DESERT DREAMS

Even the best-laid launch plans have been thrown off kilter by lockdown, but new hotels are starting to do one final polish and tentatively open their doors.

Croatia's upward trajectory in the hotel world continues apace. The 53-room hillside in Hvar's Maslinica Bay is case in point. Backed by Aleppo pines, olive groves and fragrant wild herbs, a number of suites have private pools and, as a new member of the Relais & Châteaux group, the food offering is sure to be excellent. maslinaresort.com

It's joined by a 15th-century monastery on the eponymous island, just 11km from Dubrovnik. The five individual suites will be available to book later this year at £1,265pn on a B&B basis. lopud1483.com

Another property that will soon be making the most of whatever restricted trade they can has been on our hitlist since we first heard rumours of it. Sitting pretty on the shores of Mexico's Puerto Vallarta in the buzzy Zona Romántica,

is an enticing mix of modernity meets local craftsmanship. Expect abundant creature comforts and expansive coastal views. hotelamapa.com

And, air bridge permitting, there's plenty of availability in Japan right now. Some 50 new properties were primed for Olympics visitors, with three of the best being outside of the capital: the designed by Kengo Kuma, the architect behind Tokyo's new stadium built for the now-postponed summer Olympics; Okinawa's new plush beachfront pad; and

a zen mountainside retreat. acehotel.com hoshinoya.com ritzcarlton.com