One&Only Kea, Greece

This chain has a well-earned rep for the highest of high end luxe and the new property is its second Greek venture. It sits 45 minutes by speedboat from Athens and is an all-suite affair - each with its own private infinity pool. The island itself is sparsely populated with little tourist infrastructure, so the hotel had to become a world unto itself. It accomplishes the task with a quintet of bars and restaurants - including a hidden speakeasy - and Bond Beach Club if you feel like a party. The island is also a major drawcard for divers and the resort’s dive centre can provide access to the quartet of shipwrecks that dot the coast. Still undecided? The resort’s resident archeologist can take you on a tour of ancient ruins, the spa is a dream and One&Only’s Club One features an indoor-outdoor fitness centre, a dedicated teens’ area, bicycles, as well as padel and tennis courts.

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Cardo Brussels, Belgium

It’s hard to keep up with emerging hotel brands that are part of multinational conglomerates. But Cardo - part of the Autograph Collection, which is itself under the umbrella of Marriott Bonvoy, so not at all confusing - is one to have on your radar. Running 532 rooms over 24 floors it sits within a 30-storey building, one side of which is emblazoned with Rene Magritte’s self portrait ‘Le fils de homme’. Inside the designers blend Belgium’s pop icons like Tintin and The Smurf with the aforementioned Magritte. We love the umbrella shaped coffee tables  and furniture inspired by comic’s speech balloons. Add inspired touches like a jogging tour of the city for active guests, a solid bar and restaurant offering and there’s another reason to include Brussels on your itinerary.

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Four Seasons Mallorca at Formentor, Spain

Slated to launch in August, this glam bolthole was initially opened in 1929. The modern incarnation offers ocean- and garden-view rooms (some with private plunge pools), excellent snorkelling and a 486-hectare private estate protected within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana. Some of culinary attractions such as the pastry shop, ice-cream bar and signature Nikki restaurant will only open in 2025 but there’s plenty to be getting on with in the meantime. The pool is a low-key stunner and little visitors will love  the complimentary Kids For All Seasons program.

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Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam, Holland

If you’re staying in Amsterdam, you want to be close to the museums the city is famed for but also on a picturesque canal. Tick and tick. This hotel only has 163 rooms so there’s a cosy intimate feel and the '60s vibe comes through in a terracotta, mustard and deep brown colour scheme. The Pantry on the ground floor offers all-day eats and there are some excellent collab tours on offer. Try the This.Is.Eden silent disco, the Canal SUP paddle to give you a new perspective on the city and the Girls Who Magazine street art expedition.

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Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

If you know the British capital, you’ll know that Hanover Square is one seriously upmarket address. The MO’s second London property overlooks it with a red-brick architectural style that mirrors the Georgian terraces surrounding it. It has 50 guest rooms and suites - plus 77 residences (if you have to ask the price you can’t afford it). The spa tempts with 22-minute biohacking treatments such as ‘mindfulness’ and 'awaken' and did we mention the hand-painted silk House of de Gournay wallpaper? It’s the food, however that’s the star here. Korean-born Colorado-raised culinary hellraiser Akira Back makes his London debut on the premises while the 14 seater Dosa provides an up close and personal insight into contemporary Korean cuisine.

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Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice

Okay, it’s not a new hotel. Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, has been the Venetian benchmark since 1956. We need little excuse to go there - or just dream of it - and what is brand-spanking new is the reopening of its Oro restaurant. Under the direction of culinary director Massimo Bottura and head chef Vania Ghedini, the Michelin-starred menu offers risotto with nettles and Morlacco cheese, the rare Venetian shellfish Moeche with squid ink and the Zuppa Inglese dessert, a treat from Bottura’s childhood. The tasting menu is just over $400 per person sans vino but you will remember your Oro meal forever. Picture: Letizia Cigliutti.

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See also

7 best new hotels in Singapore

6 best new hotels in London

6 best new hotels in San Diego