After a long winter, spring’s burst of warmer temperatures makes those suffering from cabin fever thirsty for travel. Luckily, 2013’s lineup of new hotels is quickly growing, presenting excursionists with plenty of options for a springtime outing. Here are just a small handful of notable openings, from city dwellings to natural resorts, for your seasonal travels.
Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, Thailand
Now open
When spring hits, warm weather enthusiasts immediately begin dreaming of sunny getaways. For those looking to experience a breath of fresh air at a brand new waterside retreat, Thailand’s Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort is the answer. A beachfront bar will have you sipping drinks while gazing out at the ocean, and numerous sporting amenities, such as badminton and squash courts, aim to keep your stay active — in between sandy lounges, of course. A beachy, airy theme is thread throughout the entire hotel, from the very-open lobby, with its latch-work encased lighting and beautiful wood paneling, to the terrace with its pond and lily pad-lined walkways and glowing lamps.
Capella Washington, D.C., Georgetown
March 22
Travelers to the nation’s capital will have a personalized treat in store at the newly opening Capella, D.C. Before you even check in to this Georgetown hotel, a personal assistant will contact you to iron out every detail of your visit, from initial arrival to checkout, even setting up after-hours shopping in D.C. boutiques and private museum tours for you and your companions. But keep in mind that staying in and enjoying Capella’s posh environment — the Capella Living Room’s showpiece onyx fireplaces and curated artwork, the rooftop relaxation pool, The Grill Room’s Champagne trolley and The Rye Bar’s wide selection of whiskies — will be equally as tempting.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Now open
With 447 guest rooms, 85 private villas and one seriously-impressive pool (more on that in a bit), this newly-opened Renaissance-inspired Abu Dhabi hotel is an alluring, palatial property with a stunning view of the world’s third largest mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. In addition to that vista (which can be seen in private from your suite), the hotel’s grounds feature lush gardens, a 17,222-square-foot pool shimmering in the center of the crescent-shaped resort, three Super Potato-designed restaurants (in addition to a variety of other dining options) and more. Really feel like living the good life? Book a private villa with unobstructed sights of the Grand Mosque, African teak timber pergolas perfect for lounging about in the fresh, open air and, of course, private butler service.
May 2013
Taking inspiration from its building’s original purpose — a millinery factory and tea salon — this soon-to-be-opened New York City hotel aims for an industrial-chic atmosphere. Touches such as millinery accouterments and steamer trunks speak to the Garment District’s soul, and the uniquely elongated guests rooms with wonderfully high 12-foot ceilings serve as a reminder of the structure’s rich history. Refinery Hotel’s rooftop bar will feature a retractable glass roof and other rustically glitzy touches such as a fireplace, fountain and reclaimed wood from water towers.
Cicada Lodge, Australia
Now open
Escape the cacophony of the city at this down under resort. Located on the riverfront of Australia’s Katherine River, Cicada Lodge is a collection of just 18 rooms that fully embrace the indigenous surroundings while also blending luxury and comfort. Each of the rooms is designed for breezy airflow with a rich, earthy color palette and elements that pay tribute to the area’s seasonal monsoons, such as large, “raindrop” showerheads. The destination’s surroundings are perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this recently-opened property — natural, craggy rock faces and streams that zigzag through the tree-dotted landscape.
Photos Courtesy of Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company LLC, Capella Hotel Group and Refinery Hotel
