2020 was not great for travel, but 2021 may provide an uptick with several new hotels about to open in Asia. People worldwide largely stayed at home throughout the whole of last year. But now with travel bubbles and borders beginning to open, there is hope on the horizon.
Frankly, we are glad that despite the bleak outlook of last year, hospitality brands carried on with their expansion plans. And once more, Asia continues to be a main focal point with international chains setting up properties across the region. If you need an excuse to start travelling again, here is a checklist of some new hotels that are due to open their doors in Asia this 2021.
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai Fengxian, China
The Marriott group has set a target to open 100 properties in Asia-Pacific in 2021. China will be a key market with the opening of JW Marriott Shanghai Fengxian. The property, set to open in Spring 2021, marks the group’s 400th hotel in greater China and the 50th in Shanghai.
Located in the centre of Jinhai Lake, adjacent to the Fengxian Museum and Nine Trees Future Art Centre, the hotel is inspired by the surrounding body of water. JW Marriott Shanghai Fengxian features 265 modern rooms and suites overlooking the lake or the hotel’s beautiful atrium garden.
More information here.
Desa Potato Head, Bali, Indonesia
Potato Head has continuously maintained its position as one of Bali’s coolest resorts. This year, it intends to continue that streak with the opening of its new creative village. Due to open in Q1, the Seminyak resort will have 168 rooms with unobstructed views of the ocean.
It will also offer guests a beachfront pool, a farm-to-table restaurant, art gallery and, naturally, a traditional Balinese spa. Music remains a pillar here and it shows too, with a recording studio and subterranean discotheque located onsite.
More information here.
Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The Cambodian capital recently welcomed its newest five-star luxury hotel, courtesy of Hyatt. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh caters to both business and leisure travellers. The hotel blends Khmer architecture with French colonial influences.
The property itself was originally a 20th century colonial villa, which now serves as the hotel’s entrance. The main building itself houses 247 guest rooms, an outdoor infinity pool, four dining venues and a spa. Most of the city’s main attractions such as the National Museum and Royal Palace are conveniently within walking distance.
More information here.
Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Korea
The Accor group has also continued to expand its portfolio throughout the globe. One of its newest, the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, has already established itself as a hospitality hotspot after being chosen as a location for popular K-Drama series, The Penthouse: War in Life.
The luxury property is the first Fairmont hotel in South Korea featuring a Fairmont Gold Lounge and Fairmont Fit luxury services. Located at the Parc1 complex with the iconic Han River on its doorstep, the hotel features 326 rooms and suites. Scheduled to open in February, the property also offers a rooftop and bar featuring panoramic views of the city.
More information here.
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, Maldives
When it comes to the topic of hot new hotels in Asia, Maldives is always on the list. The inaugural flagship resort from Patina Hotels & Resorts is situated on the Fari Islands archipelago in North Malé Atoll. Accessed via a 50-minute speedboat journey from Malé International Airport, Patina Maldives offers 90 beach and water pool villas. Patina Maldives venerates a biophilic design concept created by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan of Studio MK27.
The resort is further complemented by two other luxury hospitality brands, which guests are free to explore. They can also choose to frequent the island’s main social scene anchored at the Fari Marina Village and Beach Club. Look out for this one to open sometime in the second half of this year.
More information here.
Capella Hanoi, Vietnam
Architect Bill Bensley lends his artistic vision to this boutique hotel situated steps away from the iconic Hanoi Opera House. The newly-opened property offers 47 rooms and suites, as well as a signature restaurant serving Vietnamese and international cuisine. To socialise and relax, visit the Diva’s Lounge to savour hand crafted 1920s styled cocktails and Vietnamese-inspired tapas. The Capella Hanoi also houses its own spa and indoor pool. It also offers crafted local experiences for guests who want to discover the historic city more intimately.
More information here.
Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Japan
The first Asia-Pacific property for LXR, Hilton’s collection of independent luxury hotels, will open in Kyoto in autumn. Nestled in a tranquil area along the foothills of the Takagamine mountains north of the city, the 114-room hotel is part of the Shozan Resort Kyoto luxury enclave. In addition to spectacular views of the area, guests can also explore some of Kyoto’s most notable and idyllic Japanese gardens, historic architecture and authentic tea houses located nearby.
More information here.
Six Senses Fort Barwara, India
Talking about brand new hotels, what about one that is housed in a 14th century fort? Well that is where the Six Senses Fort Barwara is situated in. Regal as well as rich in history, the resort is expected to be completed and ready for business in late 2021. In addition to 48 suites, it will also incorporate a palace and two temples within the walled site.
A three-hour drive from Jaipur, the Six Senses property boasts two pools, a spa and fitness centre and two restaurants. Guests can not only explore the fort but also embark on heritage walks to discover nearby villages. The Ranthambore National Park, famous for its tigers, is also just a convenient 30-minute drive away.
More information here.