You’re a hotel junkie. You’ll travel to a destination if there’s a luxury hotel that’s going to make it worth your while. In 2022, there was a slew of noteworthy openings around the world that knocked it right out of the park. Capri finally has a hotel that’s worth the price tag. And New York has a clear top hotel. Here are 11 of our favorites that made 2022 one of the greatest years on the books.
Hotel: Bulgari Hotel Paris
Location: Paris, France
Overview:
The Bulgari Hotel Paris is everything you’d expect from the luxury brand. The chic building occupies a prime spot in Paris’ Golden Triangle, so you’ll be close to the best of what the city has to offer. As in Hermes, the bar at the Georges V and Monsieur Bleu, to name a few prime landmarks.
Each of the seventy-six rooms and suites is generously sized, even at the entry level, so you’ll especially feel at home. Rooms are designed to almost feel like you’re aboard a very luxurious yacht, with high gloss woods, custom trunks outfitted as bars and large dressing rooms. The three-Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito runs the hotel’s Italian restaurant, where everything from the aperitif snacks and plates of pasta, is high on Italian hospitality. The Bulgari Spa is two levels of decadence, finished in stone that comes all the way from Italy. There’s also one of the most luxurious pools in Paris, where you will have no qualms forgoing an afternoon of shopping.
Highlights:
Bulgari Hotels recently partnered with the award-winning beauty brand Augustinus Bader. This partnership has created new exclusive beauty treatments available only at the Bulgari Spa.
Hotel: Aman New York
Location: New York City, New York
Overview:
Aman New York is located in Manhattan’s historic Crown building, a highlight of Midtown that’s been transformed into the most beautiful oasis in New York. With sleek interiors, the suites are some of the most spacious in the city and pay homage to the Southeast Asian aesthetic of Aman’s properties. Each room also comes with a fireplace, which inspires you to curl up and read a book.
In addition, the hotel dedicates three whole floors to its spa, offering a melange of specialized treatments. Of note is a hammam that is bigger than most NYC apartment, along with spa suites with their own terraces and plunge pools.
On food, there are two exclusive dining concepts: Arva focuses on traditional Italian fare, while Nama presents traditional Japanese washoku cuisine. The catch is that currently only members and hotels guests can dine on property, and enjoy the all-year round terrace and fireplaces throughout.
Highlights:
Aman New York has curated a selection of festive activities and celebrations for the end of 2022. This ranges from a New Year’s Eve celebration at its jazz club to lessons in furoshiki, the Japanese art of gift wrapping.
Hotel: Six Senses Shaharut
Location: Shaharut, Israel
Overview:
Everyone knows the luxury experience offered by Six Senses resorts, not to mention their award-winning spa. But now imagine one located in the Israeli desert, where the golden dunes merge into the orange sunset on the horizon. Here, you can stay at one of the magnificent villas and suites, each with its own private pool and panoramic views. The restaurants are inspired by Israeli and Mediterranean cuisines. Ingredients are sourced locally from the nearby kibbutz. In addition to the personalized programs and therapies at the spa, you can mix your own blend of botanicals at the Alchemy Bar.
Highlights:
The desert presents a setting with a range of activities and ventures. You can go on hikes, try off-roading, experience life in a kibbutz, or travel further to the Dead Sea and Petra. The Six Senses Shaharut is one of the most unique experience of the best new hotels of 2022.
Hotel: Rosewood Vienna
Location: Vienna, Austria
Overview:
This Rosewood Hotel is situated on Vienna’s Petersplatz square, a gem of Old Town and close to plenty of restaurants, shopping, and historic sites. The building itself is from the 19th century but has been outfitted with ultra-luxurious amenities that take the experience to the next level. A brasserie serves traditional Austrian food while a rooftop bar offers amazing views of the city. Additionally, the Asaya Spa is considered one of the best spas in all of Vienna.
Highlights:
When at Rosewood Vienna, check out the “social suite”: a huge living space with stunning views and your own private sauna.
Hotel: The Twenty Two
Location: London, United Kingdom
Overview:
The Twenty Two opened recently and became an immediate hit. Not only is it a laidback exclusive hotel in the heart of Mayfair; it’s also a private club that attracts the top of the London food chain. But what really makes takes this hotel stand out is the service of the staff, where everyone makes you feel at home. The hotel’s concept is similar to Soho House, but at an elevated level, thanks to the service and amenities.
Highlights:
The exclusive club is the place to be on a Saturday night, and as a guest you get special access to an evening of glamour.
Hotel: Casa di Langa
Location: Langhe, Italy
Overview:
At Casa di Langa you’ll be surrounded by the rolling hills of northern Italy and gorgeous views of the valley. The stunning property spans 100-plus acres of vineyards and natural landscapes that are home to some of the country’s most sought-after white truffles and wines. Explore the region’s cuisine at Fàula, where each dish features local ingredients by way of sustainable farming. The motto here is “luxury through sustainability,” which sums up the hotel’s carbon-neutral philosophy.
Highlights:
A great feature of Casa di Langa is its traditional cooking school and winery, with experts to take guests on a culinary journey of the region.
Hotel: Kalesma
Location: Mykonos, Greece
Overview:
Mykonos is no stranger to tourists looking to sunbathe and party their summer away. But Kalesma, a luxurious hideaway on the island, takes you far away from all that. Kalesma means “inviting” in Greek, and that sums up the experience. The suites and villas have an open-air aesthetic with jawdropping views of the sea, a heated private pool, and plenty of space to relax. In addition, Kalesma has a slew of culinary experiences, so you can pick depending on the vibe you’re feeling.
Highlights:
The hotel arranges tons of activities for guests, such as exploring a secret cove, scuba diving, private boat rides, that are so not Mykonos’ party scene. The staff will give you insider recommendations for the best restaurants, beaches, and clubs.
Hotel: The Maybourne Riviera
Location: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France
Overview:
This hotel is located on the French Riviera, close to Monaco, with dramatic views of the glistening sea. By location alone, it’s one of the best new hotels of 2022. Its modernist architecture juts out of the rocky facade of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin — a beacon of luxury.
All the rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in the lovely light of the Mediterranean. Some even come with their own balconies, gardens, and private pools. The hotel has six top-tier restaurants in addition to a large infinity pool and a relaxing spa.
Highlights:
A great highlight of the Maybourne Riviera is Ceto, the Michelin-star-winning restaurant headed by chef Mauro Colagreco.
Hotel: The Rooster
Location: Antiparos, Greece
Overview:
Antiparos is a tiny island, still largely unknown to tourists, hidden within the archipelago of Greece. The Rooster is built on thirty acres of rocks, ruins, and hills, perched above unspoiled Livadia Beach. There are 16 private houses spread along the property that blend into the background and give a feeling of ease and remoteness. The open-air restaurant and bar features ingredients from local growers and fishermen. In addition, the House of Healing is a spa with tons of treatments and relaxation features to put you in a tranquil state.
Highlights:
You can choose to stay at the Farmhouse, a three-bedroom villa with a private pool, garden, and a personal chef.
Hotel: San Domenico Palace
Location: Sicily, Italy
Overview:
If the hotel looks familiar, you’re probably a White Lotus fan. San Domenico Palace is a 14th-century convent reimagined. The Four Seasons hotel sits atop a rocky hill that overlooks the Ionian Sea. Pick your favorite room from a variety of accommodations, including suites with sea views, terraces, and private pools. Also, the hotel offers its own clifftop infinity pool, enchanting gardens, and Michelin-starred dining. Of course, being at a Four Seasons means you’ll get unparalleled treatment and service.
Highlights:
Visit Principe Cerami for Michelin-star winning-Sicilian fare by chef Massimo Mantarro.
Hotel: Hotel La Palma
Location: Capri, Italy
Overview:
Hotel La Palma is situated on the island of Capri on the Amalfi Coast, and is a recent addition to the Oetker Collection of luxury hotels. With its new renovation, it aims to bring back the dolce vita lifestyle of old-school Capri. In addition, Hotel La Palma has its own exclusive beach club where guests can enjoy the prime location, dining, and sun. Each one of the rooms and suites gets a private balcony with incredible views of the island. For food, Michelin-starred chef Gennaro Esposito runs the multiple dining options and bars at the hotel.
Highlights:
Da Gioia by La Palma, the hotel’s beach club, is a special feature of this property. Its 42 day beds are in the perfect spot to see the boats coming and going from Capri while sipping on a cocktail and enjoying the atmosphere.