Next year looks like another big year for exciting new hotel openings in the region, from two new top of the range five-star hotels in Hong Kong, to luxury lodges in Bhutan and new riverside landmarks in Bangkok. Here’s our pick of the hottest new openings to look out for in 2019.

Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia

One of the world’s most hotly anticipated properties, the luxury tented camp, Shinta Mani Wild is set amongst 400 acres of lush forest overlapping three national parks. Famed architect Bill Bensley designed the camp with local conservation projects in mind, suspending just 15 luxurious tents over the edge of waterfalls, allowing the forest wildlife to continue uninterrupted below, and providing stunning views.

Location: Southern Cardamon National Park, Cambodia, 2-3 hours from Phnom Penh.

To open: It may in fact just have sneaked in its first guests in late December, but we are calling it a January opening.

Visit the website here.

Six Senses Bhutan

The mountainous kingdom of Bhutan deliberately keeps its tourism development small scale and high quality, so as to limit the number of visitors and preserve its unique way of life. Six Senses Bhutan is a collection of five boutique lodges (in Thimphu, Punakha, Paro Valley, Gangtey and Bumthang) which will open sequentially starting from around February this year. Surrounded by unique scenic beauty, the lodges have over-sized decks and large, floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure all views are entirely uninterrupted. With names like “Palace in the Sky” and “Traditional Birdwatching Bridge”, these are properties that we can’t wait to visit.

To Open: February 2019 / March 2019 / May 2019

Location: Within the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan

Visit the website here. 

The PuXuan Beijing

If you are familiar with the glamorous PuLi in Shanghai, then you’ll be pleased to know that an equally stylish younger sister, the PuXuan, is due to open shortly in Beijing.

Located in Wangfujing near the Forbidden City, The PuXuan Hotel and Spa promises to be “a new, modernist state-of-the-art masterpiece … paying respectful yet contemporary homage to one of the capital’s most important and distinct quarters.” It also comes hot on the heels of two more new sister properties in Xiamen and Kuala Lumpur for the stylish Urban Resorts Collection group.

To Open: January 2019

Location: Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Website

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing

The Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing is located in the heart of Beijing overlooking famous landmarks such as The Forbidden City and combines residential style and luxurious amenities, with classic Chinese décor. Home to two restaurants including the signature Mandarin Grill, a premium bar, rooftop garden terrace, luxury spa and 25m indoor lap pool, the hotel will provide the ideal intimate retreat for Beijing residents and visitors to the city alike.

To open: Early 2019

Location: No. 269 Wangfujing Street, Beijing, China 100006

Visit the website here.

LUX* North Male Atoll

LUX* is a groundbreaking small resort group which is changing the style and nature of the resort experience. The new LUX* North Male Atoll is a disruptive departure from the traditional thatched-roofed Maldivian huts in favour of dazzling duplex penthouse villas, with their own private Sky-Lounge and reef terraces. Each of the 67 residences sits either on the beach or overwater so that guests benefit from a breezy living area which is 350 sq m at the very minimum. World class restaurants, SONOS sound streaming and the signature LUX* beach club, Beach Rouge make this the perfect new retreat for the international jet set.

To open: February 2019

Location: Olhuhali North Male Atoll, Maldives

Visit the website here.

Rosewood Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, all eyes are on the brand new Rosewood Hong Kong, as the home flagship of one of the fastest growing and most innovative Asian-based hotel groups. It’s located on the site of the old New World Centre next to the InterContinental Hong Kong, which will itself close in early 2019 for a major overhaul.

Set to Open: March 2019

Location: Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Visit the website here.

St Regis Hong Kong

St Regis Hong Kong blends architectural creativity, cultural diversity and timeless elegance. A retreat for business travelers and culture seekers alike, the hotel boasts French and signature Chinese restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, and the beautifully designed St. Regis Bar with famed cocktails and 24-hour attention of butler and e-butler service. We’re looking forward to seeing what their signature Hong Kong Bloody Mary will look like.

To Open: June 2019

Location: 1 Harbour Drive, Hong Kong

Visit the website here.

InterContinental Phuket

There ‘s no shortage of luxury resorts in Phuket, but newcomer InterContinental Phuket Resort aims to claim its place among the top few retreats on the island. A collection of 221 rooms, suites and villas it is situated along 2km of the golden beach, Kamala, also known as Phuket’s “billionaires row”.  With each room offering stunning hill, lagoon or ocean views, the enclosed bay surrounding the resort offers privacy and will be one of the most serene hideaways on Phuket Island.

To open: April 2019

Location: Moo 3, Kamala Sub-district , Kamala Beach : Phuket ,83150, Thailand

Visit the website here.

Raffles Shenzhen

The new flagship for the legendary Raffles brand in China, Raffles Shenzhen will be an urban oasis occupying the top floors of the new Shenzhen landmark, a 72-story tower of the prestigious One Shenzhen Bay Building. The hotel will offer spectacular views of Shenzhen Bay – and Hong Kong too – from the luxury guestrooms. Innovatively designed with contemporary architecture, state-of-the-art facilities, and 168 generously spacious guest rooms and suites, the hotel is set to become a shining new icon for Shenzhen, complemented with the trademark Raffles butler service.

To open: March 2019

Location: T7, One Shenzhen Bay, 3008 Zhongxin Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518054, Guangdong, China

Visit the website here.

Capella Bangkok

The Chao Phraya River has recently undergone a renaissance as “the place to be” in Bangkok, and Capellla Bangkok commands a prime riverside location. Its 101 suites and villas, and signature restaurant all overlook the magnificent river. Accommodation is designed as travellers’ pied à terre: somewhere familiar yet sophisticated, and constructed around relaxation and exploration. With an award-winning Auriga wellness spa and restaurant conceived by Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, the new Capella Bangkok will definitely become one of the finest addresses in the city.

To open: June 2019

Location: 300 Charoenkrung Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Thailand

Visit the website here.

Originally written by Paul Hicks.