Editor's picks: Best new hotels for 2011
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World travel
Raffles Praslin
From lose-yourself luxury in the Seychelles, to coastal boutique chic in Cornwall, check out our round-up of the hottest new hotels for 2011...
Hot new hotels for 2011
- Chateau Les Carrasses, France<p> Open from July 2011, the beautiful <strong>Chateau Les Carrasses </strong>in the French Languedoc dates back to 1886 and has just been lovingly restored, with 28 unique and chic one to three-bedroom private residences, fashioned from the original buildings of the estate and the vineyards. <strong>Prices:</strong> Special launch pricing at Chateau Les Carrasses: Studios in the Chateau building from €180 per night up to €430 per night for a large three- bedroom house with private pool in the former winery buildings. (Minimum stay of two nights in high season). Visit <a href="http://www.lescarrasses.com/" target="_blank">lescarrasses.com</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

- Daios Cove, Crete<p> <strong>Daios Cove</strong> is <em>the</em> latest luxury family-friendly resort in Crete. Nestled in the hillside of a private bay, it has its own beach complete with water sports and dive centre. The nearby traditional Cretan fishing village of Plaka, opposite the island of Spinalonga, is well worth a visit, too.<strong> Price: </strong>Scott Dunn offers seven-night family holidays e from £1,060 per adult and £675 per child based on a family of four sharing interconnecting rooms including breakfast and return private transfers. Visit <a href="http://www.scottdunn.com/accommodation/daios-cove-greece.html" target="_blank">scottdunn.com/daioscove</a></p>

- The Eccleston Square Hotel, London<p> <strong>The Eccleston Square Hotel</strong>, which opened in London in July, is billed as 'Britain’s most high-tech hotel'. Architects Woods Bagot have designed the advanced state-of-the-art bedroom interiors with £12,000 Hasten beds complete with massage feature. Each room has its own 'Mind Spa' where you can plug in and zone out - the music, lighting and bed movement match your chosen 'treatment' whether you want to relax or rejuvenate. <strong>Prices:</strong> From £250 per night. Visit <a href="http://www.ecclestonsquarehotel.com/" target="_blank">ecclestonsquarehotel.com</a>.</p>

- Generator Hostel, Copenhagen<p> Backpackers will love the <strong>Generator Hostel, </strong>in the heart of<strong> Copenhagen</strong>, which opened in June. Sleep in the unique surroundings of what were formerly five Philippe Starck designer apartments. The hostel retains some of the original design elements, with its own bar, a roof terrace and free wireless internet. It'll also host a lot of events, from Karaoke to quizzes and monthly themed parties. Rooms range from traditional dormitories to private and en-suite rooms and luxurious female-only dorms with complimentary toiletries.<strong> Prices:</strong> Beds are available from DKK 200 / £22.50 per person per night. Visit <a href="http://www.generatorhostels.com/en/new-hostel-copenhagen " target="_blank">generatorhostels.com</a>.</p>

- The Zetter Townhouse, London<p> <strong>The Zetter Townhouse </strong>in <strong>London</strong> is a Georgian building full of designer objects and eclectic art. Designer Russell Sage has hunted high and low to collect peculiar and enchanted treasures to create a townhouse that is quintessentially English, theatrical and a little eccentric. With just eleven rooms and two suites, The Zetter Townhouse is a home from home. <strong>Price:</strong> From £185 a night. Visit<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span><a href="http://www.thezettertownhouse.com/" target="_blank">thezettertownhouse.com</a></p>

- 45 Park Lane, London<p> The Dorchester Collection's<strong> 45 Park Lane </strong>launches in September 2011. Mayfair’s newest luxury hotel has been designed by internationally renowned architect and designer Thierry W. Despont and features celebrated chef Wolfgang Puck’s first restaurant in Europe. There are 45 contemporary rooms and suites, all with views of Hyde Park, and a further penthouse suite with panoramic views across London. Wolfgang Puck’s modern American steak restaurant CUT at 45 Park Lane will occupy a double height space on the ground floor, headed by Executive Chef David McIntyre.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> From £395 a nigh. Visit <a href="http://www.45parklane.com/" target="_blank">45parklane.com</a>.</p>

- The Llawnroc Hotel, Cornwall<p> <strong>The Llawnroc Hotel </strong>in south Cornwall is the latest in Cornish boutique chic. Tucked away in the sleepy little fishing village of Gorran Haven, The Llawnroc offers luxurious laidback comfort, sea views and food to die for. Eighteen beautifully designed bedrooms and suites feature king size beds you’ll never want to get out of. Head chef Neil Martin’s menu offers dishes such as Fowey estuary mussels steamed with Cornish cider and four-hour pork belly, apple sauce and crackling. <strong>Price:</strong> From £120 per room per night. For more information visit <a href="http://www.thellawnrochotel.co.uk " target="_blank">thellawnrochotel.co.uk</a> or call 07841894364. As an opening offer, there's 30% on all bookings before December 2011.</p>

- Long Beach, Mauritius<p> As an architectural masterpiece,<strong> Long Beach, Mauritius</strong> opened in April 2011, with the aim of offering something rather different to the other resorts in the vicinity. Its contemporary, modern design will please young professions and families.<strong> Price:</strong> Kuoni offers seven nights on half board basis at the five-star Long Beach, Mauritius in a standard sea view room, including flights with British Airways from London Heathrow and group transfers in resort. <strong>Price:</strong> From £1,907 per person based on two sharing. To book quote: IO0704. Visit <a href="http://www.kuoni.co.uk/en/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">kuoni.co.uk</a> or call 01306 747008.</p>

- Mio Buenos Aires, Brazil<p> A new luxury hotel located in the Recoleta neighborhood, one of the most chic areas of Argentina, the Mio Buenos Aires boasts 30 beautiful rooms, each reflecting design and art.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> Exsus offers a rate of £230 on a B&B basis per room per night. Visit <a href="http://www.exsus.com/" target="_blank">exsus.com</a> or call 020 7337 9010 to book, and visit <a href="http://www.miobuenosaires.com/en/hotel/index.html" target="_blank">miobuenosaires.com</a> for more information.</p>

- The Montage Deer Valley, Utah<p> The Montage at Deer Valley in Utah is a fabulous all-season ski slope and summer mountain-side five-star luxury hotel that opened in February. It has a gorgeous spa, amazing interior design and every facility you could want. It's situated close to the 2002 Olympic venue of Park City and is just 40 minutes from Salt Lake City. Visit<a href="http://www.montagedeervalley.com/" target="_blank"> montagedeervalley.com</a>.</p>

- Raffles Praslin, Seychelles<p> The luxurious Raffles Praslin Seychelles resort features 86 villas including one and two-bedroom options with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. All villas have by private plunge pools and state of the art facilities. Raffles Butlers offer assistance around-the-clock, while you soak up the stunning 500m white sand beach overlooking the Curieuse National Marine Park. <br /> <strong>Price:</strong> Hillside Pool Villas from 1,100 euros per villa per night (+10% and 12% government tax). Visit <a href="http://www.raffles.com/EN_RA/Property/RPS/" target="_blank">raffles.com</a>.</p>

- The Grand Amsterdam, Holland<p> Sofitel Legend the Grand Amsterdam launched in May 2011. The second Sofitel Legend address in the world and the first Sofitel Legend in Europe, the hotel offers five-star luxury in a historical ambience, mixing legendary inheritance and contemporary design by Sybille de Margerie. The exquisite Amsterdam landmark is a blend of French elegance and Dutch Classicist style. We love the Hermes products and the personal butler service, while the restaurant, Bridges, is already renowned among the locals.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> From 252 euros a night. Visit <a href="http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-2783-sofitel-legend-amsterdam-the-grand/index.shtml" target="_blank">sofitel.com</a>.</p>

- Puma Lodge, Chile, South America<p> Located in a remote and stunning area of the central Andes, the eco-designed lodge is only 90 minutes drive south of Santiago International Airport – the shortest commute from an international airport to any major Heli Ski destination in the world. The area is surrounded by some of Chile’s tallest peaks, granting it more consistent snow conditions, as well as a considerably longer ski season than any other Heli Ski operation in the southern hemisphere. The lodge, which opened in July 2011, accommodates a maximum of 24 guests and will include a wine cave with independent tasting room; an intimate library; a boutique ski shop; under floor heating throughout; and a full time, resident doctor and medical facility on-site. There's also a spa complete with a gym, yoga room and an outdoor pool.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> Exsus offers a seven-night package from £8,189 per person. Price includes six nights Full Board at Puma Lodge, six days Private Heliskiing with a IAGM qualified professional mountain guide, one night at the Ritz Carlton, Santiago, International flights and all private transfers based on four people travelling. Visit <a href="http://www.exsus.com/" target="_blank">exsus.com </a>or call 020 7337 9010.</p>

- St Ermin's Hotel, Westminster, London<p> The St Ermin’s Hotel, Westminster has re-opened its doors after a £30m transformation to reveal an individual, stylish new look. Just a few minutes' walk from Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, the new St Ermin’s offers guests a contemporary version of ‘The Grand Tour’ that infused the English great house style; hand-picked antiques and collectables sit together with modern pieces to provide a warm, sophisticated London welcome.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> £220 plus VAT a night. Visit <a href="http://www.sterminshotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">sterminshotel.co.uk</a>.</p>

- The Hotel Yountville, Napa, California<p> The Hotel Yountville opened its doors in California’s Napa Valley in March 2011. Based in the region’s most prestigious postcode, the Hotel Yountville offers 80 rooms, a resident-only restaurant (the Hopper Creek Kitchen), bar and spa - all within easy reach of the many attractions of California’s most well-known wine region and just an hour from San Francisco. The property was originally designed by late Napa architect Robert Kennan. He created a stone village-style resort using Napa river rock and giant timber beams to make the most of the peaceful creek side setting amidst heritage oaks and vintage olive groves. The Hotel Yountville’s 80 rooms and suites now feature vaulted ceilings, stone fireplaces, steam showers, oversized spa tubs and private decks or patios to make the most of the impressive views. Yountville is the centre of the Californian culinary universe with renowned restaurants, such as The French Laundry, and wineries including Opus One on its doorstep.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> From $375 a night. Visit <a href="http://www.hotelyountville.com/" target="_blank">hotelyountville.com</a>.</p>

- The St Regis Bangkok, Thailand<p> Located on the prestigious Ratchadamri Road - Bangkok’s top entertainment and shopping district - The St Regis Bangkok opened 1 April 2011. The hotel features the first Thailand outpost of the ZUMA restaurant and Thailand’s first Elemis spa. You ca soak up the views of the city’s skyline at the Infinity pool bar, or take your pick from three restaurants. Occupying levels 12-24 of a 47-story building that includes 176 guest rooms, 51 suites, and 53 residences, The St Regis Bangkok’s floor-to-ceiling windows afford fabulous views wherever you are in the hotel.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> From £154 a night.Visit <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3199" target="_blank">starwoodhotels.com</a>.</p>

- The St Regis Lhasa Resort, Tibet<p> The first-ever luxury hotel in Tibet opened on 1 April 2011. Standing at 12,000 feet above sea level, the resort offers awe-inspiring views of the Potala Palace, the Lhasa Valley and the Himalayas. Its Iridium Spa dazzles with a gold-tiled pool, and it also features Tibet’s first ever fine-dining restaurant, wine bar and signature tea room. There's 150 luxurious guest rooms and 12 villas and suites - including the Presidential Suite, with custom-designed furniture and spacious marble bathrooms. Lhasa, christened 'Place of the Gods' by ancient Tibetans, is the spiritual and political centre of Tibet. With its ideal location in the ancient Barkhor area, The St Regis Lhasa Resort is perfect for exploring the city’s treasures, including the Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulinka and the Drepung Monastery.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> From £222 a night, room only. Visit <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3129&EM=VTY_SR_3129_LHASA_PROP_OVERVIEW" target="_blank">stregis.com/lhasa</a>.</p>

- Wildman Wilderness Lodge, Northern Territory, Australia<p> The stylish Wildman Wilderness Lodge opened its doors in April 2011. Located on the banks of the Mary River halfway between Darwin and the Kakadu National Park, the lodge offers world-class wildlife experiences amid lush wilderness. Accommodation comprises of 10 cabins or ‘habitats’ and 15 luxury safari tents.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> Safari tent standard rates start from £133 (AU $215) per person per night based on two adults sharing including breakfast and a two-course dinner, whilst Habitat standard rates start from £176 (AU $285). Visit <a href="http://www.wildmanwildernesslodge.com.au/" target="_blank">wildmanwildernesslodge.com.au</a>.</p>

- Villa Armena, Tuscany, Italy<p> Villa Armena is a luxurious retreat in the heart of Tuscany. The hotel has just 10 rooms each one styled in a completely different manner, furnished with gorgeous antique furniture, paintings, prints and rich fabrics. There's a fabulous well-stocked wine cellar that you can wander through, a beautiful spa, and stunning gardens.<br /> <strong>Price:</strong> From £280 - £570 per room per night on a B&B basis dependent on room type. Visit <a href="http://www.essentialitaly.co.uk/tuscany_hotels_villa-armena.php" target="_blank">essentialitaly.co.uk.</a><br /> </p>

- St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, London<p> The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel London celebrated its grand opening on 5 May 2011, 138 years to the day after the original Midland Grand Hotel opened its doors on 5 May 1873. The hotel channels high Victorian Gothic architecture with the stunning redbrick building having been saved from demolition in the 60s after a protest led by former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman. The £150 million renovation of the 245-room hotel consists of the historic St Pancras Chambers that houses 38 elegant and spacious Victorian bedroom suites, and Barlow House, the newly created 120,000 square foot extension that features original artwork and contemporary design. You can re-live the glamour of the Victorian era at The Booking Office bar & restaurant - recreated in the original ticket office. And the Gilbert Scott restaurant, run by celebrated chef, Marcus Wareing, has an exquisite David Collins-designed interior. The hotel is also home to a 500-capacity event hall, a private club, a gentleman’s grooming salon, and a luxury spa, which includes a swimming pool and six treatment rooms. <strong>Price:</strong> From £300 a night, room only. Visit <a href="http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/lonpr-st-pancras" target="_blank">marriott.co.uk</a>.</p>










