2024’s Most Anticipated Hotels

The exciting moment has arrived – the perfect time to contemplate our travel adventures for 2024. Shall we revisit our cherished destinations, explore new horizons, or perhaps venture into the unknown, all for the sake of staying in a captivating new hotel that caught our eye?

Here, we present a list curated with precisely that intention – shining a spotlight on the hotels set to open (or reopen, in one case) in 2024, each possessing a unique allure that beckons us to visit solely for the hotel experience. These are the establishments with that special touch – the alluring hotels of 2024 that captivate our imagination.

1.Matca, Transylvania (Romania)

In the heart of Transylvania, Matca, meaning “queen bee” in Romanian, stands as a luxurious haven nestled in the Carpathian mountains near Brașov. Beyond its official homage to onsite bee colonies and Transylvania’s beekeeping traditions, Matca represents a pinnacle of luxury. Surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Transylvania, the hotel boasts 16 rooms adorned with the spirit of the region. From hand-carved rustic wooden furnishings to traditional rugs draping the floorboards and textured walls, Matca captures the essence of its surroundings. The main hotel, spread across two fortified farmhouses, features a spa and a restaurant dedicated to local sourcing. Additionally, the expansive grounds host ten private villas, offering a blend of opulence and nature. Matca opened its doors on January 1st.

From $417

2.Hotel Maria, Helsinki (Finland)

Amidst the enduring darkness of a Finnish winter, The Maria emerges as a beacon of comfort and luxury. Having opened its doors on December 15, this sophisticated hotel offers a respite from the cold with unique features like a wellness concierge. For those seeking the epitome of indulgence, “spa suites” await, complete with in-room soaking tubs, private saunas, or steam rooms. The hotel spans four protected buildings dating back to 1885, blending modern classic aesthetics with chrome, copper, and dove gray elements. Large windows flood the generously sized rooms with natural light. Restaurant Lilja takes pride in showcasing Finnish produce, including seaweed sourced from its dedicated buoy.

From $497

3.Hotel Casa Lucia, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Argentina appears to be bracing for a spell of political and financial ambiguity in 2024. However, amidst this uncertainty, the Casa Lucia, a new hotel in Buenos Aires, is drawing inspiration from the city’s illustrious past. Situated in the Edificio Mihanovich, an art deco skyscraper in the Retiro district, this hotel, set to open later in January, is a revamped version of the former Sofitel, elevating its status to match the sophistication of the renowned Faena. Featuring wood and chrome accents, the decor in the 142 rooms is relatively minimalist, allowing guests to focus on the breathtaking views of the city and the River Plate. On the lower floors, contemporary Argentinean art, opulent marble, and a 52-foot pool create a captivating ambiance. Wine enthusiasts will find delight in Le Club Bacan, officially a cocktail bar but boasting an impressive selection of 400 labels showcasing Argentina’s finest wines.

From $670

4.Kibale Lodge (Uganda)

Volcanoes Safaris, renowned for its exceptional eco-tourism lodges in Uganda and Rwanda, is unveiling a new gem in Kibale National Park, a haven for chimpanzee enthusiasts. With a community of over 1,000 chimps, this park offers a high likelihood of encountering these fascinating creatures, the closest species to humans. Additionally, the park boasts 12 other primate species. The lodge itself will sprawl across a 150-acre site, offering stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains, Queen Elizabeth plains, and the hippo-frequented Kazinga Channel connecting Lakes Edward and George. The affordability of chimp-spotting permits, compared to gorilla trekking, contributes to reasonable rates. The opening will unfold in stages, with three traditional cabins (bandas) debuting by May and an additional five by year-end. The lodge will also feature a spa, sauna, and pool.

From $1,200pp, including full board plus alcohol, laundry, activities and spa treatments

5.Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá, Milan (Italy)

Many travelers to Italy overlook Milan, but that just means more room for you to revel in the splendor of this breathtaking building. Palazzo Venezia, constructed as an insurance company headquarters from 1897 to 1901, echoes the eclecticism of its era. Situated on the bustling Piazza Cordusio, a brief stroll from the Duomo (visible from the rooftop), this new five-star establishment boasts elegant rooms exuding a turn-of-the-century ambiance, adorned with wood and Rubelli textiles. A delightful inner courtyard hosts a cocktail bar, while the rooftop features Italian island-inspired cuisine. Don’t miss out – it opened its doors in December, so go ahead and make your way there.

From $890

6.Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort (UAE)

Embarking on its grand opening in January right on the Arabian Gulf, this oasis is less than an hour from Dubai yet feels like a world apart. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate on the border with Oman, it’s a haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts, immersing visitors in the mountains, desert, and beaches. Nestled on Mina Al Arab, an island just offshore from Al Riffa, this resort sits in a mangrove lagoon surrounded by protected wetlands where turtles, dolphins, and flamingos play. As an eco resort, its 174 rooms showcase recycled fabrics and plastics, along with sustainable wood, while the overwater villas mark a first for the emirate.

From $525

7.Banyan Tree Veya, Baja California (Mexico)

Seeking a fresh start in the new year? Hold off until next month, and you’ll discover a reset worth the wait. Nestled in the rocky, lunar landscapes of Valle de Guadalupe, this wellness-focused retreat (opening on February 15) marks the second venture for Veya, Banyan Tree’s wellness brand. Designed by Mexican architect Michel Rojkind, the ultra-sleek resort places 30 villas on butte-like hills, each boasting a private pool and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the valley—from surrounding mountain peaks to vineyards below. The spa will offer traditional temazcal (sweat lodge) rituals and hydrotherapy in a desert spring. Not fully convinced by wellness? Valle de Guadalupe is one of Mexico’s premier wine regions, and there’s a vineyard and winery right on-site.

From $599

8.Gundari, Folegandros (Greece)

Embark on an exploration of the 80 acres of wilderness at Gundari, meaning you might find it hard to leave Folegandros, an island in the Cyclades that feels worlds apart from its neighbor Santorini. The hotel, boasting just 25 suites, is nestled within a bird-filled nature reserve. Ditch the blinding whitewash of traditional Greek island hotels; instead, embrace a more international feel with putty-colored walls, distinctive headboards, local wood and stone elements, and private infinity pools with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Enjoy it all to yourself, or mingle at the swim-up cocktail bar in the cliff-edge pool, sip at the wine bar, and experience the subterranean spa, skillfully carved into the cliffs, blending ancient Greek tradition with island herbs.

From $554