6 new hotels to look forward to in 2018

Interested to hear about some of the world’s best luxury hotels that are just around the corner? Here’s our guide to some of the most exciting new hotels opening across the globe in 2018. Rosewood Baha Mar, The Bahamas – Opening Spring 2018 The Rosewood Baha Mar is part of a huge redevelopment project on Cable Beach (the best beach on Nassau), which – when complete – will comprise a handful of luxury hotels, casino, contemporary art gallery, restaurants, shops, and 18-hole golf course.  The hotel will have timeless colonial interiors typical of other Rosewood properties, and all the rooms will have balconies with outdoor living areas.  There’ll be four restaurants within the resort, a natural-themed bar, a Rosewood Spa, barber shop, gym and two swimming pools reserved solely for Rosewood guests, as well as access to the other facilities in the wider Baha Mar resort. Sandals Royal Barbados – Opening Christmas 2017 According to head-honcho Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, Sandals Royal Barbados is a “game-changer” for the company.  It’ll feature a number of Sandals firsts.  For starters, there’ll be a huge zero-entry rooftop pool, with plenty of surrounding sun loungers – and a trendy rooftop bar.  The resort will also have its own 4-lane bowling alley, a gentlemen’s barbershop, and two new restaurant concepts – an American-themed tavern and a Chinese-Japanese fusion restaurant.  There’ll be a whopping 15,000 sq ft Red Lane ® Spa.  The hotel will also have access to the facilities and restaurants at sister property Sandals Barbados.  Sandals Royal Barbados is an all-suite resort, and every suite will feature an al fresco ‘Tranquility Soaking Tub™ ‘ – the signature Sandals indulgence for two. W Dubai, The Palm – Opening March 2018 You’ll need to be oozing glamour to really fit in at this glitzy new property on the Palm.  The journey starts as you drive into the swanky air-conditioned entrance – WHEELS – which itself looks rather like a top-end nightlife venue – before you emerge into in the high-ceilinged ATRIUM to check-in.  The hotel features a large WET DECK, where the pool is divided by wave-shaped walkways featuring cabanas and various lounging apparatus, plus in-pool drinks holders.  The main pool is complemented by a stylish rooftop variant, as well as a several smaller pools dotted around the complex.  The rooms are suitably modern in design – featuring all the expected tech – including keyless entry (your smartphone is your key). Other facilities include the AWAY spa, SWEAT fitness centre, plus eight trendy restaurants and bars.  The rooftop venue boasts 360° views, which will no doubt become one of the city’s most coveted social hotspots. Oblu Select at Sangeli, The Maldives – Opening July 2018 Situated at the tip of the Male Atoll is the island of Sangeli – home to this brand new resort. Operated by the same award-winning team behind the popular Maldives resorts Atmosphere Kanifushi and Ozen by Atmosphere at Maadhoo, Oblu Select at Sangeli promises an all-encompassing hassle-free four-star deluxe experience – in a picture perfect location.  And if the standards of the other Atmosphere resorts are anything to go by, it’ll more than deliver.  Aside from the island’s natural beauty, highlights include the large, contemporary villas, a choice of 3 restaurants, multiple pools, Elena spa complex, and fitness centre.  The resort itself actually encompasses two (tiny) islands, connected by a wooden boardwalk lined either side with water villas.  The two a la carte restaurants, spa and exclusive honeymoon suites are located on the smaller of the two islands, whilst the beach villas, kids club, main pool and restaurant are located on the larger island – and these two sections of the hotel should work very well in ensuring that those with children and those without can holiday in harmony. Ikos Dassia, Corfu – Opening May 2018 Ikos Dassia brings the popular all-inclusive concept from the Ikos properties in Halkidiki to Corfu’s picturesque Ionian Coast.  Aimed predominantly at families, this expansive beachfront resort lines up stylish contemporary rooms, and enough facilities to keep everyone happy.  Highlights include seven à la carte restaurants, as well as a ‘Dine Out’ experience – where you can opt to visit several top local restaurants (as part of the package).  Other facilities include a plethora of bars, a theatre, the Ikos Dassia Spa (by luxe spa brand Anne Sémonin), several swimming pools (including a couple of adults-only options), a sandy beach (with a complimentary beach childcare service), and various kids clubs and activities catering for those aged from 4 months right through to late teens. Sala Samui Chaweng Beach Resort, Thailand – Opening late 2017 The first wing of this stylish property is set to open at the end of 2017, although it’ll be 2018 before the hotel is fully open.  The pool villas and pool suites are the absolute highlights – gorgeously designed in a chic, minimalist style, with the emphasis on peace and privacy.  The beachfront pool also looks beautiful, facing the white sandy beach.  There’ll be a romantic beachfront restaurant ( specialising in Thai and seafood dishes) – as well as a beach bar, and lots of sun loungers, bean bags – all the hallmarks of a relaxing holiday.  Further action is available in the form of water sports, and in Chaweng Town – a five-minute walk away. Spencer Groves is Commercial Director at letsgo2. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.