After carefully analysing the 2022 new arrivals on the luxury hotel market, experts at Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) have selected the 15 best of the year, with several top spots deservedly taken by boutique properties, smaller-scale brands and one-off projects created by truly passionate owners.
Punta Mita is the home to two of the top five, with Susurros del Corazon and Nativa Four Seasons impressing the examiners during their visits, while no less than seven of the world’s best new luxury hotels are in Europe.
1. Passalacqua, Lake Como
Passalacqua is the latest passion project for one of Italy’s most well-known hotelier families – Paolo, Antonella and Valentina De Santis. As the sister property to the lake’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo – one of the world’s most iconic hotels – it offers total privacy and magnificence, with 24 suites, including the largest suite on Lake Como where Bellini played his piano.
2. Stanly Ranch, Napa Valley
An impressive opening from Auberge Resorts, with two new properties appearing in this year’s World’s Best list. Set on over 700 acres of rolling vineyards and farmland in the southern section of Napa Valley’s wine-growing region, the resort has 135 airy, cottage guestrooms, all with outdoor terraces with fire pits and views of the Mayacamas Mountains.
3. Susurros del Corazon, Punta Mita
Auberge Resorts rarely puts a foot wrong – and once again they have delivered a luxury beachfront playground for the free-spirited. Each of the 59 rooms and suites and 30 villas and homes offer indoor-outdoor spaces with private terraces and large, nature-framing windows. Abundant sunlight, natural wood furniture and artisanal textiles capture the raw simplicity of the location and spotlight Mexico’s rich craft culture.
4. Rosewood, Vienna
Housed in a grandly proportioned neoclassical building, Rosewood Vienna is ideally situated on Petersplatz, one of the most famous squares in Vienna’s Old Town. Combining the best of European architecture and design with a refined yet modern style, there are 99 guestrooms and suites, all of which feature separate spaces for entertainment and relaxation. Moreover, the rooftop cocktail bar offers exceptional views of the city.
5. Naviva Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita
This just opened luxury tented resort is as unique as nature itself, welcoming guests to a world where the deep, green jungle is the backdrop for a profoundly personalised retreat. With just 15 luxury tents surrounded by 48 forested acres on the edge of a private peninsula, Naviva is an adult-only sanctuary that harnesses nature to create an environment that fosters community, personal growth and appreciation for local heritage.
6. The Club House at Fontanelle Estate, Tuscany
This new and off the radar gem has just 15 understated and elegant rooms and suites, an impressive wellness sanctuary, three restaurants, golf facilities and a beautiful pool, all surrounded by the tranquillity of the stunning Tuscan vineyards and rolling countryside.
7. Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh
The iconic Gleneagles sporting and country estate has arrived in the very heart of Edinburgh. Outstanding architectural features are found throughout the charming urban retreat, with each room uniquely designed to instill a sense of understated luxury with an appreciative nod to the heritage of the building. The vibrant all-day restaurant is perfect for breakfast, long lazy lunches and spirited dinners. A wellness centre, two striking bars and a rooftop terrace with extraordinary city views complete this new Edinburgh gem.
8. Hotel Barriere Fouquet’s, New York
This 97-room property brings a new level of sophistication to the bustling streets of New York, mixing Parisian opulence with Tribeca panache.
9. Alila Kothaifaru, Maldives
The Alila Kothaifaru ultra luxury resort in this very special part of the world has 80 villas, each with its own pool.
10. Cali, Mykonos
A discreet collection of 40 stunning villa suites between two mountains overlooking the Aegean – and the hotel’s own private beach. The saltwater infinity pool also significantly adds to the wow factor.
11. Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia
The second Banyan Tree property to make this year’s list is this all-villa resort offering 79 luxurious tented villas in one of the world’s most mysterious and exciting new destinations. Infused with elements from the nomadic nature of Nabataean design and heritage, the resort offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with private pools and outdoor space, showcasing stunning views of the rock formations in the Ashar Valley.
12. The Outpost, Qatar
This new resort is embedded in the unique Inland Sea nature reserve and ready to provide a one-of-a-kind luxury experience celebrating Qatar’s rich natural environment and heritage. Surrounded by soaring sand dunes and desert wilderness, each of the very private 21 tented villas deliver an authentic nature experience, blended with the expected flourishes of luxury hospitality.
13. Buahan, Bali
The first property from Banyan Tree Escapes focuses on creating immersive experiences that combine deep nature and sustainable design. Just 15 totally secluded ‘no walls, no doors’ villas surrounded by rice paddies and jungle, deliver a very different experience.
14. Vista Palazzo, Verona
This welcoming boutique hotel sits in a 19th century mansion and has opulent suites and bedrooms, creative cuisine and Italian charm in spades. The 13 suites and three bedrooms are designed with ultimate luxury in mind.
15. Nobu, Santorini
There is certainly a trend developing within the Nobu hotels and a continued global expansion, with the beach locations delivering the upscale and chic lifestyle experience the brand is known for. This particular property proved a real hit in Santorini this summer and for good reason. It ticks all the boxes.
