From Marrakech to Miami, the best new hotels-and some reimagined favourites-for the new year
Now that the travel world has truly shaken off the recession, hoteliers are no longer playing it safe. In 2015 big-name brands are branching out from what they do so famously: Mandarin Oriental, known for its outstanding city hotels, is opening a resort just outside Marrakech, while Aman Resorts, whose signature is peaceful sanctuaries in remote places, is coming to Tokyo. The indies are shaking things up, too, as with a pair of former & Beyond executives opening their own private camp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, and with Alan Faena, who is exporting his audacious namesake hotel in Buenos Aires to Miami. For travellers the new luxury frontiers are in South America, which is safer than ever, easily reached and ideal for soft adventure: Hacienda Bambusa is bringing elegance to Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, and Alex Vik is expanding his empire to Chile. Here’s what to check out when you check in this year.
Aman, Tokyo
Aman junkies don’t ever need to be sold on the brand, but the opening of the first urban hotel promises to offer the faithful—and Aman virgins—a new take on that signature style. Atop a new tower in the posh Ginza district, the Aman Tokyo, which opened in December, has 360 views over the megalopolis and Mount Fuji, a 100-foot-high lobby atrium modeled on a paper lantern, traditional rock gardens and 84 of the largest rooms and suites in the city (starting at more than 700 square feet). There’s also a two-storey spa, a 1,200-bottle wine cellar and a private-label sake.
(This story appears in the 06 February, 2015 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)