinoceros, and elephants; treks via horseback; and taking in the vast landscape from a hot air balloon.
Offering 138 rooms and suites and three dining experiences—including the South African and Lebanese-inspired Mirage with a wrap-around deck—the Radisson Hotel Safari Hoedspruit is home to an Amani Spa, a 24-hour fitness center and versatile meeting and event spaces. radissonhotels.com
3. Palazzo Cordusio Gran Melia, Milan
Opened in mid-December with luxury amenities and globally inspired dining concepts, Palazzo Cordusio Gran Melia is set in the heart of Palazzo Venezia, a popular square known for its rich history and iconic design in the center of Milan.
Originally constructed as the Assicurazioni Generali headquarters between 1897 and 1901, the reopening of this historic building under Melia Hotels International kickstarts the redevelopment of Piazza Cordusio, a square that connects the iconic Duomo to Sforzesco Castle, inviting international travelers to explore Milan’s history.
Along with the interior restoration, 84 luxury rooms and suites have been created, each characterized by grand windows and in some rooms, private balconies with warm natural lighting and unique views of Piazza Cordusio, Via Orefici, Via dei Mercanti and the Duomo. Studio Asah by Alvaro and Adriana Sans, Melia Hotels International’s long-standing partner, led the interior design of the new rooms, suites, and communal areas, incorporating their signature contemporary style with Rubelli fabrics to pay homage to Generali’s Venetian roots, and other furnishings from some of Italy’s most iconic brands. melia.com
2. Santo Mine and The Villas by Santo Collection, Greece
Opening in spring 2024 are Santo Mine and The Villas by Santo Collection, both in Oia, Santorini and offering breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea.
Santo Mine will house 37 individual suites—each with private pool or jacuzzi—boasting a quintessential Santorini sense of Mediterranean simplicity with soothing tones. Carved into the cliffs of Oia on the site of an old stone mine right above the enchanting Ammoudi Bay, the adults-only resort will bring guests idyllic and direct views of Santorini’s famous sunsets and will also include a new restaurant and all-day bar, wine cellar serving local and international wines, spa, and outdoor gym. Santo Mine
Perched on a secluded cliff with panoramic views overlooking the Aegean Sea, The Villas by Santo Collection will boast grand, four-bedroom villas featuring strikingly large indoor and outdoor spaces with an organic modern design complementing the island’s natural tones. Guests of The Villas by Santo Collection have access to their own personal concierge service to organize private chefs, spa services and exclusive excursions such as private yacht and helicopter tours. santocollection.gr
1. Margaritaville Hits the Slopes in Lake Tahoe
Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe is now open as the brand’s first ski destination resort, just in time for the 2024 ski season.
Nestled at the base of Tahoe’s famed Heavenly Mountain Resort in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Margaritaville Resort Lake Tahoe promises the brand’s “island attitude” at a mountain latitude, with the Heavenly Mountain Gondola, the newly completed Tahoe Blue Event Center and crystal-clear Lake Tahoe itself within walking distance.
Following an over $70M property reimagination, the newly rebranded all-suite resort features a variety of amenities for adventure enthusiasts of all ages, including an indoor, heated pool and a nine-story open air atrium, as well as the lobby’s License to Chill Bar. Meanwhile, instead of kicking off their flip-flops at day’s end, hotel guests can pull off their ski boots and curl up in front of stunning mountain views in the property’s casual-luxe suites.
Guests also can look forward to an array of signature restaurants including LandShark Bar & Grill, Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions, Come Monday Café, and JWB Prime Steak and Seafood. margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-lake-tahoe
