10 Hotels Opening in 2017 That Are Calling Our Names

Half the fun of any vacation is the hotel you stay in; and many of today’s properties are so chic that often times, they’re the sole reason for the trip itself. And in 2017, there are so many luxury hotels opening that we barely know where to begin when planning our next trip. If you love unique properties, high-end amenities and immersive experiences, be among the first to book one of these 10 properties opening this year:

Baglioni Resort — Maldives

The dreamy islands of the Maldives are every beach bum’s ideal destination, and this year, Baglioni will be opening a resort on the island of Maagau in Dhaalu atoll. A 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé, the property will hold 99 villas within several different categories: overwater, beach or jungle. The 9,364-square-foot Presidential Water Villa will feature three bedrooms and private pool with Jacuzzi. The five-star resort, opening early 2017, will also offer an Italian-style design aesthetic and will be home to three restaurants, a swimming pool and bar, spa and diving center.

Awasi Iguazú — Argentina

Located 15 minutes from Argentina’s Iguazú Falls (one of the world’s largest waterfalls) is Awasi Iguazú, a small property in the Misiónes province. Set to open at the end of 2017, the hotel boasts 12 lodges built on stilts throughout the jungle in order to reduce environmental impact. All rooms feature outdoor showers, private plunge pools, spacious living areas and a 4WD vehicle for private use. A dedicated guide will also be assigned to each villa, offering guests the chance to experience biologist-led excursions.

Palácio Tangará — Brazil

A part of the Oetker Collection, Palácio Tangará will open in the second quarter of 2017 in São Paulo, Brazil. The property will be home to 82 guestrooms and 59 suites, all overlooking the 26-acre Burle Marx Park. Designed by B+H Architects, Bick Simonato and PAR Arquitetura, the hotel will feature dining venues overseen by Chef Jean Georges Vongerichten. Other amenities include a fitness center, kid’s club, the Sisley spa, private gardens and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Six Senses Bhutan — Bhutan

Six Senses Bhutan is not just one resort, but five. Designed as a way to get a more in-depth tour of the kingdom, the brand is opening individual satellite resorts in separate locations, all under one name. Guests are meant to travel in between the properties which will be located in Paro, Punakha, Gangtey, Thimphu and Bumthang. Each lodge will be designed to reflect its Himalayan surroundings, and all together will hold 82 suites. Six Senses Bhutan is set to open in October.

Bisate Lodge — Rwanda

If going on a gorilla trek is on your list of travel adventures to embark on this year, check out Bisate Lodge in Rwanda. The hotel will be located within an eroded volcanic cone which allows guests to see three mountain peaks at once: Mount Mikeno, Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi, the region’s highest volcano. With space for only 12 guests at a time, the lodge will offer six 1,000-square-foot villas built inside spherical domed structures. Because of its close location to the park’s entrance, guests can easily catch daily gorilla treks just minutes from the hotel.

The Chedi Tomakomai — Japan

We recently told you about Japan’s Hokkaido island which offers some of the world’s best heli-skiing, and soon you’ll be able to stay in the archipelago’s newest hotel: The Chedi Tomakomai. Set within 2,611 acres, the property is being designed by 1995 Pritzker Prize winner and Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Among its 60 guestrooms, 40 will be private villas, and all will offer a minimalist modern aesthetic with built-in fireplaces and cliff-facing views. The environmentally-friendly property will sit on 116 acres of land and will focus on preserving 96 percent of its surrounding forest. Other features include open-air hot springs, a gourmet restaurant, spa, indoor and outdoor pools and wine cellars. No set date has been confirmed for its 2017 opening.

The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club — Dubai

The St. Regis’ first polo resort opens on February 15 in the bustling city of Dubai. The centerpiece of a six-million-square-foot equestrian sports complex, the St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club will feature 136 guestrooms, 23 bungalows and 162 Andalusian-style residential villas. Along with six restaurants, the hotel will boast four world-class polo fields, a state-of-the-art polo academy and a 500-stable riding school. Guests will have access to the academy and riders of all ages will be able to enjoy a range or programs available to them.

Alila Dalit Bay Sabah — Malaysia

Located on Borneo’s northern coast, Alila Dalit Bay Sabah will sit along 17 acres of coastal land and white sand beaches. The resort has been designed with an emphasis on natural airflow and balance with nature. It will be home to 152 guestrooms, and suites will feature panoramic ocean views while one- and two-bedroom luxury villas will offer direct access to a lagoon and views across the Mengkabong River. Additional amenities include an all-day dining venue, a sky lounge, swimming pools, health and wellness facilities, kid’s club, library, boutique shops and an outdoor wedding chapel.

Itz’ana Resort and Residences — Belize

Itz’ana Resort and Residences, named after the Mayan god of day and night, will open this spring and is set on a 20-acre estate set on the country’s southern coastal retreat of Placencia. Nestled between reef and rainforest, guests will be able to enjoy a slew of activities with everything from zip lining to snorkeling and hiking all on offer. Since the hotel is situated next to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, travelers can also easily venture below the water to explore this natural wonder just minutes from the property. The resort will include a sea-to-table restaurant, rum room, spa, swimming pool, Hemingway-inspired library, and an 18-slip marina. The full-service marina will feature a watersports activity center, servicing boat tours, and sunset sailing trips.

Amanyangyung Shanghai — China

Already a favorite among the well-traveled, the Aman brand will be opening a 24-villa resort in Shanghai this year. The hotel is loated in the suburban Minhang District where its 1,000-year-old village was restored by the brand. The project entailed disassembling, relocating, and refurbishing more than 30 villages made up of 50 Ming and Qing dynasty houses chosen for preservation. Now, the hotel is almost ready to make its debut. The property will include contemporary interiors from architect Kerry Hill and all accommodations come with private pools. Set to open this fall, the resort will offer an Aman spa, six dining venues and a serene garden.