Top picks | Luxury hotels 2016

29 Feb 2016
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3 min read
With so many hot new openings lined up for 2016, FOUR brings you a few of it’s upcoming favourites…
Ananemu |Ise-Shima National Park, Japan

Expected Opening | March 2016

Due to open in March, Aman will be able to safelyadd the new Ananmenu venue, inside the surrounding Ise-Shima National Park, to it’s luxury profile. As the second Japanese resort to be welcomed to the brand, the boutique hotel comprises of suites and villas 185 miles southwest of Tokyo. The national park is known for it’s natural beauty and stunning surrounding landscapes of both mountain and sea.The resort occupies the tip of the Osaki Peninsula, offering 24 ryokan-style suites and three two-bedroom villas, each featuring panoramic views of the Ago Bay. The accomodation will also come complete withonsen hot-springs,the ancient Japanese bathing tradition thatusesnutrient-rich thermal springs to provide a contemplative and restorative treatment.

In true Japanese style, the foodoffered by the restaurant willfocuson local cuisine from surrounding area. TheMie Prefecture is renowned for it’s varied microclimates sosuppliers are able toprovide goods ranging fromdelicate fruits such as Nabari melons, to an array of vegetables, as well as the renowned Matsusaka beef and a variety of fresh seafood.

aman.com

The St Regis |Langkawi, Malaysia

ExpectedOpening | April 6th 2016

The St. Regis Langkawi is nestled on the southern tip of Langkawi, the first UNESCO Global Geopark designated in Southeast Asia. Situated on an exclusive cove, thediscreet address of 83 suites and three water villas overlooks a sparkling white-sand beach, and the glistening turquoise Andaman Sea. Langkawi International Airport (LGK) can be reached by car in 30 minutes.

The intimate resort offers the ideal departure point for exploring the Jewel of Kedah. On the archipelago’s largest island, picturesque villages, paddy fields, craggy mountain peaks, and lush tropical jungles filled with remarkable caves and waterfalls contribute to Langkawi’s dramatic natural beauty. The translucent waters also invite guests to charter a yacht or sailboat to enjoy isolated islands, and endless ocean activities include fishing, snorkeling, diving, sunset cruises, and more.

Additional outdoor destinations include crocodile farms and Underwater World Langkawi, home to more than 5,000 aquatic species.Guests can alsoenjoy a recess from nature in Kuah, Langkawi’s premier commercial center. Previously a fishing village, it is filled with duty-free shops, retail malls, shopping emporiums, and small boutiques offering everything from modern fashion to elegant batik and other handcrafted items.

starwoodhotels.com

The Ritz Paris | Paris, France

Expected Opening | March 2016

Thelandmark hotel that was opened in 1898 bySwiss hotelier César Ritz,will be re-opening its doors this spring after nearly three and a half years of closing. Known at the time for its innovative and cutting-edge facilities, a lot has changed since the days of electric lights and telephone booths. The lengthy renovation has made way for more suites, by way of fewer rooms, a new restaurant and anÉcole Ritz Escoffier cooking school.

Expected to offer an even more luxurious experience behind its infamous its wrought-iron gates,its discerning clients will comecomplete with new spa and shopping experiences. With its design being kept to thesimilar lavish style as before, guests won’t be disappointed to find the classic, originalgolden adornings on every last fitting and fixture. Changes however include discreet tunnel access underthe Place Vendôme, a retractable roof has been installed on the roof garden, to transform it into a year-long patio area,as well asthe new shopping gallery which housesCartier, Chanel and Prada, among other big names.

ritzparis.com

L’Amandier Hotel| Marrakesh, Morocco

Expected Opening |March/April 2016

As the boutique hotel at L’Amandier moves towards completion, the hotel is in the process of creating a uniquevision for Marrakesh that will bea truly special place to stay and unwind, surrounded by the beauty of the Atlas Mountains; somewhere you will want to return to again and again.Located just an hour from Marrakech, the tranquil hotel includes an infinity pool, sculptured gardens and a tennis court, with a whole plethora of nearby activities such as water skiing, zip lining and horse riding.

Set atop a plateau at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the newL’Amandier hotelwill enjoy 360 degree views over the surrounding Toubkal National Park. With accomodation ranging from suites, luxurious rooftop penthouses, as well as standard rooms, all will have theirown terrace and views over the stunning landscape.

The design concepttells a story of the local area and arab influenceby working with inspirational artisans and manufacturers in Marrakech. You can expect the interior decor to consist ofsimple yet elegant design withthe inspiration for the colours being drawn from the surrounding landscape. This will be clear to see as all the bedrooms look out over the terrace, the infinity pool and further to the red earth foothills of the Atlas Mountains beyond.

L’Amandier hotel