Private jet lifestyle magazine Elite Traveler has announced their “Top New Hotels in the World” for 2018. The collection consists of hotels from (but not limited to) secluded parts of Africa, unexplored islands, bustling city locations, stunning beaches and deep forest settings. Each hotel was built with individual, unparalleled architectural design in mind. Here are five of the winners:
Bulgari Resort Dubai: Designed to feel like an Italian village on the Mediterranean Sea, albeit one on a man-made, seahorse-shaped island in the Arabian Gulf, Bulgari’s sprawling 1.4m-square-foot compound has apartments, private mansions, a hotel, 50-boat marina and yacht club. Reputed to be Dubai’s most expensive resort – which in a city as over-the-top as Dubai is really saying something – it has every conceivable amenity, including dining from a three-Michelin-starred chef and an incredible spa with views of Dubai’s skyline from its infinity pool.
Amanyangyun, China: To create this resort just outside Shanghai, Aman relocated an entire forest and collection of antique dwellings, transporting them 435 miles from the Jiangxi province. Through this decade-long venture, Aman saved 10,000 camphor trees from imminent destruction as plans were set to clear the land for a reservoir. A collection of Ming and Qing dynasty homes were also in danger of being destroyed, so they were moved and meticulously reconstructed among the 1,000-year-old trees.
Jabali Ridge, Tanzania: Jabali Ridge seems almost invisible on approach, blending seamlessly into the rocks it’s nestled by in the stark landscape of Ruaha National Park. Positioned on a rocky outcrop, the lodge looks out over the park’s vast plains, with two towering baobab trees marking the lodge’s entrance and the surrounding granite rocks acting as its walls.
Four Seasons Megeve, France: Though it’s true that Four Seasons Megève, a charming modern alpine chalet located directly on Mont d’Arbois, is only open during two seasons, you will have trouble deciding which is more delightful. In winter, there’s the region’s only in-house ski valet and ski concierge, who will clean your gear and welcome you each morning with warmed boots and perfectly waxed skis, then help you plan an itinerary based on the current conditions across Megève’s 277 miles of slopes. In summer, you can’t beat adventures such as hot-air ballooning, canyoning, mountaineering and golf on the 18-hole Mont d’Arbois golf course, designed in 1964 by Sir Henry Cotton.
The Loren, Bermuda: The newest hotel in Bermuda – the country’s first new-build hotel in 45 years, in fact – is a striking modern boutique property located on the site of the old Pink Beach Club. Past guests of the club will hardly recognize the area, except for its namesake beach and dramatic rocky bluffs. Gone is the charming English elegance, replaced with a sleek contemporary space where expansive windows flood the place with light and showcase its proximity to Bermuda’s famous turquoise water. A floating glass spiral staircase leads from the lobby to the bar and Marée, a restaurant offering a fabulous tasting menu that is best enjoyed alfresco on the patio.
See the complete list of "Top New Hotels in the World" at EliteTraveler.com.