1 Hotel Melbourne, Australia

Keys: 277
Design: FK Architecture, One Design Office, and Starwood Hotels’
in-house team
Why we love it: A LEED Silver-certified adaptive reuse project, the hotel repurposed more than 2,000 items from the historic Goods Shed No. 5—including nearly 49,000 square feet of timber. Elm trees became a reception desk, decommissioned railway bridges transformed into a staircase, and more than 7,000 plants bring Victoria’s biodiversity within.
Owner: Riverlee | Operator: Starwood Hotels

Photo by Mikkel Vang

&Beyond Suyian Lodge, Laikipia, Kenya

Keys: 15
Design: Fox Browne Creative, Michaelis Boyd, and Nicholas Plewman Architects
Why we love it: Nestled within the 44,000-acre Suyian Conservancy, each domed lodge mirrors the natural rock outcrops around it. Inside, Kenya’s tactile richness comes to life through Samburu beadwork and wild dog-inspired cladding (“suyian” means wild dog in the local language). The property also offers rare access to elusive wildlife, including the iconic black leopard.
Owner + Operator: &Beyond

Ciel Dubai Marina, UAE

Keys: 1,004
Design: NORR Group
Why we love it: Soaring 1,237 feet into the sky, the world’s tallest hotel is distinctive for its “eye of the needle” cutout, which reduces wind load while creating a bold architectural statement. Vertical garden atriums and the world’s highest infinity pool—perched on the 76th floor—push the boundaries of urban hotel design, even in Dubai.
Owner: The First Group | Operator: Vignette Collection | Purchasing firm: IHG Hotels & Resorts

Nekajui Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

Keys: 110
Design: 10 Design, BAMO, Gensler, and Luxury Frontiers
Why we love it: The immersive, ecotourism-driven Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort—set on 42 acres of lush hillside overlooking Pochote Bay—embraces the natural contours of the land. Ocean-facing rooms, suites, tree-top tents, and open-air pavilions are strategically positioned to preserve views and minimize ecological impact.
Owner: Mohari Hospitality and Gencom | Operator: Marriott International

Photo by Andres Garcia Lachner

W Austin, Texas

Keys: 251
Design: BLUR Workshop
Why we love it: Located beside the iconic Moody Theater, the 15-year-old property emerged from a multimillion-dollar renovation this year that captures the energy of the city through nods to its live music legacy and natural beauty. Plus, it is home to the largest hotel suite in Austin, a penthouse accommodation that spans 1,789 square feet.
Owner: Ryman Hospitality Properties | Operator: W Hotels | Purchasing firm: Marriott International

Photo by Michael Kleinberg

Aliée Istanbul, Turkey

Keys: 122
Design: Powerstrip Studio
Why we love it: With its captivating fusion of centuries-old craftsmanship and contemporary glamour, hospitality group the Paris Society launched a pared-back property that unfolds across historic stone buildings, lush terraces, individually crafted suites, six F&B venues, an expansive wellness retreat, and more.
Owner: FT Group | Operator: Ennismore

Photo by Fev Zíon

Dearborn Inn, Michigan

Keys: 135
Design: AvroKO, Kraemer Design Group, Saguez & Dash, and Quinn Evans
Why we love it: Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the restored Dearborn Inn brings Henry Ford’s vision to life by preserving details like checkerboard marble flooring selected by Ford himself, while reimagining five Colonial Homes that serve as replicas of the real-life residences of their namesakes, including Edgar Allen Poe, Walt Whitman, Barbara Fritchie, Patrick Henry, and Oliver Wolcott.
Owner: Ford Motor Land Development Corporation | Operator: Marriott International | Purchasing firm: Ford Motor Company

Photo by Isaac Maiselman

Kimpton Aqeos Hainan, Lingshui, China

Keys: 500
Design: Yang & Associates Group and Yosaan Architects
Why we love it: Inspired by a fictional muse—part globetrotting traveler, part collector, part environmentalist—the interiors unfold as a serene sanctuary across the 893,400-square-foot property. A soaring triangular atrium with skylights floods the lobby with daylight, while seven infinity water features turn calm into an art form.
Owner: Hainan Zhenbo Property Co. | Operator: IHG Hotels & Resorts | Purchasing firm: Hainan Zhenbo Property Co.

Photo by Wang Ting

Appellation Healdsburg, California

Keys: 108
Design: EDG and John Hill
Why we love it: The culinary-led resort by chef Charlie Palmer and Christopher Hunsberger marks itself as a must-visit destination in Sonoma County. Spread across 8.5 acres, the property blends vineyard views with a food-forward approach to create a standout escape in California wine country.
Owner + operator: Appellation Hotels

Photo by Dylan Patrick

Kymaia, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Keys: 22
Design: Productora and The Book of Wa
Why we love it: A triad of inspiration—pre-Hispanic ceremonial vestiges, the flora of Oaxaca’s untamed Pacific, and solar iconography—laid the foundation for Kymaia, which is set on 3.7 acres once dedicated to the cultivation of red hibiscus.
Owner: Ezequiel Ayarza Sforza

La Fondation, Paris

Keys: 58
Design: PCA-STREAM and Roman and Williams Buildings and Interiors
Why we love it: Groupe Galia’s latest opening takes shape within a mixed-use building in the 17th arrondissement that maintains the Brutalist ethos of the parking facility that came before. Inside, a modern yet eclectic design is punctuated by references to Dutch art movement De Stijl.
Owner: Groupe Galia | Operator: Terlia Hospitality

Photo by Clement Gerard

​​Aman Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano, Italy

Keys: 51
Design: Denniston
Why we love it: A historic mountain retreat in the Dolomites has begun a new chapter as Aman’s second Italian outpost, where architect Jean-Michel Gathy conveys classic Alpine elegance through the brand’s contemporary, luxurious lens.
Owner: The Pizzinini Family | Operator: Aman Group

Lost Villa · Huanglong Island Lighthouse Hotel, Zhoushan, China

Keys: 28
Design: SZ-Architects and WJ Studio
Why we love it: Tucked within remote Shengsi County, the hotel is an act of rural revitalization on an island shaped by rugged cliffs and a deeply rooted fishing heritage. Its design explores three dimensions of time—natural, historical, and human—drawing from reef landscapes, local memory, and the slower rhythms of island life.
Owner: Zhoushan Shengsi Lost Villa Hotel Management Co. | Operator: Shanghai Yeshe Hotel Management Co.

Photo by Tian Fangfang

The Red Sea EDITION, Shura Island, Saudi Arabia

Keys: 240
Design: Rockwell Group
Why we love it: Built with rammed earth, coral stone floors, and natural oak, the resort mirrors the canyons, reefs, and wind-sculpted dunes of Saudi Arabia. Its commitment to place runs deep, not just in its materials but in its systems, too: the entire property is powered by renewable solar energy.
Owner: Red Sea Global | Operator: Marriott International

Photo by Jiri Lizler

Faena New York

Keys: 120
Design: Bjarke Ingels Group and Peter Mikic
Why we love it: The highly anticipated debut of Alan Faena’s namesake brand conjures a kind of magic in Manhattan. From the sculptural Bjarke Ingles tower to theatrical interiors by Peter Mikic and the immersive social spaces, every element is a bold fusion of art, design, and personality.
Owner + Operator: Faena Group

Photo by Nikolas Koenig

Romeo Roma, Italy

Keys: 74
Design: Zaha Hadid Architects
Why we love it: Six years after her death, one of Zaha Hadid’s final projects has been realized near Piazza del Popolo. The late-16th-century palazzo pairs the dynamic, fluid lines that Hadid is known for with historical flourishes like original frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings of select suites. Overseeing F&B is Alain Ducasse, solidifying the property’s reputation as a unmissable destination.
Operator: ROMEO Collection | Purchasing firm: ARTE+PARTNERS, Barretta, and Devoto Design

Photo by Chris Dalton

Now Now Noho, New York

Keys: 180
Design: Gene Kaufman Architects and Islyn Studio
Why we love it: The Dovetail & Co property brings a design-forward take on solo travel, blending European sleeper-car nostalgia with Japanese capsule ingenuity. Dreamy interiors and bold communal spaces transform the petite property into a playful, practical, and unmistakably New York destination.
Owner, operator + purchasing firm: Dovetail + Co.

Photo by Matt Kisiday

Hotel del Coronado, San Diego

Keys: 938
Design: Burton Landscape Architecture Studio, GSB Inc., Heritage Architecture & Planning, WATG, and Wimberly Interiors
Why we love it: The California icon re-emerged after a $550 million, multiyear restoration—the most comprehensive in the hotel’s 136-year history—with new guestrooms, public spaces, and F&B spots, ushering the resort into its next chapter.
Owner: The Blackstone Group | Operator: Hilton | Purchasing firm: Blackstone Real Estate

The July London, UK

Keys: 114
Design: Fettle, in collaboration with the July’s in-house team
Why we love it: Bringing Amsterdam-born charm to the UK, apartment-hotel brand the July debuted in the Victoria area of London with Art Deco-tinged spaces that feel both lived-in yet elevated. A standout is the Idler restaurant, where a ceiling mural by artist Eliza Downes makes an attention-grabbing statement.
Owner: Aware Super | Operator: The July Group

Photo by Helen Cathcart

The Six Bells Countryside Inn, Rosendale, New York

Keys: 11
Design: GrecoDeco
Why we love it: With the newly unveiled inn—a reimagination of an 1850s building in the Hudson Valley—entrepreneur Audrey Gelman parlays her homewares brand of the same name into a charming estate that bursts with patterns and nostalgia in a delightfully curated and layered package where whimsy meets craftsmanship.
Owner: Audrey Gelman | Operator: HN Capital Partners

Photo by Kate S Jordan

Mandai Rainforest Resort, Singapore

Keys: 338
Design: WOW Architects
Why we love it: Marking the 100th location for Banyan Tree, the biophilic-designed property is perched in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, immersing guests in nature. The serene treehouse pods let the views speak for themselves, while minimalist interiors offer guests a chance to slow down and explore Singapore’s wild side.

Capella Taipei, Taiwan

Keys: 86
Design: André Fu Studio and Mori Building Group
Why we love it: André Fu reimagines a classic mansion with poetic restraint, creating a peaceful, residential-like retreat along Taipei’s tree-lined Dunhua North Road. Muted materials, handpainted silk panels, and thoughtful art pieces compose a quiet sense of luxury that feels personal yet infused with the spirit of Taiwan’s capital.
Owner: Pontiac Land Group | Operator: Capella Hotels and Resorts

Hotel Albatross, Ocean Grove, New Jersey

Keys: 27
Design: Mapa Mueller
Why we love it: A 1881-era Victorian mansion has been lovingly restored to honor its seaside location with design touches like skateboard-toile wallpaper, antique heirlooms, and rich woods, which work together to create a boutique escape that captures the relaxed charm of the Jersey Shore.
Owner + Operator: RC Management Collective | Purchasing firm: Hospitality Source Collective

Photo by Oak Leaf Media

Field & Stream Bozeman, Montana

Keys: 179
Design: DLR Group
Why we love it: Conceived by AJ Capital Partners, the classic hunting lodge channels the rugged spirit of Big Sky country as well as the heritage of the iconic outdoor retailer—think wool camp blankets, peg-board storage, a towering stone fireplace, and playful details like a vintage canoe suspended from the ceiling.
Owner: Field & Stream Lodge Co. | Operator: PM Hotel Group | Purchasing firm: Field & Stream Lodge Co.

Photo by David Mitchell

OKU Bodrum, Turkey

Keys: 58
Design: AEM Architecture and OKU’s in-house design team
Why we love it: OKU amped up its Mediterranean presence with an outpost on Bodrum’s northern coast this year. Surrounded by mountains on one side and the stunning turquoise Aegean Sea on the other, the serene and laidback hideaway makes the most of its idyllic location.
Owner: Özbekhan Construction Company | Operator: OKU Hotels

Patina Osaka, Japan

Keys: 221
Design: Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects and Strickland
Why we love it: The design of Patina Osaka is rooted in kisetsukan—the Japanese principle of living in rhythm with the seasons and the natural world. Inspired by the neighboring Osaka Castle and its surrounding parks, the refined interiors incorporate materials like wood, copper, and stone.
Owner: NTT Urban Development Corporation | Operator: Capella Hotel Group

Photo by Georg Roske

The Ann Savannah, Georgia

Keys: 157
Design: INC Architecture & Design
Why we love it: The all-suite, apartment-style property marks Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy’s debut in mainland U.S., while bringing new energy to the city’s Historic District with details like exposed beams, soaring ceilings, and the arrival of Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Little James.
Owner: Tidal Real Estate Partners | Operator: Sage Hospitality Group | Purchasing firm: Purchasing Associates Inc.

Photo by the Ingalls

One&Only Moonlight Basin, Montana

Keys: 160
Design: AvroKO and Olson Kundig
Why we love it: One&Only’s first U.S. hotel has set a new standard for alpine luxury across 240 acres in Big Sky country. Its 73 traditional guestrooms and suites, 19 guest cabins, 62 private homes, and eight private lots are all framed by soaring peaks—a dramatic backdrop for sculptural architecture that celebrates the great outdoors.
Owner: Kerzner International and Lone Mountain Land Company | Operator: Kerzner International | Purchasing firm: Lone Mountain Land Company and Beyer Brown

Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Colerne, England

Keys: 51
Design: MKV Design (F&B)
Why we love it: Accor sets the tone for its Emblems Collection with the launch of its first flagship destination. A quintessentially English escape, the restored 1720 Georgian manor house in the Wiltshire countryside is surrounded by 500 landscaped acres.
Owner: Laskaridis Family | Operator: Accor Emblems Collection

Orient Express La Minerva, Rome

Keys: 129
Design: Hugo Toro
Why we love it: Luxury train company Orient Express brings its luxurious sensibility to Italy’s capital with its inaugural hotel. Rich, romantic interiors showcase elements like bespoke trunks, Rivolta Carmignani linens, and polished wood finishes that recall the brand’s iconic train cars.
Operator: Orient Express

Photo by Alexandre Tabaste

Hotel Saint Augustine, Houston

Keys: 71
Design: Bunkhouse Hotels, Lake Flato, and Post Company
Why we love it: Comprising five two-story buildings, the new build complements the residential character of the city’s Montrose district. In homage to the nearby Menil Collection museum, the interiors evoke the feel of curator’s personal home.
Developer: The Marchbanks Company | Operator: Bunkhouse Hotels

Photo by Nicole Franzen

Collegio alla Querce, Florence

Keys: 83
Design: ArchFlorence and Esteva i Esteva
Why we love it: Overlooking the Duomo di Firenze, Auberge Collection’s first Italy property occupies a 16th-century structure that once served as a boarding school in the 1800s. A thoughtful restoration yielded a retreat where the relaxed feel of a country palazzo melds with vibrant urban energy.
Owner: Leeu Collection | Operator: Auberge Resorts Collection

Belden House & Mews, Litchfield, Connecticut

Keys: 31
Design: Champalimaud Design and PBDW Architects
Why we love it: The elegant restoration of an 1888 mansion and a 1959 modern wing marries historic spirit with midcentury cool. Across the interiors, many original details were uncovered and revived (including a pre-existing window bench), creating a thoughtfully crafted property that is deeply rooted in a sense of a place.
Owner, operator + purchasing firm: Dutchfield LLC

Photo by Read McKendree

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai

Keys: 386
Design: AvroKO, HBA, Killa Design, and LTW Designworks
Why we love it: The resort’s sinuous silhouette evokes a vessel gliding across the water, complete with a dramatic 3,000-tonne arch that frames views of the nearby Jumeirah Burj Al Arab. The interiors, meanwhile, borrow from the sleek form of Italian Riva boats—think marble, handblown crystal lighting, and silk carpets.
Owner: North 25 | Operator: Jumeirah Hotel Group

Municipal Grand, Savannah, Georgia

Keys: 44
Design: AAmp Studio, in collaboration with Lynch Associates and Ward Architecture + Preservation
Why we love it: Midnight Auteur—a hospitality company launched by the founders of cocktail bar Death & Co and the Ramble Hotel in Denver—unveiled the property inside a 1960s building, resulting in a soulful midcentury-inspired haven that blends original details and warm curves with the brand’s signature cocktail-centric charm.
Owner + Operator: Midnight Auteur | Purchasing firm: Canoe Hospitality

Photo by Brooke Holm

Maison Heler Metz, France

Keys: 104
Design: Starck
Why we love it: A fantastical story unfolds at this Curio Collection by Hilton property. The Meticulous Life of Manfred Heler, a fictional novel authored by Philippe Starck, is personified inside and out. From the street, for instance, a 19th-century-style mansion is seen rising from the top of a nine-story monolithic structure.
Operator: Curio Collection

Photo by Julius Hirtzberger

Mandarin Oriental Vienna, Austria

Keys: 138
Design: Goddard Littlefair
Why we love it: A meticulous restoration of an early-20th-century courthouse, the hotel is a lesson in quiet luxury. Here, a sculptural courtyard, chef Thomas Seifried’s cosmopolitan dining, and a commissioned work by Austrian artist Peter Jellitsch ground the property in Vienna’s artistic spirit.

Photo by Jack Hardy

Sir Prague, Czech Republic

Keys: 76
Design: Boronkay Studio and Capexus
Why we love it: The duality of Prague is on full display at this new Sircle Collection hotel, which occupies a restored 1884 Neo-Renaissance building. Gothic flourishes, Cubist angles, and Art Nouveau curves quietly coexist with sculptural lighting, hand-embroidered textiles, vintage Czech furnishings, and contemporary art that provides a visual contrast to the building’s historic bones.
Owner + operator: Sircle Collection | Purchasing firm: Benjamin West

Portrush Adelphi, Ireland

Keys: 34
Design: AJ Capital Partners in-house team and CDA Group Architects
Why we love it: Channeling Northern Ireland’s heritage, the richly layered retreat evokes the region’s dramatic landscape through details like tartan upholstery and jewel-toned guestrooms. Meanwhile, in the elegant Red Sail room, Portrush’s maritime beauty comes alive via oil paintings of the coastline.
Owner: AJ Capital Partners | Operator: Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts | Purchasing firm: Fitzsimons

Tierra Atacama, Chile

Keys: 28
Design: Carolina Delpiano and Alexandra Edwards
Why we love it: After a $20 million transformation, the revitalized resort from Baillie Lodges reopened in April elevating its desert oasis setting with expanded suites, Calama travertine, and handcrafted works by more than 40 local artists. The redesign deepens its dialogue with Atacama’s culture, creating a richer, more immersive sense of place.

The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort, Dominican Republic

Keys: 200
Design: Acebal Canney Arquitectos & Asociados and Chapi Design
Why we love it: A narrative of cultural unity informed the story behind the idyllic retreat. At the heart of the design is the iconic faceless doll of the Dominican Republic—a symbol of the nation’s diverse heritage. Its colors and forms echo throughout the interiors, anchored by a dramatic lobby with a sculptural staircase and cascading waterfall that celebrates the island’s vibrant biodiversity.

Owner: Campagna Ricart & Asociados | Operator: St. Regis Hotels & Resorts | Purchasing firm: Campagna Ricart & Asociados

Waldorf Astoria New York

Keys: 375
Design: AvroKO, Jean-Louis Deniot, Pierre-Yves Rochon, SOM, and Wimberly Interiors
Why we love it: After an eight-year, $2 billion transformation, the landmark destination has emerged as a showstopping homage to its storied Art Deco past. A powerhouse group led the refresh, which returned the property to its original grandeur while reinvigorating the historic building with a refined, decidedly 21st-century aesthetic.
Owner: Dajia Insurance Group | Operator: Hilton

The Chancery Rosewood, London

Keys: 144
Design: David Chipperfield Architects and Joseph Dirand Architecture
Why we love it: The former U.S. Embassy, designed by Eero Saarinen in the 1950s, on Grosvenor Square in the Mayfair district has been reimagined as an elegant all-suite hotel. The standout onsite dining lineup comprises eight restaurants and bars, including Carbone’s first location in Europe.
Owner: Qatari Diar | Operator: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts

The Shelborne by Proper, Miami

Keys: 251
Design: ADC & Tuneu
Why we love it: Proper’s first Florida property also marks the debut of the company’s By Proper collection, which blends local character with elevated service and design. A masterclass in Art Deco elegance, the hotel preserves original marble and Lapidus-era details while layering in tropical motifs and organic curves, all tied together with a one-of-a-kind cinematic flair.
Operator: Proper Hospitality

Photo by Patrick Chin

Treehouse Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale, California

Keys: 111
Design: 10 Design and Crème, in collaboration with Starwood Hotels’ in-house team
Why we love it: The long-awaited stateside debut of Starwood Hotels’ Treehouse brand boasts a whimsical, nature-rooted concept that nods to the area’s fruit farms and orchards (think citrus-lined paths and a greenhouse-inspired arrival) that populated Sunnyvale prior to the tech boom.
Owner: Starwood Capital Group | Operator: SH Hotels & Resorts | Purchasing firm: HPG International

Photo by Erin Kunkel

Mondrian Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads, Australia

Keys: 208
Design: Alexander & CO., Fraser & Partners, and Studio Carter
Why we love it: Based around the concept “formed by the sea, shaped by the wind,” the hotel reflects the natural rhythm of Burleigh Heads through earthy tones, sculptural forms, and coastal textures. Designed for both travelers and the local community, it features 20 flexible event spaces spread across four floors.
Owner: Vitale Property Group | Operator: Ennismore

Photo by Justin Nicholas

Rox Resort, Køge, Denmark

Keys: 156
Design: ESS Group and Spik Studios
Why we love it: Bringing cinematic intrigue to Denmark’s coastline, the resort blends Danish restraint with layered global influences. Moody interiors, tactile materials, and a destination-driven food and wellness program work together to create a transportive escape that feels both intimate and adventurous.
Owner + operator: ESS Group

Photo by Caroline Sternsdorf

The Nickel Hotel, Charleston, South Carolina

Keys: 50
Design: Method Co. and Morris Adjmi Architects
Why we love it: Seamlessly marrying Charleston’s historic charm with a contemporary vernacular, the King Street retreat welcomes guests with grand arched windows and handlaid marble details that feel timeless. A highlight: the serene courtyard, which feels both of its place and refreshingly new.
Owner: Capital Square | Operator: Method Co. | Purchasing firm: The Cardy Group

Photo by Matthew Williams

Giza Palace, Cairo, Egypt

Keys: 560
Design: WATG and Wimberly Interiors
Why we love it: As Cairo’s first luxury hotel debut in more than a decade, the property channels regal Egyptian history through carved marble, towering lantern chandeliers, and soaring ceilings. The refined yet residential atmosphere makes the experience feel more like staying in a private palace than a traditional hotel.
Owner, operator + purchasing firm: Travco Holding

Fidelity Hotel, Cleveland

Keys: 97
Design: Curioso, Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, and Looney & Associates
Why we love it: The boutique hotel from New Waterloo and NuovoRE brings a fresh energy to the historic 1912 Baker Building, channeling the Short Vincent area’s jazz-era soul. Saturated hues, bespoke art, and layered materials further honor the city’s heritage while signaling its continued revival.
Owner: NuovoRE | Operator: New Waterloo | Purchasing firm: Benjamin West

Photo by Ali Harper