The month of May brought so many exciting hotel openings, from the Belmond Cadogan in London to The Lodge at Blue Sky in Utah, I didn’t think it was possible to match the same quality, at least for a while. I was wrong. There are more incredible openings (and a reopening) this month than I could have anticipated.
So with this post, we begin our monthly highlight of favorite luxury hotel openings we would like to share with you. As long as there is an opening we believe worthy of reporting, we will cover it. We hope it inspires you to visit one or even two. Of course, we would love to help plan it for you as we pride ourselves on the relationships we build with hoteliers so that every client receives VIP treatment at the hotels you read about here on Inviato.
Our Favorite Hotel Openings This Month
1 West Hollywood JUNE 1
The first West Coast outpost for the 1 Hotel Brand fully opened on June 1 on the Sunset Strip after conquering South Beach and Brooklyn (Silicon Valley, Kauai and Cabo San Lucas are on tap). Occupied in the hotel formerly the Jeremy and then the James (which never opened), you can expect the same healthy and environmentally-friendly ethos here as with the other locations along with sweeping views of Los Angeles from many of the 285 rooms and 50 suites as well as the roof-top deck. A light and modern design, a kick-ass fitness center and program, three bars, two restaurants gives us all an excuse to head back to L.A.
Katikies Garden Santorini
After five luxury ’boutique resorts’ in Santorini and their newest opening in Mykonos last Summer, Katikies is at it again. This time with a new 40-suite boutique property that was once a monastery in the old Venetian neighborhood of Fira in Santorini. As you can expect from its name, the new property is definitely ‘garden centric’, surrounded by fountains and blooming gardens without sacrificing the stunning views Santorini is known for. The 40 rooms and suites are designed with a sophisticated, modern aesthetic complete with private pools and verandahs.
Elewana LOISABA Lodo Springs, Kenya
Having thoroughly enjoyed my visits to two Elewana properties (read my review of Elephant Pepper Camp) this past Fall, I am excited to hear about their newest property in Laikipia, home to the 2nd largest population of elephants in Kenya. Lodo Springs will be an ultra-private, ultra-luxe eight en-suite tent camp (each tent comes with their own guide) based on a 56,000-acre concession. Each of Elewana Collection’s camps (now 16 across East Africa) is unique but their commitment to conservation and the communities are solid across all of them. But this particular location of Lodo Springs with sweeping views of Mount Kenya and the plains is simply stunning.
HOTEL CHÂTEAU DU Grand Lucé, France JUNE 30
An 18thcentury Chateau in the Loire less than an hour drive from Paris, once the country estate of a Baron, has been painstakingly renovated and converted into a 17-room renovated 45,000 square foot Chateau. Interior designer Timothy Corrigan bought the Chateau in 2005 for a mere $2.5 million and he spent six years to get it ready for prime time before he sold it to the hoteliers who own the Washington School House Hotel in Park City, which we adore. In addition to 80 acres of spectacular grounds, you can expect a small spa, heated indoor pool and fitness center, a grand ballroom (mais, bien sûr), and orangeries.
The Langley, Buckinghamshire JUNE 1
While we are on the subject of royalty, the former country estate of the third Duke of Marlborough finally opens its doors after a six-year renovation in the English countryside. Forty-one rooms are divided between the grand country manor and an 18th century The Brew House on the property. A world-class wellness center with indoor and outdoor pool completes it all.
Lily of The Valley, South of France (LHW) JUNE 28
Perched over a cliff showcasing panoramic views of the Cote d’Azur, this chic new 44 room/suite property designed by no other than Philippe Starck is meant to provide a warm, luxurious and discreet ambiance for guests. The 5-star Lily of the Valley, just minutes from St. Tropez, will showcase two restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, and a wellness area along with a 5-bedroom Owner Villa.
Hotel du Palais Biarritz, France JUNE 30
The grand-dame directly on the beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean has been closed since joining part of the Hyatt Unbound Collection. A serious refreshing as part of two part renovation (the first phase has been completed) and the lady is ready to show her face again to the world the end of this month through the end of the Summer before the 2nd phase begins. A California size pool with private cabanas and solarium is just one of the best features of this iconic family-friendly hotel (read our past review) not to mention all the sports and cultural activities the hotel offers (as well as Michelin restaurants). Time your stay during Bastille day and see the fireworks display (note: the hotel is privatized from August 16th-20th for the 45th G7 Summit. Well, that should be interesting).
