Best New Hotel Openings 2021
From an elegant hotel with vintage charm in London to a luxury lodge in Mozambique: this winter, numerous properties are celebrating their long-awaited opening.
1 December 2021
The Nomad
Elegance meets history in Covent Garden
"Nomad London" recently opened its doors in the historic building of Bow Street Magistrates' Court. The stylish luxury hotel in the heart of Covent Garden scores not only with its excellent location in the British capital. The interior was designed together with the New York design studio Roman and Williams, which breathes classic charm into the 19th century house. The rooms and suites entice with vintage furniture. However, the restaurant is also eye-catching, boasting a spacious, light-filled atrium filled with plants. Guests dine on local and regional dishes, while the cocktail menu offers plenty of classics and London-inspired drinks. Located in the former police station of the old magistrate's building, "Side Hustle" is now an exceptional pub serving Mexican, American, English and European specialties and drinks. With "Ricari Studios" and "de Mamiel", two excellent wellness providers are waiting to pamper relaxation-seeking guests with exclusive, high-quality products and treatments. Double room from € 527,- per night.
Nomad London, thenomadhotel.com
28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW, United Kingdom
T: +44 20 39061600
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
Historical monastery in new splendour
A several centuries old monastery, interpreted in a modern and elegant way: The hotel "Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp" in the Belgian port city of Antwerp made a name for itself with numerous highlights even before its opening. The luxury hotel offers four fine dining restaurants where Michelin award-winning chefs show off their skills. The restaurant "Fine Fleur" under the direction of star chefs Jacob Jan Boerma and Thomas Diepersloot, for example, stands for culinary creations that combine natural ingredients with innovative preparation methods. The 108 rooms and suites are straightforwardly elegant yet inviting and score points despite their central location with a view of a green park landscape. The spa area extends over three floors and houses an 18-metre panorama pool, an exclusive fitness club and a spa bistro. Separate meeting rooms are available for business travellers. Those wishing to get married will be delighted with the romantic location in the botanical garden and the 15th century wedding chapel on the estate. Double rooms from € 335 per night.
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp*****S, botanicantwerp.be
Leopoldstraat 26, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
T: +32 3269 0000
Kisawa Sanctuary
Natural refuge between the dunes
In harmony with nature and spread over 300 hectares of land, the "Kisawa Sanctuary" is a true oasis between dense forest, dunes and the crystal clear sea. The twelve residences in East African Mozambique bring nature inside and captivate not only with breathtaking views, but also with a private pool and beach as well as elegant interiors in warm earth tones. The spa entices with Ayurvedic treatments and TCM. Those who want to maintain their privacy can cook in their own outdoor kitchen or order exclusive delicacies to the house. Four restaurants and bars as well as a wine room provide excellent culinary moments between regional cuisine and outstanding pizzas from the Pizza-Tuk-Tuk. Residence from € 5000,- per night.
Kisawa Sanctuary, kisawasanctuary.com.
Kisawa Sanctuary Benguerra Island, 1304,
Mozambique, T: +971 4875 2323
Six Senses Fort Barwara
Oasis in the former royal residence
Even the walls of the new "Six Senses Fort Barwara" in Rajasthan, India, radiate solidity - the luxury hotel is located on the grounds of a royal residence from the 14th century. In the two palaces, 48 spacious suites and a first-class wellness oasis await guests. On more than 2800 square metres, those seeking relaxation will find excellent Ayurveda offers, daily yoga and detox programmes. Those who suffer from sleep disorders or simply want to sleep better can book a "Sleep Upgrade" treatment with medical supervision and sleep analysis. Mindfulness exercises and individually tailored wellness programmes are also on the agenda, as are relaxing mud packs. In terms of cuisine, the focus is on regional and seasonal products - some from the hotel's own garden - with that certain something that you can also enjoy in the Observation Tower.
Suite from € 860,- per night.
Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan, sixsenses.com
Chauth Ka Barwara, Rajasthan 322702, India
T: +91 7462 257777
Rosewood Le Guanahani
Reopening of an icon on St. Barth
After several years of renovation and now under the flag of Rosewood Hotels, luxury-loving travelers are delighted about the reopening of "Le Guanahani". The noble beach resort with only 66 rooms, suites and villas is idyllically situated on over 16 hectares of land. Despite the quiet location, downtown St. Barth is just a stone's throw away. Two beaches and crystal clear waters invite you to dream, or practice the perfect serve at the tennis court. On a daily basis guests can unwind at the "Sense Spa" and book relaxing massages and treatments - a hot tip is the Sense signature massage. French joie de vivre paired with Caribbean energy await at "Beach House St. Barth", the resort's restaurant. In addition to the Caribbean-inspired Mediterranean cuisine, the menu scores with a selected wine list. In the "Bar Mélangé", mixologists spoil guests in a relaxed atmosphere with their own extraordinary creations and a selection of homemade spirits.
Double room from € 1550,- per night.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, rosewoodhotels.com
Lieu Dit grand Cul de Sac, 97133 Saint-Barthélemy
T: +590 590 529000
The Londoner
Urban retreat in the heart of West End
In one of the most fashionable districts of the British capital, "The Londoner" has opened a refuge of tranquillity and elegance. The world's first "Super Boutique Hotel" has a spacious spa area with pool, hydro pool, cozy cabanas and an exclusive selection of excellent treatments. The hotel's six restaurants and bars offer a culinary range from Japanese to Mediterranean cuisine - all under the direction of chef Amir Jati, who has already inspired guests at "The Savoy" and created first-class dishes for "Nobu" for ten years. Elegantly furnished suites offer plenty of space to feel at home, some of them with excellent views over the city. Double room from approx. € 543 per night.
The London Hotel*****, thelondoner.com
38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX,
United Kingdom
T: +44 207451 0101
Habitas Alula
Natural oasis in the Ashar Valley
Until now, the Saudi Arabian oasis of al-'Ula was primarily known for its ultra-modern museum - with the "Habitas Al Ula", a sustainable oasis in the middle of the Ashar Valley, which is now also attracting visitors. Not far from the historic ruined city, 96 villas await with dreamy views of the canyon; inside, earth tones and natural materials create a feel-good atmosphere and bring the surrounding nature into the establishment. On the private terrace, guests can watch the stars in the evening and enjoy the silence of untouched nature. Yoga is also on the agenda, as is a traditional tea ceremony. Guests can relax by the resort's pool or work out in the gym. The restaurant menu is inspired by regional specialties, with ingredients sourced from local farms. The eco-resort is fully committed to sustainability, from regionalism to the eco-friendly built villas and the avoidance of single-use plastic. Villa from around € 517 per night.
Habitas Al Ula, ourhabitas.com.
Ashar Valley, Al Ula 43570, Saudi Arabia
T: +966 148 213 900
Hotel Motto
Vienna meets 1920s Paris at this boutique hotel
French flair of the Golden Twenties paired with modern luxury and authentic flair: the new boutique "Hotel MOTTO" in Vienna's city centre convinces all along the line. Gin and tonic is served as a welcome drink in the elegant lobby, the chic interior comes from local businesses and is reminiscent of the "Ritz" in Paris. The 83 rooms and eight suites are stylish and elegant, without unnecessary frills; each lamp is unique. Above the rooftops of Vienna, in the restaurant "Chez Bernard", feelgood food is celebrated. Fresh and made from the best ingredients, French classics as well as Austrian specialties are served here; the bread comes from the in-house bakery "Motto Brot". In the bar and lounge, guests enjoy savoir-vivre in a relaxed and dreamy atmosphere, sipping delicious drinks and home-brewed beer. Double room from € 97,- per night.
Hotel MOTTO****, hotelmotto.at
Mariahilfer Straße 71a, Schadekgasse 20, 1060 Vienna, Austria
T: +43 1 581 4500
Almmonte
Luxurious lifestyle paired with tradition and charming hospitality directly on the ski slope.
Well-travelled personalities from all over the world always enjoy coming to the picturesque mountain village of Wagrain, because the essence of Salzburg hospitality can be felt in the two "Almmonte" hotels. The "Boutique Hotel Almmonte Sensum Suites" impresses with 19 individual suites, exclusive private spa, heated outdoor infinity pool and perfect "ski in, ski out" location. In 2021, the "Almmonte Preclarum Suites Design Hotel" was opened - the brand new hideaway is located directly at the modern gondola lift and convinces with its unmistakable purist interior. 23 exclusive suites are available to guests, creating a unique atmosphere of "casual luxury". From the spa to the rooftop infinity pool and the private panorama saunas to the sun terrace with panoramic views, everything and anything that makes for a relaxing and sporty break in the mountains is on offer. In the hotel's own à la carte restaurants "Almmonte 96" and "Tahini" gourmets get their money's worth - with regional products and international sophistication. Price from € 240,- per night.
Almmonte Sensum Suites I Almmonte Preclarum Suites, almmonte.com
Kirchboden 77 I Widmoosweg 3, 5602 Wagrain, Austria
T: +43 6413 7286
Mohr Life Resort
Where the privacy of home meets pure holiday feeling
Against the beautiful mountain backdrop, the surrounding forests and the hotel's own lake, the "MOHR life resort" enables holidays at the highest level. Lifestyle, wellness, beauty, cuisine and Tyrolean hospitality enable guests to enjoy an unforgettable stay. Three new and exclusive penthouses in the "MOHR Backstage" building 1.6 km away have recently been added to the offer. Depending on their size, they offer two to six guests up to 120 square metres of absolute privacy. Equipped with a spacious terrace with whirlpool, kitchen and the typical "MOHR life resort" design, they are luxurious retreats. Guests decide for themselves whether they want to enjoy the benefits of a holiday apartment or the amenities of the hotel - such as the pampering board with its outstanding culinary offer, the
wellness oasis or the "MOHR Intensity" training area with its modern equipment. In the resort itself, guests choose from 18 different room categories. Double room from € 246,- per night.
MOHR life resort****S, mohr-life-resort.at
Innsbrucker Straße 40, 6631 Lermoos, Austria
T: +43 5673 2362
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Winter 2021/22.
