Can you believe the first quarter of 2025 has already come and gone? And while lots has happened over the last few months, one of the most exciting things on the hospitality front was the grand opening of several hotels and resorts around the world. Although we can’t share them all here, these are a few that stood out among the masses.
Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof in South Africa
Featuring 154 guest rooms and suites, a cafe and lobby bar, a fitness center, meeting room, retail stores and more, the new Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof marks Canopy’s highly anticipated debut in bucket list worthy South Africa. Part of a heritage-led project to reinvigorate the region’s Longkloof neighborhood to include everything from more shopping and bars to office and public spaces, Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof wows with its upscale vibe, colorful decor and all-around “cool factor.” Conveniently located, the property is just a 20-minute drive from Cape Town International Airport and a short distance from popular sightseeing spots like the striking Table Mountain and Signal Hill.
Hotel La Compañía del Valle in Panama
An inspirational stay that seamlessly blends art, organic healing and the rich biodiversity of Panama all into one, Hotel La Compañía del Valle, promises visitors a memorable experience in a bucket list destination. One of the newest additions to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, at Hotel La Compañía del Valle visitors will love spending their days exploring the property's one-of-a-kind sculpture park, indulging in transformative spa experiences and immersing themselves in the surrounding Valle de Antón through nature-based excursions. While the property is currently undergoing the first phase of its 2025 grand opening, 40 guestrooms and suites are presently available to book, while an additional 30 rooms are slated to debut this May. On the culinary front, Hotel La Compañía del Valle’s onsite restaurants — each of which are helmed by executive chef Patrice Jaumon — follow three distinct themes: fire, earth and wind, with each dining concept paying homage to a distinct element.
Hotel Saint Augustine in the US
The January 2025 opening of Hotel Saint Augustine, the newest boutique hotel from Bunkhouse Hotels, brought a Gulf Coast-inspired restaurant, intimate event space, circular heated swimming pool, all-day lobby lounge and more to Houston’s fan-favorite Montrose neighborhood. Located just footsteps from some of the best art, food and nightlife scenes in the city, Hotel Saint Augustine makes for a trendy stay where travelers will love the property’s 71 varying room types, playful furnishings and monochromatic color palette. Inside, guests can enjoy food and beverage concepts led by local legends Aaron Bludorn and Cherif Mbodji in addition to an inviting lobby that the brand says, “feels like a layered living room with rich interiors and saturated colors.”
JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort in the Maldives
The second JW Marriott resort to open in the Maldives, JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is a once-in-a-lifetime retreat located just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport. Serenely nestled in Kaafu Atoll’s largest lagoon, this stunning new property is a luxurious escape designed to help visitors recharge their mind, body and soul. JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort has 80 carefully curated private pool villas — 47 of which are overwater pool villas — and seamlessly blends modern-day amenities with traditional island aesthetics. Boasting seemingly endless views of the Indian Ocean, with its sparkling blue waters and calming energy, every villa features an expansive terrace in addition to exclusive access to pristine lagoons.
InterContinental Indianapolis in the US
Bringing the state’s famed “Hoosier Hospitality” to downtown Indianapolis, guests of the newly opened InterContinental Indianapolis will enjoy refined luxury and timeless style paired with quick access to some of the city’s most beloved landmarks like the ever-photogenic Monument Circle. Well-appointed in every sense of the word, luxe furnishings and design choices make for an elevated stay, while modern technology makes staying connected an effortless endeavor. InterContinental Indianapolis has two onsite restaurants — Serliana, a cafe and lounge and Astrea, a rooftop cocktail bar.
Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Costa Rica
Situated in dreamy Costa Rica, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, officially opened its doors in late February 2025, offering visitors an ultra-luxurious sanctuary in the region’s Papagayo Peninsula. Translating to “lush garden,” in Chorotega, Nekajui represents Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s eight hotel in South America, and guests will love the property’s expansive 872+-square-foot guest rooms, fabulous one-to-two-bedroom suites and lavish grand villas that effortlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. Similarly, Nekajui houses 36 onsite private residences with two-to-five bedrooms in addition to Villa Guayacan, a 10-bedroom retreat nestled in the privacy of the surrounding dry tropical forest. Designed to honor and celebrate the culture and nature of Guanacaste, Nekajui was constructed using locally sourced, sustainable materials like stone and wood. Pair this with the property’s contemporary style, and it makes for a refined oceanfront stay in paradise.
St. Regis Aruba Resort in the Caribbean
Showcasing a charming blend of the region’s famed Dutch-Caribbean architecture, St. Regis Aruba Resort is a seafront hideaway nestled along Aruba’s most sought-after shoreline. Taking inspiration from the area’s fabulous white sand beaches, intriguing Casibari Rock Formations and vibrant culture, St. Regis Aruba Resort boasts 252 guest rooms and 52 suites as well as six unique culinary experiences — one of which is a rooftop restaurant. The swanky new property is a pioneer in luxury entertainment with St. Regis Aruba acting as home to the first-ever St. Regis casino in addition to two striking pools with private cabanas, a state-of-the-art fitness center and the ever-relaxing St. Regis Spa.
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