Thousands of hotels are planning to open their doors in 2025. They are sprouting in cities, on islands, in the middle of the countryside or in the wilderness. Beyond the corporate chains and expected greatest hits, here are 10 unique hotels for your bucket list.
The Oberoi Rajgarh Palace, Khajuraho, India
A maharaja’s towering residence dating back hundreds of years, the Rajgarh Palace dominates the Maniyagarh Hills within 76 acres of tropical forest, near the Panna National Park and its Tiger Reserve. Completely renovated by the Oberoi Group, the luxurious and romantic property will offer 66 rooms and a spa, within driving distance of the 1,500-year-old UNESCO Heritage temples of Khajuraho.
Mandai Rainforest Resort, Banyan Tree, Singapore
Geared towards nature and wildlife aficionados, the 338-room Mandai Rainforest Resort lies only a half-hour drive from the hustle and hustle of the city of Singapore. A four-story building and 24 “tree houses” are nestled deep in the Mandai Reserve and feature biophilic design in an effort to bring nature in and create a seamless, sustainable environment.
Roki Collection, Queenstown, New Zealand
The view onto the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu will draw travelers in search of unique adventurous landscapes when this 15-room boutique lodge opens in the heart of Queenstown. A combination of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and bungee jumping can be organized while the hotel offers luxurious “après” thanks to local wineries and a vibrant dining destination.
Lilloey, Lindenberg, Norway
Set just an hour away from Bergen and surrounded by the wild Norwegian fjords, the small island of Lilløy now features a rustic-chic property that can accommodate up to 10 guests. A team of chefs can prepare plant-based dishes inspired by the landscape, or for those who prefer complete solitude, ready-to-cook ingredients are made available. In the summer, swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking will delight the active set, but Lilløy also offers the perfect introspective retreat.
Kotona Manor, Rantasalmi, Finland
Design and a primal northern forest lead the way at Kotona Manor, where high school sweethearts Kimmo and Taru are building a circular 11-suite hotel at the center of the Finnish Lakeland. The area boasts as many as 55,000 lakes and reveals layers of land and ancient waterways. Rivers, meadows, and the forest are celebrated throughout the property, a four-hour drive from Helsinki.
Airelles, Venice, Italy
The French group Airelles has chosen the island of La Giudecca, across from St. Mark’s Basilica, for their first property outside of France. Several historic buildings will make up this unusual hotel, including a Palladio palace from the 16th century and the Church of Santa Maria della Presentazione. A 2.5-acre garden, a kids’ club, and a spa featuring several pools will round out the 45-room compound.
La Fondation, Paris, France
Away from the more crowded neighborhoods, near the stately Monceau park, five-star hotel La Fondation is presenting an innovative concept. Hospitality, a coworking lounge, and wellness spaces, all grouped in an urban enclave in the 17th arrondissement designed by the New York-based Roman and Williams studio, reside at the intersection of modern craftsmanship and history.
Laguna Coast Resort, Greece
On the stunning island of Naxos, away from the crowds but only a hop from the Athens airport, the 21-room resort, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, borders marshes and the turquoise Aegean Sea. Positioned near a key route for migratory birds and the Apollo Temple–Portara dating from 530 BC, the property aims to become a sustainable example of 21st-century eco-responsibility.
Suyian Lodge, Kenya
A six-hour drive north of Nairobi and a member of the &Beyond luxurious ecotourism group, this lodge is built to reflect the local rock sanctuary emerging from an ancient stone boulder formation within the Laikipia region. Mount Kenya and the Ewaso Naroq River can be seen from the 14 independent stone-clad suites. Wildlife conservancy rules at this rugged but luxurious property. No hunting allowed!
The Waldorf Astoria, New York USA
Closed since 2017, the iconic Waldorf Astoria reopens with 375 redesigned guest rooms. Will it still attract movie stars and world leaders or will travelers in search of New York landmarks edge them away? Both the exterior of the building and the interior spaces have been completely restored. While the rooms have doubled in size, the legendary lobby still cradles the 1893 World’s Fair clock. Eggs Benedict may have been invented here, but its new dining spaces will include Lex Yard, a contemporary American restaurant helmed by Chef Michael Anthony, of Gramercy Tavern fame.
This article was originally published on forbes.com.
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