Hot new hotels for 2012
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clarionpost.com
Every year a host of new hotels open their doors across the globe - so many, in fact, it's hard to choose which one to see first.
So, to help you pick where to jet off to first, we've rounded up a few of our favourites, from city chic in London, to luxury eco island retreats in Cambodia.
Hot new hotels for 2012
- Bulgari Hotel & Residences, London<p> <strong>What's special?</strong> Coupling the Bulgari glamour and heritage with sustainable design features and state-of-the-art technology, the 85 rooms and suites feature exquisite detailing throughout, like custom made silk curtains with patterns inspired by some of the classic Bulgari jewellery designs, and bedside table lamps inspired by Bulgari’s silver candlesticks. The Il Bar will be the heart of the hotel’s social scene and features a sweeping silver staircase down to the Il Ristorante. There's also a luxurious spa with a 25-metre swimming pool, as well as a 47-seat screening room.<br /> <strong>Open:</strong> April 2012 <br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.bulgarihotels.com/en-us/london-2012/london-2012" target="_blank">bulgarihotels.com </a></p>
- Clarion Hotel Post, Gothenburg, Sweden<p> <strong>What's special?</strong> A listed former Post Office from the 1920s, which has been restored and extended into a sleek 500-bedroom hotel, the Clarion retains its original awe-inspiring grand hall and high ceilings. It also boast a trendy rooftop pool and the top-class Norda Grill & Bar restaurant, managed by the famous Gothenburg-born chef Marcus Samuelsson.<br /> <strong>Open:</strong> January 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.clarionpost.com/" target="_blank">clarionpost.com</a></p>
- Kempinski Seychelles<p> <strong>What's special?</strong> Situated at Baie Lazare in the quieter south-west of the main island of Mahé, this new resort features a mix of 144 standard, deluxe rooms, and luxury suites. There will be a choice of three restaurants as well as a large Olympic-length swimming pool, library, games room, gymnasium, children’s club and a spa.<br /> <strong>Open: </strong>March 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.justseychelles.com/justseychelles/display_text.asp?param=kempinski-seychelles " target="_blank">justseychelles.com</a></p>
- Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago<p> <strong>What's special?</strong> The Magdalena is the first new hotel to open on Tobago in the last 12 years. The 200-room oceanfront resort sits on the 750-acre Tobago Plantation estate with a 2.5-mile beach and features five fine and casual dining spots, an 18-hole championship golf course, three swimming pools, a tennis court and luxury spa.<br /> <strong>Open:</strong> January 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.magdalenagrand.com/" target="_blank">magdalenagrand.com</a></p>
- ME by Melia, London<p> <strong>What's special? </strong>Having taken over the historic BBC Marconi building, ME London will offer a luxe collection of 157 rooms and suites, screening room and an event space that is accessible by car. As well as two ground-floor restaurants and bar, there's a rooftop terrace club and bar, which offers fantastic 180-degree panoramic views of London. Located in the district of Holborn, overlooking Somerset House, it's bound to become the place to party for the fashionable, design-conscious set.<br /> <strong>Open:</strong> Spring 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.me-by-melia.com/index3.html" target="_blank">me-by-melia.com</a></p>
- Niyama by Per Aquum, Maldives<p> <strong>What's special? </strong>Per Aquum’s first resort concept features cutting-edge dining, design and service. Located in Dhaalu Atoll in the Maldives, a 40-minute seaplane flight from Malé, Niyama features 87 beach and overwater villas and a 24-hour spa, and is also home to the world’s first underwater nightclub, reached by boat and set 500 metres out to sea. Pretty cool.<br /> <strong>Open: </strong>January 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.peraquum.com" target="_blank">peraquum.com</a></p>
- Oriental Residence Bangkok, Thailand<p> <strong>What's special?</strong> Set within an iconic 32-storey building, the Oriental Residence Bangkok boasts a standout 20-metre swimming pool surrounded by a cabana deck and a poolside bar. When you've had enough of doing laps, you can head to the luxurious Maai Spa, take in the unrivalled views, or jump on the nearby Bangkok Transit System (BTS Skytrain) to go shopping.<br /> <strong>Open:</strong> January 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.oriental-residence.com/" target="_blank">oriental-residence.com</a></p>
- Song Saa, Cambodia<p> <strong>What's special?</strong> Known as Song Saa, which means The Sweethearts in Khymer, the eco retreat extends to two tiny pristine islands joined together by a footbridge over a marine reserve, way off the beaten track in Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago. On one island is the luxury accommodation, an array of 25 stunning overwater, rainforest and beach villas built with sustainable materials, while on the other island is the wellness centre and spa suspended among the rainforest. Pure bliss.<br /> <strong>Open:</strong> February 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk/asia/asia-holidays/song-saa" target="_blank">bridgeandwickers.com</a></p>
- The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi<p> <strong>What's special?</strong> The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is pure unadulterated luxury located off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Featuring 377 guest rooms and suites and 292 private residences, it also boasts six themed restaurants and lounges featuring various international cuisines and the region’s first Iridium Spa.<br /> <strong>Opening:</strong> January 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.stregissaadiyatisland.com/" target="_blank">stregissaadiyatisland.com</a></p>
- The St. Regis Mauritius<p> <strong>What's special? </strong>Situated on one of the last beachfront properties on the island, the idyllic white sand at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Morne, and bordered by a turquoise lagoon, the resort features the signature St. Regis Butler service, a luxurious Iridium Spa, 172 luxurious guest rooms and six exclusive fine dining venues.<br /> <strong>Open:</strong> May 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.stregismauritius.com/" target="_blank">stregismauritius.com</a></p>
- Villa Armena, Relais & Beauty Farm, Tuscany, Italy<p> <strong>What's special?</strong> Villa Armena (a member of the Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection) is tucked away in beautiful Tuscany surrounded by a wealth of history - the original villa was designed by one of the best known architects of the Italian Renaissance, Baldassare Peruzzi. After being fully restored, it will run as an exclusive 10-bedroom boutique property built of red brick with original oak beams and striking terracotta floors. The unique 16th century villa features gorgeous rooms combined with stunning scenery, creating a fairytale Italian break. There'll be a living room, wine cellar, spa (to be built in 2013) cooking lessons, wine tasting, hot air balloon rides and horse riding. And it's just 20 minutes from Siena and a short distance from Montalcino and Val d'Orcia.<br /> <strong>Open:</strong> February 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.ghotw.com/villa-armena-relais-beauty-farm" target="_blank">ghotw.com</a><br /> or call 020 7380 3658.</p>
- Berkeley River, Kimberley Coast, Australia<p> <strong>What's special?</strong> This stunning remote property will feature 20 suites, all with uninterrupted ocean views, and a main lodge. Sitting next to the Berkeley River, you'll be able to relax or go adventure-seeking, with activities such as boat cruises, bush and beach walks, fishing, helicopter journeys, or simply lazing by the pool. The river is flanked by towering rock cliffs and a waterfall that flows most of the year.<br /> <strong>Open:</strong> April 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.berkeleyriver.com.au/" target="_blank">berkeleyriver.com.au </a>and book at <a href="http://www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk/australia/australia-holidays" target="_blank">bridgeandwickers.com</a></p>
- W Paris Opera, Paris, France<p> <strong>What's special?</strong> Located in the chic and bustling Opéra area of Paris, amid lively cafés, contemporary designer boutiques, and buzzing restaurants and nightlife destinations, W Paris Opéra occupies an elegant 1870s Haussmann-era building, close to the Galleries Lafayette and Place Vendome in an area where Paris earned its praise as the “City of Lights". Along with a new modern signature restaurant, W Paris Opéra will feature a destination bar, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and 91 stylish guest rooms. <br /> <strong>Open:</strong> February 2012<br /> <strong>Visit:</strong> <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3487&EM=VTY_WH_3487_PARISOPERA_PROP_OVERVIEW" target="_blank">whotels.com/parisopera</a></p>
