We’re setting our sights overseas where some exceptional new hotels are redefining luxury and exclusivity. From the timeless allure of Italy’s “Eternal City” to the idyllic charm of France’s Côte d’Azur and the serene sophistication of Japan’s countryside, these properties offer a seamless blend of history, elegance and innovation.
Grand Hotel Fasano: A Revitalized Icon on Lake Garda
For clients seeking a luxurious European getaway, the new Grand Hotel Fasano is a 5-star, family-owned retreat set on the picturesque shores of Lake Garda in Northern Italy. This historic property, which was a former hunting lodge of the Habsburg royal family, will reopen for the 2025 season on April 4, offering new accommodations, spa experiences and culinary delights.
A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Grand Hotel Fasano is conveniently situated between Venice, Milan and Verona. The 135-year-old property unveils four new suites for the 2025 season. Located in a new wing connected to the AQVA Spa, the suites feature contemporary decor with custom furnishings, a king-sized bed, sofa bed, lake-view balcony and spa-inspired bathroom amenities. Two suites can connect to executive rooms, ideal for families, and each is outfitted with Acqua di Parma toiletries and minibars.
The newly renovated AQVA Spa and Wellness Centre features an indoor-outdoor pool, hydromassage features, a sauna and a serene lakeside spa garden. Clients will savor unforgettable culinary experiences across the property’s restaurants. The Michelin-starred Il Fagiano, led by Executive Chef Maurizio Bufi, presents refined dishes like Cartellata noodles with pike and capers, blending northern and southern Italian flavors. Trattoria Il Pescatore pairs Mediterranean cuisine with global influences, while Magnolia restaurant offers al fresco dining under 200-year-old trees.
For more information, visit www.ghf.it/en.
Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda: Redefining Boutique Stays in Japan
Hilton has unveiled its first Canopy by Hilton with the opening of Canopy Osaka Umeda, a boutique hotel that celebrates Osaka’s vibrant culture and heritage. Its location, just a short walk from JR Osaka Station and an hour from Kansai International Airport makes it a convenient spot for exploring the city and neighboring destinations like Kyoto, Kobe and Nara.
“As Osaka prepares to welcome the world to the 2025 Expo, we are proud to debut our Canopy by Hilton brand and deliver truly bespoke, locally inspired stays in one of the world’s most sophisticated travel destinations,” said Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton, in a press statement.
The hotel features 308 guestsrooms, including 52 suites and a signature Canopy Panorama View Suite. Thoughtful touches include Fukusuke dolls as cheerful welcome amenities, bath salts for relaxation and local emblems like the Metasequoia tree from Umekita Park woven into the design. Other unique elements reference Osaka’s iconic takoyaki, with lighting and motifs inspired by the popular street food. Even the elevator buttons feature handwritten craftsmanship by the local signboard shop, Kantaro.
Guests can enjoy distinctive dining venues like CC:CARBON COPY, an all-day Japanese fusion restaurant inspired by Osaka’s Kuromon Market, or !JaJa!Bar offering vibrant street food-inspired dining under subway-style pendant lamps. The hotel offers pet-friendly rooms and a 24-hour fitness center with city views. For clients seeking a modern and locally inspired stay in one of Japan’s most exciting cities, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda offers a seamless blend of boutique luxury, cultural immersion, and accessibility.
For more information, visit hilton.com.
Oetker Collection Expands to St. Tropez
The Oetker Collection, renowned for its iconic Masterpiece Hotels, is set to bring its signature blend of elegance and hospitality to St. Tropez. The collection’s newest property will open its doors in time for the 2027 season.
Situated on the former site of Le Mas Bellevue St. Tropez, the property features 53 guestrooms and suites spread across small, 2-story outposts. Each accommodation will feature a private terrace or patio, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Nestled between St. Tropez and the beaches of Pampelonne—just a 5-minute drive away—the hotel will boast an oversized infinity swimming pool, a wellness facility, and an array of exciting dining and bar options showcasing the region’s finest flavors. Guests can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the grounds, adorned with native plants, olive trees, and climbing vegetation, blending seamlessly into the surroundings.
Timo Gruenert, CEO of Oetker Collection, expressed his enthusiasm in a press statement: “The St. Tropez hotel contains all the ingredients of a true masterpiece. We look forward to creating an unparalleled haven that captures the laid-back authenticity and sophistication of the region.”
For travelers seeking an authentic connection to the glamour of St. Tropez, the newest Oetker Collection property promises to deliver an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most coveted destinations.
For more information, visit oetkercollection.com.
Orient Express La Minerva Opens in Spring 2025
The famed Orient Express brand is set to debut its first hotel, Orient Express La Minerva, in Spring 2025, offering an unparalleled blend of history, elegance and luxury in the heart of Rome. Located in the historic Piazza della Minerva, just steps from the Pantheon, the hotel occupies the 17th-century Palazzo Fonseca.
Originally built in 1620 as the residence of the aristocratic Portuguese Fonseca family, the hotel features 93 guestrooms, including 36 suites and four Signature Suites with views of the Pantheon and Piazza della Minerva. Among the hotel’s standout features is La Minerva Bar, situated beneath a historic skylight and dedicated to the Roman goddess of art and craftsmanship. The Voliera rooftop restaurant and bar offers Mediterranean cuisine and crafted cocktails.
Giampaolo Ottazzi, General Manager of Orient Express Hotels Italy, emphasized the hotel’s significance in a press statement: “Rome, amid its renaissance, is the perfect setting for this global project. Orient Express La Minerva restores a historic stage for intellectuals and artists while establishing the Orient Express name as a symbol of bold, refined adventures.”
For more information, visit laminerva.orientexpress.com.
