Tuesday, 24 January 2023

2023 New Openings & Travel Ideas from Small Luxury Hotels

Beachfront Infinity Pool
With three highly anticipated 2023 hotel openings, three Considerate Collection hotels, and eight additional distinctive hotels, the independently-minded brand sparks wanderlust for the year ahead

Ranging from a newly preserved ancient house in China to a hand-picked selection of hidden jungle escapes across several countries and cultures, these twelve vibrant, new-to-SLH properties will influence travelers’ itineraries in the year to come. Here we present the latest additions that Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has to offer discerning boutique hotel aficionados across the globe.

Exciting New Openings for 2023

Set to be SLH’s first hotel in the Bahamas, Goldwynn Resort & Residences, Nassau, will open its doors in February 2023 upon a quiet, pristine stretch of powder white sands and endless turquoise waters on Goodman’s Bay, Cable Beach’s quite eastern end. This mid-century modern beachfront paradise nods to a James Bond-era nostalgia through its design and also boasts a centrepiece infinity pool fringed with ocean-facing cabanas, personal butler service, and oversized rooms and suites with spectacular views. Also opening in February 2023 is The Rebello, a bold Portuguese conversion of several warehouses. The magnificent building blends innovation and heritage, housing 107 rooms (half hotel, half standalone residential apartments), two restaurants, a destination spa and a rooftop bar with spectacular views over Porto. The highly anticipated unveiling of La Roqqa in late Spring 2023 will see an exciting new opening vibrating with authentic energy and spontaneous joy in the beauty of Monte Argentario. The hotel, located on the hill of Fort La Rocca, overlooking the iconic bay of Porto Ercole (Tuscany), will showcase a sophisticated design with breathtaking views, a stylish beach club and a stunning rooftop terrace. It will offer guests a variety of carefully curated events, exhibitions and experiences, such as workshops devoted to local craft.

The Considerate Collection Grows

Strongly aligning with partner Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s (GTSC) framework, the Considerate Collection adds three more properties, increasing its portfolio to 46 hotels globally. We begin across a beautiful 600-acre reserve, where forest bungalows blend into Costa Rica’s biodiverse Guanacaste Province at Rio Perdido. What makes this jungle wellness retreat so unique – and gives it its name – is the mile-long stretch of ‘lost river’ that’s fed by natural hot springs. For over half a century, the agriculturally-minded Allen family has continued to research and embrace green initiatives at Ballymaloe House Hotel, a very welcome addition to the collection. 

Ballymaloe House Hotel,
This family-run countryside institution executes an annual tree planting plan, provides bio-diversity tours on its grounds, and designates much of its 300 acres of land for rewilding with bird and bat boxes. A world over on a deserted black lava sand beach, GreenSign certified LOST LINDENBERG features solar powered treehouses on a quiet, temple-lined track, in a hidden clearing which has been transformed into a diverse jungle bursting with wildlife through biodiversity-minded landscaping.

A Dose of Design

A quietly charming neighbourhood boutique hotel in the centre of Lisbon, The Vintage Lisbon bedrooms live up to the hotel’s name, showcasing the best of mid-century design in a colour palette of rich and moody hues, including vintage trolleys stocked with local botanical-infused gin. Every aspect of the hotel has been carefully selected, from bespoke furniture pieces to works by local artists to pay homage to Lisbon’s finest talents. Recently opened in September 2022 following an extensive refurbishment, another Lisbon property, Hotel das Amoreiras, is an elegant country house in one of the city’s most charming garden squares of Jardim das Amoreiras. The hotel’s grand suites offer breathtaking views over the vibrant destination. Across the Atlantic Ocean at La Valise San Miguel de Allende, discover a harmonious fusion of ancient styles and contemporary flares, courtesy of artist Pedro Friedberg. Each room is delicately crafted with antique furnishings, chic textiles, and carefully appointed objects d’art. Within this tucked-away retreat, explore secret zen gardens, hot springs, and stone stairways carved with ancient symbols or venture out and walk in the footsteps of explorers to immerse oneself in the beautiful city of Guanajuato.

In the Jungle

A nature-inspired retreat nestled in the Sri Lankan jungle and overlooking the ocean, experience ultimate tranquillity in the tropical sanctuary of Tabula Rasa Resort & Spa. Every room channels Sri Lankan culture and the island’s natural beauty in its contemporary design, with locally handmade furniture and fabrics. On the other side of the earth, escape to tropical forest fringed sands and the blissful sounds of the Caribbean waves in a stunning remote spot of Nicaragua, Yemaya Reefs. Sip on rainbow-coloured juices, sample the chef’s specials on the restaurant’s oceanfront deck, and discover the underwater world of the seven vibrant reefs just off the island’s shore. Yet another star of the island hideaway scene, Sunset Reef, is perfectly perched over Palmetto Point in St. Kitts, providing understated luxury whilst capturing panoramic views of Volcanic black sand beaches, azure sea, and mountains draped in lush, green jungle. The seven exquisite suites are available for exclusive use.

Modern Luxury from Mountain Peak to Sea Level

Secluded among one million hectares of national parkland, Chalets at Blackheath is a secret spot of solace in Australia’s Blue Mountains. Modern, eco-sensitive chalets serve as the perfect home base to discover UNESCO listed alpine bliss, whilst bustling Sydney is just a drive away. Another place where modern luxury shines is Else Kuala Lumpur, a serene wellness refuge with minimalist interiors that focuses on holistic healing and self-discovery, while simultaneously receiving a warm hug from the energy of Malaysia’s capital city. 

Hillsboro Beach Resort
Lastly, the epitome of beachside modern luxury is reflected by Hillsboro Beach Resort on Florida’s quiet Millionaire Mile, mixing the healing powers of the sea and luxurious oceanfront suites, all offset with the Avant Garde – including artwork by New York artist David Paul Kay and sculptures by Spanish designer Domingo Zapata.

For more information visit www.slh.com

*Source: Rachel Jones (rachel@thisishelm.com.au)

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