The New Year has only just begun, but we’re already planning our vacays for the coming months. We can see ourselves taking plenty of trips around Asia this year, so we’ve been keeping an eye out for new hotels opening across the region. So far we’ve come across quite a few that look absolutely amazing. From beautiful boutique hotels with loads of character to luxurious beach resorts right on the sand and even a grand old dame that will be reopening with a facelift, these are Asia’s best new hotels opening in 2019.
Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing
Shopaholics will love the stunning new Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing located on the top of the WF Central retail and lifestyle destination in Beijing’s upscale shopping district of Wangfujing. The spacious rooms and suites feature a fusion of classic Chinese and contemporary design and decor and some even offer views over the iconic Forbidden City. The hotel also boasts two restaurants and a bar that each open onto a rooftop garden terrace, a spa, fitness centre, and indoor lap pool. The hotel opened early this year, so reservations are available now.
Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing, NO. 269 Wangfujing Street, 100006 Beijing, China. p. +86 (10) 8509 8888
Mid March 2019: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
It may be located just a 30-minute yacht ride from the Male airport, but the new Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi (opening in mid-March 2019) is all set to offer Robinson Crusoe vibes. Spread out over three private islands, the resort features a range of stunning accommodation options including beach villas, reef villas and villas resting on stilts over the water. Spend your days suntanning on the white sand beaches, swimming in the crystal clear waters, getting pampered at the spa sanctuary and dining on gourmet dishes at 10 different dining venues.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Ithaafushi Island, South Male Atoll, Male, 20009, Maldives. p. +960 400 0300
April 2019: Rosewood Bangkok
If you’ve been to Bangkok recently, you may have noticed the unique form of the Rosewood Bangkok taking shape on Ploenchit Road. The striking architecture was inspired by the wai, the traditional Thai greeting, so it features two buildings that look like hands coming together. Inside you’ll find bubbling water features, beautiful suites, a spa that uses sustainably sourced natural ingredients, and diverse dining destinations serving everything from contemporary Chinese to farm-to-table fare. The Rosewood Bangkok is slated to open in April 2019.
Rosewood Bangkok, 1041/38 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. p. +66 2080 0088
April 2019: Capella Bangkok
Also set to open in April 2019, Capella Bangkok will be adding another element of luxury to the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. This is the group’s first urban resort, and from what we hear they’ve been pulling out all the stops. Think floor-to-ceiling windows so you can wake up to views of the sun sparkling on the water, a signature restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, and a serene spa where you can indulge in traditional and modern Thai treatments. Guests can also make use of a personal assistant to plan exciting adventures around the city.
Capella Bangkok, 300 Charoenkrung Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand. p. +66 2658 7888
June 2019: The Chedi Mumbai
Whether you’re doing business or holidaying in Mumbai, The Chedi Mumbai will make for an amazing base when it opens in June 2019. Like its sister GHM hotels, this Chedi is all about sophisticated design, state-of-the-art technology, and spacious rooms with huge windows. Start the day with a champagne breakfast, then take a dip in the outdoor pool or get pampered at the holistic spa. Come evening, head to the rooftop bar for cocktails and views of Lake Powai and the city skyline before dining at any of the seven gourmet venues.
The Chedi Mumbai, Gandhi Nagar, Opp. Kendriya Vidyalaya School, LBS Marg & JVLR Junction, Laxmi Udyog Nagar, Kanjurmarg West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400078, India. p. +91 22 6731 5555
June 2019: The St. Regis Hong Kong
Located in the vibrant Wan Chai district of Hong Kong, The St. Regis Hong Kong will be opening its doors in June 2019. Interior designer Andre Fu has drawn inspiration from residences to create each of the 112 rooms and 17 suites, so guests will feel like they’re staying in a home away from home. The hotel will also boast two restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs, a mixology-focused bar for cocktails and live jazz, an elegant lounge with a terrace for afternoon tea, and 24-hour butler service.
The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Hong Kong. p. +852 3051 2766
Mid 2019:Raffles Singapore
The historic Raffles Hotel is one of Singapore’s beloved landmarks, but since 2017 it’s been closed for renovations. The good news though is that the design team from Studio Lapis are working tirelessly to upgrade the amenities and restore some of the original features like antique furnishings and original teakwood floors. You can also expect to see new features like extra luxury suites and divine dining concepts from world-class chefs like Alain Ducasse and Anne-Sophie Pic. Reservations are available for August 2019 onwards. Staycation anyone?
Raffles Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673. p. +65 6412 1244
November 2019: Aman Kyoto
Japan’s ancient imperial capital, and home of 17 Unesco World Heritage Sites, will soon see the opening of Aman Kyoto. Expect privacy, relaxation and rejuvenation during your stay amongst minimalistic and stylish settings, which will combine the traditional and contemporary.
Aman Kyoto, 1, Okitayamawashiminecho, Kita, Kyoto, 603-0000, Japan
Late 2019: Six Senses Fort Barwara
If you’re looking for a unique holiday destination, book yourself into the Six Senses Fort Barwara, where each luxurious suite is nestled within the walls of a 14th-century fort that was once owned by the royal family of Rajasthan. Here you’ll find the original fort structure lovingly restored with traditional gardens and water features throughout as well as two pools, a huge Ayurvedic spa and fitness centre in the original women’s palace, two restaurants and a bar and lounge. The hotel is set to open in late 2019.
Six Senses Fort Barwara, Chauth Ka Barwara, Rajasthan 322702, India
*All images sourced from respective hotels
