Europe’s Hottest New Hotel Openings
By Amira Hashish
As Europe opens its doors for the season, there are some very glamorous new hotel openings to get excited about. From the new dawn of Capri’s original hotel to a glamorous getaway on the Athenian Riviera and Christian Louboutin’s first foray into hotelier life, here are the hotspots to have on your radar…
Son Net, Mallorca
In a nutshell: Palma’s secret palace.
What’s the story? Just 20 minutes outside of Palma in Mallorca, this 17th-century estate is palatial in every sense. In the UNESCO World Heritage Tramuntana Mountains, there is exquisite scenery and art at every turn. Chill in one of the private cabanas, take a dip in one of the pools, book in a spa treatment or explore the acres of gardens. Then retreat to a meticulously restored suite by interior designer Lorenzo Castillo with rustic beams, stone floors and antique fireplaces. Keep an eye out for the private chapel, vineyard and a century-old olive oil press as well. If a day at sea appeals, ask about the sailboat tours of the island’s turquoise waters and white sand coves.
Book: sonnet.es
Hotel La Palma, Capri
In a nutshell: The most coveted opening in Capri.
What’s the story? The ultimate La Dolce Vita experience awaits in the hotly anticipated rebirth of Hotel La Palma. Capri’s first ever hotel, which has been hosting the great and good on the island for more than 200 years, dramatically shut its doors last season to embark on a major overhaul. It is now under the helm of the Oetker Collection (Le Bristol in Paris, Eden Rock in St Barths, Jumby Bay in the Caribbean) and the Reuben Brothers. In the very heart of the Amalfi’s party piazza, its new guise will be revealed this summer and we are expecting big, bold, beautiful things. Another hot ticket will be a daybed at La Palma Beach Club on the coast.
Book: oetkercollection.com
One&Only Aesthesis, Athens
In a nutshell: The place to draw out summer.
What’s the story? Set on a private oceanfront estate, One&Only’s latest European opening is an idyllic base for an Athenian adventure. Rooms are dotted around the Riviera views and coastline. The restaurant is set to highlight traditional dishes from the region and a spa will offer treatments by Chenot. We have a little longer to wait for this one as it is expected to debut in autumn but the good news is that this is the perfect time to visit Athens so you can make that Greek summer getaway last a little longer.
Book: oneandonlyresorts.com
Hotel Vermelho, Melides
In a nutshell: Christian Louboutin becomes a hotelier.
What’s the story? Luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin brings his glamorous eye to the Alentejo coast in Portugal with his very own hotel opening. He named the boutique escape after his love of the colour red (Vermelho means red in Portugese) and you will find splashes of it around the property. Each of the thirteen luxury rooms is individually designed with rare artworks, handpicked by Louboutin, alongside local Alentejo tiles. Local craftsmanship is championed and frescoes adorn the ceilings. The restaurant, named Xtian, embraces traditional cuisine with artisanal tableware and an ever-changing atmosphere that gets more sumptuous as the sun sets.
Book: vermelhohotel.com
Hôtel Dame des Arts, Paris
In a nutshell: A chic stay for the creative set.
What’s the story? Originally built in the 1950s, the Hôtel Dame des Arts has been given a new lease of life by lauded Parisian designer Raphaël Navot. There is an industrial edge to the new look, befitting of the creative scene in its surroundings of the Latin Quarter. The pièce de résistance is the rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the city whilst the courtyard restaurant headed by Chef Othoniel Alvarez Castaneda fuses French cuisine with Mexican flavour. Book a terrace room overlooking the Eiffel Tower to live out that Parisian fantasy. Other notable Parisian openings include Le Grand Mazarin in Le Marais and La Fantaisie in the always cool 9th arrondissement. Both are designed by Martin Brudnizki who never shies away from the lavish… he counts Annabel’s in Mayfair amongst his projects.
Book: damedesarts.com
COMO Le Montrachet, Burgundy
In a nutshell: Wine country with the wow factor.
What’s the story? The first COMO hotel in France has recently started welcoming guests in Burgundy. One for wine lovers, it is nestled just a few steps from the legendary Le Montrachet vineyard. A traditional palace takes centre stage with surrounding heritage buildings comprising 31 bedrooms. The on site restaurant offers wine-paired menus (but of course) and there is a spa too. Paola Navone Otto Studio has created an elegant, elevated design with a nod to the palettes of the countryside.
Book: comohotels.com
Hoxton, Brussels
In a nutshell: That Seventies vibe.
What’s the story? It is hard to keep up with the latest buzzy opening from the Hoxton collection but if you are seeking a cool city break or looking for a stylish place to stay on business, the Brussels edition is one to watch. Housed in a brutalist tower building and the former European headquarters of IBM, there is a Seventies vibe to the design scheme. The rooftop terrace has fabulous views and the site is also home to the first Working From_ co-working space in Europe. Doors open in May. Meanwhile, Hoxton Berlin has just opened in the city’s Charlottenburg neighbourhood.
Book: thehoxton.com
Six Senses, Rome
In a nutshell: Roman baths in a picturesque Palazzo
What’s the story? When in Rome, if you are on the hunt for all the grandeur of a Palazzo coupled with the ultimate spa experience look no further than Italy’s first Six Senses opening. Super close to Fontana di Trevi and the Pantheon, the location could not be easier and you can soak up the vistas from the rooftop terrace. With a UNESCO-listed façade setting the tone, many of the building’s original features have been brought back to their original glory including the rather magnificent central staircase. The spa revolves around the traditional Roman baths whilst the restaurant merges the ambience of a classic trattoria with organic ingredients. Other openings from the collection include the recently launched Six Senses Crans-Montana in Switzerland with the Loire Valley, Austria and Iceland also in the pipeline.
Book: sixsenses.com
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