We’re always on the lookout for new hotels and resorts that add something truly exceptional to the travel landscape. That’s why we asked our A-List Travel Advisors to share the recent or upcoming openings they’re most excited about—from high-touch resorts to boutique villas to glamorous safari camps. Here’s what they said.
Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, in Portofino, Italy
“Belmond Splendido in Portofino recently went through a major renovation and transformation. Despite the upgrades, the resort retains the essence of an Italian destination that’s all about la dolce vita.” — Eli Wagner, Wagner Bespoke Travel
Hôtel Burdigala in Burgundy, France
“Until Hôtel Burdigala reopened its doors in 2024, Bordeaux was missing a true five-star option. The iconic property hotel, where locals and visitors feel at home, has a cinema where guests can arrange private movie screenings. Located in the heart of the city, Le Burdigala is the place to be and get to know Bordeaux inside and out.” — Jay Ternavan, JayWay Travel
Chicari Camp in Gorongosa, Mozambique
“The architects behind Tawana and Ngala Treehouse are building the new Chicari Camp in Gorongosa, Mozambique. It will overlook a watering hole where crocs and hippos dwell. Excursions include game drives, walking jungle tours, epic bike rides, and visits to limestone gorges and waterfalls led by biodiversity experts.” — Ian Proctor, Ultimate Africa Safaris
One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana.
Rupert Peace/One&Only
One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana
“Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana marks One&Only‘s U.S. debut. This resort with 73 rooms and 19 cabins is perfect for all seasons, offering access to Yellowstone National Park and extensive ski slopes. ” — Jessica Griscavage, Runway Travel
Four Seasons Resort at Formentor in Mallorca, Spain
“Cabane Tortin sits atop the Alpine village of Verbier, Switzerland and is reachable only by helicopter, snowcat, snowshoes or ski. This unbelievable skiing destination can accommodate 12 people comfortably. Personally, I find it ideal for larger families.” — Roman Chiporukha , SpaceVIP
A personal plunge pool outside of a NIHI Rote villa in Indonesia.
alifeiimagined/Joe Kelly/NIHI Rote
NIHI Rote in Rote, Indonesia
“NIHI Rote in Indonesia is the much-anticipated sister property to the legendary NIHI Sumba. Rote, closer to Australia than it is to Bali, feels like one of the last truly untouched corners of the world. With just 25 villas, direct beach access, and immersive experiences on both land and sea, it promises a sense of wild beauty and exclusivity that is hard to find.” — Desiree Norman, Onēra
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
“Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula has always felt a bit remote to me. But Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, totally changes that. Families will love the connecting rooms with a shared balcony—perfect for catching the sunset together. Add in private plunge pools, a funicular to the beach, and a bridge through the jungle canopy—and it’s everything you could want in a Costa Rican escape.” — Anthea Gilchrist, Seamless Travel
A suite on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Italy.
Patrick Locqueneux/La Dolce Vita Orient Express
La Dolce Vita Orient Express
“The La Dolce Vita Orient Express feels like a movie set that channels the glamour of 1960s Italy. The train goes through the most iconic landscapes—including the Alps and the Amalfi Coast—while showering its passengers with resplendent design, fine dining, and white-glove service. It’s perfect for discerning clients who seek a singular experience sweetened by nostalgia.” — Erina Pindar, SmartFlyer
Oiá Casa Lençóis in Lençóis Maranhense, Brazil
“Oiá Casa Lençóis, which is located on the edge of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, helps guests connect with the natural beauty. You can swim in stunning blue lagoons, explore mangroves by boat, or enjoy a sunset picnic on top of an endless white sand dune.” — Lily Bunker, Jacada Travel
Espacio Hakone Geihinnkan Rin-Po-Ki-Ryu in Hakone, Japan
“Deep in the heart of mountainous Hakone, just south of Tokyo, is a beautiful secluded contemporary ryokan, Espacio Hakone Geihinnkan Rin-Po-Ki-Ryu. Reached only by funicular, this new property has with 10 private villas overlooking a river. The private onsens, amazing cuisine, and decor filled with traditional local crafts make this a special experience.” — Jason and Scott Gilman, JapanQuest Journeys
Kazazian’s Arax in Egypt
“Private boat charters by Kazazian’s Arax have set a new standard for luxury on the Nile. The experience feels more like a floating villa than a river cruise, offering privacy and effortless elegance. I recommend a few nights in Cairo first to add cultural perspective.” — Kristin Songy Diehl, SmartFlyer
The infinity pool at Tierra Atacama.
Tomas Encina Retamal/Tierra Atacama
Tierra Atacama in Atacama, Chile
“Tierra Atacama went through a major redesign, and offers seamless adventure and relaxation in one of Chile’s most dramatic landscapes. Earthy textures, handwoven textiles, and outdoor lounges pay homage to Atacama’s desert soul. Guests can explore salt flats in the morning, return for poolside pisco sours by sunset, and get cozy on a new stargazing deck at night.” — Emma Fritz, Extraordinary Journeys
Collegio alla Querce in Florence, Italy
“Collegio alla Querce in Florence, set in a former boarding school and farmhouse, feels more like a cinematic estate than a hotel. With views of the Duomo, vaulted ceilings, and that rare mix of old-world romance and Auberge’s modern touch, it’s ideal for clients who desire a special Florentine experience without the crowds.” — Dasha Westerfield, River Oaks Travel
Oberoi Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho, India
“Oberoi Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho, India is a 350-year-old restored royal residence that blends Bundelkhand heritage with British colonial design. Just minutes from Panna National Park & Tiger Reserve and close to the UNESCO-recognized Khajuraho Group of Monuments temples, it combines history, natural beauty, and luxury.” — Christie Holmes, Mi Familia Internacional
Villa Dubrovnik in Dubrovnik, Croatia
“Villa Dubrovnik is finally reopening is 2025. After an extended renovation. Its quiet elegance and unbeatable location—right on the sea, with views of the Old Town—allow visitors to feel removed from the crowds while still being just minutes from the city’s historic center.” — Mina Agnos, Travelive
Hermes Mega Catamaran in the Galapagos Islands
“The Hermes Mega Catamaran is a new luxury vessel for exploring the Galapagos Islands. Private balconies and jacuzzi tubs offer an exciting vantage point from which to take in this unique environment. ” — Erin Correia, Adventure Life
Four Seasons Cartagena in Cartagena, Colombia
“A new Four Seasons in Cartagena will be luxurious base for guests looking to explore the region’s rich history and vibrant culture, whether that’s via yachting to the Rosario Islands, taking a salsa class with professional dancers, or savoring rum and chocolate during a private tasting.” — Emmanuel Burgio, Blue Parallel
Mbamba Camp on the Okavango Delta, Botswana
“Mbamba Camp, on the Okavango Delta in Botswana, is a dream for those who prioritize extraordinary scenery, wildlife, wide open spaces, and old-fashioned tented camps. Walking, boating and game drives offer plenty of opportunities to see wild dogs, leopards, and cheetahs—although cheetahs are becoming harder to spot these days because of the strong lion populations.” — Nicola Shepherd, The Explorations Company
Shinta Mani Wild in the Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
“Tucked deep in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, Shinta Mani Wild resort resides far beyond the usual tourist trail. Guests arrive via zipline and then stay in one of 15 secluded luxury tents. With all-inclusive experiences that include jungle foraging with a chef and picnics by waterfalls, it’s both indulgent and meaningful. ” — Chris Bazos, Travelous
St. Regis Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
“The St. Regis Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic is redefining Caribbean luxury. The resort, located in a private ecological reserve with pristine beaches, blends refined service with a deep connection to nature. Highlights include a cenote-inspired spa, fine local cuisine, and world-class golf.” — Laura Asilis, Travelwise
San Canzian Hotel and Residences in Mužolini Donji , Croatia
“Lisbon’s Palácio Ludovice, an 18th-century palace turned luxury boutique hotel, is a show of next-level Portuguese interior design. As soon as you enter, you’re on an journey of Portuguese style across centuries .” — Sheree M. Mitchell, Immersa Global
Malayalam actor and noted mimicry artiste Kalabhavan Nawas died on August 1. He was found lying unconscious inside his hotel room at Chottanikara, Ernakulam, in Kochi. He was taken to the hospital immediately, where the doctors declared him dead.
He was 51 years old. The cause of death is unknown, while the primary analysis is that he died due to cardiac arrest. A post-mortem will be conducted today to confirm the cause of the death.
He had reached his hotel room in the evening after finishing the shoot of a movie titled ‘Prakambanam’. He had gone back to the hotel to check out of the room. The hotel staff found him unconscious when they checked his room after he had not come out of the room for a long time.
According to his colleagues, he was perfectly fine when he left the location at around 5:30 pm. They said he was going home, as there was a two-day break from the shoot.
Guests are gather outside a Regent Plaza Hotel following a fire in the Pakistan’s port city of Karachi.
| Photo Credit: AFP
The United States has temporarily limited visits by government personnel to high-end hotels in Karachi, Pakistan, after receiving a report of a threat, the State Department said on Friday (August 1, 2025).
“The U.S. Consulate General Karachi received a report of a threat directed at high-end hotels in Karachi,” the department said in a security alert.
“The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi has temporarily limited visits by official U.S. government personnel to these hotels.”
The State Department said it sometimes declares areas in foreign countries such as tourist attractions, hotels, markets, shopping malls and restaurants off-limits to official U.S. government personnel in response to such threats.
The security alert urges people to avoid the areas and crowds, keep a low profile and to stay alert in places frequented by tourists and citizens of Western countries.
The State Department currently has a travel advisory in place for Pakistan that advises U.S. citizens to reconsider traveling there due to the risk of terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.
Kimpton Hotels are renowned for their open pet policy, accepting any breed or size without charge. Some hotels augment this with a live-in “Director of Pet Relations.” The greeting guests receive in the lobby comes from these sociable dogs, who reside with the staff. These pets make sure each guest, two-legged or four-legged, is loved and spoiled. Pet beds, bowls, and treats are common amenities in rooms, making it an actual home away from home.
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