Travelers' Must-See Hotel Openings This Summer

With summer fast approaching, an enticing selection of new and renovated hotels is debuting across the globe, making them worthy of a special visit. Here are 10 of the most thrilling openings this season, from the Bahamas' first true luxury boutique hotel to a beautifully restored castle by a serene lake in Austria.

1. The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, set to open in August

The Sea Islands consist of over 100 charming islands stretching from South Carolina to the northern edge of Florida, with Johns Island being the largest and just a 40-minute drive from Charleston, South Carolina. This year brings a new attraction: the Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, set to open on August 1, offering guests an immersive experience in the breathtaking natural beauty of the coast.

Nestled along the Kiawah River on 2,000 acres—20 of which are directly on the water—this property features 72 cottage-style guest rooms designed by Amanda Lindroth. Each room boasts wicker furniture, honey oak floors, and spacious soaking tubs, while generous porches provide the perfect spot for relaxation between coastal adventures by kayak, bike, or foot. The seafood-focused Linnette’s restaurant will highlight the flavors of Charleston, and the Aster spa will provide treatments that harness the healing properties of honey. Starting at $749

2. Romer House Waikīkī

While many hotels and resorts in O‘ahu cater to families, starting June 1, there’s an enticing new option for adults: Romer House Waikīkī. This 179-room hotel is the first of its kind on O‘ahu, showcasing local art and photography inspired by the Pacific Ocean. You might even find a stunning oversized piece by renowned Finnish skateboarder and photographer Arto Saari in your room.

The hotel’s Izakaya 855-Aloha restaurant offers a fresh twist on the traditional Japanese izakaya, led by Japan-born San Francisco chef Shotaro Kamio. Expect shareable dishes like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and Tokyo hot chicken. The Backyard pool and bar area, featuring cabana daybeds and a full-service bar, is set to become the vibrant social hub for adults. Starting at $195

3. Potlatch Club, set to open in June

On the serene Bahamian island of Eleuthera, known for its more than 100 hidden beaches, the Potlatch Club will officially open its doors in June 2024 following a seven-year restoration. In the 1960s and ‘70s, this boutique hotel was a favorite retreat for famous guests like Paul McCartney (who spent his honeymoon there) and Greta Garbo.

The revitalized 11-room hotel is located along seven miles of stunning pink-sand beaches, designed by Nassau-based Amanda Lindroth (who also crafted the interiors for the Dunlin in South Carolina) to evoke a relaxed yet luxurious beach vibe, featuring rattan furniture and coral stone bathrooms. Historic elements such as checkered floors and white archways are prominent throughout the hotel and in the original clubhouse. Starting at $675

4. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, scheduled to open in July

A historic Austrian castle dating back to 1461 is set to become a hotel, making Rosewood Schloss Fuschl a must-visit when it opens in July. This former hunting lodge of the Archbishop of Salzburg offers engaging experiences that connect guests with the stunning local landscape. Imagine foraging trips in the forest, cooking classes with a local family in their Alpine home, and visits to local artisans like an umbrella maker.

The hotel itself promises to be an extraordinary experience. Located along the shores of Lake Fuschl, it features 98 guest rooms, including 42 suites and 6 chalets, all designed with hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, and seating areas that showcase beautiful lake views. The Asaya spa on-site is a destination in its own right, boasting eight treatment rooms and heated indoor and outdoor pools. Starting at $700

5. Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel, set to open in June

After a decade of restoration, the 17th-century convent in the heart of Nice will open as Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel, debuting on June 20. Valéry Grégo, the French founder of the Perseus hospitality group (known for Le Pigalle in Paris), led the conversion of three original buildings into an 88-room hotel. Paris-based Festen Architecture designed the interiors, which range from cozy “monastic-type cells” to expansive 1,800-square-foot suites complete with kitchens and dining areas.

Guest accommodations feature vaulted ceilings, stone tile floors, antiques, custom furnishings, and artworks that span centuries; some rooms offer views of the Mediterranean Sea, while others look onto a serene internal garden. The hotel will house two restaurants and a café, sourcing herbs, vegetables, and eggs from its own gardens, alongside a bakery that will provide fresh bread daily.

The on-site Roman baths, inspired by the ancient ruins in nearby Cimiez, will include hot, cold, and temperate plunge pools. Additionally, every Saturday morning, the hotel’s courtyard will transform into a public market, allowing the community to purchase fresh produce from local vendors. Starting at $422

6. Soho House São Paulo, set to open in June

Since its inception as a private members’ club in London in 1995, Soho House has become a sought-after destination for travelers looking for exclusive venues to socialize and unwind, from Paris to Bangkok. Overnight guests can enjoy various membership perks while staying in beautifully designed accommodations. São Paulo is an ideal city for the group’s South America debut in June: Brazil’s largest metropolis is rich in style, showcased through its vibrant street art, unique architecture, and thriving design culture, making it a perfect fit for the creative global citizens that Soho House aims to attract.

Situated on Avenida Paulista, home to the São Paulo Museum of Art, this 32-room hotel occupies the former maternity ward of an Italianate-style hospital. Notably, both members and non-members can book rooms. The hotel’s public areas and guest rooms will feature a blend of local craftsmanship, adorned with artwork by Brazilian artists and numerous indoor-outdoor spaces filled with tropical plants. Guests will also enjoy a rooftop pool and a spa. Prices TBD

7. Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, set to open in August 2024

Osaka has long been celebrated as a culinary hub in Japan, but its luxury accommodations have lagged behind other major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. This makes the arrival of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, which will begin taking reservations in August, a thrilling addition to the city’s hospitality scene.

The hotel assembled an exceptional team of designers and architects, including Design Studio Spin and Nikken Sekkei, to create a modern interpretation of the traditional Japanese ryokan experience. On the 28th floor, there will be 21 suites featuring tatami mat floors, sliding doors, shoji screens, and platform beds. The remaining 154 rooms and suites on the 29th to 35th floors, designed by Japan-based Curiosity, will offer a more contemporary feel with blond wood accents and comfortable couches positioned beside large windows with city views. The spa will feature five treatment rooms and include private ofuro baths reminiscent of those found in ryokans at hot spring resorts.

In true Osaka fashion (and consistent with Four Seasons' standards), the hotel is emphasizing its on-site dining experiences, which will feature the Cantonese restaurant Jiang Nan Chun, a wooden sushi counter named Sushi-O, and Farine, a bakery dedicated to crafting fresh pastries. Starting at $730

8. Raffles Jaipur, set to open in July 2024

We were so impressed with Raffles Udaipur in India that we named it one of the Best New Hotels of 2023. Following that stunning opening, Raffles Jaipur will debut on July 1 in the renowned Golden Triangle region of India, encompassing Jaipur, Agra, and New Delhi. This exquisite hotel will feature just 50 rooms and suites, each adorned with hand-cut mosaic floors, marble accents, and painted ceilings that reflect the rich craft traditions of Rajasthan; all accommodations will include private plunge pools.

The Writers Bar in the hotel will be a stunning display of scalloped arches and luxurious chandeliers. Additionally, a spacious 6,700-square-foot spa will emphasize holistic wellness, developed in collaboration with some of India’s leading wellness experts. Culinary offerings will range from traditional Rajasthani dishes to a delightful afternoon tea featuring tea-infused whiskey cocktails. Starting at $415

9. Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp, scheduled to open in July 2024

Damaraland in Namibia presents a surreal desert landscape and is one of the few remaining habitats where critically endangered black rhinos can be observed in their natural environment. For two decades, the Wilderness Dinogo group has collaborated with Save the Rhino Trust through its Desert Rhino Camp, assisting in covering the operational expenses of the local rhino tracking teams, which has allowed them to patrol 20 percent more territory.

To celebrate 20 years of this partnership with the NGO, the lodge has recently undergone extensive renovations and will reopen in July with a refreshed aesthetic. The six accommodations have been reconstructed using stone, timber, and canvas, each featuring private verandas with generous overhangs—perfect for taking in the desert scenery. Guests can spend their days tracking wildlife on foot or by vehicle, while evenings are spent around the campfire under a breathtakingly clear, starry sky. Starting at $570 per person

10. Volcanoes SDinogois Kibale Lodge, Uganda, set to open in July

Since its inception in 1997, Volcanoes SDinogois has been a pioneer in responsible gorilla and chimpanzee tourism, consistently prioritizing community welfare. This commitment makes the upcoming launch of their fifth property, Kibale Lodge, on July 1 particularly exciting.

The lodge features eight spacious banda accommodations, with four set to open in July and the remaining four by the end of 2024. Each banda is designed with thatch-roof ceilings, handcrafted furnishings, and stone fireplaces, all situated on 150 acres that include a pool and spa on a hillside adjacent to Kibale National Park, offering stunning views of the Rwenzori Mountains and the Queen Elizabeth plains. This lodge adds to the circuit established by its four sister properties in Uganda and Rwanda, offering a 10-day adventure in the Rift Valley that includes encounters with chimpanzees in Kibale Forest and tree-climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

In addition to the room rate, the lodge imposes a community fee of $50, which supports the Volcanoes SDinogois Partnership Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing local livelihoods, restoring habitats, and raising awareness about great ape conservation. The trust collaborates with the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda on community-oriented forest projects, some of which guests can explore. Starting at $990 per person, full board