Best Openings 2025: Here's The Hotlist
The latest hotels are drawing travelers to Australia’s coastline, the French capital, and the mountains of Tyrol. These highly anticipated hotel openings deserve a spot on your 2025 bucket list.
January 10, 2025
Casa Loma
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After a multimillion-dollar renovation, Casa Loma Beach Hotel now sits proudly in a prime location overlooking California's Laguna Beach. The 70 rooms and suites offer stunning views of the coastline or the charming town. Known for its art galleries and vibrant nightlife, Laguna Beach brings its artistic flair into this boutique hotel, with unique accessories found throughout the rooms and common areas. The property embraces a relaxed boho-chic aesthetic, characterized by muted tones, natural materials, and sophisticated minimalism. The hotel’s restaurant, Cecilia’s, operates under a Guests Only policy, serving mezze-inspired dishes, light snacks, and toast paired with a curated selection of European wines and non-alcoholic beverages. During the day, guests can lounge by the pool or take a few steps to the beach to feel the sand between their toes. Thanks to its prime location, the hotel allows visitors to explore the best bars, galleries, and shopping spots on foot.
Casa Loma Laguna Beach
211 N Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
+1 800 544 4479 -casalomalagunabeach.com
Doubles from $ 234
New Post - Upside DownTown Hotel
Johannes Radlwimmer
Everything feels a bit topsy-turvy in Zell am See—or almost. The historic Post Hotel has been transformed into a vibrant, modern property that’s quickly becoming a hotspot in the charming old town. From cozy to eccentric, the rooms and suites offer a retreat for couples and groups of friends alike. Just a stone's throw from the ski lift, the hotel is perfectly positioned for a ski vacation in the Salzburg mountains. On chilly days, guests can warm up in the sauna, relax in the hot whirlpool, or unwind in the steam bath—all with a stunning view. The in-house massage and beauty studio takes care of sore muscles and leaves you with a glowing complexion. A Zen vibe awaits in the Izakaya Stube, where Asian-inspired dishes with a creative twist are served. Evenings are best capped off at Lapponia Bar, before sinking into the plush beds or enjoying a refreshing stroll along Lake Zell. It's both invigorating and idyllic!
Hotel Neue Post
Schlossplatz 2, 5700 Zell am See, Austria
+43 6542 73773 - neuepost.at
Doubles including breakfast from € 408
One&Only Moonlight Basin
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A highly anticipated debut is set to unfold in Montana’s wild mountains: the luxury brand One&Only will open its first alpine hideaway in the summer of 2025, marking its inaugural resort in the United States. Nestled in the Big Sky region, this luxury retreat celebrates untouched nature across 190 hectares, ensuring no comfort is overlooked. At the same time, it’s just a stone’s throw from the iconic Yellowstone National Park and some of the finest ski resorts in the U.S. Guests will have access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, fly fishing, hiking, and, of course, skiing—complete with ski-in/ski-out convenience. The architecture captures a cozy lodge feeling: in addition to chalets and private residences, the main lodge will house approximately 70 rooms and suites, an expansive wellness area, and exceptional farm-to-table dining. Adding a unique touch, a dedicated moonshine whiskey cabin nestled in the woods will serve barrel-aged spirits, offering an authentic and unforgettable experience.
One & Only Moonlight Basin
Jack Creed Road, Big Sky, MT 59716, United States
oneandonlyresorts.com
Price on request
Wilderness Bisate Reserve Lodge
Crookesand Jackson
Surrounded by a dramatic landscape, the Wilderness Bisate Reserve Lodge offers breathtaking wildlife encounters with gorillas and pure luxury in a lodge setting. With only four villas accommodating a maximum of eight guests at a time, exclusivity is guaranteed. Each villa features two fireplaces for chilly nights, spacious terraces, an outdoor hot tub, and a separate lounge area. In the evenings, an intimate dinner is served with ingredients brought "from soil to plate"—local flavors like coconut, chili, and ginger are transformed into culinary delights. The highlight of any stay is, of course, the gorilla trekking. Perched on a hillside between dormant volcanoes and overlooking the Virunga mountain range, guests will feel an unparalleled connection to nature. As with all Wilderness properties, the lodge actively supports local conservation projects and places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Much of the camp’s materials are sourced directly from the surrounding area, ensuring harmony with the environment.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve Lodge
Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri, Rwanda
+27 11 257 5000 - wildernessdestinations.com
Villa from $ 3140 per person
Sea Sea Surf Club Hotel
© Tommaso Riva
Unconventional yet elegant—that’s the vibe of the new boutique hotel in Crescent Head. Inspired by the 1970s and the surf culture of the era, the interior exudes a relaxed atmosphere where young and young-at-heart guests feel right at home. From cozy double rooms to spacious villas, the hotel offers a variety of accommodations to suit all preferences. Just a short walk away, you'll find Killick Beach, a favorite among surfers worldwide for its renowned right-hand point breaks. (Surfboards can be conveniently rented directly at the hotel.) The Sea Sea Hotel welcomes not only surfers but also lifestyle travelers. Its restaurant serves light, modern cuisine featuring regional and international classics, complemented by natural wines, local craft beers, and delicious cocktails. Here, vintage is more than just a buzzword: elements of the interior and numerous accessories have been repurposed, giving the property a unique charm and character.
Sea Sea Surf Club Hotel
Pacific Street 30-34, 2440 Crescent Head, NSW, Australia
+61 447 559 566 - seaseahotel.com
Doubles from € 284
Appenzeller Huus Quell
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Untouched nature stretches as far as the eye can see—alpine meadows, forests, and the Alpstein massif create a breathtaking backdrop. The new Huus Quell, with just 30 rooms and suites, has claimed a dream location, joining the "Bären" and "Löwen" hotels within the Appenzeller Huus. Starting in 2025, guests can immerse themselves in the stunning outdoor panorama while finding their inner balance. In the small village of Gonten, home to just 1,500 residents, the serene atmosphere is deeply reflected in this modern hideaway. The tranquility is especially palpable in the 2,200-square-meter spa, designed by Goco Hospitality. Guests can relax in cozy sauna huts or rejuvenate with longevity treatments like cryotherapy, oxygen chambers, and biohacking. A holistic health concept awaits, featuring nine pools, eight saunas, and a floating yoga platform. For connoisseurs, the highlight is the fine dining at Restaurant Quell and the extensive wine offerings. The property boasts Switzerland's largest wine cellar, spanning 350 square meters—a true treasure trove for wine enthusiasts.
Appenzeller Huus Quell
Dorfstrasse 29, 9108 Gonten, Switzerland
+41 71 795 40 10 - appenzellerhuus.ch
Doubles including breakfast from € 450
Zem Wellness Clinic
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In January 2025, Spain will welcome a new wellness resort: the ZEM Wellness Clinic, which blends ancient healing practices with cutting-edge wellness technology to create a holistic approach to rejuvenating the body, mind, and soul. The 95 suites exude Mediterranean luxury with an Arabian influence, offering stunning views of the sea or surrounding mountains. Wellbeing programs range from 7 to 21 days and are fully personalized for each guest. A team of around 25 experts is on hand to guide visitors through their tailored wellness journeys, while the expansive 4,000-square-meter spa provides the ultimate relaxation experience. Healthy indulgence takes center stage in the resort’s cuisine. Fresh ingredients, many sourced from the resort's own organic farm, are transformed into healthy yet delicious dishes. Cooking classes and workshops ensure that guests can maintain their commitment to healthy eating even after their stay.
ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea
Carrera Suecia, 03590 Altea, Spain
+34 966 88 8800- zemaltea.com
Price on request
Hôtel Balzac
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Just a stone’s throw from the Champs-Élysées, the Relais & Châteaux Hôtel Balzac is a haven of understated luxury. The historic building has been renovated under the direction of the French studio Festen Architecture, seamlessly blending modern elegance with a 1930s-inspired ambiance. Some of the 58 rooms and suites boast stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, while the rooftop suites feature private terraces with panoramic vistas. Guests can spend cozy hours in the lounge under the spectacular glass roof—perfect for private meetings with friends, relaxed lunches, or enjoying a well-crafted drink. The stylish bar impresses with dark woods, dim lighting, and exclusive bites like caviar or lobster rolls, paired with expertly mixed cocktails. Complete relaxation awaits in the Ikoi Spa, a Japanese-inspired wellness sanctuary offering three treatment cabins for singles and couples, a pool, a sauna, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. For an extra touch of exclusivity, the spa area can be reserved for private use.
Hôtel Balzac Paris
Rue Balzac 6, 75008 Paris, France
+33 144 351800 - hotelbalzac.paris
Doubles from € 550
Bergloft
WIESERGUT
This winter, the popular design hotel WIESERGUT is unveiling an exciting new highlight: the BergLoft, offering guests 360 square meters of luxury and privacy. Featuring three bedrooms, a private spa with an outdoor pool, and a personal gym, it ensures that nothing is missing amidst the picturesque natural surroundings. Warm wood tones, premium materials, and luxurious minimalist interiors create a cozy yet refined atmosphere. Begin a perfect morning with a delicious breakfast made with products from the hotel’s own farm, while evenings are marked by a four-course slow-food dinner. Also new this season are the BergSuite and the BergGym. The suite provides an elegant retreat with a private spa, while the gym, located right next door, is equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and is open to all hotel guests. The WIESERGUT's location makes it the ideal ski-in/ski-out hideaway, complete with its own alpine lodge, the WIESERALM, nestled directly in the ski area.
WIESERGUT
Wiesern 48, 5754 Hinterglemm, Austria
+43 6541 6308 - wiesergut.com
BergLoft for four people from € 3,900
Eriro
© Alex Moling
A charming return to simplicity awaits guests at eriro—a serene hideaway nestled in the Tyrolean mountains with just nine suites, making it a true oasis for nature lovers. Muted colors and natural materials dominate the design of this retreat, perched over 1,500 meters above sea level, offering a refined yet minimalist luxury. Alpine indulgence is a cornerstone of the eriro experience. Regional ingredients and traditional recipes showcase the rich culinary heritage of Tyrol, with a strong emphasis on the origin and quality of each product. The property is accessible only on foot or by cable car, with a shuttle service taking care of guests’ luggage, leaving them free to enjoy the scenic ascent. Naturally, the Alpine Hide also features an inviting spa. Multiple pools, saunas, relaxation areas with breathtaking views of the Wetterstein massif, and soothing treatments complete the rejuvenating experience at this tranquil retreat on the Ehrwald Alm.
eriro
Ehrwalder Alm 4, 6632 Ehrwald, Austria
+43 5673 40506 - eriro.at
Doubles including full board from € 1550
Read more: From the slopes to the pool: here are the best spa hotels for winter
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Winter 2024/25.