As Q1 comes to a close, the demand for travel remains high in 2023. And resort-loving vacationers have lots to look forward to this year as a slew of incredible new resorts have opened — or reopened — their doors over the last few months.

Here’s a quick look at eight notable new, newly updated and properties that are on the horizon that advisors won’t want to miss.

Recently Opened

Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort

After a successful opening in February 2023, Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resorts is one of the newest additions to the “One Happy Island”. Proudly welcoming visitors to the beautiful Eagle Beach, this stunning new all-suite property is within walking distance of Aruba’s sandy shores and is located just 15 minutes from Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA).

Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort has 13 room categories for travelers to choose from each of which offers either a sunrise/nature, partial ocean, pool, pool and patio, or ocean view. As for food and entertainment, the new hotel is home to five onsite bars and restaurants — Grab & Go Market, Lobby Cafe, Lobby Restaurant, Pool Bar and Snack & Grill Restaurant —, two pools and a fitness center.

Wayfinder Waikiki

Honolulu welcomed some new digs in January 2023 with the opening of Wayfinder Waikiki, a colorful boutique hotel featuring aesthetically pleasing poolside studios and perfectly curated hotel rooms. Conveniently located just a few blocks east of famous Waikiki Bay, the new property boasts kitschy accommodations decked out with funky patterns, unique light fixtures, custom bedding and colorful furnishings. Travelers on the hunt for a traditional room have three categories to choose from: King Bed with Lanai, Two Double Beds with Lanai and Corner King Room with Lanai. Alternatively, those looking to truly get away from it all can opt for a stay in the Pool House, a fully furnished private studio complete with a wet bar, spacious seating and added amenities.

And the fun doesn’t stop there, guests at Wayfinder Waikiki can also enjoy a taste of Hawaii when they dive into the hotel’s delicious variety of onsite eateries including B-Side Coffee Bar — a place for coffee, tea, breakfast and more —, Redfish — a restaurant that showcases modern island food including authentic poke — and Lost + Found — a colorful speakeasy with handcrafted cocktails and other delicious drinks.

Margaritaville Beach Villa Resort by Karisma

A boutique-style Margaritaville experience was recently unveiled in Ambergris Caye with the March 2023 opening of Margaritaville Beach Villa Resort in Belize. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the mainland, this colorful new property is situated along a stretch of secluded beach that’s only accessible by boat. Margaritaville Beach Villa Resort is a residential resort meaning that visitors have the option to book a short-term stay at one of the hotel’s 55 charming suites or to commit to something a little more permanent with the purchase of a one-, two- or three-bedroom condo.

In addition to comfortable (and cute!) accommodations, the new property is home to one onsite restaurant, two bars, two pools, a spa, a full pickleball court, an adventure center and a gym. As for things to do, travelers will love taking advantage of the new Margaritaville’s fun-filled activities like oceanside yoga, snorkeling, guided running sessions, beach soccer, paddleboarding and more.

Nobu Hotel Marrakech

A place where culinary excellence and five-star accommodations collide, Nobu Hotel Marrakech is a swanky new addition to the Nobu Hotels portfolio. Founded in part by the Chef that shares its namesake, the Nobu Hotel concept was created by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper to showcase the best of Nobu products, including, most importantly, stellar food.

Rooted in creating memories around the enjoyment of exceptional food, Nobu Hotel Marrakech is a destination in itself for travelers in search of a flavorful adventure. Visitors who dine at the hotel’s flagship Nobu Marrakech restaurant will notice a diverse mix of cultures and flavors throughout the “Nobu Style” menu, a trademark menu that was influenced by Chef Nobu’s love for Japanese cuisine and international travel. In addition to being a feast for the senses, Nobu Hotel Marrakech stands out for its stunning property-wide aesthetic, a stylish fusion of what the hotel calls “Moroccan craftsmanship and Japanese contemporary touches”. From the 71 well-appointed suites to the dreamy rooftop garden, travelers will get lost in the gorgeous details.

Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Panama City

A property bursting with history, the recently opened Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo sits atop a site that has lived many lives. First as Club Union, the most elite and luxurious social club in Panama City, and then as a military hangout dubbed Club de Clases y Tropas, a site that was attacked and abandoned in the late 1990s. Now, a new chapter has begun as the storied land hosts Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, a boutique hotel that doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With a history of attracting notable visitors — previous guests include Charles Lindbergh, Albert Einstein and even Queen Elizabeth II —, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo wows thanks to its prime waterfront location and superior service. Rooms are simple, yet elegant with sophisticated color palettes, modern fixtures and beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows complete with flowy curtains to welcome the ocean breeze. The hotel is home to one onsite restaurant, three bars and one gourmet coffee shop.

Recently Renovated

Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas

The Bahamas’ most iconic resort is getting a makeover. That’s right, Atlantis Paradise Island is currently undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation that will include a new restaurant headed by Chef Michael White called Paranza, a refresh to the hotel’s Atlantis Casino and updates to the guestrooms in The Royal Tower. The new changes will roll out throughout 2023.

Soon to be the only resort in the Bahamas with three Michelin-starred chefs on staff, Paranza will dish up modern Italian coastal cuisine. As for the Atlantis Casino, changes will include new, modern finishes, jazzed-up lounges, an expanded game selection, and more bars and cocktail lounges. Renovations to The Royal Tower guestrooms are expected to wrap this year and will include new ocean-inspired design elements.

Fairmont Kea Lani

After breaking ground in March 2022, Fairmont Kea Lani has completed its renovation of 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two-story villas. The hotel re-welcomed guests beginning in 2023 with each of the newly remodeled rooms boasting a beautiful new design concept that features reimagined color palettes, intriguing textures and tasteful furnishings — each of which was chosen with the island’s heritage and culture in mind.

And the changes don’t stop there, this summer, Fairmont Kea Lani is expected to begin work on its lobby transformation which will include dramatic water features, immersive gardens, an Interactive Cultural Center and more. The property also plans to include a new culinary concept in tandem with its Executive Chef, Michael Lofaro.

On The Horizon

Sandals Dunn’s River

Adventurous couples won’t want to miss their chance to stay at the new Sandals Dunn’s River, a new adults-only concept from Sandals in beautiful Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Slated to open this May, if the photos on the resort website are any indicator, this new property is going to be absolutely gorgeous.

Jungle-inspired design elements evoke a sense of playfulness and adventure with colorful pops of color and natural materials around every corner. While a wide variety of accommodations including a swanky Beachfront Skypool Suite category and a selection of Coyaba Sky Rondovall Villas offer travelers a personal escape fitted with no shortage of luxurious touches. Sandals Dunn’s River will include nine bars, five spacious pools, two river pools, 12 gourmet restaurants, daily entertainment, unlimited sports and activities and more.