Bulgari Hotel Shanghai. Credit: The Bulgari Hotel & Residences Shanghai
While not a clinically proven disorder, the fear of missing out has real-life ramifications. Of course, we’re not blaming you for your friends’ FOMO-like symptoms, but you have to understand that pictures you post of the amazing balcony view or the fantastic charcuterie plate can affect people’s emotions.
But if your timeline is a ball of enviable fire now, just wait until friends see your selfies at these sparkling new spots this year. From stunning skyscrapers in Philadelphia to sand-enclosed spectacles along the South China Sea, these are the 2018-opening hotels that, once you visit and post from them, will make you the talk of social media well into 2019.
Bulgari Hotel Shanghai
Location meets luxury just off the Bund in this towering Shanghai escape. Set to debut in spring, the latest Bulgari venture will feature just 82 exclusive rooms and suites on the top eight floors of a towering skyscraper. A rooftop restaurant and stylish bar promise fantastic views of the Pudong skyline any time of day.
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. Credit: Peter Vitale and Four Seasons
Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love may think it’s on cloud nine with the Eagles’ Super Bowl appearance, but once locals realize what they have in this beauty — 219 rooms that seemingly stretch to the heavens in the 60-story Comcast Technology Center; high-tech meeting areas; new restaurants from Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Greg Vernick — they might have an out-of-body experience.
The Post Oak. Credit: Fertitta Entertainment
The Post Oak
The sophisticated community of Uptown Houston touts itself as the place “where you can have it all.” With this 250-room, amenity-filled hotel (full-service spa, two higher-end restaurants, a 20,000-bottle wine collection and an onsite Bentley dealership) opening in March, we’re inclined to agree with the bold declaration.
Rosewood Baha Mar. Credit: Ken Hayden Photography
Rosewood Baha Mar
We’ve eagerly awaited the full opening of the Bahamas’ Baha Mar. Offering the largest casino in the Caribbean, the integrated resort welcomed the region’s first SLS hotel in November, and the jewel atop the crown will be Rosewood. The exclusive property will have 185 ocean-facing accommodations, five luxe beachfront villas, four dining venues, two pools and Sense, A Rosewood Spa.
Belmond Cadogan London. Credit: Belmond Cadogan London
Belmond Cadogan London
While this Sloane Street address reverberates in historic London lore (this is the site of author Oscar Wilde’s infamous arrest in 1895), a 54-room hotel adorned in fine Georgian interiors, freestanding tubs and elegant dining will have you clamoring for the future.
MGM Cotai. Credit: MGM Cotai
MGM Cotai
Many hotels brag about having curated lobby collections or eclectic visual philosophies, but few have art running through their DNA quite like this late-January entry. Inside the $3.4 billion Macau resort, you’ll find nearly 1,400 rooms splashed in glass and earth tones, a 300-piece MGM Cotai Art Collection, the MGM Theatre and restaurants (Graham Elliot-helmed Coast) that will specialize in creating edible masterpieces.
Rosewood Guangzhou. Credit: Rosewood Guangzhou
Rosewood Guangzhou
Mesmerizing views will lure you in at this hotel, which will sit atop the city’s tallest building, the almost 1,740-foot Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre. For the best vistas, head to the 107th floor, where you can sip a cocktail in mainland China’s highest bar. Or opt for a smoke; the sky bar will have a cigar humidor area, too.
The Times Square Edition. Credit: The Times Square Edition
The Times Square Edition
Amid the bright lights and tourist throngs in Times Square, you’ll find this glossy boutique hotel. While no names have been announced yet, the restaurants will be a highlight; the New York City hotel’s signature eatery will open to a 5,800-square-foot beer garden and event deck overlooking all of the action.
Montage Los Cabos. Credit: Barbara Kraft
Montage Los Cabos
Montage landed a covetable stretch between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo called the Golden Corridor — it sits along one of Los Cabos’ few swimmable beaches. The property embraces its exotic environs with indoor-outdoor accommodations in desert hues, and adds luxe perks like Spa Montage and golf course access.
Nobu Hotel Chicago. Credit: Studio Rendering Inc
Nobu Hotel Chicago
The West Loop is Chicago’s go-to foodie neighborhood (it’s home to Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s restaurants, revered local chef Paul Kahan’s Blackbird, cult burger favorite Au Cheval and more), and hotels are smartly moving in to take advantage of the area’s vibe. A delicious Restaurant Row addition will be Nobu, which will have a 10,000-square-foot outpost of its popular Japanese restaurant, an indoor-outdoor bar and sleek accommodations.
The St. Regis Toronto. Credit: The St. Regis Toronto
The St. Regis Toronto
Taking over the former Trump International Hotel and Tower Toronto, the brand-new St. Regis Toronto will be the luxury brand’s first foray into Canada. Currently undergoing an 18-month redesign, the 256-room property will be known as The Adelaide Hotel, Toronto until the transformation is complete later this year.
Mandarin Oriental, Doha. Credit: Mandarin Oriental, Doha
Mandarin Oriental, Doha
Situated in the heart of downtown Doha, this elegant property is one of the most highly anticipated hotel openings in the UAE this year. The 249-room retreat will boast nine restaurants and bars, a stunning spa and an urban locale that can’t be beat.
Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito. Credit: Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito
Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito
Fires and mudslides have devastated Santa Barbara, but we hope this opening spurs more travel to the picturesque region. Rosewood will be the only luxury resort in Southern California with a private beach, which means you won’t have to walk far from your stylish waterfront cottage or bungalow to the secluded sand.
Jumeirah Muscat Bay, Oman. Credit: Jumeirah Group
Jumeirah Muscat Bay, Oman
At this waterfront Middle East escape, choose between two brand-new luxury hotels. The family-friendly resort boasts a kid’s club and tennis courts, while the neighboring boutique property offers an exclusive escape with 112 rooms built into the Omani hillside.
Atlantis Sanya
Experience entertainment for the whole family without having to leave your luxe resort at this stunning new build overlooking the South China Sea. The Sanya property will feature an array of adventures, including an Aquaventure Waterpark and dolphin interactions, complete with gourmet dining and plush accommodations.
Lutetia. Credit: Lutetia
Lutetia
After an ambitious four-year renovation, this storied Parisian landmark will reopen its doors this spring. The property’s new look will blend original art deco details with contemporary design for a one-of-a-kind getaway that will have a jazz bar, a reinvigorated Lutetia Brasserie and an elegant wellness center.
Fairmont Austin. Credit: Fairmont Austin
Fairmont Austin
The Lone Star State likes everything big, especially its upscale accommodations. When this massive property in Austin’s Central Business District property opens in February, it’ll have 1,048 thoughtfully appointed rooms, five restaurant and bar options, nearly 140,000 square feet of meeting space and, naturally, the largest outdoor pool in the city.
Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Credit: Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Nestled on Cabo’s coast between the Sea of Cortez and the desert, Zadún will boast striking scenery when it debuts in mid-2018. Aside from the tranquil, get-away-from-it-all locale, we’re looking forward to luxuriating in one of the 115 suites and villas, each equipped with its own butler. Tip: Reserve one of the many rooms with a private plunge pool.
Rosewood Hong Kong. Credit: Durston Saylor
Rosewood Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s harbor will get a new addition when Rosewood moves into the Victoria Dockside arts and culture district. In September, Rosewood will unveil 413 rooms, eight restaurants and bars and a Manor Club executive lounge. The not-to-miss amenity will be Asaya, a new holistic wellness concept that combines alternative therapies, lifestyle and nutrition coaching, fitness activities and healing treatments.
Visit www.forbestravelguide.com on February 20 to see the complete list of 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award recipients.
