Nyonya kuih are gorgeous, jewel-like cakes and snacks that you will find in Southeast Asia. ‘Nyonya’ refers to the fusion of Chinese and Malay cultures that began to develop centuries ago when Chinese immigrants settled in Malacca, Penang, and Singapore. They applied their culinary skills to the local produce and ‘Kuih’ are the delectable delicacies they created, using ingredients such as sticky rice, tapioca, palm sugar, and coconut milk. The kuih are scented with pandan leaves, and often served on vivid green pieces of banana leaf. There are numerous forms and varieties of Kuih, both sweet and savoury, with distinctive shapes and textures, and unique flavours.

These beauties were made for Wallpaper* by The Pandan Bakery: a small, family affair based in London, and run by the Robinson family. Ling Robinson is from Seremban in Malaysia and came to the UK as student nurse. She is a talented home cook and used her skills and knowledge of Nyonya cooking to make kuih for family and friends who couldn’t find the real thing in London. In 2014, Ling, Valence, and their daughter Tamsin Robinson started making kuih more seriously and selling them, freshly made, in small batches. In 2016 they launched the Pandan Bakery and once a fortnight they set up their stall at Putney or Battersea Power Station Sunday markets – rotating different varieties of kuih month by month.

Try the striped Kuih Lapis, which is best eaten by peeling apart the squashy layers made of steamed coconut milk and tapioca flour. Seri Muka is a mouthwatering layer of pandan-flavoured custard atop a layer of glutinous rice. Ang Ku Kuih translates as ‘Red Tortoise Cake’, with a chewy, glutinous rice shell filled with mung bean or peanut paste (these are must-haves at Chinese New Year celebrations, as the bright red colour is associated with wealth and prosperity).

Many of Pandan Bakery’s patrons are Malaysians and Singaporeans longing for a true taste of home, and often travelling far and wide to get hold of it. There are also curious first-time customers looking to try something different. Attracted by the fragrance of pandan leaves and the vibrant colours, they are pleasantly surprised by the delicacy and complexity of the flavours, and inevitably come back for more.

You have to get these kuih while you can. They sell out fast and when they’re gone they’re gone. Happily, you can also order them online for delivery (they are hot property at Malaysian festivals and special occasions). Thanks to the Pandan Bakery, there is no need to travel all the way to Southeast Asia to taste authentic kuih and experience a delicious part of Nyonya culture.

pandanbakery.com

A kongsi, for the uninitiated, is a fortified Chinese clan compound – a temple and ancestral hall at its heart, with residences and shophouses forming protective walls around it. Penang retains a handful of these 19th-century enclaves, and the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is one of the island's most spectacular, its ornate temple a riot of carved beams, lurid-hued statuary, and gilded deities.

That the Singapore-based architect Soo K Chan was born within one of these very residences – and has now returned to reimagine 15 of them as Soori Penang – lends this hotel opening an unusually poignant backstory. It's a full-circle moment rendered in modern furnishings, light wood, dark fabric, and quietly cascading water. The project joins sibling properties Soori Bali and the forthcoming Soori Ubud.

Wallpaper* checks in at Soori Penang, George Town

What's on your doorstep?

Step outside into George Town’s Unesco-listed fray: rickshaws touting for trade, crumbling shophouse façades, narrow lanes thick with tourist tat alongside fin de siècle Chinese temples, their air thick with incense, old-world kopitiams jostling mod cafés, bookshops and restaurants, among them China House with its towering cakes, and Baba Phang and Auntie Gaik Lean with their robust Nyonya cooking: it’s literally impossible to go hungry in this town.

Meanwhile, the Soori Penang’s affable concierge arranges tours of Thai and Burmese Buddhist temples. Avoid the crowds and book an early morning visit to the magnificent temple in the Khoo Kongsi itself, which still functions as a prayer space and occasional Chinese opera venue. The scale of the preservation and extant architecture is genuinely striking.

Who is behind the design?

Chan’s Yale-trained architectural practice thrives, but the pull of home has been irresistible, which explains why he was willing to spend almost seven years convincing the kongsi’s elderly custodians to grant him a 25-year lease on these moribund spaces. Strict conservation restrictions governed the transformation, though Chan navigated them deftly.

The suites follow the original shophouse footprint: long, narrow spines divided by original central air wells, now reconfigured as shallow ponds. Light filters through double-height wooden trellises at the entrance, establishing privacy while illuminating the high-ceilinged chambers. A round granite fountain – its shape a palimpsest of a traditional stone rice grinder – divides the sitting area from the large bathroom and bedroom beyond.

The room to book

They’re all fairly identical, though that’s no criticism as it neatly side-steps the dilemma of FOMO when booking rooms. A bijou daybed nestles between sleeping quarters and pond, while carved stone window replicas from the Khoo Kongsi temple (depicting longevity and prosperity) and miniature green lions echo the clan house’s guardian statuary.

Light wood panelling meets dark grey upholstery, onyx bathroom sinks, and knowing homages to bentwood chairs. Yet beneath this heritage veneer lies thoroughly contemporary infrastructure: Toto toilets, millennial-friendly tech, all the expected comforts. At the moment, only the ground floors are available for booking, though upper levels will eventually accommodate guests seeking additional space for family or posse.

Staying for drinks and dinner?

Executive chef Mathijs Nanne currently serves Western fare – shakshuka, smashed avocado on toast – in the plant-festooned courtyard, its tall brick walls slender as those in Beijing’s Forbidden City courtyards. This is interim programming as the plan is to source more local flavours such as Peranakan kueh, Indian apom, and Chinese noodles from neighbourhood purveyors for the menu.

The restaurant and lounge remain in pre-opening flux, though evening turndown brings warm lemongrass tea one evening, rosella chai on another, and coconut-pandan crêpes alongside kueh bingka – a thoughtful, not to mention delicious gesture that anchors guests in the place. Most meals, for now, happen beyond these walls, and George Town rewards that impulse with gluttonous aplomb.

The verdict

Soori Penang – which will expand with another dozen or so new rooms in the coming year, alongside curated shops, bars, and restaurants facing Cannon Square – makes Chan’s homecoming a tangible experience. Check-in happens in-room; while staff trained by the Balinese team from sister property Soori Bali deliver amiable, proactive service. Equally, the Balinese-trained masseurs staff the upstairs spa with skilled hands.

It goes without saying that the starting room rates of $745 have startled locals accustomed to gentler pricing, but this is neither a conventional opening nor a run-of-the-mill hotel. Chan’s emotional investment permeates every detail, making the hotel a remarkable tribute to place and memory, rendered in design rigour.

Soori Penang is located at 48, Lebuh Aceh, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

More than a decade in the making, Park Hyatt’s Malaysian debut occupies levels 75 to 114 of Merdeka 118, Asia Pacific’s tallest skyscraper. This 252-room property represents a serious bet: can Park Hyatt’s residential intimacy work when you’re essentially living in the clouds? The answer appears to be yes, with the hotel already attracting international guests and cashed-up locals booking elevated staycations – quite literally.

It’s no surprise that the journey upward matters here. Ground-level arrival transitions through a generous staircase – or escalator for the practical or high-heeled – to a timber-lined serambi on level 3, evoking the raised veranda of traditional Malay kampung houses. Pivoting shutters filter daylight while brass accents add contemporary warmth. From there, lifts silently whisk guests to level 75, where the reception unfolds as the hotel’s social hub. Double-height brass batik screens cast intricate shadows across warm stone, while dizzying city views anchor the space firmly in place.

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

What's on your doorstep?

The Park Hyatt’s address delivers instant cultural immersion. The hotel sits within the Merdeka 118 precinct, historically significant and steps from the buzz of Petaling Street's Chinatown. Yet the real asset is vertical, not horizontal, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing a rotating cast of urban landmarks: the KL Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers, which once held the laurel of the world’s tallest building, and the gleaming Exchange TRX. Kuala Lumpur holds Southeast Asia's highest concentration of skyscrapers, and at this height, you're catching the entire skyline theatre. It's an architectural viewing gallery that never closes.

Who is behind the design?

GA Group, the London-based studio behind luxury properties from Rosewood to Corinthia, spent over a decade on these interiors. Directors Terry McGinnity, Corinna Galdies and Pippa Ayres had a tricky brief: capture Malaysian spirit without tumbling into theme-park territory. Their solution reinterprets the traditional Malay kampung home through clean lines, natural light, and contemporary materials. Batik, songket weaving, and timber carving appear throughout – abstracted and refined. Think heritage passed through a modernist filter, resulting in spaces that read as distinctly local without brashness.

The room to book

Obviously, the views get better the higher up you get, but the Corner King Rooms nimbly exploit the building's geometry. Different alcoves offer shifting perspectives – a window lounger for introspective afternoon reading, a bathtub positioned for skyline soaking. The layout carves out intimate zones within the generous space, with a window seat arrangement inspired by traditional Malay verandas – a daybed that frames panoramic views without actually stepping outside. Mirrored panels above extend vistas, while flexible shutters connecting living areas to bathrooms echo kampung house fluidity. Linen wall panels and delicate brass detailing add texture, and woven motifs multiply obsessively: brass basket-weave tiles in showers, three-dimensional ceramic reliefs, rattan lampshades. It's pattern gone wonderfully overboard.

Mini bar highlights?

Forget the quotidian champagne truffles. Here, the minibar performs double duty as a cultural artefact, its goodies concealed behind batik-inspired cabinet doors that echo the lobby's craft narrative. Inside are locally created lavender chocolate exclusive to the property, refreshing sparkling tea, and Billecart-Salmon for impromptu celebrations. It's showmanship in miniature, where even the hardware tells a story.

Staying for drinks and dinner?

Three dining destinations claim level 75, each with its own mood. The Park Lounge functions as the hotel's living room, shifting from bright communal energy by day to an intimate glow after dark. Breeze-block geometry inspired by Malay architecture defines the space, while Peranakan red tiles punch colour into the open kitchen. Merdeka Grill goes darker and moodier – silver travertine, ribbed walls, suspended pools of light sculpting drama at each table. The open kitchen is equally show-stopping, with the city skyline providing an ever-changing backdrop. Then there's Cacao Mixology & Chocolate, the richest of the three, where Amazonite stone and dark timbers meet double-height shutters. Seating swings between private pockets and gregarious communal tables; it’s the kind of space that properly comes alive after sunset.

Where to switch off

The spa and pool occupy level 99. The spa reinterprets shophouse architecture through arched corridors echoing the traditional five-foot way – a journey toward treatment rooms rather than just a hallway. The design stays minimal, weaving in subtle Malay motifs without overdoing it. The indoor pool commands attention with its vast scale. Fretwork friezes filter light and soften the volume, while you’re literally swimming above the Petronas Towers, KL Tower, and Exchange TRX. It’s a perspective normally reserved for helicopter pilots and the trust fund set.

Getting around

The hotel’s elevated position means you're usually surveying the city rather than navigating it at street level – an extravagant loftiness that defines the entire experience. But if your mood or schedule dictates a change of altitude and scenery, the hotel makes much of its proximity to Petaling Street's Chinatown, and the neighbourhood does deliver street-level energy when you venture down. The location works on multiple scales. Merdeka 118 houses a mixed-use development with the forthcoming 118 Mall spanning seven storeys, meaning the tower buzzes with activity beyond hotel guests. The building connects directly to the Merdeka MRT station, providing easy access to the city's mass rapid transit and light rail networks.

The verdict

The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur pulls off a difficult trick: making grand scale feel intimate, and grounding sky-high luxury in local culture, all while turning spectacle into genuine comfort. The views alone justify the check-in, but GA Group's interiors ensure you stick around beyond the obligatory Instagram moment. This is luxury hospitality for travellers who want a meaningful connection to place, just wrapped in clouds and exceptionally comfortable furniture. Time will tell if it becomes Kuala Lumpur's definitive luxury address, but the positioning – literal and otherwise – makes a compelling case.

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is located at Warisan Merdeka Tower, Presint Merdeka 118, Wilayah Persekutuan, 50118 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

There is something so elegant about the idea of travelling by train. It conjures visions of a bygone era, Old Hollywood glamour, and luggage in the form of trunks rather than backpacks. When it’s done right – and we are not talking about the daily commute – train travel can be a truly luxurious experience. Trains don’t require the faff that comes with catching a flight. And you don't miss a thing en route. Trains are a means of slow travel, allowing people to enjoy the journey rather than simply get to their destination.

Here, to help you escape in unhurried style and sophistication, we’ve put together our pick of the world’s most luxurious train journeys. So sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

Our pick of the world’s most luxurious train journeys

Andean Explorer, Peru

South America’s first luxury train, the Andean Explorer snakes its way through the stunning landscape of Peru. From the open-air observation car, discover Lake Titicaca and the floating island of Uros. The Andean Explorer’s design steps away from the vintage-style luxury we see with some high-end trains, and instead boasts a more contemporary aesthetic. Local cuisine is on the menu, with Peruvian dishes and Andean ingredients. There are also options for spa trips and excursions.

belmond.com

Danube Express Golden Eagle, Eastern Europe

Visit the castles of Transylvania or Christmas markets of Austria – the Danube Express Golden Eagle explores the best of the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The exclusive train carries just 50 passengers and offers decadent comfort in each carriage. Interiors nod to 1920s glamour, but carriages come with modern technology. Guests can enjoy regional cuisines and sightseeing at every stop.

goldeneagleluxurytrains.com

Eastern & Oriental Express, Malaysia

The sister train to The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the Eastern & Oriental Express travels from Singapore into Malaysia. The carriages feature cream and jade-green exteriors, while polished wood-panelled corridors and silk and delicate detailing set an opulent mood inside. There’s a Dior spa on board, the Bar Car serves as an exclusive jazz club, with flowing cocktails and champagne, while the Piano Car offers gentler tunes, a perfect accompaniment to a quiet nightcap.

belmond.com

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan offers multiple routes through Australia but is most known for journeying from Darwin to Adelaide. Traversing the heart of the country, the route and its stops offer access to some of the people, places and stories that shape Australia. With elegant suites (the interiors were redesigned by Woods Bagot in 2024) and fine dining, The Ghan ticks all the luxury rail trip boxes. Its ‘off-train’ experiences span from a tranquil cruise down the Katherine River to exploring the desert habitats of Alice Springs.

journeybeyondrail.com

The Maharajas’ Express, India

Journeying through North-West and Central India, with a focus on Rajasthan’s rich heritage, The Maharajas Express is one of India’s (and the world’s) finest luxury trains. It features 23 carriages, including two dining cars, a private lounge with a bar called the Rajah Club, and even a souvenir shop.

maharajas-express.com

Royal Scotsman, Scotland

Scotland has abundant breathtaking scenery, and the Belmond Royal Scotsman is a journey that balances enchantment and tradition. This luxury train took its first journey in 1985 and was originally composed of sleeping cars and three dining carriages. Now, this has expanded (and includes a Dior spa car) but still exudes an Edwardian country house feel thanks to the warm interiors. The routes around Scotland include scope for everything from whisky tasting to wild swimming and visiting historic castles.

belmond.com

Rovos Pride of Africa

Rovos Pride of Africa has multiple trains and routes across the continent, taking in Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Tanzania and Mozambique among other countries. The style of the carriages has an earthy, African safari feel, with traditional luxury (we are talking about soaking in a full-size bathtub on board). On the journey from Pretoria to Durban, as an example, take in sweeping views of the savannah, and learn about the cultural history and influence of the Zulu people.

rovos.com

Seven Stars Kyushu

Old-world glamour takes on a new interpretation aboard the Seven Stars Kyushu, a luxurious sleeper train that travels across Japan’s third-largest island, making stops at Fukuoka, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto. Seats on this train are highly sought after, requiring prospective guests to enter a lottery to secure a reservation. The train showcases the finest of Japanese artistry and craftsmanship across its suites and lounges, while its Jupiter Dining Car offers seasonal ingredients from the countryside and seas of Kyushu.

cruisetrain-sevenstars.jp

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

The Orient Express began its service in 1883, famously departing from Paris and journeying across Europe before arriving in Istanbul. With the original train no longer in service, Belmond’s Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (whose JR-designed suite won a Wallpaper* Design Award 2025) carries through the legacy honourably, travelling between Paris and Venice or Verona, as well as Prague, Budapest and Vienna. The journey remains the pinnacle of luxury and elegance, with a touch of sultry mystery. In 2026, the company will refurbish 17 original Orient Express cars, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s.

belmond.com

It’s not exactly easy to pinpoint where the Wallpaper* editors will be. From design festivals to fashion weeks and OOO adventures, there’s always something exciting on our team’s calendars. Keep reading to find out where the magazine’s staff members will be heading in the new year.

Wallpaper* editors’ 2025 getaway plans

LA: Charlotte Gunn, Director of Digital Content

‘I will look forward to my annual trip to Los Angeles to visit friends and family. I spend the year diligently plotting all the new openings I want to try on a Google Map so I am fully prepped by the time we arrive. I’m already itching to try Camelia, a French fusion restaurant which opened in Echo Park at the end of the summer. I’m also keen to see how the development of Melrose Hill has progressed since my last visit – a couple of notable galleries had moved into the area and there was a pledge to redevelop a disused retail block with new independent shops and restaurants. To get me through the long British winter, I shall be dreaming of fresh seafood at sundown from The Jolly Oyster on Ventura beach.’

Venice & Helsinki: Ellie Stathaki, Architecture & Environment Director

‘The Venice Architecture Biennale always causes a stir of excitement at the architecture desk, so my biannual visit to the Italian city in May for the vernissage is at the top of my list for 2025. I am also dreaming of a winter trip to Helsinki. I’ve always felt there’s lots to see and enjoy in the Nordic capital, and I have only scratched the surface. I have only ever been for work, so going on a long weekend in a private capacity is also on my list. The reopening of Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall in January just adds to the reasons why.’

Switzerland & Budapest: Hannah Tindle, Beauty & Grooming Editor

‘I’m hoping to travel to Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland in 2025, a spa and clinic that has been running since 1931. (Previous devotees to its ‘CLP method’ include Marlene Dietrich and Greta Garbo). I also want to visit the Omorovicza spa in Budapest, another institution with a storied past, built on the Rác Thermal Bath, which dates back to the 16th century.’

Naoshima: Jason Hughes, Creative Director

‘In 2025, I’m heading back to Japan, more specifically to visit the islands of Naoshima and Teshima, which sit in the Seto Inland Sea and are easily accessible by ferry from Osaka. Famous for their art and architecture, I look forward to exploring both islands on a bicycle and seeing the works of artists Yayoi Kusama, James Turrell, Walter De Maria and Lee Ufan. I’m planning to stay at Benesse House, a museum and hotel concept, designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando.’

Australia, Uzbekistan and beyond: Lauren Ho, Travel Director

‘As I live my life constantly on the road, it’s important for me to plan my trips so that I make the most of each region or destination I am in. For 2025, I will be ringing in the new year in Sydney, followed by a few weeks of checking out new hotels in Australia. In late January, I will be heading to Beijing to see the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, the group’s newest property, which unfolds within a 600-year-old hutong complex. This will be followed by a trip to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, which I am particularly excited about, and then, I will make my way to Europe, where I plan to explore Greece’s new hotel openings, and will head from Lisbon to the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. While luxury hotels are my passion, at least once a year I like to visit a random destination I have never been to and that most people might not have access to. Finally, by June, I hope to make my annual pilgrimage to Africa to get my safari fix.’

Malaysia: Melina Keays, Entertaining Director

‘In February, I am travelling to The Datai beach resort in Langkawi - one of my favourite destinations in the world. Langkawi is the largest of a cluster of islands off the coast of northwestern Malaysia, separated from the mainland by the Strait of Malacca. I’ve been visiting this wonderful place for decades, and it never loses its allure. Langkawi is a proper tropical paradise; awarded Geopark status by UNESCO, it offers lush rainforests, stunning mountain ranges and white sand beaches.

There are fantastic things to see and do all over the island, which is rich in history and culture, but I could easily spend all my time at The Datai resort itself. It was designed by visionary architect Kerry Hill, who was determined to honour its environment, and set high over Datai Bay. The hotel is melded into its jungle setting, and its beautiful rooms and spaces float amidst the rainforest canopy, with breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea. The food at the Datai is superb, and I am particularly looking forward to the delicious Malaysian cuisine at The Gulai House, which is to be found at the end of a candle-lit jungle trail.’

Geneva: Tianna Williams, Editorial Executive

‘For the first week of spring, I will be heading to Geneva, Switzerland, to reunite with my cousin and sister. The location of this annual reunion varies from year to year, from the rolling hills of Shropshire, the coastline of the Gower Peninsula to London’s Hyde Park. I am excited to trade the London smog for crisp Mont Blanc mountain air, warm up with soothing mugs of hot chocolate, and, if feeling brave, take a plunge in Lake Geneva.’

Madrid, Rome, Paris: Sofia de la Cruz, Travel Editor

‘I tend to be quite spontaneous with the locations I travel to, often booking trips or accepting invitations at the last minute. That said, I will begin the new year in Madrid, and a few weeks later, I have a trip planned to Rome to explore the upcoming Hotel Romeo Roma, one of Zaha Hadid’s final projects before she died in 2016. I also have a weekend in Paris scheduled, which is something I make a point to do every year. As for the rest of the year, I hope to fulfil my lifelong dream of visiting Japan.’

Shanghai: Smilian Cibic, Editorial Assistant

‘I’m travelling to Shanghai to visit my dad, who has been working there for the past five years. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’s been up to. He’s designed his own micro home apartment, which has had quite a stir in the Chinese press. We will then travel together to Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital of China and then Shenzhen, the tech capital of the world.’

For more Travel content, visit Wallpaper*’s dedicated channel

If you can bet on anything, it’s that August will be a scorcher. The smartest way to handle record-setting temperatures is to spend those balmy, languid days at a fabulous hotel. The most eagerly anticipated new stays prove that the dog days of summer are among the best times for a holiday that’s all about escapism – whether that’s checking into a Cycladic retreat for R&R on the island of Paros or decamping to a serene Aman resort on the East Cape of Baja California Sur. A few more openings we’re dreaming about stealing away to this month: Chapter puts its stylish stamp on Tuscany, the highly anticipated Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel finally opens its doors in Venice, and 1 Hotels plants its eco-chic flag in Austin.

The world’s best new hotel openings

August 2026

1 Hotel Austin, Texas

1 Hotel has already left its eco-luxury imprint on cities around the world, from Miami to Tokyo, and now Austin joins the list. Rising from the tallest tower in Texas, the nature-inspired interiors – a collaboration between Studio MAI and the Starwood Hotels design team – do justice to two of the city’s most emblematic outdoor destinations: Waller Creek, a historic downtown waterway, and Lady Bird Lake, a reservoir on the Colorado River. The dialogue between urban and elemental comes to life through local stone, reclaimed wood, raw textiles and biophilic touches such as native shrubs. Guests can take in views of the restored green corridor from airy rooms, savour seasonal Texas ingredients at the restaurant, enjoy the rooftop bar and pool and switch off at the Bamford Wellness Spa.

1 Hotel Austin is located at 96 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701, United States

Amanvari, East Cape, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Aman’s long-awaited Baja California debut, Amanvari, set within the exclusive Costa Palmas community on the East Cape and meaning ‘peace’ and ‘water’ in Sanskrit, does a right turn from the mega-resorts of Los Cabos. Elastic Architects’ design, with initial contributions from Heah & Co., centres on the elemental landscape and the indoor-outdoor living afforded by its desert horizons, towering cardón cacti, warm breezes and the deep blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. Dotted across the property are just 18 sleek casitas. Each is finished with natural stone, timber and plaster and enhanced by bespoke furnishings, expansive terraces, heated pools, outdoor showers and generous alfresco living spaces. Privacy and peace are intertwined with wellness that taps into ancestral traditions and modern technology, ranging from temazcal to hydrotherapy houses.

Amanvari is located at Eureka s/n esquina con Sta Maria la Ribera, 23570 East Cape, B.C.S., Mexico

Chapter Chianti, Tuscany, Italy

Imagined by South African interiors architect Tristan Du Plessis as a modern Tuscan retreat, the second addition to the Chapter Italia portfolio sits within a restored 17th-century borgo, spanning 50 hectares of vineyards, olive groves and landscaped gardens in the undulating hills of Chianti. That all may sound like a traditional agriturismo, but upon first glance, it’s very clearly a contemporary, slightly unexpected rebrand of the countryside classic. The social and sleeping spaces mix earthy tones and modern styling to create bold expressions with character and soul. The preserved original stone staircases and vaulted ceilings mingle with furniture handcrafted by local makers, custom lighting from DCW Editions and Marset and playful art – from Kokekit drawings splashed across the ceilings of Osso to a striking work concealed beneath the pool and 82 rooms.

Chapter Chianti is located at Loc. Fontebussi, Cavriglia (Arezzo) 52022, Italy

Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel, Italy

Travellers with a penchant for historic grandeur will feel right at home among the treasure trove of brocade, gilded mirrors and Carrara marble at one of Venice’s most legendary hotels, which will reopen after a multi-year restoration under the Four Seasons flag. Uniting a trio of interconnected palaces and set on the Riva degli Schiavoni, steps from Piazza San Marco, with interiors by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the 120-key landmark boasts a museum-worthy collection of Murano glass, local Rubelli fabrics and ​o​il paintings. At the centre of the 15th-century Palazzo Dandolo, the atrium is an exquisite showpiece of soaring pink marble columns and a grand staircase. ​The accommodations range from spacious one-bedroom suites inspired by private Venetian residences, with generous velvet living areas and king bedrooms, to light-filled rooms in soft cream and honey tones overlooking the ​lagoon​.

Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel is located at Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196, 30122 Venice, Italy

Luura - Cliff, Paros, Greece

Paros is quietly rising through the ranks among Greece devotees seeking a more understated alternative to tourist-heavy Santorini and party-centric Mykonos. Its newest stay, Luura - Cliff, designed by Elastic Architects with interiors by Berlin-based studio Lambs and Lions, makes a compelling case for a laid-back Cycladic escape – sans screaming toddlers, blaring speakers, and (hopefully) TikTok reels. Influenced by the island’s artistic legacy, slower rhythm, and warm Mediterranean hospitality, the seafront retreat integrates the enduring charm of whitewashed Cycladic architecture with earthen hues, local stone and a significant art collection, including both site-specific commissions and works pulled from the Khoury family cache – notably pieces by Greek artists Sofia Mitsola and Kostas Paniaras, sculptor Judith Hopf and painter Chantal Joffe. The result is an environment that feels both familiar and unfettered across 39 spacious suites, two restaurants, a wellness area and a chapel.

Luura - Cliff is located at Agia Eirini, Paros, 84400, Greece

July 2026

Fouquet’s Mykonos, Greece

Fouquet’s Mykonos expands the brand’s reach beyond its exclusive addresses in Paris, New York City, Courchevel, and Saint-Barthélemy to a Grecian jetset hotspot. Set on Paraga Beach, on the southern coast of Mykonos, the sanctuary, designed by Divercity Architects, trades clubbing for calm. Embracing a contemporary take on traditional Cycladic aesthetics, it offers sweeping views of sparkling azure waters of the Aegean Sea from its 61 breezy suites and three villas, imbued with the serenity of sun-faded neutrals, clean lines and natural materials like stone. Embracing restoration, the wellness-focused amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa sanctuary in partnership with Dr Barbara Sturm (think hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a flotation tank and an ice bath) and a basketball court carved directly into the rock.

Fouquet’s Mykonos is located at Paraga 0, Mykonos 846 00, Greece

Gran Hotel Margalida, Banyalbufar, Spain

Annua Signature builds on its Spanish presence with the debut of Gran Hotel Margalida, located in the village of Banyalbufar on the quieter western coast of Mallorca. Madrid-based architect Álvaro Onieva and interior designer Virginia Nieto reinvented a historic building into a contemporary escape that captures the elemental beauty and ease of the Balearics. Local materials – notably stone references the Tramuntana mountain range – hues inspired by the Mallorcan glow and vast water views set the tone for an unhurried Mediterranean holiday. Guests can float between the terraces planted with indigenous wild olive and 29 sea-facing rooms, warmed with sunny yellow accents. For an added dose of relaxation, the wellness area has an indoor pool and a light-washed wood gym that may be the chicest of all.

Gran Hotel Margalida is located at Carrer Major, 49, 07191 Banyalbufar, Illes Balears, Spain

Hoshinoya Nara Prison

Working with longtime collaborator and architect Rie Azuma, Hoshinoya Resorts has transformed the former Nara Prison – the sole survivor of architect Keijiro Yamashita's Five Great Meiji Prisons, built in 1908 by inmates – into 48 soigné suites. Each merges nine to eleven former cells, contrasting century-old red-brick masonry with contemporary finishes. The hotel’s layout mimics a hand: five cell wings radiate from a central watchtower where guards once surveyed prisoners. The former detention block now houses a Japanese-French restaurant, whilst an adjoining museum, provocatively titled ‘An Eternal Question Posed by an Iconic Prison’, asks visitors to meditate on liberty inside spaces built to deny it.

Hoshinoya Nara Prison is located at 18 Hannyajicho, Nara, 630-8102, Japan

Hôtel Nelligan, Montréal, Canada

Following a comprehensive transformation led by Corner Collection, a Montreal-based family-owned independent hospitality group, in collaboration with Atelier Zébulon Perron, the luxe redux of Hôtel Nelligan honours the heritage of existing architectural elements – including original stonework and exposed brick – while integrating refined materials to create a cohesive, elevated environment in lockstep with the past and present identity of Old Montréal. Fostering a deeper sense of place are partnerships with local artists and makers such as Lambert & Fils and St-Damase. The use of rich velvet sofas in elegantly curved shapes, deeply veined marble and warm wood infuses the interiors with character, from the 102 guest rooms to the atmospheric modern Greek restaurant and cocktail bar/music salon nestled within the old stone vaults.

Hôtel Nelligan is located at 106 Rue St-Paul Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 1Z3, Canada

Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes, Curio Collection by Hilton, San Sebastián, Spain

One of Spain’s earliest grand movie theatres just entered a second act as a striking hotel. Isabel López Vilalta recast the 1914 Beaux-Arts cinema as Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes, Curio Collection by Hilton, reawakening the building’s spirit and inviting an international audience to experience it anew. An audacious destination for design and gastronomy, the landmark hotel weaves rich colour, texture and subtle cinematic references into a tapestry of early film glamour and San Sebastián’s cultural heritage. The 81 rooms and suites are dressed in sumptuous shades of rose, with heavy drapery and velvet walls that nod to a theatrical past. This sense of drama carries through to the lobby bar and the highly anticipated Basque-influenced restaurant.

Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes, Curio Collection by Hilton is located at Urbieta Kalea, 61, 20006 Donostia / San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Shore Haven Inn, Falmouth, Massachusetts, USA

Cape Cod is one of New England’s most quintessential summer colonies, with an elite pedigree that spans the Kennedy clan and present-day polo-clad elites. But a younger, cooler, more accessible undercurrent is sweeping in. Riding this wave, Lark Hotels continues its commitment to reinvigorating tired stateside digs into hip haunts for modern-minded travellers. At the old Victorian hotel, formerly known as the Beach Breeze Inn, hydrangea-framed gardens, freshly cut lawns, white Adirondack chairs and a classic shingled exterior look like a postcard from the Cape. Boston-based Rachel Reider Interiors gave the hotel a fresh new look, anchored by a coastal palette of watery blues, soft greens and sand, complemented by textured wallcoverings, light wood and rattan accents.

Shore Haven Inn is located at 321 Shore St, Falmouth, MA 02540, United States

The Dean Munich

Irish lifestyle brand The Dean has arrived in Munich’s Westend. Set between the main station and Theresienwiese, the site of the annual Oktoberfest, the historic quarter trades its former factory past for creative studios and indie Java joints with Google and Apple offices nearby. Designer Tatjana von Stein, a Munich native, has reworked a 1970s hotel block into 281 rooms, fusing the city’s Art Nouveau roots with 1980s club culture. Glossy lacquer clashes with burr wood, velvet against polished chrome, whilst the lobby features an oversized eye motif channelling new-wave iconography. For sustenance, Ibasho opens with yellowtail hiramasa, slow-cooked pork shoulder temaco and Wagyu ribeye, and post-prandial treats are served up in four bars, including a hidden speakeasy.

The Dean Munich is located at Landsberger Str. 68, 80339 Munich, Germany

Read our full hotel review of The Dean Munich

June 2026

Casa Cedo, Porto, Portugal

Porto is known for Port wine and the bridges across the Douro River, but it’s underrated when it comes to its boutique hotel scene. Casa Cedo has the potential to put the city on the design-driven hospitality map for a cohort of travellers who prioritise intimacy and curation over spectacle and scale. Daniela Franceschini, founder of Lisbon-based Quiet Studios, worked closely with local artisans and creatives – including Ayala Braidman, a ceramist based in Porto, and Portuguese visual artist Juliana Julieta – to imbue the property with character. The rich details carry from the eight rooms to the common areas: a lounge area, rooftop, private rear garden and a living/dining room that hosts special events with buzzed-about local chefs, as well as a hybrid reception and retail cabinet with ceramics, coffee, fresh flowers and Byredo fragrances.

Casa Cedo is located at R. de Cedofeita n. 334, 4050-174 Porto, Portugal

La Darbia, Chianti, Italy

A peaceful escape with access to wineries in Chianti and Florence (just a 25-minute drive away), La Darbia sits on a hilltop estate spanning 15 hectares of olive groves, meadows, and lavender fields. Restored by Studio Primatesta, the intimate retreat is the result of a meticulous renovation that preserves the 11th-century site’s original character and heritage. A contemporary spark comes through local materials – pietra serena, terracotta, travertine, and wood – and traditional craftsmanship techniques, such as intricate woodwork by Flavio Bettio, which ground its sense of place. Tucked into a trio of historic farmhouses, each of the 17 light-filled suites (four of which cater to families) is individually decorated with layered textures, while the windows frame the rolling countryside. The restaurant, led by Chef Sebastiano Pagliaro, serves seasonal Tuscan cuisine. All guests have access to two panoramic swimming pools.

La Darbia is located at Via Case Sparse (Greve), 16, 50022 Greve in Chianti, Italy

Eréma, Milos, Greece

Empiria Group arrived in Milos with the opening of Erema, a member of Design Hotels, located on the southeastern coast of the island near Provatas Beach. While the moon-like landscape may be hard to pull your gaze away from, the architecture and interiors by Athens-based ID Laboratorium, led by Stamos Hondrodimos, are equally arresting without pulling focus. The volcanic terrain lays the foundation for its sensibility and environmental consciousness. Minerals such as stone and marble, alongside sun-faded earth tones, contribute to a grounded feel. From the 41 suites, each with a private pool and panoramic terraces overlooking the Aegean Sea, to the two restaurants, the indoor and outdoor spaces flow together, an expression of the Cycladic lifestyle. The third location of Anthologist, a boutique curated by Andria Mitsakos, stocks global finds, Greek ceramics and vintage treasures.

Eréma is located at Cape Chalaka, Plaka 848 00, Greece

Faraway Sag Harbor, New York

Faraway, the hip, heritage-tinged brand from Blue Flag, with outposts in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, has expanded its reach out East. For Faraway Sag Harbor, Jenny Bukovec Studio, in collaboration with the in-house design team, gave the old Baron’s Cove a full facelift, reimagining the iconic hotel, located just a short walk from Havens Beach and Main Street, into a fresh-faced bolthole that draws on maritime history, merging a coastal palette and oceanic revival motifs. The 67 rooms and suites are clad in saturated hues and warm wood. The lobby lounge is envisioned as a hangout when not enjoying the outdoor spaces, including the covered porch, lush patio – conceived as the heart of the social scene – and outdoor pool. Guests also have access to Amalfi Coast–inspired dining at Zagara, a ground-floor bar and lounge and a gym.

Faraway Sag Harbor is located at 31 W. Water Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, United States

Kitirua Plains Lodge, Amboseli National Park, Kenya

Abercrombie & Kent’s return to Kenya, with the opening of Kitirua Plains Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary in Amboseli National Park, marks a full-circle moment informed by the legacy of having defined luxury safari travel in the 1960s and a clear vision for the future. Pivoting from archetypal tented camps to something more permanent, Luxury Frontiers created structures from quarried stone with sculptural roofs that nod to traditional mud-building forms and timber screening. Interiors draw directly from the surrounding dust, grasslands and wetlands. Earth tones come to life in textured clay plaster walls, green stucco, green onyx accents, locally sourced Mazeras stone and handwoven sisal ceilings. Kenyan-made furniture crafted from mango wood and African teak is complemented by woven grass artwork and raffia accessories. The sculptural spiral staircase in the main lodge, open-air boma for storytelling and meals under the stars and yoga deck are also calibrated to the landscape.

Kitirua Plains Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary is located at Amboseli National Park, Ol Tukai, Kenya

May 2026

The Baby Grand, Coronado, USA

For its second hotel venture, The Baby Grand, San Diego-based hospitality group CH Projects (the team behind the power-clash cult-favorite Lafayette Hotel in North Park) snapped up a prime perch along Orange Avenue. Once an asphalt parking lot, the 31-key boutique is poised to become Coronado’s coolest stay, steering away from the dulcet tones synonymous with SoCal style. Brooklyn studio Post Company crafted a lush aesthetic that toes the line between overgrown jungle and fantastical underwater oasis. The lobby roars with sculpted rock formations, swaying palms and private lagoons. The under-the-sea themes play out vividly in the rooms, with iridescent clamshell headboards and oversized mirrored minibars mashed up against custom leaf wallpaper and bold leopard prints. The flashy, sensorial feast carries over into dining concepts: an oyster-and-champagne bar with an ornate mosaic of sea creatures and a craggy, Greek-inspired taverna.

The Baby Grand is located at 1315 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, United States

Hotel Corduroy, Montauk, USA

Montauk, the easternmost point of Long Island and the furthest of the Hamptons towns from New York City, retains a more laid-back appeal than the buttoned-up, busier East Hampton. Hotel Corduroy – the latest venture from Blue Flag Capital, which also includes The Beachside on Nantucket – takes over the former Sunset Montauk. To convert the old motor court into a cool summer weekend escape, Ward + Gray drew on the area’s surfing heritage and its Atlantic coastal setting, grounding the project in a palette of deep green, sun-faded red and light oak. Conceived with mingling in mind, the 29-key hotel will feature outdoor gathering spaces for golden-hour cocktails and firepit stargazing, while the rooms act as sanctuaries with grasscloth wallpaper, reeded bamboo bedside tables and rattan-wrapped consoles.

Hotel Corduroy is located at 437 West Lake Drive, Montauk, NY 11954, United States

Nômade Temple Madrid, Spain

Mexican-owned Nômade brings its breezy, wellness-centric bohemian ethos to Spain’s largest city with Nômade Temple Madrid, a creativity-driven urban destination for design, culture and healing. Housed within the restored Las Letras building on Gran Vía, the hotel’s layered aesthetic, the work of Oneness, is a visual expression of its eclectic vibe – sun-faded reds, geometric prints, modular seating, bold lighting. There's a deeply entrenched spirituality, yet it’s still very socialable. The 93 rooms and two penthouses are tailored for rest; likewise, GÖN House of Healing focuses on restoration. The scene beyond the guests' quarters and wellness wing is far more happening: a 112-seat restaurant draped in natural stone, aged brass and dramatic drapery; a communal cafe softly lit with vintage-style lamps; a speakeasy and nightclub for vinyl and vivid photo opps and a lush, romantic rooftop.

Nômade Temple Madrid is located at Calle Gran Vía, 11, 28013 Madrid, Spain

Sublime Sand, Comporta, Portugal

Following the well-laid roadmap of its destination-defining older sibling, Sublime Sand captures the wild, natural ethos of Portugal’s chicest coastal enclave. The architecture by Lisbon-based Fragmentos in collaboration with Sublime Comporta’s original architect, José Charrua, harmonises with the rugged, windswept landscape of Alentejo, where umbrella pines and cork trees perfume the air and rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see. The indoor-outdoor spaces, created by Andringa Studio, take a similar approach – drawing from the sun-faded palette of the surrounding landscape and incorporating minimalist textures, local materials like wood and stone and sculptural forms. These elements come together across the multi-bedroom villas, Beefbar, Davvero – the crowd-pleasing Italian restaurant from Sublime Lisboa – as well as the wellness facility and kids’ club.

Sublime Sand is located at Estrada Nacional (EN) 261-1, 7570-337 Muda, CCI 3954 Grândola, Portugal

Tierras Villas, Crete, Greece

A quiet departure from the thumping beats of Mykonos and the hordes swarming Santorini, Crete’s newest refuge, part of the family-owned Omicron Hotels group, focuses on heritage and halcyon. Designed by Manos Kipritidis, Tierras Villas embraces a peacefulness that’s both visual and visceral, signalling a shift in how the island is being discovered – slower, more intentionally, with a stronger orientation toward nature and an eye for aesthetics. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Mediterranean, each of the five minimally designed villas features calming hues and organic materials such as stone and wood, along with a private pool and expansive terraces for sipping a crisp, chilled glass of Vidiano while soaking in sweeping views of the sparkling sea and blue sky.

Tierras Villas is located at Mononaftis, Ag.Pelagia, 715 00 Crete, Heraklion 715 00, Greece

April 2026

Airelles Palladio, Venezia, Italy

The first project outside France for Airelles reaffirms the French hotel group’s knack for transforming historic landmarks into richly appointed luxury retreats. Spread across impeccably restored buildings – including the church of Santa Maria della Presentazione – the property occupies the site of the late-16th-century Bauer Palladio. Architect and interior designer Christophe Tollemer conjures a Venetian fantasy, steeped in heritage and the serenity of Giudecca. A warm palette of ambers, mahogany and deep blues, along with terrazzo and marble floors, custom Fortuny chandeliers, delicate Murano glass pieces, Rubelli wall coverings and hand-selected antiques gives the impression of staying at a noble villa. The elegant effect carries through the 45 rooms and suites, three restaurants, five bars, a spa and wellness area and swimming pools.

Airelles Palladio, Venezia is located at Fondamenta Zitelle, 33, 30133 Venice, Italy

Conrad Athens The Ilisian, Greece

Like the phoenix, the regenerative bird that rises from the ashes in Greek mythology, Conrad Athens The Ilisian emerges from the remains of its predecessor: the former Hilton Athens. Occupying the redeveloped mid-century modernist landmark on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, the 307-key hotel commemorates the building’s legacy, incorporating the original 620-square-meter marble façades by 20th-century Greek artist Yannis Moralis and exterior illumination by Eleftheria Deko, the Emmy Award-winning lighting designer behind the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens. The interiors by AvroKO pay tribute to the past through original furnishings pulled from the archives, which contrast with the sleek finishes and pop art of its modern revival. There are tonal rooms and suites with skyline views, nine restaurants and bars – including Athens’s first rooftop bar, reborn as Galaxy Dispensary – a spa and the largest outdoor pool in the city.

Conrad Athens The Ilisian is located at Vasilissis Sofias 46, Athina 115 28, Greece

Delano Miami Beach, USA

Delano Miami Beach isn’t a new build – the landmark property dates back to 1948, when its 14‑story tower was the tallest on the strip. Yet if you weren’t aware of its past, the slick surfaces and gleaming fixtures might belie its age. The transformation, led by Elastic, celebrates the spirit and sun-dappled lifestyle of Miami, while honouring the hotel’s legacy. The glossy pool area is flanked by umbrellas, accented with playful fringe. Rooms are bright and airy with crisp linens, light chevron wood flooring, rugs that evoke the soft sands below and large, ocean-facing windows. Gigi Rigolatto, the first-floor Italian concept designed by Hugo Toro, is a soaring oasis of striped plaster walls, intricately carved wooden panels and yellow Sienna marble.

Delano Miami Beach is located at 1685 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, United States

Read our full hotel review of Delano Miami Beach

Four Seasons Cartagena, Colombia

Located in Getsemaní, a vibrant neighbourhood steps from the Walled City, Four Seasons Cartagena captures the rhythm, romance and Caribbean charisma of Colombia’s most seductive city while also offering a sense of tranquillity and resort-style amenities. WATG breathed new life into a collection of historic buildings, restoring the Cloister of Saint Francis, timeworn façades, courtyards and the original Club Cartagena grand staircase. French designer François Catroux, in collaboration with Wimberly Interiors and AvroKO, shaped the interiors, which unfold in a warm embrace of old-world charm: intricate woodwork, sun-baked hues, and furnishings and textiles created by Colombian artisan Poli Mallarino. Guests can choose between colonial-style or contemporary rooms, each infused with timeless character. French studio SBM Interior Design extends the visual identity across the eight food and beverage venues, including the cocktail bar dedicated to architect Gastón Lelarge.

Four Seasons Cartagena is located at Calle 30 Media Luna 8B #8B-44, Getsemani, Cartagena 130001, Colombia

Read our full hotel review of Four Seasons Cartagena

Vestige Binidufà, Menorca, Spain

The buzz of Ibiza (thankfully) hasn’t yet reached Menorca. Nestled within an 800-hectare private estate on the island’s unspoiled northern coast, where native Minorcan cattle roam the untouched countryside, Vestige Binidufà preserves the bucolic side of the Balearics, sharing its sprawling grounds and amenities – including two restaurants, swimming pools and wellness facilities – with its hilltop sister, Vestige Son Ermità, which opened in June 2025. Shaped by the land and its history as a working farm, the in-house design studio, Vestige Estudio, restored a red-colored finca into an 11-bedroom, valley-ringed hideout that harmonises rustic farmhouse charm and serene sophistication, expressed through earthy hues, exposed wood beam ceilings, terracotta tile flooring, stone soaking tubs and antiques from the family’s collection.

Vestige Binidufà is located at Diseminado Binideufa, 18, 07750 Ferreries, Illes Balears, Spain

March 2026

1 Hotel Tokyo, Japan

Adding to Tokyo’s striking skyline, 1 Hotel Tokyo, the brand’s first seedling in Japan, is a masterclass in sustainable luxury within an urban setting, rising atop Akasaka Trust Tower. To create a biophilic oasis in one of Asia’s largest cities, Creme, in collaboration with 1 Hotel’s in-house design team, turned to nature, bringing the outdoors in through the thoughtful use of natural materials, a practice deeply rooted in both 1 Hotels’ philosophy and Japanese design. A vertical botanical installation, Oya stone and recycled timber panels greet guests in the 38th-floor lobby. Rooms are adorned with muted earthy hues, abundant greenery and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood in sunlight. The spaces feel like a breath of fresh air: a visual reset, a place to unwind above the bustle of the city.

1 Hotel Tokyo is located at 2 Chome-17-22 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan

Read our full hotel review of 1 Hotel Tokyo

Fairmont Hanoi, Vietnam

Fairmont Hanoi, the brand’s first debut in Vietnam, adds a splash of modern luxury to the city’s Old Quarter. Glimmering gold and dripping in glamour, the 241-key hotel is a contemporary take on the opulence of Vietnamese tradition, poised to become a landmark in its own right. Influenced by French Colonial and Indochinese architecture, the sculpted, articulated façade, with collonaded podiums and balconies, punctuates the ever-changing cityscape. The interiors by Aston Design extend the aesthetic, while layering in elements that echo Vietnamese symbolism and the surrounding landscape, from a large-scale floral installation in the lobby to the vertical tapestry of vegetation in the courtyard. The clutch restaurants, bars and lounges serve as the social hubs, while the 3,500-square-meter spa and light wood-accented rooms channel artistry into relaxation.

Fairmont Hanoi is located at 10 Tran Nguyen Han Street, Hanoi, Vietnam

Read our full hotel review of Fairmont Hanoi

The Huntington Hotel, San Francisco, USA

San Francisco is in the midst of a renaissance, driven by new culinary and hospitality happenings, most notably the return of the Huntington Hotel. Once frequented by luminaries like Truman Capote, the storied Georgian estate helped put the city on the map. The redux – now part of Leading Hotels of the World – seeks to reclaim its cultural legacy. For hometown designer Ken Fulk, returning Nob Hill’s crown jewel to its ivy-clad glory required a grand reimagining of its accommodations, restaurant and wellness facilities, alongside a careful polishing of original plasterwork ceilings and boiserie panels. The 143 rooms and suites capture the elegance of the hotel’s heyday, enhanced by the allure of warm, muted hues and bold art. The Big Four benefited from a gracious upgrade without compromising its character, while the emblematic Nob Hill Spa once again beckons with an atrium crowned by Moorish fretwork and a heated indoor swimming pool.

The Huntington Hotel is located at 1075 California St, San Francisco, CA 94108, United States

The Lake Como Edition, Italy

Situated on Lake Como’s western shore in Cadenabbia, The Lake Como Edition balances heritage and hip, standing out among the historic landmarks of Italy’s most legendary lakeside destination. The Edition’s creative directors, Kirstin Bailey and Paul Haslhofer, in collaboration with Neri&Hu and architectural partner De.Tales, transformed a 19th-century palazzo into a modern interpretation of Italian glamour, translating the landscape – lush flora, turquoise water, pink sunsets – into a colour palette complemented by marble-faced archways and terrazzo floors. The lobby lounge is punctuated by a celadon green Sekoya marble bar and a custom Neri + Hu bauble chandelier, while the lakefront pool deck, dotted with striped umbrellas, looks ready to splash across postcards. Walnut furnishings and arched windows add character to the 148 rooms. True to the hotel’s forward-thinking ethos, there’s a state-of-the-art longevity spa for high-tech biohacking treatments and cryotherapy.

The Lake Como Edition is located at Via Regina, 41, 22011 Cadenabbia, Italy

Read our full hotel review of The Lake Como Edition

Six Senses London, UK

While most of London’s luxury hotels cluster around Mayfair and Belgravia, Six Senses London plants its flag in the heart of Bayswater. Taking cues from the building’s origins as the city’s first major department store, AvroKO looked to the heritage façade, the Great Exhibition and the streamliners of that era, weaving in modern, streamlined thinking and a soft palette that shifts the mood from retail to retreat. The residential-style rooms and suites unfold in a serene sweep of rounded forms, inky blues and warm woods. Some feature soaking tubs or glass stall showers that resemble old-school phone booths. Works by contemporary British artists complement a sculptural green bar, curved velvet seating and orb-like lighting in Whiteley’s Bar. Follow the restored circular staircase down to the basement spa, replete with a handmade porcelain petal sculpture by Ula Saniawa, a vaulted swimming pool and a biohacking recovery lounge.

Six Senses London is located at 1 Redan Pl, London W2 4SA, United Kingdom

Read our full hotel review of Six Senses London

February 2026

Alila Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Far removed from nightclubs and co-eds in Cancun, Alila Mayakoba shows off a more tranquil, down-to-earth side of the Riviera Maya. Huber Design Studio took a biophilic approach, celebrating the ecological beauty and deep cultural roots of the Yucatán Peninsula. Situated at the intersection of nature and culture, the five-star, adult-centric resort unfolds across mangrove-framed waterways, cenotes and the Caribbean coastline. Native, locally sourced materials – including tropical hardwoods such as tzalam, parota and rosa morada, along with stone ranging from hand-chiselled Mérida limestone to travertine – ground the design. Furniture, ceramics and henequén textiles handcrafted by Mexican artisans reinforce a sense of proximity and purpose, resulting in a retreat that feels deeply rooted in place while thoughtfully reducing its environmental footprint.

Alila Mayakoba is located at Carretera Federal Cancún-Playa del Carmen KM 298, Mexico

Ayan Zalaat, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Set on a 34-acre estate just outside Ulaanbaatar, Ayan Zalaat gives visitors a visually stunning and immersive introduction to Mongolian heritage. The combination of architecture led by the Mabetex Group and interior design by Fabio Friso reflect the country’s rich roots, while introducing a new echelon of glamour and grandeur to contrast its rugged surroundings. From the opulent double staircase and chandelier-studded reception to the 10 dazzling F&B concepts, it’s lavish on a considerably large-scale – but its sumptuous scene never overshadows its spirituality. The 32 rooms and suites show off bespoke furnishings, premium Mongolian wool carpets, marble bathrooms and expansive windows for soaking in the panoramic views. The property is also home to the Soma Temple and an ornately decorated Mongolian theatre, adorned with bright colours and intricate motifs, that hosts traditional throat singing (khöömii).

Ayan Zalaat is located at BZD - 11 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 13241, Mongolia

The Newman, London, UK

Designed by the London-based studio Lind + Almond, The Newman is a new independent hotel that strikes a balance between a modern creative vision and nods to Fitzrovia's decades-long bohemian and literary heritage. Drawing inspiration from Art Deco design and the vibrant, creative spirit of the neighbourhood itself, the 81 rooms, including 16 suites, mix a soft yet warm neutral palette and geometric shapes with scene-setting art and a curated selection of books. Guests will also notice references to iconic figures such as the curves of the wood on the headboards, which recall the oversized bangles worn by British writer, heiress and political activist Nancy Cunard. Bathrooms feature bespoke tiling that echoes the façade of Gem Langham Court Hotel and sinks influenced by Shropshire House.

The Newman is located at 50 Newman St, London W1T 3EB, UK

Read our full hotel review of The Newman

The Vineta Hotel, Palm Beach, USA

The newest entrant to the posh Palm Beach scene, The Vineta Hotel, marks the first US opening for Oetker Hotels (the luxury hospitality brand behind Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc and Eden Rock - St Barths). Set on Cocoanut Row, just two blocks from Worth Avenue shopping, the elegant property revives what was previously The Chesterfield, a beloved Palm Beach hotel. Paris-based interior designer Tino Zervudachi headed the top-to-bottom renovation of the 1926 landmark, restoring iconic elements such as the distinctive Mediterranean Revival façade and leaning into its 100-year-old legacy with signature Palm Beach pastels and details like scalloped pendant lights that ooze coastal glamour. Snowbirds can expect 41 light-filled rooms, a flower-framed courtyard restaurant called Coco’s, a cocktail bar and a pool flanked by sun loungers.

The Vineta Hotel is located at 363 Cocoanut Row, Palm Beach, FL 33480, United States

White Elephant Aspen, USA

Colorado’s chicest winter hotspot welcomes a new stay aimed at the well-dressed coteries. White Elephant Aspen – the brand’s first Western outpost, joining properties in Nantucket and Palm Beach – introduces a contemporary, alpine-chic aesthetic to Aspen. The brainchild of Boston-based architectural firm EMBARC, the 54-key hotel showcases a mountainside colourway of white, cognac and charcoal, complemented by the natural textures of leather, wood and stone. Rooms and suites (some of which have crackling fireplaces) are kitted with porcelain tile, embossed headboards and oil-rubbed bronze light fixtures. The art collection boasts 125 original works, including landscapes by Alex Katz and rotating photography of nearby Maroon Bells by Bob Tabor. Guests familiar with the portfolio will appreciate the playful details, such as elephant door knockers.

White Elephant Aspen is located at 110 W Main St, Aspen, CO 81611, United States

January 2026

Andaz One Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

For Andaz One Bangkok, a new lifestyle hotel on historic Wireless Road, Thailand interior design firm PIA drew inspiration from the pulse of the city, from the motorbike-jammed bustling streets to the hidden alleys. Envisioned as a base for ‘curious urban travellers,’ the design and energy aim to match the exuberance of the Thai capital. Colour and texture play an important role in expressing a sense of evolution. Arches – in mirrors, hallways and windows – nod to the curved lines of the Thai mid-century movement, while pops of sunny yellow and orange, bold works by Thai female artists and traditional window grills inject character and personality. As much a place to unwind as to sip cocktails at the swank lounge or swim in the outdoor infinity pool overlooking Lumphini Park, the 244 rooms are quiet with peaceful, leafy views.

Andaz One Bangkok is located at 201 Wireless Road, Lumphini, Patumwan, 10330 Bangkok, Thailand

Chesa Marchetta, Engadin Valley, Switzerland

In 2014, Iwan and Manuela Wirth, co-founders of the international gallery Hauser & Wirth, expanded into hospitality with the creation of Artfarm and, four years later, opened The Fife Arms in Scotland. The creative powerhouse couple has done it again with Chesa Marchetta, a cosy 13-bedroom retreat in Sils Maria, a small village in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley. Reimagined by the design-oriented duo and frequent collaborator Luis Laplace, of the Paris-based interior architecture firm Laplace, the seasonal refuge comprises four historic buildings dating back to the 16th century, decorated with arven wood panelling, traditional Engadin furniture and blankets from a nearby weaving collective. As to be expected, the art collection is exceptional: a mix of works by Old Masters and local artists, alongside murals by Corin Sands. There’s also a former barn turned 46-seat restaurant, adorned with stone and an exposed wood-beam ceiling.

Chesa Marchetta is located at Via da Marias 88, 7514 Sils im Engadin/Segl, Switzerland

Read our full hotel review of Chesa Marchetta

Oculto, Mexico City, Mexico

Oculto, the latest venture from Vida Lenta – the hospitality group behind Hotel Dama in Condesa and Hotel Parián in Roma Norte – is an intimate boutique gem in Mexico City’s trendy Juárez neighbourhood. Fernanda Diaz, of Mexico City-based interior design studio Eran, conceived the hotel as both an intentional hideaway for travellers and a tribute to Mexican craftsmanship and creativity. Tucked behind an unassuming façade on Calle Versailles, the 21-room bolthole veers toward minimalism with polished concrete floors and clean lines, yet the interiors are anything but sterile. The palpable warmth comes from the thoughtful layering of locally sourced antiques and contemporary art, creating an authentic atmosphere that encourages slowing down while remaining unmistakably spirited, like CDMX itself.

Oculto is located at Calle Versalles 80, 06600 Mexico City, Mexico

Soori Penang, George Town, Malaysia

​For Soo K. Chan, ​the founder of award-winning firm​ SCDA Architects, Soori Penang​ – the follow-up to the flagship Soori Bali – is deeply personal. ​Situated in the oldest part​ of George Town, the UNESCO-designated historic heart of Penang, ​the extraordinary undertaking reinvents a​ collection of Khoo clan​ shophouses​, where the architect was born and raised, into an intimate 15-key ​luxury boutique hotel. Centuries-old craftsmanship shines, reflecting an unwavering reverence for the past, thoughtfully reinterpreted through a contemporary mindset. The generously proportioned one- to three-bedroom ​suites are imbued with heritage details, from motifs inspired by the ornate Khoo Kongsi temple to carved stone and onyx lanterns, complemented by custom-designed furniture and latticed shutters. Inner courtyards, with reflective pools and bespoke stone fountains, provide a tranquil place to unwind between excursions.

Soori Penang is located at 48 Lebuh Aceh, George Town, Penang, 10300, Malaysia

Read our full hotel review of Soori Penang

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi

International architecture and design firm Studio Gronda transformed an older resort in the South Ari Atoll into a stylish vacation paradise where tropical escapism is elevated with sun-dappled sophistication. The newly unveiled V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, debuting as part of Accor’s MGallery Collection, echoes the barefoot luxury essence of Maldivian holidays. In tune with the rhythms of island living, each of the 42 villas showcases contemporary open-air architecture, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. Throughout the property, guest sanctuaries are accented with timber floors, vaulted ceilings, natural textures and handcrafted furnishings. Accommodations range from overwater villas with private sun decks suspended above the lagoon to beachfront abodes shrouded by lush greenery, as well as multi-bedroom suites complete with private pools.

V Villas Maldives at Mirihi - MGallery Collection is located at Mirihi Island, 00190, Maldives

Apple’s first retail location in Malaysia stands out amid the skyline of the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The tech company is known for its revolutionary, ergonomically efficient and refined designs, and stays true to the same ethos in its architectural expression (an approach we also witnessed at Apple’s Cupertino HQ and sculpture park). A fresh case in point is the new Malaysian flagship, which offers crisp white lines, minimalist architecture and interiors, and a semi-sunken shop floor in a futuristic build that feels distinctly 'Apple', courtesy of the brand's architects-of-choice, Foster + Partners.

Apple’s first retail location in Malaysia opens to the public

Located in the new Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), the store is designed as a glazed dome. From a distance, the roof is seemingly floating above ground, as it perches above delicate polished stainless-steel columns and is finished with a glass balcony that wraps around the exterior. The globally renowned architecture studio made sure the building feels flowing and dynamic and its curved shapes reflect that; yet from above it takes on a smooth square-like appearance.

The store connects to the mall’s central atrium and is laid out across three levels. Crafted from organic materials including natural stone walls, light terrazzo floors and a timber ceiling, the overall approach in the building works towards a crisp visual freshness that responds to the country's warm climate. The rooftop park integrates surrounding vegetation with a tropical garden and a communal lawn that wraps around the store’s upper level.

The geometries of the domed roof were crafted to respond to its context. Its angled fins are designed to control solar radiation, shading the store's glass façade and extending to create a sheltered walkway around its edge.

Leading down into the store, a sculptural quartz and glass staircase and elevator support circulation between levels. On the lowest floor, which is connected to the interior of the mall, display tables offer all the latest products. A boardroom and video wall are also integrated into the design, alongside a dedicated pick-up station.

‘We are delighted to see Apple The Exchange TRX opening its doors to the public. The project captures the vitality of the city, with a layered roof of stacked solar shading blades that appears to float above the landscape,’ said Stefan Behling, head of studio at Foster + Partners. ‘Galleries and walkways provide spectacular views of the natural surroundings and offer unexpected lines of sight through the store at different levels. The store’s grand interior showcases Apple’s innovative product line-ups and aims to elevate people’s spirits with the celebration of light and shadow.’

apple.comfosterandpartners.com

For various historical and infrastructural reasons, Malaysia’s resorts have all tended to cluster along its west coast, leaving the eastern flank in a remarkably pristine condition, thick with virgin rainforests and soft sanded beaches.

Capitalising on this natural bounty is the One&Only group’s first Asia property. Set on a 128 acre estate, the resort’s 45 breezy bright suites are the work of the Kerry Hill Architects. Fans of the Aman resorts, with whom the Singapore-based studio has been a long-time collaborator, will recognise, amidst the swathes of stone, linear perspectives and dense landscaping, a familiar layout of cascading terraces and pools – the centrepiece being a vast network of lawn and boxed gardens that leads, temple-like, past a 50m infinity pool and down to the 1.5 km stretch of private beach and the South China Sea beyond.

Special applause, especially, for the capacious Chenot-managed spa, and the manicure and pedicure salon run by the ever-fabulous Bastien Gonzalez.

ADDRESS

No. 7, Persiaran Damai
Desaru Coast
Kota Tinggi
Desaru
Johor
Malaysia

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Following recent openings such as The RuMa, Momo’s and The Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur’s hotel scene continues to rise with the unveiling of KLoé, a lifestyle hub and hotel, in the capital’s Bukit Bintang district.

Local firm Domaine Architects has balanced the concrete bones of the new build with soothing duck-egg blue and sage hues, laidback furnishings and specially commissioned pieces by local designers, craftsmen and artists, making KLoé the ultimate insider’s guide to the city’s talents.

Adding to this, five bespoke Lofts have been conceptualised together with a handful of local tastemakers, such as celebrity chef Sarah Benjamin, who has curated a selection of artisanal produce and books in Room to Taste.

Aimed at travellers and locals alike, the hotel has a holistic wellness centre alongside a stellar F&B offering including a coffee shop, a cocktail bar and Monroe, a restaurant that hums from the first plate of eggs at brunch to last orders at night. 

INFORMATION

Website

ADDRESS 

227 Jalan Bukit Bintang
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

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The hoardings had barely come off its 113-room The Chow Kit before the Ormond Group was already prepping for the close up of its 99-room MoMo’s around the corner.

The conceit here is the micro-room whose no-frills approach is compensated by Sydney-based studio Akin Atelier’s quirky approach to stacking beds and use of blond timber accent panels, recessed lighting that add depth, raised nooks for slide-away storage, and a light pink palette. The best rooms in the house look out over the Chow Kit neighbourhood, though even the internal rooms feature plenty of natural light thanks to the capacious air-well that cuts through the building’s core.

If it’s not already clear, the bedrooms are designed to be base-camps for sleep and changes of outfits, and not much else. Instead, the draw comes from the public spaces which Ormond and Akin have conceived as lively internal piazzas spruced up by a casual self-serve bar stocked with Mexican fare, snacks and cocktails and which, by night, turns into an ironically self-aware dive fueled by live music, barbecued corn on the cob, tacos and churros.

Equally attractive draws are the titular Chow Kit street market and buzzy Jalan Sultan Ismail neighbourhood just minutes away on foot.

ADDRESS

316 Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman
Kuala Lumpur

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For too long now, Kuala Lumpur’s cache of five-star hotels have tended to default towards the cliché of big marble foyers and equally massive flower arrangements. Hats off then to the fledgling locally-based Ormond Group for its chutzpah.

For starters, its debut property, the 113-room The Chow Kit, is named after the nearby street market and red-light district in buzzy Jalan Sultan Ismail, just around the corner from the Shangri-La.

Inspired by the neighbourhood’s colour and somewhat seedy reputation, the Brooklyn-based Studio Tack has created an appropriately moody noir-ish vibe which it layers with thick fabrics, tufted banquettes, and rugs.

The public spaces – dressed with locally commissioned artwork and conceived, much like an Ace hotel lobby, as a neighbourhood hangout – are neatly set off by the rooftop yoga and meditation pavilion, and an in-house restaurant serving up a menu of updated Malaysian standards. All of which is a promising start to next month’s opening next door of the Ormond’s micro-room hotel, MoMo.

ADDRESS

316 Jalan Sultan Ismail

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Penang, a sun-kissed island floating on the north-west corner of the Malaysian peninsula, has long been celebrated for its mix of extant colonial architecture and lively food scene. The newly opened 162-room The Prestige in the city’s old quarter only adds to the allure.

Careful not to detract from the area’s fin de siècle urban footprint, architect KL Wong’s imposing white pile of high arches and grillwork opens into a playful interior by Singapore-based Ministry of Design.

Here, the mood riffs off Christian Bale’s Victorian magician flick The Prestige with long corridors camouflaged with dizzying Escher-ish black and white cubed floor patterns, Art Deco chrome lattices, bathrooms behind hidden doors, and desks that seem to float over chrome spheres.

The rooftop saltwater pool looks over the port and the Strait of Malacca, though the attention is pleasurably diverted by head chef Shafiq Rizhar Rozali’s Peranakan-inflected nasi ulam, and fried chicken marinated in a honey gochujang paste.

INFORMATION

Website

ADDRESS

8 Gat Lebuh Gereja
Georgetown

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Following the success of The PuLi in Shanghai, Urban Resorts Concepts (URC) continues its expansion with a flurry of new openings that includes its debut in Malaysia.

Occupying the first 18 floors of a 37-storey mixed-use skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle neighbourhood, the 253-room hotel has been outfitted by Shanghai-based firm MQ-studio, which has created an urban retreat with local references inspired by the country’s colourful history: latticed patterns dotted throughout are a nod to traditional chequered sarongs; original pillars at the entrance have been salvaged from historic Malaysian homes; and details like the copper ceilings, wall lamps and the grand spiral staircase nod to the country’s tin mining history.

Upstairs, the guestrooms – some with views of the Petronas Towers – feature a colonial aesthetic, with lots of rattan, while a bonsai tree, from the rubber tree species, hints at Malaysia’s rubber industry.

With a sixth floor infinity pool, a spa that has a Truefitt & Hill Barber, round the clock check in and check out, 24-hour butler service for selected suites, access to a complimentary in-room minibar and the freedom to breakfast in any of the hotel’s restaurant, which includes ATAS, a modern Malaysian eatery, there really is no reason to leave. But if you do, KLCC and its array of shops are just across the park.

ADDRESS

7, Jalan Kia Peng

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Alila Bangsar
Kuala Lumpur

Occupying the top seven floors of The Establishment, a mixed-use skyscraper, in Kuala Lumpur’s affluent Bangsar neighbourhood, the 137-room Alila Bangsar hotel has been outfitted by Shanghai-based practice Neri&Hu who has created an urban retreat by imparting its signature low-key aesthetic with lots of slatted timber, marble, understated lighting and custom-designed furnishings in calming white, sun-drenched tones. On the top three floors are the open-air swimming pool, best experienced at sunrise, and Entier, the modern French restaurant, where chef Masashi Hirouchi works a menu based on nose-to-tail dining with dishes such as the roasted spring chicken in salt crust dough served with chicken fat mashed potato. If this isn’t your thing, the colourful maze of textile shops, jewellery stores and restaurants of Little India are just a 10-minute stride away.

58, Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfields; T: 60 3-2268 3888; www.alilahotels.com/bangsar; Rates from: £60

Eastern & Oriental
Penang

On the banks of the Andaman Sea, the pearl of Penang is the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, founded in the 1800s by the Sarkies brothers who were also behind Raffles in Singapore and The Strand in Yangon. A favourite of a kaleidoscope of VIPS from Rudyard Kipling to American actor Douglas Fairbanks,the property is divided into two complexes: the Heritage Wing (the original tower), which houses 100 suites, while the Victory Annexe, a newer block built in 2013, is home to 122 guestrooms. With the historic core of Georgetown right on your doorstep, there's lots to see, do and eat. Just make sure to come back to the hotel for traditional afternoon tea at 1885.

10, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town; T: 60.4 222 2000; www.eohotels.com; Rates from: £109

Four Seasons Hotel
Kuala Lumpur

Located in the city’s buzzy Golden Triangle neighbourhood, with lush views over KLCC Park, the the 209-room Four Seasons property can be found in a sleek mixed-use skyscraper designed by local firm NRY Architects. Without straying from the brand’s MO for understated luxury, global firm Wilson Associates layered the guestrooms with tactile leather details, double layered curtains and textured wallpaper in muted grey tones that don’t detract from the views. Three of the six bars and restaurants have been outfitted by Hong Kong-based AB Concept, who brought the outside in with lots of natural light and floral motifs, particularly at Yun House, where chef Jimmy Wong’s double-boiled black garlic and sea whelk soup is a must-try.

145, Jalan Ampang; T: 60.3 2382 8888; www.fourseasons.com/kualalumpur; Rates from: £180

Ritz Carlton
Langkawi

On a wooded promontory on Langkawi's southwest coast, the Ritz Carlton is a jaw-dropper. Seven years in the making, the hotel further highlight's the island as Malaysia's leading luxury destination with a 119 suites and villas, some with private pools and views of the Andaman sea; an indulgent overwater spa that offers treatments inspired by the healing and beauty rituals of Malaysia's shamans and midwives; and a series of top-notch culinary offerings. So, aFter spending the day on the stretch of powdery sands, head to Horizon, for a sundowner, before making your way to The Beach Grill, which serves up a menu that focuses on freshly caught seafood, like the delicious garlic prawns with chilli and coriander.

MY-09, Jalan Pantai Kok, Teluk Nibung; T: 60.4 952 4888; www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/malaysia/langkawi; Rates from: £400

Seven Terraces
Penang

Occupying a row of pre-war shop houses, which have been carefully restored, Seven Terraces is a grand tribute to the past with lots of period details from tall wooden doors to traditional winding staircases. Within the core of historical George Town, just around the corner from the Guan Yin temple and the hawker stalls of Chulia Street, the hotel's faultless location is hard to beat. After exploring the city, head  back for a lazy afternoon of laps in the small pool, complimentay afternoon tea and a flick through the plenty of books that are on hand, before tucking into the delicious Indochinese dishes at the hotel's Kebaya restaurant.

Stewart Lane, 10200 George Town; T: 60.4 261 8888; georgetownheritage.com; Rates from: £136

Hotel Jen
Penang

Located within historical George Town, a short stride from the city's downtown Unesco World Heritage Zone with its cultural jumble of colonial architecture, Chinese temples, mazes of alleys and bustling markets, Hotel Jen brings its own brand of colour and energy to the city's accommodation offerings with a bright and bustling lobby and vibrant guestrooms that look over the hodgepodge of old shophouses. Book a room that has access to the club lounge, where all-day snacks are served and make sure to start your day at Café Jen, which comes complete with a make-your-own noodle cart.

Jalan Magazine; T: 60.4 262 2622; www.hoteljen.com; Rates from: £49

The Datai
Langkawi

For 25 years, The Datai has been a favoured hideout for discerning travellers as much for its incomparable location on Langkawi’s north western coastline enveloped by a 10-million-year old rainforest, bristling with ancient trees, waterfalls and mangroves, as its conception by architect Kerry Hill and interior designer Didier Lefort. Now, after a tip-to-toe refresh – led by Lefort – the legendary 121-room property has reopened to include a re-shape of the lobby, entrance and landscaping, three new Rainforest Pool Villas, a new five-room villa with 24-hour butler service, and a dedicated Nature Centre. Meanwhile, updated technology, a sleek understated colour palette and low-key lighting enhance the guestrooms and five restaurants where, thankfully, the food concepts have remained the same, with The Gulai House still serving its delicious beef rendang.

Jalan Teluk Datai, Langkawi; T: 60.4 950 0500; www.thedatai.com; £473

The RuMa
Kuala Lumpur

Occupying the first 18 floors of a 37-storey mixed-use skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle neighbourhood, the 253-room RuMa has been outfitted by Shanghai-based firm MQ-studio, who has created an urban retreat with local references inspired by the country’s colourful history: latticed patterns, dotted throughout, are a nod to traditional chequered sarongs; original pillars at the entrance have been salvaged from historic Malaysian homes; and details like the copper ceilings, wall lamps and the grand spiral staircase nod to the country’s tin mining history. Upstairs, the guestrooms – some with views of the Petronas Towers – feature a colonial aesthetic, with lots of rattan. With a 6th floor infinity pool, a spa, round the clock check in and check out, 24-hour butler service for selected suites, access to a complimentary in-room minibar and the freedom to breakfast in any of the hotel’s restaurants there really is no reason to leave. But if you do, KLCC and its array of shops are just across the park.

7, Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur; Tel: 60.3 2778 0888; www.theruma.com; Rates from: £171

W Hotel
Kuala Lumpur

Bringing its signature brand of bold to Malaysia’s steaming capital, the W Kuala Lumpur takes its cues from the city’s melting pot of cultures, resulting in a dynamic festival of the senses with larger-than-life traditional batik motifs, bamboo-inspired chandeliers, and – in the 150 guestrooms – accents like the indigenous ‘wau’ tassels commonly featured on Malaysian kites. Located in the city’s Golden Triangle neighbourhood, explore nearby sites like the Petronas Towers, before coming back to indulge at Yen, one of the hotel’s six drinking and dining spots, which serves up traditional Cantonese fare.

No. 121, Jalan Ampang; Tel: 60.3 2786 8888; www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/kulwh-w-kuala-lumpur; Rates from: £128

For 25 years, The Datai has been a favoured hideout for discerning travellers as much for its incomparable location on Langkawi’s north western coastline enveloped by a 10-million-year old rainforest, bristling with ancient trees, waterfalls and mangroves, as its conception by architect Kerry Hill and interior designer Didier Lefort.

Now, after a tip-to-toe refresh – led by Lefort – the legendary 121-room property has reopened to include a re-shape of the lobby, entrance and landscaping, three new Rainforest Pool Villas, a new five-room villa with 24-hour butler service, and a dedicated Nature Centre with its own lab and a resident team of naturalists and marine biologists on hand for activities from guided nature walks to kayaking in the mangroves.

Meanwhile, updated technology, a sleek understated colour palette and low-key lighting enhance the guestrooms and five restaurants where, thankfully, the food concepts have remained the same, with The Gulai House still serving its delicious beef rendang. 

And of course, views continue to please, not least in the open-air Lobby Lounge which is the best spot to sip on cocktails while admiring panoramic vistas of both the rainforest and the Andaman Sea with the Thai Tarutao island on the horizon.

INFORMATION

Website

ADDRESS

Jalan Teluk Datai
07000 Langkawi
Kedah
Malaysia

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Malaysia has long been celebrated for its tropical jungles, steamy climate, unusual wildlife and idyllic islands, but now its capital city is on the rise thanks to a series of new hotel openings.

Located in the city’s buzzy Golden Triangle neighbourhood, with lush views over KLCC Park, the the 209-room Four Seasons property can be found in a sleek mixed-use skyscraper designed by local firm NRY Architects. Without straying from the brand’s MO for understated luxury, global firm Wilson Associates layered the guestrooms with tactile leather details, double layered curtains and textured wallpaper in muted grey tones that don’t detract from the views.

Three of the six bars and restaurants have been outfitted by Hong Kong-based AB Concept, who brought the outside in with lots of natural light and floral motifs, particularly at Yun House, where chef Jimmy Wong’s double-boiled black garlic and sea whelk soup is a must-try.

INFORMATION 

Website

ADDRESS

145, Jalan Ampang

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Ahead of openings in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Cambodia, the Alila group continues its global expansion with its debut in Malaysia.

Occupying the top seven floors of The Establishment, a mixed-use skyscraper, in Kuala Lumpur’s affluent Bangsar neighbourhood, the 137-room Alila Bangsar hotel has been outfitted by Shanghai-based practice Neri&Hu who, in contrast to the building’s dark façade, has created an urban retreat by imparting its signature low-key aesthetic with lots of slatted timber, marble, understated lighting and custom-designed furnishings in calming white, sun-drenched tones.

On the top three floors are the open-air swimming pool, best experienced at sunrise, and Entier, the modern French restaurant, where chef Masashi Hirouchi works a menu based on nose-to-tail dining with dishes such as the roasted spring chicken in salt crust dough served with chicken fat mashed potato.

If this isn’t your thing, the colourful maze of textile shops, jewellery stores and restaurants of Little India are just a 10-minute stride away.

ADDRESS 

58 Jalan Ang Seng

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If there was ever any doubt that the millennial coffee joint should deliver much more than a cup of hot joe, it’s been put to rest by the debut of Common Man Coffee Roasters in Kuala Lumpur.

Located in the Taman Tun Dr Ismail neighbourhood, the light-filled café and commercial coffee roaster in the midst of a retail mall is the work of London- and Singapore-based Viewport Studio. The 1930s inspiration of the original Common Man in Singapore still looms large here, the designers channeling era-specific references including a geometric trellis for the retail wall, angular globe lamps, and polished brass tables, while retaining a sense of the South-East Asian locus by way of cane stools, walls sheathed in rattan, and fabric shot through with tropical motifs.

A corner of the café is styled as a barista academy which promises courses in latte art, and basic brewing and coffee skills. Those preferring a less cerebral alternative will settle in for an Australian-inspired menu that includes a sautéed kale and egg white scramble with lemon zest crumbs, and French toast paired with a berry compote and maple syrup.  

The real star, of course, is the coffee – the majority of the green beans sourced through direct relationships – and ranges from fragrant house blends to single origin Ethiopian beans.

ADDRESS

A-G-1 New Podium
Plaza Vads
No 1 Jalan Tun Mohd Faud

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With the minimum of fuss, George Town – Penang’s original colonial quarter and UNESCO World Heritage site – is quietly reinventing itself with a growing brood of stylish, intimate boutique lodgings. Its latest offering, the Loke Thye Kee Residences, is carved out of five pre-war shophouses, each of which comprises a standalone suite framed by a soaring pitch roof. For nearly two decades the buildings languished in neglect - collateral damage from the fall-out of the Asian financial crisis - before being rescued by the current owners, a boutique property development company. Over the original exposed brickwork and a traditional footprint of garden forecourt, alleyway and private balcony, the Singapore-based architects Ministry of Design – the outfit behind the ambitious rehabilitation of Penang’s Macalister Mansion – have layered modern touches such as customised rugs and floor lamps, Christian Fischbacher cushions and Saarinen side chairs. Local artist Ch’ng Kiah Kiean was also commissioned to create nine original pieces for each suite. And just in case a mood of lassitude strikes during the heat of the tropical day, a raft of diversions is at hand: the residences are part of a larger complex that includes a classic Hainanese-Chinese restaurant that dates back to 1919, a traditional café, tea spa, rooftop grill and bar, art gallery, and heritage centre.

ADDRESS

326 Jalan Penang
George Town

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A grand, century-old colonial mansion in the northeast corner of Penang has been given a decidedly modern new look. Macalister Mansion, named after Colonel Norman Macalister, who governed the area 200 years ago, has been a labour of love for husband and wife owners Dato Sean and Datin Karen H'ng. Restaurateurs by background, they have made a successful foray into hospitality here with a dazzlingly offbeat interior full of unexpected twists by Colin Seah of Singapore's Ministry of Design. While reinstating the building's former grandeur and sympathetically preserving its original elements, Seah has managed to give each room a different design story, from chrome canopies and Bisazza-tiled bathrooms to painted-iron spiral staircases and sculptural art. Naturally, the restaurants have been given equal focus, and the mosaic pool offers guests the option of swimming up to the bar for a drink.

INFORMATION

Website

ADDRESS

228 Macalister Road
10400 George Town
Penang
Malaysia

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