8 Whisper Worthy Hotel Openings of 2018

 

Luxe lovers rejoice! The start of 2018 means that there’s a fresh crop of swoon worthy luxury hotels to add to our travel wish lists. From Grenada to Rwanda, these luxury properties are hands down the hottest and most anticipated openings of the year. And trust me, if I want to stay there, you know you’ll want to stay there too!

Silversands Grenada – Grand Anse Beach, Grenada

No shade to the other amazing resorts on the islands, but there’s a new kid on the block and they did not come to play. Grenada’s first true five-star resort, Silversands Grenada will be a modern retreat in all white set on the southwestern coast’s Grand Anse Beach when it debuts this spring.

Silversands will boast 44 suites and nine residential villas, private swimming pools, an expansive spa with a hammam and sauna, and a vibrant social scene.

 

Zuri Zanzibar – Zanzibar, Tanzania

African luxe is on the rise! If Miavana in Madagascar is the new Maldives, then Zuri Zanzibar is the new Seychelles.

Set to open this May the resort will feature 55 chic villas, suites, and bungalows overlooking over more than 300 yards of private beach and the Indian Ocean.

Zuri Zanzibar’s style is Zen meets East Africa, with Balinese-style architecture and a meditative garden paired with local artwork and cuisine.

 

Alila Koh Russey – Koh Russey, Cambodia

Remember when I told you to hurry and get to Song Saa Resort off the coast of Cambodia while it was still an undiscovered hotspot? Well if you didn’t listen to me then, make sure you listen to me now. The Cambodian coast is a must for your 2018 luxe list with the opening of the Alila Koh Russey. Alila’s first ‘Villas’ resort outside Bali, the resort will be a 15-minute boat ride from the Cambodian coast, and offers pristine bays, dramatic peninsulas, white-sand beaches and tropical forests.

Guests can luxuriate in one and two-bedroom villas, each with its own terrace, private pool and garden. For the ultimate in luxury, the resort’s four-bedroom pool villa features a large living area, kitchen, master bedroom, three guest bedrooms and an expansive outdoor terrace and pool area. There’s also the beachfront Spa Alila, kids club, beachside grill restaurant, sunset bar, and a restaurant with five-star international and local cuisine.

 

COMO Uma Canggu – Bali, Indonesia

Situated on Bali’s south coast known for its laid-back beach scene, COMO’s Uma Canggu is the perfect place to avoid the hustle and bustle of saturated areas like Seminyak and Jimbaran. This luxury resort will offer panoramic views of the soft volcanic sand and rolling waves that guests will be able to view from stylish rooms, suites and spectacular three-bedroom Penthouses with private rooftop pools.

The property’s COMO Shambhala Retreat will leave guests rested and nurtured through daily wellness and fitness classes, hands-on healing and holistic therapies. COMO Beach Club, a distinctly modern take on the traditional ‘surf scene’, will be a place to gather with family and friends to enjoy an eclectic global menu and a soundtrack of live acoustic musicians and DJ sets.

 

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest – Rwanda

The One&Only brand has long been known for luxurious properties around the globe, but now the brand seeks to be known for luxurious experiences as well. Located in the foothills of Rwanda’s Virunga Volcano range, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest allows guests to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, personal encounter with the rare mountain gorilla in its own natural habitat.

The resort will also honor the location with natural elements woven throughout the property. Local African cuisine will surround a traditional Boma, providing the perfect location to share adventures from the day and enjoy fruit and vegetables from the resort’s garden. The resort will also offer an indulgent One&Only spa.

 

Six Senses Kaplankaya – Kaplankaya, Turkey

Most people tend to stick to the wonders of Istanbul and Cappadocia when they visit Turkey, but that is a huge mistake.  The Aegean coast is a breathtaking natural beauty, and the newest resort to take notice is Six Senses Kaplankaya.

The resort will lie directly on the waterfront in Turgutreis, a short drive from the centre of Bodrum, and within easy reach of many archeological sites including two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Six Senses Kaplankaya’s 141 guestrooms and suites will all boast stunning views of the Aegean Sea and guests will be able to relax after a day of tanning and olive picking at the property’s world renowned Six Senses Spa.

 

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles – Desroches Island, Seychelles

Four Seasons might already have a property in this dreamy island destination, but the brand’s second island location is where you want to be.  The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island is the only resort on the remote and secluded island, located a short 35-minute flight from Mahé.

Scheduled to open in February, the intimate resort claims 933 exclusive acres filled with miles of white-sand beaches and leaning palm trees, 71 villas, suites, residences, and bungalows — all with their own swimming pools and private beach access. Guests can also unwind at the anti-gravity yoga pavilion, world-class fishing excursions, diving, an on-site Aldabra giant tortoise sanctuary and an indulgent spa.

 

One&Only Kéa Island – Kéa Island, Greece

Romantic getaways to Santorini is so 2017. Located on the west side of Kéa island of the Cyclades, the One&Only Kéa Island is Greece’s ultimate ultra-luxury lifestyle experience. The Aegean oasis, inspired by the azure ocean waters, will include 75 resort villas, 3 restaurants, two bars and an ahhh-inspiring destination spa.