Fashion and travel have many things in common, but my favorite is the shared obsession with newness. While there will always be a place in my heart for my 10-year-old tote bag or the hotel I've visited countless times, what really excites me is trying new things. To that end, I decided to curate my favorite hotel openings of 2023—all of which are bound to spark instant wanderlust.
At the top of my list is Christian Louboutin's new hotel in Melides, Portugal, which is just as stylish as you'd expect from the iconic shoe designer. Other destinations include a freshly renovated Cannes property, a beloved luxury hotel chain's new outpost in France, and a slice of paradise in Chiang Mai. Scroll for my favorite new hotels opening in 2023.
Vermelho Melides, Portugal
Opening date: April 1, 2023
Owned and designed by Louboutin, this five-star, 13-room hotel is a pleasant hour-and-a-half drive from Lisbon. Filled with antiques, Portuguese tiles, Giuseppe Ducrot sculptures, farmhouse sinks, Carolina Irving upholstery, and more, Vermelho Melides is undeniably the most stylish new property in the country.
Louboutin tapped several artisans to work on the hotel, including Greek artist Konstantin Kakanias, who painted the frescoes by hand.
The attention to detail at Vermelho Melides is second to none.
COMO Le Montrachet, France
Opening date: April 15, 2023
You might be familiar with celebrity-favorite COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, but now the hotel group is opening its first-ever property in France. Housed in a freshly renovated 19th-century inn, COMO Le Montrachet is primely situated in the famous Burgundy wine region.
Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, France
Opening date: March 13, 2023
Who wouldn't love to book a vacation on the French Riviera this year? I have a feeling the fashion set will make a beeline to Carlton Cannes, which opened last month after a meticulous two-year restoration. Boasting two new wings, the largest infinity pool in Cannes, and glorious ocean views, the hotel is bound to show up in your Instagram feed all summer long.
A press release from the hotel said it best: "A jewel of the Cote d'Azur revered by cinema stars, creatives, diplomats, and presidents for decades has returned to write the next chapter in its centennial history."
Drift Palm Springs, Palm Springs, California
Opening date: March 15, 2023
Palm Springs has long been the weekend getaway of choice for the Hollywood elite. But now there's a fantastic new spot to book in the desert: Drift Palm Springs. Its interior design flawlessly combines steel, cedar, and brick to create a serene, organic aesthetic. In addition to studios, the hotel has one- to four-bedroom suites with kitchens.
Drift Palm Springs also boasts a Baja-inspired restaurant, poolside cabanas, event space, a yoga studio, and more.
The Georgian Hotel, Santa Monica, California
Opening date: April 4, 2023
First opened in 1933, this hotel has undergone careful renovation to preserve the property's original details. Situated smack-dab on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, The Georgian Hotel's beachfront location is hard to beat in L.A. County.
The custom Art Deco finishes are definitely my favorite part of The Georgian Hotel's thoughtful renovation.
Faern Arosa Altein, Switzerland
Opening date: February 1, 2023
Skiiers will flock to the new Faern Arosa Altein, which has easy access to over a hundred miles of ski slopes. However, the summer season also offers a slew of alpine activities, including lake swimming, hiking, horseback riding, golfing, and more.
A trip to the spa is definitely in order if you visit Faern Arosa Altein.
Marina Riviera, Big Bear, California
Opening date: Soft launch February 21, 2023
This one's personal for me as I visited Marina Riviera with my family almost yearly growing up. Following a complete renovation by the Casetta Group, the lakefront getaway in Southern California's mountain town of Big Bear has finally reopened. Built in 1968, the Viking-inspired lodge boasts 42 guestrooms and six two-bedroom cabins. The hotel is currently in a soft launch phase, with further additions expected to come later this year, including a private beach, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, and outdoor fire pits.
Big Bear attracts droves of residents from San Diego and L.A. as it's the perfect destination less than three hours away.
Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening date: April 6, 2023
News recently broke that White Lotus is filming its third season in Thailand, meaning the country will likely see a healthy boost in tourism. If you're searching for Thailand's best new hotel, look no further than the five-star Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai. The four-bedroom teak villa is a standout amongst the property's 44 rooms.
This resort looks like a picture of serenity.
Regent Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Opening date: Soft launch March 16, 2023
Regent Hong Kong reopened in March after a two-year renovation led by the famed designer Chi Wing Lo. With panoramic views of Victoria Harbor, its serene interiors are a respite from hectic city life. Don't believe me? Peep the stunning Harbourside Restaurant pictured above. The hotel is currently in a soft launch phase, so reopenings of the spa, Regent Club, suites, and additional rooms will continue in the coming months.
The five-star property includes four different delectable restaurants.
Montevalle Health Wellness Resort, Mexico
Opening date: January 17, 2023
Having grown up only 20 minutes from the Mexican border, I've traveled to Baja dozens of times. My latest obsession in the region is Montevalle Health Wellness Resort in the buzzy wine region of Valle de Guadalupe. Located an hour and a half south of the San Diego border, this all-inclusive luxury resort is the ideal place to detox amongst olive trees and lavender fields. Plus, its wellness program is led by Dr. Carlos Bautista, an expert on natural and holistic therapies.
Yi Hotel Mykonos, Greece
Opening date: June 2023
I don't have to tell you that fashionable travelers flock to Mykonos like moths to a flame. This summer, there will be a buzzy new hotspot in town: Yi Hotel Mykonos. Activities on offer include boat excursions, horseback riding, olive-oil tastings, jetskiing, in-room spa treatments, and more.
Ember Locke, London
Opening date: July 2023
According to a recent press release from Ember Locke, the hotel's design draws inspiration from a historic London department store. "Drawing inspiration from the iconic Art Deco style of Derry Tom's Department store and the golden age of Kensington, the design channels a glamorous midcentury aesthetic complete with ample green spaces." Ember Locke offers studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, all of which have in-room kitchens.
The property includes a bar, restaurant, co-working spaces, meeting areas, and private gardens.
Next, How to Do Switzerland Like Celebs and Royals: Where to Stay, Shop, and Eat
