The luxury travel sector thrives on exclusivity, distinctive settings, and rare experiences. In 2023, these elements continued to shape extraordinary moments for travelers seeking the finest globally.
From pristine Maldivian atolls to sunlit shores of Sardinia, the Mediterranean island of Menorca, the cultural epicenter of Rome, and Bhutan’s serene landscapes, international groups and boutique brands introduced luxury hospitality to exciting new corners of the world.
Anantara Veli Maldives Resort
Officially opening in January 2023, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort began the year with strong momentum for high-end travel. After a thorough renovation, the resort now offers 67 villas designed by Yuji Yamazaki, blending tropical charm with modern comforts to heighten stays in the Asian archipelago.
Beyond accommodations, Balance Wellness by Anantara delivers a spa experience featuring Ayurvedic therapies, oceanfront meditation, and a curated range of massages. The dining scene covers a spectrum from Japanese flavors to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, crafting a holistic retreat where cuisine complements the tranquil island environment.
Brown Island Chania Resort
Crete welcomed Brown Hotels with Isla Brown Chania, the group’s new flagship. The resort includes 148 rooms and suites, many with private pools, plus a spa and wellness center, a dedicated children’s area, and a diverse lineup of dining options along with a suite of services designed for all ages.
Overlooking the Mediterranean from Crete’s northwest coast, Isla Brown Chania is a short 15-minute drive from Chania city, offering a balanced blend of seafront relaxation and island exploration.
Bulgari Hotel Rome
In the heart of Rome, near Piazza Augusto Imperatore, Bulgari marked a milestone by opening Bulgari Hotel Roma in June 2023. The 114-room property embodies the jewelry house’s heritage in its hometown, featuring a 360º terrace with sweeping city views, an on-site spa, and Italy’s first Bulgari Dolci chocolate and patisserie.
With this milestone in place, Bulgari’s international expansion plans include new openings in Miami and the Maldives in 2025 and Los Angeles in 2026, signaling continued growth for the brand across key global destinations.
Hotel Son Vell
Summer brought Son Vell, the inaugural Vestige property, to Menorca. Nestled about 20 minutes from Ciutadella and near the Camí de Cavalls, Son Vell sits within an elegant 18th-century manor complex, housing 34 rooms and suites distributed across historic outbuildings. A thoughtful restoration preserves the property’s character while boosting guest comfort.
Vestige plans further growth across Spain, eyeing regions such as Asturias, Extremadura, and the Basque Country after Son Vell’s arrival. The group also operates Palacio de Figueras as a private-property format property and outlines plans to add roughly 25 properties to the collection in the coming years, featuring a mix of hotel operations and private real estate formats.
Beyond Punakha River Lodge
The year’s most anticipated luxury opening is set for September with &Beyond Punakha River Lodge in Bhutan. This property marks &Beyond’s first resort in Asia, perched along the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley. The design weaves traditional Bhutanese aesthetics with modern touches, drawing inspiration from the surrounding natural beauty to create a serene, immersive environment for guests.