20 must-visit new hotels for 2020

Today’s travelers, whether for work or leisure, have elevated expectations when it comes to selecting their perfect hotel.

Fortunately, the latest wave of hotels and resorts has risen to meet these growing demands.

From the breathtaking underwater suites at the Great Barrier Reef to stylish yet budget-friendly retreats in iconic cities like London, Brisbane, and Cape Town, we've curated a list of 20 amazing new hotels where you'll want to stay in 2020.

Reefsuites, located in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Imagine scuba diving among 1,500 species of tropical fish in the Great Barrier Reef – now, take it a step further by spending the night surrounded by them in a luxury suite with glass walls, 15 feet beneath the surface.

Reefsuites, Australia’s first-ever underwater hotel, opened in December 2019, offering guests a chance to experience the Reef’s vibrant marine life – including fish, rays, sharks, and turtles – all from the comfort of a king-sized bed.

Each suite comes equipped with a light switch that lets you illuminate the surrounding waters for a more mesmerizing effect.

In addition, every stay includes a scenic cruise around the Whitsunday Islands, a delightful dinner under the stars with unlimited wine, and a guided snorkeling adventure.

Reefsuites, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia; +617 4846 7000

Château du Grand-Lucé Hotel, France

Nestled in a peaceful setting with sprawling mazes, tranquil lakes, and fragrant rose gardens, the Château du Grand-Lucé is arguably the ultimate countryside retreat.

Originally constructed in 1760, the château reopened in June 2019 following an extensive multimillion-dollar restoration that returned the property to its stunning Neoclassical glory.

The 17 rooms, featuring hand-painted murals and antique decor, are spacious, bathed in natural light, and offer panoramic views of the château’s beautifully landscaped gardens.

Bonus: It’s just a 55-minute train ride from Paris, making it an ideal weekend getaway.

Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé, 9 Place de la République, 72150 Le Grand-Lucé, France; +33 02 5548 4040

Aman Kyoto, Japan

Nestled within 80 acres of lush forest on the outskirts of Kyoto, Aman’s newest property, which opened in November 2019, offers the perfect sanctuary for those seeking peace and reconnection with nature.

The 26 suites, scattered across minimalist pavilions inspired by traditional ryokan, are elegantly simple and almost monastic in design, yet still offer a high level of luxury. Think ultra-soft beds, deep wooden tubs for soaking, and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the surrounding forest.

Additional features include a spa with mineral-rich onsen (hot springs) and exceptional Japanese cuisine. Insider tip: Request to dine in one of the seven hidden outdoor dining spots tucked away throughout the woods.

Aman Kyoto, 1 Okitayama Washimine-Cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603 0000, Japan; +81 75 496 1333

Kachi Lodge, Bolivia

Viewed from above, Kachi Lodge resembles a collection of small geodesic domes scattered across the surreal, moon-like expanse of the Uyuni Salt Flats.

Don’t let its stark, space station-like exterior fool you – inside each dome, you’ll discover bohemian-inspired decor, plush bedding, and expansive bay windows offering some of the clearest stargazing in the world. (At 11,800 feet above sea level and 35 miles from the nearest town, Kachi Lodge is nearly free from light pollution.)

By day, there’s no shortage of activities, from cycling across the striking, otherworldly terrain to hiking the nearby Tunupa volcano at high altitude.

Alternatively, guests can unwind in the main dome, attend a class on Andean cosmology, or indulge in homemade Bolivian cuisine. Thanks to a collaboration with Gustu, one of Bolivia’s premier restaurants, the food at Kachi is as remarkable as the surrounding views.

Kachi Lodge; Uyuni Salt Flats, Jirira, Bolivia; +591 706 98 300

August, Antwerp, Belgium

August, a former Augustinian convent transformed into a chic boutique hotel, offers an exceptional retreat nestled behind private walled gardens in Antwerp’s tranquil Green Quarter.

Occupying five beautifully restored Neoclassical buildings, the hotel’s rooms are adorned with raw natural materials and exquisite artisan details, including handwoven rugs and custom-made lighting.

Guests can enjoy a curated library and a luxurious spa, complete with a hammam and sauna.

August, Jules Bordetstraat 5, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium; +32 3 500 80 80

InterContinental Hayman Island, Australia

The stylish new resort features eight exclusive beachfront villas, located just steps from the shore.

The standout feature is the Beach House: a 4,000-square-foot, three-bedroom villa with three private pools, offering breathtaking views of the Coral Sea.

But it’s not just about infinity pools and ocean vistas. The rooms are designed with sustainability in mind – energy-efficient, plastic-free, and stocked with reef-safe sunscreen and glass water bottles to make your stay as eco-friendly as it is luxurious.

InterContinental Hayman Island, Hayman Island, Queensland, Australia, 4801; +61 7 4940 1234

Puro Vik, Chile

When the design-forward Vik Hotel debuted in Chile’s Millahue Valley in 2015, it set a new benchmark for luxury in the region. Now, its sister property, Puro Vik – which opened in April 2019 – is raising the bar even higher.

Puro Vik consists of 19 glass houses nestled into the hills beneath the main hotel, allowing guests to feel fully immersed in the lush landscape without ever leaving the comfort of their own bed.

While the emphasis is on the breathtaking surroundings, each house is thoughtfully designed with striking art pieces and contemporary furniture, all carefully chosen by owners Alex and Carrie Vik.

Puro Vik, Millahue, San Vicente de Tagua Tagua, VI Chile; +569 6193 1754

Jao Camp, Botswana

When it comes to glamping, few places rival the luxury of Jao Camp in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Although the camp has been around since 1999, it was completely rebuilt and reopened in the summer of 2019.

The camp’s five opulent tented suites come with expansive sun decks, private plunge pools, and indoor-outdoor bathrooms. Additionally, two villas designed for families or groups feature their own private vehicle, guide, chef, and butler.

Architecturally, it’s a masterpiece. The communal spaces are adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the swimming pool is nestled beneath a remarkable bird’s nest-inspired canopy, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the wild surroundings.

Jao Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana; +1 415 814 6676

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Mexico

With only twelve locations worldwide, the exclusive Nobu brand, co-owned by Robert De Niro and celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, has unveiled its first Latin American destination, and it is nothing short of exceptional.

Unlike most hotels in Los Cabos, this one eschews the traditional hacienda style, instead blending Nobu’s signature Japanese minimalism with the raw desert beauty of the region. The hotel faces a vast, windswept beach where the sunsets are nothing less than dramatic.

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Blvd. Diamantes N, Los Cangrejos, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico; +52 624 689 0160

Gorgeous George, Cape Town

The name says it all: Gorgeous George is a design enthusiast’s paradise, seamlessly blending Art Deco and Edwardian architecture with raw industrial elements and mid-century touches.

Each of the hotel’s 32 rooms has its own personality, with quirky, mismatched furniture, vibrant rugs, and large potted plants, giving them a cozy, artistic loft vibe rather than that of a typical hotel room.

The rooftop features a charming plunge pool shaded by lush palms and an exceptional restaurant serving up gourmet comfort food, such as mac and cheese with black truffles, paired with fancy craft cocktails.

Gorgeous George, 118 St Georges Mall, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa; +27 87 898 6000

Islas Secas, Panama

If a private island is the ultimate in exclusivity, how about a private archipelago? Located 33 nautical miles off the coast of Panama, Islas Secas occupies a stunning 14-island archipelago, offering unmatched privacy and serenity.

The island retreat features just four luxurious casitas (with three more planned for 2020), nestled within a lush, Jurassic Park-esque landscape. Each casita comes with its own ocean-view plunge pool and is powered by solar energy, incorporating water recycling systems to maintain sustainability.

Guests can enjoy a range of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to kayaking and whale watching, or simply relax on one of the archipelago’s many private beaches.

Islas Secas, Islas Secas Archipelago, Gulf of Chiriquí, Panama; +1 800 377 8877

Mama Shelter, London

The Mama Shelter brand is rapidly expanding, with three new locations opening in 2019 and two more planned for 2020.

Like its sibling properties, Mama Shelter London is quirky and full of personality, embracing an eclectic style with a laid-back, 'anything goes' attitude. But what truly draws you in is its trendy East London location, the Japanese-inspired karaoke rooms (the first hour is free for guests), and the surprisingly delicious fish and chips.

The rooms are on the cozier side, averaging 200 square feet, but the comfy beds and smart, functional design make the space feel larger and more comfortable than you'd expect.

Mama Shelter London, 437 Hackney Rd, London E2 8PP, United Kingdom; +44 20 7613 6500

Nayara Tented Camp, Costa Rica

Nestled at the foot of the Arenal Volcano and surrounded by vibrant rainforest, Nayara is one of Costa Rica’s first luxury tented camps, and its breathtaking setting alone makes it a must-visit destination.

Just a short distance from the camp, guests can indulge in natural hot springs, exhilarating whitewater rafting, scenic hiking trails, and horseback riding. And for animal lovers, there’s an on-site sloth sanctuary with over 15 sloths, plus a dedicated 'sloth concierge' to guide you through the experience.

Of course, if relaxation is more your style, you won’t be judged for staying in your tent. Each of Nayara’s 29 luxury hillside tents comes with a private plunge pool fed by natural hot springs, elegant indoor-outdoor bathrooms, and stunning, unobstructed views of the volcano.

Nayara Tented Camp, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica; +506 2479 1600

Rosewood Bangkok, Thailand

The Rosewood’s newest property makes an immediate impression with its bold design: two slender towers connected to form the shape of a traditional Thai greeting, the wai, where palms are pressed together.

Inside, the hotel is equally remarkable, featuring a 10-story indoor waterfall that symbolizes the Chao Phraya River on which Bangkok is built, alongside a collection of original art by Thai artists.

True to Rosewood’s signature style, the rooms feel more like luxurious residences than typical hotel rooms. The interiors combine rich woods, rattan furniture, cozy armchairs draped in soft throws, and fresh flowers and books scattered across every table, creating an inviting, homely atmosphere in the city’s heart.

Rosewood Bangkok, 1041 38 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; +66 2 080 0088

The Standard, Maldives

It may seem surprising for The Standard, a brand known for its trendy urban hotels in New York and Los Angeles, to set up in the idyllic Maldives, but somehow, it works – and in the most unexpected way.

The resort’s 115 villas (including several overwater options) break away from the typical romantic atmosphere of many Maldives resorts. Instead, they cater to millennials with bold, psychedelic interiors – think disco balls in the bathroom and neon-pink pool floats.

Other exciting features include nightly beach bonfires, drum circles, karaoke sessions, and a glass-floored overwater nightclub that stays open until the early morning hours. It's definitely a place for socializing with friends.

The Standard Maldives, Huruvalhi Island, Raa Atoll, Maldives; +960 658 5555

Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards, New York City

True to the brand’s fitness roots, the hotel boasts everything from state-of-the-art gym facilities to wellness-focused amenities, but even if you’re not a fitness enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the rooms designed for total relaxation. Each room is equipped with light and temperature controls optimized for sleep and luxurious organic fiber mattresses that are spring-free for maximum comfort.

Equinox Hotel, Hudson Yards, New York City

For those looking for a bit more excitement, the rooftop pool and bar offer stunning panoramic views of New York City. Or, simply step outside to explore Hudson Yards, right at the hotel’s doorstep.

Equinox Hotel, West 33rd St, New York, NY 10001; +1 212 812 9200

Six Senses Shaharut, Israel

Set on a dramatic cliff in Israel’s vast Negev Desert, the Six Senses Shaharut – opening in Spring 2020 – offers the perfect blend of adventure and luxury for the intrepid traveler.

Guests can indulge in thrilling desert adventures, including camel safaris and rappelling down the Makhtesh Ramon, the world’s largest erosion crater, which sits atop Mount Negev.

Afterward, guests can unwind in their luxurious sandstone villa and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the arid desert landscape from the comfort of their private plunge pool.

Six Senses Shaharut, Negev Desert, Israel; [email protected]

The Fantauzzo, Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane is currently buzzing, with a flurry of hotel openings – including Australia's first W hotel – in the last two years. Among them, The Fantauzzo stands out as a shimmering, geometric-walled gem in the trendy Howard Street Wharves district, one you definitely don’t want to miss.

This chic Aussie boutique hotel has it all: minimalist-modern rooms adorned with timber, stone, and leather, stunning original art by local artist Vincent Fantauzzo (who the hotel is named after), and a prime location just steps from the city's hottest dining and nightlife spots.

But the real draw? The views. Whether you're lounging at the rooftop pool, dining at the restaurant, or relaxing in your room, the breathtaking vistas of the Brisbane River, Story Bridge, and city skyline will leave you in awe.

The Fantauzzo, 5 Boundary St, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia; +61 7 3515 0700

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia

Each of the ten 1,400-square-foot suites at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge offers panoramic desert views and comes equipped with top-tier amenities, including fire pits, plunge pools, and butler hatches featuring solar-powered freezer drawers stocked with ice cream and Namibian craft beer.

The desert itself is the main attraction here. While the Big Five might be absent, there’s no shortage of exploration to be had, from the ancient caves to the striking, surreal landscape of the nearby Deadvlei salt pan.

&Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia; +27 11 809 4300

Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Los Angeles

Opening its doors in June 2019, the Santa Monica Proper is the epitome of California cool, with its lush indoor palms, sun-drenched interiors, and a scenic rooftop pool perfect for soaking in the Southern California vibes.

The rooms are elegantly styled with midcentury modern touches, and many feature expansive terraces that offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

The hotel boasts fantastic dining venues, including Calabra, which offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and the popular Onda, blending fresh Californian produce with bold Mexican flavors.

It can get a bit lively on weekends, with well-dressed locals and security resembling bouncers at the door, but after enjoying a spicy margarita and some flavorful pork tostadas, all is forgiven.

Santa Monica Proper Hotel, 700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, California, 90401; +1 310 620 9990