Ultimate upgrade – stunning hotels reborn for 2019
Revamped and reborn: amazing hotels and resorts from Australia to Zambia that are promising...
FROM a cyclone-bashed island resort in Queensland to Cornwall’s hottest destination spa, a host of hotels have been given multi-million-pound facelifts and are ready to open their doors once more in 2019. Here is our pick of the bunch…
1 DAYDREAM I SLAND RESORT, AUSTRALIA
Best for: Nature-lovers and water babies. Where: Part of the Whitsunday Islands, at the Great Barrier Reef’s southern end. What’s new? Plenty. The islands were so devastated by 2017’s Tropical Cyclone Debbie that eco-friendly Daydream only reopens in April. Modernised rooms are joined by a new Asian fusion restaurant and poolside burger bar. USP: During dives around Daydream’s restored Living Reef, a free-form coral lagoon, marine biologists will teach guests about fish, rays and invertebrates. You can also join a charity helping rescued turtles. Check in: From £180 per room per night. daydreamisland.com
2 SHOEBILL I SLAND CAMP, ZAMBIA
Best for: Birdwatchers. Where: The Bangweulu Wetlands in Zambia’s Northern Province.
What’s new? Almost everything. Bangweulu is simply the best place for seeing the strangelooking shoebill, plus 400 other birds and black lechwe antelope, but guest accommodation closed years ago. Now African Parks, a philanthropic organisation specialising in resurrecting depleted wildlife reserves, has brought about the lodge’s rebirth in style.
USP: All four thatched, colonial-style suites face the shallow wetlands. Guests can see birds up close with guide Brighton, or go out canoeing. The sunsets are spectacular.
Check in: From £520 per person per night full-board, including all activities and park fees. aardvarksafaris.co.uk
3 THE DUPONT CIRCLE, WASHINGTON DC
Best for: City slickers. Where: Perfect location between buzzy residential districts and Washington’s political hub.
What’s new? A once-nondescript residence now has House of Cardsstyle chic after a serious update. Come spring, glamorous new barrestaurant Doyle promises a midcentury vibe – think walnut panels and geometric patterns – and a cherry- blossom veranda. Next door is a coffee and chocolate bar. Upstairs are 14 rooftop suites.
USP: Luxurious enough for a break in the US capital, but it also attracts those on business.
Check in: From £ 240 per room per night. doylecollection.com
4 JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL, DUBAI
Best for: Sun-seeking families. Where: Resort has its own private beach and is set between the Palms and Dubai Festival City. What’s new? Following a six-month closure, vivacious design has enliv- ened Jumeirah’s wave- shaped Dubai digs. Fresh art installations hang above the expanded lobbyatrium, referencing cloud sil - houettes and sun glows on the neighbouring Arabian Sea, while white, gold and blue accents boldly spruce up the various restaurants. All bedrooms are now kitted out with Hypnos beds.
USP: Jumeirah Beach remains Dubai’s best hotel for children and families get access to the adjacent Wild Wadi Waterpark.
Check in: From £ 235 per room per night. jumeirah.com
5 ST MICHAEL’S SPA, FALMOUTH
Best for: Spa-lovers. Where: Near Gyllyngvase beach.
What’s new? They’ve unveiled the world’s first Cornish sea-salt steam room and a whopping hydrotherapy pool. And don’t miss the cedarwood hot tubs. Next door is a three-floor health club and two new sea-facing restaurants. Every blue-white bedroom features smart amenities such as Lavazza coffee machines.
USP: A vast offering of more than 60 treatments is on the menu in the spa. There are also fitness classes and tennis courts. Check in: From £92 per room per night, including breakfast. stmichaelshotel.co.uk
6 SCHWEIZERHOF, SWITZERLAND
Best for: Skiers and foodies. Where: Zermatt. What’s new? A bold transformation into a ‘modern mountain hotel’ by the architect-designers behind Paris’s cool MOB Hotels. There is a buzzy lobby with Bauhaus books and playful stag busts, an indoor pool and spa, and 95 t imberaccented bedrooms.
USP: A ‘show kitchen’ allows guests to watch the chef cook organic pizzas in a wood-fired oven. Peruvian-Asian fusion food is also on offer.
Check in: From £240 per room per night, including breakfast. schweizerhofzermatt.ch 7LE BRISTOL, PARIS Best for: Romantic weekends. Where: Rue du Faubourg Saint- Honore, the fashionable area loved by designers and film stars.
What’s new? The ‘Palace of Paris’ has brightened up: its rooms and suites have swapped their original, 1920s dark- wood panelling for pale, pastel shades and a vibrant look encouraged by fine fabrics from swanky design houses. The venerable atmosphere remains.
USP: Eight-room Spa Le Bristol includes an unusual Russian-themed chamber where water therapy and birch-branch strokes combine. Diners must decide between three-Michelin-star Epicure and a one-star, low-lit brasserie.
Check in: From £ 800 per room per night. oetkercollection.com
8 FORTE VILLAGE, SARDINIA
Best for: Sporty families. Where: South coast of Sardinia.
What’s new? This huge and luxurious resort has completed a fouryear, £45 million update to create 11 private-pool villas and a new private thalassotherapy spa. In addition, all eight – yes, eight – onsite hotels have been spruced up.
USP: Set in tropical gardens on a white- sand beach, Forte Village has 21 restaurants, including one by Gordon Ramsay, plus a spa, medical centre, cosmetic centre and sports facilities ranging from a Chelsea football school to boxing and tennis academies.
Check in: From £ 460 per room per night, half-board. fortevillageresort.com
9 CHIVA- SOM, THAILAND
Best for: Sanctuary-seekers. Where: Hua Hin. What’s new? Contemporary and comfortable – that’s the overriding aim of the ongoing renovation, which is now three-quarters complete. The latest changes have seen an expanded fitness centre,