New resorts and hotels are offering tourists a new twist on luxury, from harmony and tranquility on the pearl-white shores of Mozambique to the grandeur and buzz of Barcelona

Fancy getting far away from the madding crowds, on your own private island, to rest and rejuvenate? How about a break at a luxury game reserve in South Africa, or luxuriating in sheer opulence at a Baccarat hotel? 

Read on, and tempt yourself with some of these options in the new year...


THE REVERIE, SAIGON

Hyped as Asia’s hottest hotel launch last year, The Reverie, Saigon is a juxtaposition of traditional Vietnamese grandeur and fanciful Italian modernity. The 286-room property houses five European and Indochina-inspired dining and nightlife options, a 1,200-sq-m spa and state-of-the-art fitness suite – all whilst enjoying stunning vistas of the Saigon River. You will love the sound of the imposing three-metre-tall Baldi clock, which proudly stands in the main lobby, complete with lavish crystals and 24-karat gold accents. 


BAWAH PRIVATE ISLAND, SOUTH CHINA SEA

A mere two-hour boat and private seaplane journey from the lively centre of Singapore, but a zillion miles away from humanity, lies a hotly-anticipated ultra-luxe paradise island retreat.  Bawah Private Island is located in the South China Sea and, once opened in 2016, will showcase a group of islands that for centuries have gone unnoticed, and which will offer a dramatic land and seascape. 

Part of a completely untouched archipelago, the islands offer an abundance of flora and fauna, including manta rays, birds, butterflies and sharks. A scattering of pared-back, beautifully appointed private cabins are being constructed using local, indigenous materials. Bawah looks set to be this year’s hot desert island getaway.


ANDBEYOND BANGUERRA ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE

Be one of the very first to experience this newly launched jungle paradise. Situated in the delightfully remote Bazaruto Archipelago, just off the east coast of Mozambique, eco-conscious luxury seekers will be thrilled to hear that the lodge is set within a protected marine conservation area. 

The pearl-white sandy beaches are mesmerising and the totally unspoilt coral reef, with its abundance of marine life, makes for a diver’s wonderland.

Beautifully handcrafted cabins are elegantly appointed and each contains a large, luxurious four-poster bed. En-suite bathrooms are de rigueur and offer charmingly simple interior decoration. The hand-painted tiles that adorn the external showers are just stunning. Fellow Indian Ocean islands beware: a new pared-back, refined luxury has arrived.


COTTON HOUSE HOTEL, BARCELONA

A must-visit of the year is the overwhelmingly beautiful Cotton House Hotel, located in the prestigious former Association of Cotton House Manufacturers’ headquarters on Gran via de les Corts Catalanes in Barcelona, Spain.  Built in the late 19th century, the building has been meticulously restored and converted into an 83-bedroom luxury hotel by celebrated Spanish interior designer Lazaro Rosa-Violan.  

Ornate triple-height ceilings and grand marble staircases are juxtaposed with eclectic 1950s light fittings and Picasso-esque contemporary art from popular Catalan painters such as Josep-Maria Garcia Llort. The hotel’s first floor restaurant, Batuar, offers a spectacular menu of modern Mediterranean cuisine in a bright, informal dining hall overlooking an expansive 300-sq-m terrace.


SINGITA EBONY LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA

This refurbished property lies in the heart of 45,000-acre game reserve set within the magical Sabi Sand. Arguably one of South Africa’s sleekest safari lodges, and located beside the Sabi Sand River, the reinvented luxury retreat provides just twelve suites, each with a private plunge pool and spacious exterior pavilion decks ideal for sipping your favourite drink while contemplating the safari observations of the day, dining and relaxing. Garish animal skin furnishings have been thoughtfully replaced with printed animal patterns in a distinct nod to the preservation and conservation of local endangered species. Large floor-to-ceiling sheets of glass have replaced original walls to allow ample daylight into the chic, contemporary internal spaces.


BACCARAT HOTEL & RESIDENCES, NEW YORK

Last year saw the launch of the 250-year-old French crystal maker Baccarat’s inaugural offering in the luxury hospitality sector. Manhattan has long been synonymous with refined, understated elegance and this new lifestyle destination follows suit. A remarkable synergy of glamour, practicality and magic presents 114 beautifully enchanting rooms and suites, each with a nod to Baccarat’s crystal artisanal history. The hotel’s vibrant and unique collection of art, furniture and sculpture has been meticulously curated by Parisienne art connoisseur Frederic Chambre.


THE LASLETT, LONDON

Taking its name from the founder of the eponymous Notting Hill Carnival, and boasting a clever fusion of classic Victorian heritage and playful, contemporary design, this newly-launched, 51-bedroom boutique hotel is an oasis of tranquility and charm. Devised with a philosophical approach, each suite and bedroom offers bright, clean British upholstery, and paintings and curios from a carefully curated art collection. A British coffee shop serving home-made delicacies, a trendy bar and sleek lobby will take pride of place on the ground floor of the impressive quintuple-fronted townhouse in London’s chic Notting Hill.

Commenting on the launch of these new properties, Timmy Coles-Liddle, chairman and CEO of NINE, a UK-based boutique concierge club, says: “Having visited half of these new luxury hotels, I can attest to the quality of design, thoughtful and generous layout of suites and bedrooms, and meticulous attention to detail from the exceptional staff. Each brings a new level of luxury and with it an invigorated love for the destination.”

He continues: “Our members now seek something much more diverse and ecologically considerate than the typical Indian Ocean favourites of yesteryear. We have already received huge interest in Banguerra Island, just off the east coast of Mozambique in Southern Africa, and Bawah Private Island, a speedy two-hour private transfer from Singapore, which will offer the intrepid luxury-seeker green credentials, untouched crystal waters and adventurous dining with a nod to each island’s gastronomic history. 

“Cambodia is fast-becoming the go-to luxury destination for sanctuary and utter relaxation, without compromising service or style. Following the launch of Song Saa Private Island in 2012, which boasts the country’s first biological marine reserve, this summer Arovada Private Island will launch on the isle of Koh Krabey, just twenty minutes south of the mainland’s Sihanoukville. Once complete, it will be the country’s first island wellness retreat, and looks set to bring commendable eco-principles and local expertise alike.”