Top Luxury Hotel Openings for 2012

Luxury hotels have been popping up all over the map this year, and with an abundance of over-the-top amenities, exclusive suites, and ultra-luxurious spas, it's hard to tell which resorts are truly the crème de la crème. Luxury Travel Advisor is here to set the record straight with our list of the Top Luxury Hotel Openings for 2012.

 

Eastern Mangroves Hotel by AnantaraAbu Dhabi - This resort offers both the the beauty of the mangroves and the excitement of the city. Guests can relax on the rooftop lounge overlooking the city skyline or embark on a kayaking adventure form the onsite marina. The entire resort is outfitted with earth tones and the finest décor – think 18-carat gold accents.

Selman, Marrakech - The star of this resort is most definitely the Riad, five of them to be exact. Think over-the-top luxury – each with a private garden, heated pool, and 24-hour butler service. The hotel simply invokes relaxation, with soothing tones throughout and a 12,000-square-foot spa with seven treatment rooms and four Hydrotherapy rooms. Other amenities include an indoor pool, massage jet pool, Hammam, sauna, fitness facilities, Relaxation Room, Spa Suite with private Turkish bath, two outdoor heated pools and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & SpaJumeirah’s first European resort, this one in Mallorca, Spain, does not disappoint. Set atop a rugged cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this resort is complete with two restaurants, four bars, two pools, and the Talise Spa. The spa is extra-special, with ten treatment suites and a thermal area equipped with a Hammam, an ice room, a glass-panelled sauna overlooking the valley, a relaxation room with fireplace and an outdoor heated Hydropool.

Palazzo Margherita, Southern Italy – Three words: Francis Ford Coppola. With interior gardens and painted frescos, the director’s new Italian resort is simply delightful. Think the laid-back lifestyle, with a private pool and the option to dine wherever you choose. In the evenings, guests can head to the salon for private screenings from Coppola’s collection of classic Italian films and documentaries.



St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Residences, Bal Harbour, Florida –This all glass, 27-story resort is complete with amazing views, oceanfront dining, 14,000-square-foot spa, and butler service. Take in the view from your oversized glass balcony or relax the day away in a private open-air cabana. We hear the private cabanas are equipped with champagne, fresh fruit, and even a personal butler upon request.

The Conrad, New York – We love this eco-friendly addition to the New York skyline. The 15-story all-suite hotel is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification for New Construction from the U.S. Green Building Council. Sustainability-conscious design elements include: green roof and chef’s roof garden, bike racks for public use, low flow plumbing fixtures for water conservation, LED lights that consist of more than 60 percent of all the lighting in the hotel, low VOC materials to promote indoor air quality, and Energy Star kitchen equipment. Did we mention upscale dining from Chef Anthony Zamora, valet parking, and amazing views?

The Park on Holiday Beach, Goa – The relaxed, contemporary feel of this hotel sets it apart, boasting sleek lines and all-white rooms with purple accents. Local artwork adorns the walls and the relaxed mood continues throughout the hotel, with a 24-hour “Love” restaurant and Peace Bar overlooking the sea, as well as poolside cabanas where guests can indulge in spa treatments.

Secrets The Vine, Cancun – This new adults-only resort, opening August 2012, takes luxury to a new level. Secrets’ signature Unlimited-Luxury service offer guests unlimited access to gourmet a la carte dining, 24-hour room and concierge services, daytime activities and more. Each of the 495 guest rooms has a private balcony and ocean views, the perfect setup for a romantic getaway.

The Westin, Xiamen – Towering above the central business district of Xiamen, this hotel offers spacious rooms equipped with Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed, 42-inch LCD television, high-speed wireless internet, IPOD docking station and a large desk with an ergonomic chair by Herman Miler. The dining options are plentiful- think authentic Cantonese dishes and western-Asian fusion cocktails. We love that Zen5se serves up unique cocktails based on the Chinese five elements - gold, wood, water, fire, and earth.

The Okura Prestige, Bangkok - Fit for the eco-conscious, this hotel is fitted with cutting-edge green technology and energy-saving techniques. Guests can enjoy views of the Bangkok skyline while swimming in the infinity pool on the 25th floor. The hotel also features a spa, fitness center, four restaurants and bars, four meeting rooms, and a business center.