LUX* Sud Sauvage, La Reunion
Later this year the eponymous LUX* hospitality group will welcome Sud Sauvage to their luxury portfolio, which includes properties in Mauritius and the Maldives, on the extraordinary Isle de la Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean.
Eight hectares of lush hillside will house 82 luxuriously appointed private villas and the resort will embark on an ecological program to preserve the island's natural flora and fauna.
Villa Marie, St. Barths
The French family-run group, Maisons et Hotels Sibuet, will unveil Villa Marie on the paradise island of St. Barthelemy later this year. Located just above Flamands Bay and the infamous Colombier Beach, just 22 cottages and suites will echo the elegance and pared-down luxury of the group's existing portfolio in France. The boutique hotel is set to entice an audience of bohemian luxury seekers, who will revel in the ethnic and tropical décor and the prowess of Francois Plantation, the restaurant’s head chef, who will present a traditional Caribbean menu using local ingredients.
Relax pool-side on the expansive terrace surrounded by lush gardens or revitalise oneself in the Pure Altitude Spa, where an array of signature treatments and indigenous botanicals will rejuvenate even the most exhausted jetsetters.
Kokomo Island, Fiji
Kokomo Island, part of the Kadavu Island group in Fiji, will launch later this year. Boasting four pearl-white sandy beaches and just a scattering of private cabins and villas, Kokomo will be surrounded by the Great Astrolabe Reef. The island is home to numerous species of marine life and, in tune with the increasing appetite for sustainable tourism without compromising luxury, the retreat will leave a minimal human footprint.
The resort will boast some of the world's finest diving and watersport activities and is surrounded by crystal clear sea water and promises to wow guests with attentive service and offer a glimpse into authentic Fijian culture.
explora Valle Sagrado, Peru
explora, the exploration travel firm that owns and operates high-end boutique lodges in South America, will unveil a new addition in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas. Nine years in the making, this new lodge will be located in the hamlet of Urquillos and in close proximity to many of the valley’s most important Inca settlements.
With a natural passion for exploration and adventure the new lodge, located within the grounds of an ancient corn plantation, will act as a base for discovering the world-renowned natural landscape and culture of the surrounding area.
Pearl Island, Panama
Boasting a 5,000-year history as the heart of the pearl trade, this new private island hideaway, part of the pearl archipelago, is located just a few miles south of Panama City, in the Pacific Ocean. The island, which is known for its untouched coastline and pristine beaches, promises to tread lightly and is poised to be the epitome of sustainable living – more than 75% of Pearl Island will remain undeveloped and a dedicated ecological foundation will be launched to preserve the beauty, subsidised by villa sales.
The island’s luxe hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resort, will house 85 rooms and a world-class spa, private beach club, three swimming pools, a number of dining options, a childrens’ club, plus a much-anticipated yacht marina, which will be the largest in Central America.
ME Miami, Florida
Next month will welcome the launch of the inaugural ME by Melia property in the United States in a city which is continuing to thrive and expand during an exciting renaissance. Located in the beating heart of Miami’s Downtown, a stone’s throw from the popular cultural hotspots including museums and galleries, the 129-room hotel will feature three ME+ suites with balconies offering remarkable views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami.
The 14th floor is set to become a chic haven high above the city and ocean and a go-to destination for chilled cocktails on sleek cabanas by two expansive swimming pools.
Grace Santorini
Undeniably one of the best-loved boutique hotels on the dreamy island of Santorini has just undergone a total uprade program and will reopen for the season imminently. The trademark whitewashed rooms and suites, built into the rock, will now feature chic marble basins and cavernous rain showers. The hotel's snazzy new Champagne and cocktail lounge is set to be the hip hangout for the summer; sipping aperitifs whilst watching the world-class sunsets doesn't get much better than this.
Health fans can revel in complimentary daily yoga and pilates sessions in a new purpose built studio while guests seeking total relaxation can ponder over which sunlounger to adorn - each offering extraordinary views over the Caldera. Executive chef Spyros Agious has devised a thoughtful, dynamic menu for the hotel's restaurant, which will blend modern culinary techniques with fresh, local ingredients.
Bill & Coo Coast Suites, Mykonos
Arguably the island’s most beautiful boutique hotel will unveil a new beach-side outpost next month. Just a scattering of white-washed, minimally decorated suites face west towards a sleek lounge bar and swimming pool. Direct access to a private beach, a spa treatment room and an a la carte restaurant will ensure guests are suitably spoilt during their stay.
NINE live and breathe luxury travel and excel at compiling intricate, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and adventures. Whether your wish is to be the first to visit a new Fijian private island or host a party on a yacht in the Aegean Sea, we’ll make it exceptional.