14 must-see new hotels for 2017

From island getaways to vibrant city spots, the world’s leading hotels are crafting unique experiences to meet the needs of the most sophisticated travelers.

As luxury resorts go the extra mile to stand out, we pack our designer bags to uncover the best new properties for 2017 and beyond where you can unwind in style.

1. Soneva Jani, Maldives

Boasting 24 stunning over-water villas and a grand island villa set in a secluded lagoon, Soneva’s latest resort in the Maldives could be its finest yet.

Each multilevel water villa at the resort comes with its own private pool and a retractable roof, allowing guests to sleep under the stars. Many villas also feature slides that whisk guests from the upper levels straight into the lagoon below. Additional highlights include a spa, an observatory with the largest telescope in the Indian Ocean, and an outdoor cinema.

Soneva Jani, Medhufaru Island, Noonu Atoll, Republic of Maldives; +960 656 6666

2. Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam

Located along a private half-mile beach near UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Four Seasons' newest resort offers the ultimate address in Hoi An, a coastal gem in central Vietnam.

Formerly known as The Nam Hai, the resort boasts 60 beachfront villas with private outdoor terraces, plus 40 pool villas, each with its own swimming pool. The property also features three communal pools, four tennis courts, a spa, two restaurants, and a beach bar.

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Block Ha My Dong B, Dien Duong Ward, Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam; +84 510 394 0000

3. Las Alcobas, Napa Valley, California

Located near the Beringer Winery and estate in St. Helena, this charming boutique hotel offers the perfect escape for wine country lovers.

All 68 guestrooms and suites boast private outdoor terraces with fireplaces, offering stunning vineyard views. Notable features include a 3,500-square-foot spa and a seasonal Californian restaurant helmed by Top Chef winner Chris Cosentino.

Las Alcobas, 1915 Main Street, St. Helena, CA, 94574, United States; +1 707 963 7000

4. The Silo, Cape Town, South Africa

Housed in a historic grain silo complex above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), The Silo is set to become Cape Town's trendiest new hotel.

This sleek, industrial-chic hotel offers just 28 rooms, each with playful interiors and breathtaking views of the waterfront. The property, part of The Royal Portfolio collection, also features a restaurant with views of Table Mountain, a spa, and a rooftop pool and lounge.

The Silo, The Silo Hotel, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront, 8001, Cape Town; +27 (0) 21 671 5502

5. Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles, Africa

Set on the isolated granite island of Félicité, this elegant retreat represents the pinnacle of luxury. Each of its 28 private villas includes a pool, a wine cellar, and a 24-hour personal butler. What’s more, the resort is committed to eco-conscious practices.

The resort features a reverse-osmosis water system for potable water, along with a chicken farm and an organic garden to promote sustainability.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon, P.O. Box 696, Bois De Rose Avenue, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles; +248 467 1000

6. W Shanghai - The Bund, Shanghai, China

Nestled along the Huangpu River in Shanghai, this trendy hotel marks Starwood Hotels' third W-branded property in China, following Beijing and Guangzhou.

With 374 rooms and 35 suites, the hotel combines spacious, modern interiors with the W’s bold style and classic Shanghai elements. Key features include an expansive outdoor pool and lounge, as well as the signature AWAY Spa, offering revitalizing local treatments.

W Shanghai, No.66 Lvshun Road, Shanghai, 200080, China; +86 21 2286 9999

7. The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, Dubai

The St. Regis' second Dubai property, located on a premier polo field within the expansive Dubailand entertainment district, is a haven for equestrian enthusiasts.

This 159-room hotel features a 500-stable polo academy, show-jumping and dressage arenas, and a riding school. Guests of all ages can enjoy interacting with the horses housed at the polo fields. Inside, you'll find the Equine Library, showcasing equestrian sculptures, artifacts, and books, along with the Equestrian Lounge – an ideal spot for relaxing with a cup of tea after a day of riding.

The St. Regis Dubai, Wadi Al Safa 5, Emirates Road 611, Dubai, UAE; +971 4 435 4400

8. Hotel Eden, Rome, Italy

After undergoing a year of major renovations, the 125-year-old Hotel Eden – a favorite of director Federico Fellini – is reopening as part of the Dorchester Collection.

The hotel has reduced its number of rooms from 121 to 98, with each space thoughtfully redesigned to reflect a more contemporary and elegant aesthetic. New features include a relaxed all-day brasserie and a concealed library bar. However, the iconic La Terrazza restaurant with its spectacular views over the Eternal City remains unchanged.

Hotel Eden, Via Ludovisi 49, 00187, Roma; +39 06 478121

9. Assila Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Rocco Forte's 10th property, marking its debut in the Middle East, delivers on style and sophistication. With 147 rooms and 63 suites, the hotel offers sweeping views of the city, with some suites even showcasing glimpses of the Red Sea.

The hotel features a rooftop pool and four top-tier restaurants, including the standout Aubergine, which offers a blend of Arab and Mediterranean cuisine. Bonus: it's ideally situated in Jeddah's business hub, close to Jeddah Mall and just 40 minutes from Mecca.

Assila Hotel, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz St (Tahlia St), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; [email protected]

10. Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square, London, England

Housed in a stunning 1922 building that was once the Port of London Authority's headquarters, the Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square is one of London's most iconic hotels.

The hotel features 89 sleek, contemporary rooms and 11 luxurious suites. The common spaces exude classic elegance, with Corinthian columns, intricate plaster designs, and sparkling crystal chandeliers. Key highlights include an 18,000-square-foot Roman-inspired spa with a hammam, sauna, and nail salon, as well as a Michelin-starred French restaurant led by Anne-Sophie Pic.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, 10 Trinity Square, London; +44 20 3297 9200

11. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, California

The Waldorf Astoria's debut property on the West Coast is nothing short of extravagant—just what you’d expect from the high-end hotel brand. Situated in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, this 12-story Art Deco masterpiece boasts a 5,000-square-foot La Prairie spa and a restaurant by renowned Michelin-star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

With 170 rooms and 51 suites, including three with private plunge pools, every accommodation at the Waldorf Astoria offers sweeping, unobstructed views of Los Angeles.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, 9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, California, 90210, USA; +1 310 860 6666

12. The Fontenay Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

The Fontenay boasts 131 elegant rooms and suites, each featuring a private balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of Lake Alster. This member of the Leading Hotels of the World will also house a 10,000-square-foot spa, complete with an indoor-outdoor infinity pool.

The Fontenay Hamburg, Fontenay 10, 20354 Hamburg; +49 40 605 6 605

13. SLS Brickell, Miami

This newly opened hotel by Philippe Starck isn’t your typical Miami Beach retreat, offering a fresh, contemporary twist on the city’s luxurious vibe.

For starters, it's not located on the famous Miami Beach, but in the vibrant Brickell neighborhood—an emerging area that’s quickly becoming a hub for bars, restaurants, and museums. Unlike its flashy beachfront rivals, the SLS Brickell opts for a subtler, more refined style rather than trying to be overtly trendy.

The hotel’s 124 rooms embrace a minimalist design, with sleek lines, muted colors, and a calm atmosphere. Its crown jewel, however, is the rooftop deck with an infinity pool offering stunning views of downtown Miami.

SLS Brickell, 1300 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33130; +1 305 239-1300

14. Rosewood Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang, Laos

This rustic, Lao-inspired sanctuary marks an intriguing departure for Rosewood, a brand more synonymous with its high-end urban hotels like The Carlyle in New York.

Located just 10 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang, the resort is surrounded by lush forests, rivers, and waterfalls. Its 22 unique accommodations include five luxury tents, each featuring expansive decks and private dining spaces. The resort also boasts a bistro offering a fusion of French and Laotian cuisine, along with the signature Sense spa.

Rosewood Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang; +852 2138 2222