There are heaps of exciting launches lined up this autumn - here’s where we’d like to be when the world reopens. By Carolynne Dear.
The Chedi Kuda Villingili, Maldives
Located on the one-kilometre wide coral island of Kuda Villingili, this resort plans to open in late 2020 and is the first property for the brand in this part of the world. Think overwater villas, the longest pool in the Maldives (it's 150m and we can't wait to dive in!), plus it’s just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male International Airport.
Accommodation comprises 99 villas including 36 overwater bungalows and top notch facilities abound. The resort spa boasts eight treatment rooms and further health and wellness facilities including a yoga pavilion, health club and gym. Keep active at the water sports centre or on the football pitch and tennis, badminton, basketball and volleyball courts. Fuel up at the all-day Hawker Restaurant, with four live cooking stations serving Indian, Chinese, Thai and international dishes.
Or simply relax at the beach club.
Kagi Maldives Spa Island, Maldives
If you’ve got post-pandemic stress to work on, this spa resort is exactly what you need.
The five-star resort in the North Male Atoll will soft launch in September, followed by a launch in late 2020. The 50-villa property offers a full wellness experience at Baani Spa, with personalised wellness programmes, four treatment rooms, outdoor bathing, relaxation lounge, beauty salon, fully-equipped yoga and sound-healing studio and steam rooms.
Alternative therapies include crystal and sound healing, lifestyle and health coaching and nutrition lessons will also be available. Tai chi, qigong, yoga and pilates will be offered, with a rotation of visiting expert practitioners.
Banyan Tree Krabi, Thailand
Krabi will be welcoming a brand new Banyan Tree property later this year. It's currently still under development and is located on beautiful Tubkaek Beach, just 35 minutes from Krabi Airport and with stunning views over the kaarst limestone towers rising from the sapphire waters.
Expect powdery white sands and a shallow-shelved shoreline lapped by the glorious Andaman Sea. The resort will boast more than 70 pool suites and villas, including seven two-bedroom options and one three-bedroom villa.
Enjoy all-day dining, a beach club, kids’ club, fitness centre and rainforest-themed spa.
The grand opening is slated to take place on November 1.
Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi, Thailand
This property has just opened and has heaps to recommend it. Located just a stroll from local cafes and bars and Ao Nang night market, it offers stunning views over the Andaman Sea.
Accommodation includes rooms, suites and private pool villas. There’s an elevated swimming pool for spectacular sunsets, an indoor gym - and plenty of action for the kids, too. Top picks include indoor and outdoor playgrounds at AvaniKids Club, which also runs a heap of fun activities.
Tuck-in at four dining spaces - don’t forget to enjoy a sundowner at The Cliff, an infinity pool bar overlooking the ocean. And soon-to-open is The Peak, a rooftop bar.
Experiences include long-tail island hopping trips to some of the 200 surrounding islands, hiking in the local mangrove forests and national parks and enjoying a range of water sports in stunning Phang Nga Bay.
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This will be the first Hyatt hotel in the Cambodian capital and is set to be the largest internationally branded hotel in the city. It’s slated to open early in 2021 and is located in the city centre and just a stroll from the Royal Palace, National Museum and the riverside.
The interiors of the property blend Khmer architectural accents with French colonial influences - the lobby has been repurposed from a restored French heritage building - with specially-commissioned artwork by contemporary Cambodian artist, FONKi.
The hotel will offer five dining venues, including the FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar with views over the Mekong River, the Royal Palace and the city skyline.
Recreational facilities include a tropical infinity pool, spa and a Regency Club Lounge.
Azerai Ke Ga Bay, Vietnam
This oceanfront retreat in southeastern Vietnam opens on October 15 and offers a combination of villas and suites. It takes over from Princess D’Annam Resort & Spa on the same site following an extensive renovation.
The property fronts onto a five kilometre stretch of white-sand beach overlooking the East Sea and boasts one of the most naturally beautiful oceanfront settings in Vietnam.
Around half of the accommodations have their own plunge or private pools. Hotel facilities include three pools, including one on the oceanfront, a free-form pool set back from the beach and two square pools set within mirrored courts and flanked by guest rooms.
Avani Doc Let Resort, Vietnam
This brand new property will be opening in late 2020 and is located along the stunning Doc Let Beach, an hour-and-a-half from Cam Ranh International Airport.
Accommodation at the 35-acre beachfront property includes rooms and villas, plus facilities covering a beach club, all-day dining restaurant, AvaniFit-inspired gym, an AvaniSpa and Doc Let Water Park and a brand new entertainment complex right next to the resort.
Hon Lon Island and Ba Ho Waterfalls are a short excursion from the property if you're looking for fun days out with the kids.
Park Hyatt Hanazono
We're all hoping to be back on the slopes this winter and where better to base the family than at this luxe newcomer? The property officially opened in January and is the first Park Hyatt to open in Hokkaido; two further Japan-based Park Hyatt’s are located in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Park Hyatt Hanazono is based on the northeastern side of Mount Annupuri and offers a ski-in/ski-out experience and on-site ski valet service. It’s approximately two hours from New Chitose Airport in Sapporo and ten minutes from Kutchan train station.
The 100 guest rooms include 28 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows to soak up the breathtaking views. Rooms feature a master bedroom, separate living room with sofa bed and ensuite bathroom with a soaking tub. Nine of the suites include a private hot spring onsen. And the Annupuri and Yotei suites offer oversized onsen with views over Mount Yotei.
Replenish calories lost on the slopes at the hotel’s six restaurants. Or soothe aching muscles at the six-treatment room spa. Further facilities include a heated indoor pool and hot spring onsen.
The Hari, Hong Kong
Hong Kong is set to welcome a brand new hotel to the city with the announcement that The Hari Hong Kong will be opening this coming winter.
The boutique property will be located on Lockhart Road between the bustling districts of Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. The hotel is the inspiration of Dr Aron Harilela, chairman and chief executive of Harilela Hotels and will be the group’s second property following the opening of The Hari London in Belgravia in 2009.
Harilela is the son of the late Hong Kong Indian businessman, hotelier and philanthropist Hari Harilela, who founded the Harilela Group in 1959.
The new hotel will offer more than 200 rooms, three signature rooftop suites and Japanese and Italian restaurants.
Capella Bangkok
Take time out for some culture in the Thai capital. This sophisticated property is located right on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River and launches on October 1. The hotel highlights “space, privacy and history” as defining qualities, with rooms, suites and riverside villas at Capella Hotels and Resorts’ first Thai property. Every room has a balcony or verandah with floor-to-ceiling glass to take in the fabulous river views. And villas and Verandah Suites boast an outdoor Jacuzzi plunge pool.
And while it feels like it’s a million miles away from the crowds, the hotel’s location gives great access both to the river and cafe and art gallery-filled Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok’s oldest paved road. The hotel boasts a dedicated ‘Capella Culturist’ team to craft guest experiences around the neighbourhood.