Palm Heights, Grand Cayman
The Cayman islands finally have a design-led boutique hotel in the form of the all-suite Palm Heights, which relaunched in early 2022 after closing during the pandemic. Amongst the palms that line Seven Mile Beach, its creative director Gabriella Khalil has created an interior design mecca – all Camaleonda sofas and Uchiwa lights – with state-of-the-art amenities to boot. When it’s finished, the spa will contain no less than half a dozen pools.
The best new hotels for… adrenaline junkies
The Chatwal Lodge, New York
Set in the lush thousand-acre forests of the Catskills in upstate New York, at The Chatwal Lodge you are encouraged to rediscover the essential thrill of nature. From snowshoeing on the capped mountains in winter to hiking private trails, the world is at your feet, with secret coves and waterfalls to discover.
The Homestead, South Africa
At The Homestead, opening in Nambiti, luxury safari is not limited to the Big Five: you can glimpse aardvarks and hundreds of species of birds and plants, some native only to its lands. Game drives are shaped by conservation and are bespoke to guests. Learn animal photography, camp in the mountains and end your days telling stories by a campfire under starry skies.
Vela Yacht, Indonesia
A six-cabin private-charter luxury yacht that sleeps a select 12, Vela is akin to a hotel on water. Sailing through the Indonesian archipelago, stopping off at secluded islands to hike among Komodo dragons and explore hidden coves on beautiful white beaches, each guest chooses their own adventure, be it ocean thrills (jet-skiing and snorkelling), on land (birdwatching and barbecuing) or on deck (sunrise yoga classes and an outdoor gym).
LUX* Tea Horse Road, China
Set along the 1,400-mile Tea Horse Road comes the 10th LUX* hotel on the seventh-century trade route, in Emei, China, widening the breadth of adventures guests can experience. Instead of mere stays, with LUX* guests book journeys – culinary, cultural or spiritual – in which knowledgeable local guides teach you fascinating history and traditions, as you move between its varying lodgings. One day could include a trip to a snow mountain, the next, tea with monks at a monastery.
