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To say that these properties have exceeded expectations is a monumental understatement. These over-the-top brands are not only trailblazing in their space, but they’re also integrating local culture into their atmosphere. A new luxury hotel shouldn’t just be a headline for the brand—it should be a victory for the entire surrounding region. Some of our Legend Award honorees are putting destinations on the map, whether by elevating the region’s hotel offerings or providing access where there previously was none. A few of our honorees are the pioneer luxury hotel in their area, and their sheer presence is drawing crowds.
In the Middle East, Israel has seen a surge of luxury hotels, and this year, Southeast Asia welcomed several new metropolitan properties as their urban hubs become just as much of a tourism draw as their remote islands. And then, of course, favorite destinations like New Orleans, Scandinavia, and the Maldives continued to expand properties to satisfy every travel palette.
In the category of new hotel openings, these are our Legend Award honorees for 2019:
In the “Little Paris” neighborhood of Tel Aviv, The Jaffa, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is just a short walk to the Mediterranean Sea. Design-wise, the most romantic parts of this Israel hotel are the serene outdoor pool, the Historic Wing, and of course, their idyllic courtyard.
Courtesy Blackberry Mountain
Blackberry Mountain, Tennessee
Between their Watchman Cabins, Mountain Homes, Azalea Gap Cottages, and Stone Cottages, these accommodations are 100% awe-inspiring. The Watchman Cabins at Blackberry Mountain sit at the mountain’s peak and have an outdoor heated tub.
Wil Lee-Wright/Britannia Hotel
Britannia Hotel, Norway
This new property in Norway inhabits a building that dates back to 1870. It boasts six restaurants and bars and their signature suite: Colonialmajoren. Britannia will curate exclusive Norwegian experiences for their guests, like salmon fishing or a historical tour of Trondheim.
Courtesy Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Guests will take a 30-minute yacht ride from the airport to arrive at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. Their King Reef Villa has an infinity pool and a villa-to-sea ladder from which you can ease into the ocean.
hristopher Wise/Courtesy Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Six Senses Bhutan
Six Senses Bhutan, which opened their first three lodges in March 2019, is a wildly secluded Himalayan property. They have two more lodges on the property set to open in the next four months. For guests who would like, the property can arrange a private helicopter or jet transfer from surrounding international hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, or New Delhi.
Stephen Johnson/Courtesy Maison de la Luz
Maison de la Luz, New Orleans
An Atelier Ace New Orleans property, Maison de la Luz has 67 luxurious suites. Their Living Room is an elegant lounge where guests can play a board game while sipping on a pre-dinner cocktail.
Chris M. Rogers Photography/Courtesy Salamander Hotels and Resorts
Hotel Bennett, Charleston
The new South Carolina property exudes upscale southern charm. A heated rooftop pool and the welcoming spa make Hotel Bennett a perfect weekend getaway.
Courtesy One&Only
One&Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda
Part of One&Only Nature Resorts’ portfolio, One&Only Nyungwe House opened in southwest Rwanda in October 2018. With 19 luxury rooms and three forest suites, the property serves African-inspired farm-to-table meals, offers indigenous spa treatments, and is decorated with pieces from the region’s local artisans.
Courtesy The Ingalls
Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Los Angeles
Santa Monica Proper Hotel opened in June 2019 and celebrates laid-back beach life and Los Angeles luxury. The 271 rooms and suites draw textural inspiration from the coastline, and their on-site restaurant, Onda, is a collaboration by LA’s Jessica Koslow, the mastermind behind Sqirl, and Gabriela Camara, of “A Tale of Two Kitchens” fame.
Courtesy Northern Escape Collection
Mount Mulligan Lodge, Australia
A perfect storm of luxury lodges and unadulterated Australian outback, Mount Mulligan Lodge hosts only 16 guests (or fewer) at a time. The suites are outfitted with private outdoor tubs in full view of Mount Mulligan.
Courtesy Rosewood Hotels and Resorts
Rosewood Hong Kong
Set on the Kowloon waterfront, Rosewood Hong Kong, an American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property, has 413 rooms, a pool and a fitness center, and eight restaurants. Their Manor Club is on the 40th floor and offers residential and business amenities, like their meeting facilities and 24/7 butler service.
Courtesy St. Regis Hotels & Resorts
The St. Regis Amman, Jordan
Located in the high-end Abdoun district, The St. Regis Amman emulates the classic sophistication of the St. Regis New York. Every room in the hotel comes with access to the property’s butler service, and they have a wide array of dining options, including Tamara, which serves elevated Middle Eastern cuisine.
Courteys Kenmore Hall
The Inn at Kenmore Hall, Massachusetts
The Berkshires estate has preserved elements of its Georgian architecture dating back to 1792. In close proximity to Tanglewood, their Carriage House Cottage was once the summer home of Leonard Bernstein.
The Times Square EDITION opened in March with a month of festival-like programming. Food and beverage are at the heart of the new hotel, with four dining and bar options, including their high-end 11th-floor restaurant 701WEST.
Courtesy Timbuktu Travel
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge, South Africa
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge at De Hoop is on South Africa’s De Hoop Nature Reserve, about three hours from Cape Town. The lodge has only seven ultra-luxurious rooms set right on the ocean, so guests can take in miles of untouched coastline.
