From refreshes and re-dos to new builds and new concepts to come, new hotels are making news—and making travel more exciting—across the globe.
The Somerset on Grace Bay Refreshes for 2023/2024 Season
The Somerset on Grace Bay has officially reopened for the 2023/2024 season in Turks and Caicos, unveiling an exciting refresh and programming just in time to meet the continued rise in in multi-generational and friend-focused ‘friendcation’ travel.
Located on one of the world’s top-rated beaches, the resort’s reimagined spaces and new programming cater to to families spanning generations as well as friend groups looking to strengthen bonds through unique shared experiences. With gracious hospitality, comfortable newly updated accommodations, a perfect beachfront locale, and fun immersive activities for all ages and interests, The Somerset on Grace Bay is answering the needs of these travelers in exciting new ways.
As multi-generational and friendcations continue to be a popular travel trend, the Somerset on Grace Bay has rolled out new offerings and amenities to cater to these group getaways, including a “Girls Retreat on Grace Bay” package including a private spa experience, catamaran sail and a special cooking class offered by one of the finest private chefs in Turks and Caicos.
In addition to the new programming, the resort itself has undergone a refresh, with many of the 53 luxury accommodations undergoing upgrades or total refurbishments, including installation of top-of-the-line kitchen equipment. The Somerset has also upgraded each unit’s minibar to include sunscreen and sun recovery, soothing aloe, Liquid IV drink enhancements and ice rollers. thesomerset.com/destination
New Luxury Esmeralda DR Honors Taino Heritage
After nearly 8 months and a 35-million-dollar investment, the newly reimagined Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda, is ready to show off a new look that draws inspiration from the indigenous people of the Caribbean, the Taino, delivering a revitalized and culturally immersive experience in Punta Cana, DR. Embracing the ‘Taino Soul’ concept, guests can enjoy new culinary offerings, upscale amenities, and new room categories starting December 2023.
The ‘Taino Soul’ concept is weaved throughout the renovated property, from stone elements and rugged textures recalling the Taino sport of batu, to living and entertainment spaces designed for the nitainos, the nobility and warriors, and outdoor areas and theater embodying the spirit of the bohiques, who held the roles of priests and healers.
In the realm of cuisine, the beachfront, family-oriented Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda also has introduced two themed specialty restaurants: Taino Restaurant and Mongolian Restaurant, delivering a revitalized and culturally immersive experience.
Guests at Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda can take advantage of exchange privileges with neighboring properties, which include Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar, Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine, Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro, and Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa + Fantasia Punta Cana, allowing access to a total of 26 restaurants, 34 bars, and 9 swimming pools, all conveniently connected by an internal shuttle service.
For more information, visit bahia-principe.com/en.
New Hotel Defines Luxury in Bavaria
Within the heart of Munich’s historic old town, something new was a recent cause for celebration—the opening of the Rosewood Munich on Oct. 20, 2023, the first Rosewood property in Germany.
Spanning two iconic buildings, the elegant property is housed within the former Bavarian State Bank headquarters and the adjacent Palais Neuhaus-Preysing, originally an aristocratic residence. Historic elements from a bygone era remain, including graceful staircases, vaulted ceilings and preserved frescoes. Steps away from Marienplatz, the central square in the city’s center, Rosewood Munich was designed to capture the essence of Bavarian culture, offering a charming and immersive journey through the city’s Baroque period while fostering a renewed appreciation and perspective for its contemporary culture and sense of community.
Featuring 73 spacious guestrooms and 59 suites, including five exclusive houses—the property’s signature suites—the interiors seamlessly integrate modern design. Meanwhile, historically preserved event rooms located in the Palais Neuhaus Preysing feature six event spaces, including a 2,519 sf grand ballroom.
Culinary offerings encompass an enticing lobby lounge, full-service brasserie, the Wintergarten, the exterior Palaishof and a lively bar. For those seeking the ultimate wellness experience, the hotel is home to Germany’s first Asaya Spa, featuring six treatment rooms along with an indoor pool and a well-equipped fitness area.
Serving as a living art gallery, Rosewood Munich also showcases the creations of local talent, prominently featuring the work of one of Germany’s most celebrated illustrators, Olaf Hajek; the wood-carved pieces of Rosanna Merklin; and captivating photographic interpretations of the city by the accomplished fashion and architectural photographer Michael Mann. rosewoodhotels.com/en/munich
Hotel Happenings in 2024
Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts will unveil its new luxury brand with the opening of Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende in spring 2024.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, has been charming visitors for nearly 500 years. The city is renowned for its Baroque Spanish architecture, thriving arts scene, culinary experiences, and cultural celebrations.
Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende is being built in homage to the city’s architectural heritage while accentuating guest comfort, with 111 well-appointed guest rooms and suites in one wing; and 45 privately-owned villas and multi-bedroom condominiums in another. All rooms and residences, designed in a neo-colonial style, will feature terraces with outstanding views of the city’s historic downtown.
The hacienda-style property showcases the elegance of contemporary Mexican design of the highest style in every room and space. Multicolored, with a Moorish influence, the boutique hotel features beautiful fabrics, hand-crafted furniture and exquisite details intended to completely envelope guests and visitors.
LaFrida, the hotel’s gourmet Mexican restaurant, will offer a show in coals and fire as well as top-of-the-line wines and cocktails in a stylish environment. The dining room is a celebration of color, with indigo blue and raspberry-colored walls accented by antique Venetian mirrors. A rooftop bar serving drinks, tapas and snacks also is part of the experience.
For more information, visit pueblobonito.com/introducing-pueblo-bonito-vantage.
Coming in 2026
Ground will break in 2024 on a new Lanserhof health resort in Spain, a partnership between the Lanserhof Group, a leader in innovative medicine and health resorts, asset manager AltamarCAM and real estate investment group Inbest-GPF.
Specializing in preventive medicine, longevity, and wellness, Lanserhof is a leading operator of health resorts and currently operates health resorts located in Lans (Austria), Tegernsee and Sylt (Germany), as well as day-resorts in London and Hamburg. Pioneering innovative medicine, health regeneration and prevention for over 35 years, the Lanserhof Concept is the result of years of research and development, combining traditional naturopathy with the latest medical advancements.
The new Lanserhof health resort will be located near Marbella, within the renowned Finca Cortesin resort, ranked the Best Resort Hotel in Spain, which is centred around an award-winning hotel and a golf course. The new 260,000 sq ft resort will include 70 rooms and top-notch facilities as well as medical equipment and services.
Following the recent signing of the transaction in Madrid, and upon completion of the licensing phase, construction is set to start in mid-2024 and the doors to Spain’s first Lanserhof are expected to open in 2026. lanserhof.com/en
