points N places

2023 hotel openings - our "can't wait to stay" list
29 Jan

Exciting New Properties Opening in 2023

There are many brands opening new properties globally this year, as the worst of the global pandemic may be behind us. This is our ” bakers dozen” list of properties opening in 2023 that we are super excited about and can barely wait to book, listed in geographic regions.  With most of these, booking through Rewarding Travel can provide you with luxury perks (eg daily breakfast, room upgrade st availability...) at no additional cost.

It’s going to be a busy year…

1.  Raffles London at The OWO (2Q 2023)
An architectural masterpiece, the Old War Office on Whitehall (OWO) is undergoing a meticulous restoration to create the Raffles’s first UK hotel.  OWO dates back to 1906 and is famed for housing influential leaders. These include Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and John Profumo. It also inspired Ian Fleming to write the James Bond series after working here as a key liaison.
The landmark building has undergone a monumental transformation and now features 120 lavish guestrooms and suites, 85 spectacular private residences, 9 ultra-stylish restaurants and 3 bars, bars including one gracing the rooftop with views across The Mall on to Buckingham Palace.

 An exclusive Guerlain spa and member’s health club (a 20-metre indoor swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms ) by movement and nutrition experts Pillar will offer private memberships for locals in the know.

2. The Peninsula, London (May 2023)
Swish Hong Kong hotel group Peninsula – famed for its Rolls-Royce fleets, crisp-suited bellboys and want-for-nothing service – is finally landing in London. Located at one of the most prestigious addresses in the British capital, overlooking Hyde Park Corner and the Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London is bringing the best of British – culture, art, and cuisine – to this new build in Belgravia.

Expect Peninsua’s usual sleek and understated elegance in each of its 190 rooms, while several destination restaurants, a Peninsula Spa (including a 25m indoor pool ) and a grand ballroom are also on-site. The Peninsula London also features a one-storey shopping arcade, with nine retail shops housing international luxury brands keeping luxury style very close at this new central London location.

 3. Mandarin Oriental. Mayfair (2Q 2023)
The luxury hotel chain is expanding its presence in London with the opening of Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London providing a smaller, more intimate sister property to the award-winning Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in nearby Knightsbridge. Situated on Hanover Square, Mayfair’s oldest square, the hotel will provide a calming, discreet sanctuary for hotel guests.

The property comprises 50 guestrooms and 78 private residences in the heart of Mayfair, one of London's most stylish neighbourhoods. Taking advantage of its world-class location within walking distance of London's admired fashion houses on Bond Street and the boutiques of Saville Row, as well as art galleries, the new hotel will offer guests and Fans of MO ( its loyalty program ) exclusive access and experiences from high fashion to art, culture, and dining. It will also house the first namesake Akira Back restaurant in the UK from Michelin Star award winning Chef Akira Back, as well as his 'ABar Lounge' concept. There will also be an urban spa, focussed on renewal and recalibration, featuring an indoor 25-metre swimming pool, sauna, vitality pool, relaxation room and a myriad of bespoke wellness treatments.

4. Adagio London Whitechapel (Late 2023)
For guests who desire the helpful services of a hotel and the freedom to live like a local in a neighbourhood apartment, Adagio offers an easy balance of both. Designed for longer stays, the 147 serviced apartments conveniently located on Whitechapel Road in East London will provide one or two-bedroom apartments, complete with kitchens.

5. 100 Princes Street  Edinburgh (August 2023)
Red Carnation Hotels’ group first Scottish property is to be 100 Princes Street, whose name is a nod to their illustrious address on one of Edinburgh’s most famous streets. The interiors – designed by the team behind Ashford Castle in Ireland – will be full-blown Scottish chic with custom-made tartan by Araminta Campbell, roaring fires and a central staircase with a hand-painted mural of Scottish explorers by Croxford and Saunders restoring the former Overseas League building to its former glory. There’ll be just 30 guest rooms, some looking to Edinburgh castle, and a staff ratio of 2:1, so you know service will be a priority.

6. Six Senses Rome (March 2023)
For their new Rome hotel, Six Senses painstakingly restored parts of a Roman 15th-century compound, including the exterior Renaissance facade and interior staircase. Architect Patricia Urquiola is masterminding the interiors - guest rooms feature traditional cocciopesto plasterwork, locally-sourced travertine limestones, and sun-drenched terraces. Located steps from the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, overlooking via del Corso, it is a great place to rest after a long day exploring the city. They currently have an opening offer, valid until 30th of April:- 15% off best flexible rate.- Includes: breakfast, upgrade upon availability, a welcome drink, use of Roman Baths, Sleep questionnaire, bedding and sleep tracker and access to their Earth Lab. From Deluxe Suite onwards receive a one-way Airport transfer as well and a 20-minute skin instant lab. Contact RewardingTravel for more details.

7. Bulgari, Rome
The eternal city’s hotel scene is seeing an injection of fresh style with new branches of Nobu Hotels and Six Senses, plus the boutique ROMEO, in a 16^th century palazzo. But top of our must-visit list for OTT luxury is Bulgari Rome. This Italian brand owns hotels as far afield as Shanghai and Bali, but finally opens its flagship on home city turf this coming spring or summer. Set in a 1930s modernist building dripping in travertine marble and red brick, it’s sure to be the epitome of more-is-more Bulgari style with warm jewel tones, fabulous artwork and unashamedly luxurious suites.

8. Maison Delano Paris (Early 2023)
Located in the heart of the ultra-chic 8th Arrondissement, Maison Delano Paris is an oasis within the bustling city. Occupying an 18th century courtyard building at 4 Rue d’Anjou, this is a place to experience exceptional and exclusive culinary concepts by three-star Michelin Chef Dani García, a fresh perspective on wellness and hyper-exclusive curated moments.

9. COMO Le Montrachet
Fine wine plus a fine spa – what else do you need? Launching in picturesque Burgundian village Puligny-Montrachet, the latest (and first French) property in the wellness-focused COMO resort group is a celebration of life’s good things. Spread across four 18^th century stone buildings, revamped by designer Paola Navone, serene contemporary suites will channel pure Gallic serenity; meanwhile the Shambala Retreat spa will turn out shoulder-unclenching deep tissue massages and hydrating facials. The restaurant will come with a superb Burgundian wine list, of course. Prefer spirits? Look instead to another exciting French opening: La Nauve, a former cognac distillery turned hotel near the Charente river.

10. Six Senses, Singapore (late 2023)
Opening right off Singapore’s famed Orchard Road is the Standard Singapore, which aims to enhance the city’s already vibrant cultural scene with its buzzy, night-life-focused brand. In addition to their 143 rooms will be a signature restaurant, an infinity pool, and a bar set within a botanical courtyard.

11. Capella Sydney (March 2023)
The first property for Capella Hotels and Resorts to open in Australia will be housed in a magnificent heritage-listed sandstone building, centrally located just a short walk from the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge Capella Sydney is all about contemporary luxury balanced with the historical Edwardian-Baroque features – grand soaring ceilings, marble-clad foyer – with contemporary design, international art and 70 species of local floral on a seven-metre-tall ‘green wall’ of this 100-year-old building. Guests will also be granted access to the private Living Room – a signature of Capella properties across the world. Here, local pros or Capella Culturists will be on hand to organise guest activities both in and outside the hotel.

Over eight levels, 192 guest rooms and suites feature walnut wood, natural stones and deluxe textiles with standalone tubs, custom Italian Frette linen and Haeckel’s amenities in the bathroom. Three ground-level bars and restaurants include Brasserie 1930 and McRae Bar is a modern rendition of a Victorian-era drinking den. On level six is an Aruga spa, fitness centre, yoga platform and 20-metre heated indoor swimming pool. While the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are all within walking distance.

12. The Standard, Melbourne (June 2023)
The Standard, Melbourne will come to life in Fitzroy's hip Rose Street as a 127-room hotel built over seven levels (including a rooftop bar). The Standard prides itself on shaking up the establishment and defying convention to deliver a unique experience. The company says its careful consideration of design, detail and service has allowed it to "cultivate a reputation for irreverent and playful sensibility".

13. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne (March 2023)
At the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, which promises to be Australia’s tallest hotel, check-in happens at the Sky Lobby, 80 floors above the city. All of the hotel’s high-rise rooms, spread across levels 63 to 79, will have stunning views of the city and Port Phillip Bay. 

 A sharp eye for design, and two highly respected chefs are set to be the calling cards of Australia's latest Ritz-Carlton, delivering local, seasonal and cutting-edge cuisine across the luxury hotel's culinary offering. The restaurant will sit a cool 80 floors above the CBD alongside the lobby, and below it will lie a holistic wellness spa that includes a heated indoor infinity pool, spa, sauna and yoga studio.  The 257 carefully appointed rooms will feature interiors with custom leather and velvet furniture, handmade glass panels and marble bathrooms with art works by local artists gracing the walls.



Exciting Renovated Properties that will Re-Open in 2023

Not quite "new" but having had significant renovations or refurbishments, these half-dozen properties are also on our list. 

1.  The Dorchester: London
The Dorchester has been a London icon for the last 90 years, and now it's slated to debut its largest renovation since the '80s next year. French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon is redesigning the hotel's entrance, promenade, guest rooms and suites, along with a new Cake & Flower boutique. The legendary Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is redesigning the famous cocktail bar, which is now dubbed Vesper Bar.

2.  The Royce Hotel, Melbourne (4Q 2023)
What do you want from your next trip to Melbourne: a culture hit or a dose of nature? At The Royce, sitting on the border of the CBD and South Yarra’s parklands, you can enjoy both. This 1920s gem is being restored to its art deco glory, complete with a 14-metre high marble fireplace in the lobby lounge and a two-metre wide chandelier. The name pays tribute to its former roles as Rolls Royce (Australia) HQ and major showroom.  
The latest refurbishment, which aims to immerse guests in glamour with its 94 guest rooms, a marble staircase and fireplace, 24-hour concierge, and a swanky bar. In the rooms, freestanding baths, Molton Brown amenities and botanical wallpaper will round out this trendy South Yarra spot.

3.  Le Meridien Melbourne (early 2023)
From its Bourke Street perch, Le Meridien Melbourne will bring a touch of French flair to the theatre district. Expect plenty of surprises behind the art deco façade including an immersive arts program, house-made gelato and a dazzling rooftop pool deck with views looking over Parliament House towards Fitzroy Gardens.  The Parliament end of Bourke Street will welcome back Le Méridien to Australian shores. Originally built as a hotel in the 1850s before going through lives as a cinema, nightclub and theatre, the building will return to its origins as a hotel for the first time in decades. The 235-room hotel is set to have expansive views over the Royal Botanic Gardens along with a rooftop pool deck.

4.  Fairmont Port Douglas
Port Douglas is where the rainforest meets the reef and luxury brand Fairmont promises that its new Port Douglas resort will immerse guests in the area’s spectacular nature.enabling them to  connect with nature amidst eco-friendly luxury.  Expect organic architecture, a treetop walk, and butterfly nets above the children’s swimming pool, as well as an operating philosophy focused on sustainability.

5.  Manly Pacific, Sydney
A seaside favourite gets a new lease of life courtesy of the MGallery Hotel Collection and designers Coco Republic, who have given Manly’s best-located hotel (right on the foreshore)  a five-star makeover. Apart from the spa and the rooftop pool, highlights include a French bistro and Tokyo Joe restaurant, featuring sushi, sashimi and more courtesy of an ex-Nobu chef..

6.  W Sydney (October 2023)
Darling Harbour’s distinctive new development has already attracted plenty of attention for its eye-catching architecture. It will become even more of a landmark once W Sydney opens with all the modern pizzazz of the W brand . With 585 stylish guest rooms and suites occupying 25 floors with spectacular Darling Harbour views and interiors inspired by the waterfront location (think powder blue tiles and deep circular tubs and stunning Sydney views) we expect this will be one of the city’s buzziest hotels. 
Forming part of the development that includes an IMAX theatre and a retail wing. W Sydney features a two-storey rooftop bar, Level 29 WET® Deck with a heated 30m infinity pool, AWAY® Spa, FIT gym, all-day restaurant, Living Room bar, 1300sqm of event space and direct access to Darling Harbour waterfront precinct, and links across Cockle Bay and Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC).). .

The Standard Melbourne confirmed on track for June 2023 opening
28 Jan

Speaking recently with Rowan Hand VP Global Sales for Standard International, he confirmed that the timing for the opening of The Standard Melbourne in Fitzroy's hip Rose Street remains on track for June 2023.

The Standard, Fitzroy will come to life as a 127-room hotel built over seven levels (including a rooftop bar), with design cues inspired heavily by the local area and its long-standing industrial heritage.

The Standard prides itself on shaking up the establishment and defying convention to deliver a unique experience. The company says its careful consideration of design, detail and service has allowed it to "cultivate a reputation for irreverent and playful sensibility".

The Standard is also a pet-friendly group of hotels.  So depending on your preferred vibe, you can choose to book your stays with either Kimpton or The Standard properties and know that you pet will be made very welcome (read "pampered").

See also our post of 4 August 2022, when we first brought this news to our readers.

Bonza sale ! Australia's new carrier has fares starting from $49
27 Jan

After much fanfare around its arrival, Australian low-cost carrier Bonza is finally open for business. 

Twelve destinations on 15 routes are on sale for travel until late October 2023, with fares starting from just $49 one way.  

The carrier’s first flight will take place on Tuesday, 31 January, from the airline’s Sunshine Coast home base to the Whitsunday Coast.

Bonza says flights from its second base at Melbourne Airport should go on sale in the next few weeks. 


Among the routes to go on sale from today are Sunshine Coast to Coffs Harbour ($49), Newcastle ($59), Albury ($69), Avalon ($79), Whitsunday Coast ($59) and Cairns ($79).

Flights from Cairns to Mackay ($49) and Rockhampton ($59), Rockhampton to Townsville ($49) and Newcastle to Whitsunday Coast ($79) are also on sale from today.

“The wait is over! 2023 is the Year for Australia, with low cost air travel to many holiday spots, some of which are relatively undiscovered. It’s time to see more of your own backyard for less,” Bonza chief commercial officer Carly Povey said.

The airline’s promise

Bonza says that the flights on sale indicate “what’s here to stay” for the airline. 

“It’s important that Aussie travellers know we’re on sale, not having a sale. We’re committed to low cost fares which will in turn, stimulate new markets for Australia’s domestic tourism industry,” Povey added.

“We’re confident whenever customers choose to travel, all our fares and not just our starting fares will represent great value.”

Meanwhile, Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie said Bonza’s launch into the Sunny Coast would be a massive boost to two-way tourism.

“The Sunshine Coast is a wonderful place to holiday and visit and now with Bonza, more people can experience our beautiful region,” Brodie remarked.

“Not only will people choose to holiday here, they will also use our airport to easily connect through to other regions making travel for our regional visitors a whole lot easier.”

The first Hyatt hotel to open its doors in Scotland announced on Burns Night 2023
25 Jan

Fittingly on Burns Night,Hyatt has announced the opening of SCHLOSS Roxburghe (pictured), marking the debut of the Destination by Hyatt brand in the United Kingdom. 

“As the first Hyatt hotel to open its doors in Scotland and the 14^th property in the UK, this immersive country retreat reflects the growing demand from World of Hyatt members and guests for discovery-filled experiences in some of Britain’s most sought-after locations,” said Arnaud de Saint-Exupery, area vice president of Hyatt in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Just a few miles from the scenic market town of Kelso, and an hour from Edinburgh and Newcastle, SCHLOSS Roxburghe raises the bar on luxury for travellers seeking a tranquil, rural escape in Scotland. In keeping with the brand’s ambition to build a distinct portfolio of luxury properties that connect guests with people, cultures and places, the property capitalizes on the growing demand from travelers seeking to escape their daily routine in style. The extensive range of amenities across SCHLOSS Roxburghe’s 300 acres of scenic countryside gives guests a true sense of place.

Formerly owned by the Duke of Roxburghe, the elegant countryside retreat offers a total of 78 guestrooms and suites, all within or nearby the historic manor house and The Estate House. Looking ahead, the property is set to introduce 50 additional cottages, planned to be available to guests early in 2023.

Located in the beautiful woodlands on the SCHLOSS Roxburghe estate, surrounded by wildlife and right next to the golf course, each of the 12 cottages benefits from having additional living space, fitted kitchens and furnished garden terraces. These additional amenities allow guests the added flexibility to appreciate and take advantage of the hotel’s services while having the option enjoy to an intimate dining experience provided by the property or themselves in the privacy within their own home-away-from-home.

Featuring striking high ceilings and decorated with a combination of Scottish tartans, the 20 guestrooms and suites located inside and adjacent to the historic main house feature oak wood, natural stone, and sumptuous textiles. These beautifully furnished rooms are each unique in character and highlight the eternal beauty and history of the time-honored building.

Extravagant fittings and fixtures such as four-poster beds and private balconies can be found within The Estate House. Offering some of the finest views of the estate, these 58 additional guestrooms are spacious and flooded with light, providing stylish, yet modern comfort in the most enchanting of settings.

Guests in all accommodation categories are able to take full advantage of the wealth of facilities across the stately grounds.

An oasis of calm

The 12,000 square foot (1,100 square meter) SCHLOSS Spa is a first-class wellbeing facility which includes an outdoor heated infinity swimming pool, complete with an underwater sound system. It is accompanied by a plunge pool and hot tub, allowing guests to truly soak up the hotel’s serene atmosphere.

To further set the stage for guests to dive into the estate’s natural beauty while pampering their soul, the large, 6,400 square foot (600 square meter) relaxation area features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the landscaped grounds and rolling views toward the Scottish Borders.

For the ultimate indulgence, three treatment rooms ensure guests can take full advantage of the soothing range of natural treatments available. The luxury spa also offers a fully equipped fitness suite plus a rustic Finnish dry sauna and a glass-fronted aromatic sauna, both with pool views.

The great outdoors

In addition to a myriad of scenic walking trails, the dog-friendly facilities also include extensive outdoor pursuits, ensuring anyone staying at SCHLOSS Roxburghe is perfectly placed to take full advantage of the unspoiled countryside.

Capitalizing on its enviable surroundings, the property boasts its own Country Sports Centre, ideal for those interested in tapping into the wealth of more adventurous activities on their doorstep. From salmon fishing along the River Teviot to field sports such as archery and clay pigeon shooting, the venue’s expert team will help unleash guests’ competitive sides in one of Scotland’s most spectacular settings.

The hotel also offers an 18-hole championship golf course that maximizes the landscape’s natural topography, embedded amongst glorious rivers and mature woodlands, providing an enjoyable and challenging game for golfers of every level.

Upscale Food and Beverage Experiences

Guests and local residents alike have two on-site gastronomic experiences alongside a tearoom and various lounges to choose from, each serving up a modern twist on traditional Scottish cuisine. These include Charlie’s restaurant, with its curated ‘Scottish bistronomy’ themed menu and terrace, and the cosmopolitan, fine cuisine of Sunlaws. The Drawing Room, meanwhile, provides the perfect spot for a sumptuous afternoon tea.

Under the guidance of Executive Head Chef Olivier Borja and the vision of the hotel’s culinary director Mark Drummond, the gourmet menus prioritize fresh, local produce to help elevate the hotel’s culinary experience. Having studied catering in the Scottish Borders before working his way up the ranks in prestigious London establishments, Drummond is perfectly placed to provide guests with a truly memorable dining experience. Key to showcasing the local area and delivering a modern twist on traditional Scottish fare will be SCHLOSS Roxburghe’s ‘Estate to plate’ philosophy, with many ingredients grown within the hotel’s own grounds

Guests also have a wide choice of places to enjoy a relaxing beverage while taking in the spectacular views across the grounds. Whether pulling up a stool at Bar 1745 – the sophisticated and cozy library bar with a roaring open fire – or enjoying a fine wine in the fire-lit State Room Lounge, there are plenty of opportunities to relax in style.

The property’s purpose-built banqueting suite and extensive meetings facilities also make the hotel an unforgettable choice for weddings and conferences alike.



What is Destination by Hyatt ?

Hyatt says that "the Destination by Hyatt brand is a diverse collection of independent hotels, resorts and residences that are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to embody the true spirit of each location. Ranging from upper-upscale to luxury, each property is purposefully crafted to be a place of immersive discoveries, authentic design, and warm and welcoming service. As an honored host, each Destination by Hyatt location connects guests to both people and place—offering a sense of belonging that invites all to make our destination yours"