The best hotel openings of 2019

As much as you probably don’t want to hear it, we're already well into 2019 – which, for us, means we’re already thinking about this year’s holidays.

Luckily, there are a number of luxury hotels opening up around the world, ready to welcome new visitors.

From Croatia to the Maldives, from London to Sri Lanka, below are the best new hotel openings for 2019.

Faarufushi Maldives, Raa Atoll, Maldives

Opening: March 2019

If you needed another reason to visit the Maldives this year, here it is. The Faarufushi Maldives on the Raa Atoll will open in March and boast 80 spacious villas both on the island and over the sparkling lagoon. While there, pamper yourself at the Nika Spa and go snorkelling along the Faarufushi house reef to discover the abundant marine life that lies beneath the waves.

From £673 per night incl. breakfast and dinner, slh.com/hotels/faarufushi-maldives/

Lelewatu Resort Sumba​, Indonesia

Opening: April 2019

For an off-the-beaten track retreat, head to Sumba Island, an archipelago in Indonesia, to experience its remote beaches world-class surf and lush jungles. The resort is scattered over 10 acres and will boast 27 luxurious villas featuring wooden interiors, marble baths and private pools. Sample local delicacies at the two gourmet restaurants and have a treatment in the Marage spa before taking a yoga class, visiting the local villages and swimming under waterfalls.

Prices to be announced, preferredhotels.com/

Hotel Nantipa, Santa Teresa de Cobano, Costa Rica

Opening: February 2019

This boutique retreat took inspiration for its decor from the ocean and the sky, and is the ideal spot to holiday if you're an avid surfer. The retreat offers beach-edge suites and bungalows with hammocks, pools and ocean views, primed to watch the glorious sunset. With the jungle behind you and ocean in front, there is plenty to do here, from visiting the Montezuma Waterfall or taking a boat to the white sand beaches of Tortuga Island.

From £281 per night incl. breakfast, slh.com/hotels/h/hotel-nantipa/​

Hotel De La Ville, A Rocco Forte Hotel, Rome, Italy

Opening: May 2019

Housed within a historic 18th century Roman palazzo and sitting atop the Spanish Steps, Hotel De La Ville is a much-anticipated breath of fresh air into the Roman hotel scene. Furnished by local artisans, there will be 104 rooms plus 15 suites with the suites having private terraces that look over the city. The chic rooftop bar will be a must-visit the next time you're in Rome, if only for the views alone.

From £573 per night, roccofortehotels.com/

AMARA, Cyprus

Opening: May 2019

Just in time for summer, a new luxury hotel will open in Cyprus where you can expect private plunge pools, Michelin-starred restaurants and the beach on your doorstep. Suitable for couples and families, the hotel has a children's club that can provide hours of entertainment while adults pamper themselves at the spa or simply relax by the pool. This luxe hotel will become your new go-to.

From £444 per night, amarahotel.com/

LUX* North Male Atoll, Maldives

Opening: February 2019

For a different Maldivian experience, head to the new LUX* Maldives resort this summer to experience whitewashed penthouses peeking out of the island's greenery and perched over the astoundingly azure ocean. Each of the 67 double storey residences features a private pool and rooftop to relax on, plus you can make your stay all-inclusive, enjoying unlimited food and drinks while you watch the sun melt into the horizon.

From £911 per villa, per night, luxresorts.com/

Rosewood Yangon, Myanmar

Opening: spring 2019

Housed in a heritage building originally built in 1927 as new Law Courts, the property has been restored to preserve the splendour of the building's past and will offer 205 stunning hotel rooms. Most rooms have balconies overlooking the stunning Yangon River and the hotel will also feature five distinctive dining venues with both local and international dishes.

Prices to be announced, rosewoodhotels.com/en/yangon

Masseria Torre Maizza, A Rocco Forte Hotel, Puglia, Italy

Opening: May 2019

Puglia has become the go-to destination for any sun worshipper searching for an added touch of culture. With unique architecture and rolling countryside, the region is postcard-pretty and this new hotel simply adds one more reason to visit. Once a historic 16th century farmhouse, Masseria Torre Maizza now has 40 rooms furnished by local craftsmen and each room boasts its own private garden. The residence offers a wealth of local experiences to try while there along with a spa, golf course, swimming pool and beach club.

From £460 per night, roccofortehotels.com/

The Hoxton Chicago, USA

Opening: Spring 2019

This beloved London brand is launching a 175-room hotel in Chicago next spring and is slated to have a rooftop pool and restaurant run by local favourite Boka Restaurant Group.

A New York branch of the hotel is opening this autumn and a San Francisco branch of the Hoxton is to follow suit later next year, but there are little details on that at present.

Prices to be announced. thehoxton.com

Calilo, Ios, Greece

Opening: June 2019

The Greek Islands are not short of luxury hotels, but this new resort in Ios is something to get excited about. Calilo, the five-star luxury spa resort, is located in a remote 1,000 acre setting with a private beach at your disposal. There will be 30 suites, all with private pools and Jacuzzis, along with bars, restaurants and an organic garden with over 500 olive trees.

Spend your days in the sea or hiking the island’s trails.

From £600 per night. calilo.gr

Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Croatia

Opening: April 2019

Just in time for European summer, this five-star hotel will open its doors next April. With views of the old town, Croatian islands and the Adriatic Sea, Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is the perfect place to escape for a long weekend of luxury.

The 3,500 square metre spa has three indoor and outdoor pools, rooms for couples massages, three Finnish saunas and an outdoor garden.

From £157 per night. maistra.com

Hard Rock Hotel, London

Opening: Spring 2019

Next spring, on the corner of Oxford Street and Park Lane, the doors to the Hard Rock Hotel will open. Destined to be a haven for music lovers, this 900-room hotel will boast two vibrant bars, plus a Hard Rock Café set to serve American cooking with a British twist.

Prices to be announced. hardrockhotellondon.com

Harding Boutique Hotel, Sri Lanka

Opening: Autumn 2019

This six-suite luxury boutique hotel designed by British architect Jonathan Ashmore will begin construction on September 15 and will open to the public in autumn next year. Located next to pristine beaches and a world-famous surf break, the hotel is also a 30-minute drive from Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Private balconies with views of the Indian Ocean will be accompanied by sea-facing baths, rain showers and king beds, surrounded by palm groves.

Prices to be announced. hardingboutiquehotels.com

Sonop, Namibia

Opening: Spring 2019

This ten-tent luxury colonial-style accommodation - part of the Zannier hotel group - will be nestled in the heart of the Namib Desert and located on the top of a group of boulders, providing guests with unparalleled views of the desert and the wildlife within.

While at Sonop, guests can go on such excursions as hot air balloon trips or horseback rides, whilst the property also has double treatment spa rooms and an infinity pool for ultimate relaxation.

Prices to be announced. zannierhotels.com

Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel Alvor, Portugal

Opening: June 2019

Opening just in time for summer 2019, in the Brit's beloved Algarve, this wellness property offers a dedicated spa and medi-spa over two floors and 2,000 square metres. It is set to become a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and will have 70 rooms and suites.

There will be 25 dedicated treatment rooms along with an indoor pool, a rooftop pool and two restaurants, one which overlooks the stunning Alvor bay.

Prices to be announced. longevitywellnessworldwide.com

Baglioni Resort, Maldives

Opening: March 2019

On the island of Maagau in the Maldive's Dhaalu Atoll, Baglioni Hotels will open its newest outpost next spring. Blending Italian hospitality with a tropical Indian Ocean setting, this five-star resort will offer 96 villas with a selection of garden, over-water and beach villas to choose from. Spend your day relaxing on the uninterrupted beaches, having a treatment at the Ayurvedic Garden Spa or indulging at one of the three restaurants on the island.

Villas from £876 per night, baglionihotels.com/

Savoy Palace, Madeira

Opening: spring 2019

Portugal's Madeira is about to become home to a world-class spa destination, with the opening of Savoy Palace. The five-star hotel is home to a luxury spa, rooftop lounge, terraced gardens and multiple pools. It houses 352 guest rooms with ocean-facing balconies and, when you're not taking a dip in the pool, check out one of the many hiking, running and cycling paths found around the island.

Rooms from £124 per night, savoyresorts.com/

Six Senses, Bhutan

Opening: Late 2018

Six Senses hotels are renowned for luxury and its Bhutan outpost is no different. The resort is located across five intimate lodges which offer the breathtaking landscapes of Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro.

Each property has a unique design, so make the most of your trip and visit them all. For hiking, March to April and September to November are the best times for pleasant weather, while December to February is the perfect time to visit the mountains.

The lodges are opening late this year and there are currently a couple of opening offers to choose from, so make sure you get in quick.

Price on request. sixsenses.com

Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, Vietnam

Opening: Late 2018

While it’s opening a month shy of 2019, this hotel was too nice not to include. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Bay of Quy Nhon, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas offer everything from relaxing beach holidays to adventurous getaways.

There are 26 villas dotted around seven acres of lush landscape – and whilst there you can choose from a dip on the pool, snacking on butler-served gourmet eats or a four-hand massage at Anatara spa. Outside the hotel, you’ll find ruins, uninhibited islands and fisherman’s villages to explore.

From £329 per night. anantara.com

Caer Rhun Hall, North Wales

Opening: 2018

While this renovated Victorian mansion opened this month, the extensive refurbishment will be completed by the end of 2019 which will see the room count grow to 76. Caer Rhun Hall is located in the heart of the Conwy Valley on 20 acres of lush parkland, making it perfect for avid walkers and cyclists.

The North Wales coastline is just a 15-minute drive away, making this a perfect base for your late summer beach weekend.

From £140 per night. caerrhunhall.co.uk

Gran Meliá Huravee, Maldives

Opening: late 2018

Located on the picturesque island of Kalhudiyafushi, just 40 minutes from Male International Airport, this hotel boasts 95 private villas and 100 rooms along with three restaurants, a spa, sports centre and a bar and café.

The Maldives has long been on the bucket list of many Brits and this hotel will surely inspire you to book that ticket.

Prices to be announced. melia.com

Paradisus Los Cayos, Cuba

Opening: November 2018

Located on Cayo Santa María, part of an island just off Cuba’s north coast, and attached to the mainland by a mangrove-lined causeway, this hotel will be opening just shy of 2019. It's set to feature an impressive 802 rooms with views looking out over the crystal clear Caribbean waters.

From £243 per night. melia.com