Luxurious indoor surroundings, reflecting pools, spas, fine dining and spectacular outdoor settings mark the new and refurbished hotels that have been opened during 2016, according to LTI–Luxury Travel Intelligence, an online travel information source for the wealthy.
Each year LTI ranks the new hotels that have been added to the choices available to the rich.
Following are the top 10 winners—and the five clunkers—along with LTI's review summaries:
10. Les Neiges, Courchevel, France
This luxury hotel opened Dec. 16 and offers an attention to detail that is impressive in a ski-in/ski-out property.
9. The Lodge Feline Fields, Kalahari, Botswana
This "under the radar" lodge has rustic but luxurious suites set on the edge of the Kalahari savannah. It features warm, friendly staff and wonderful food. The seclusion and magnificent wildlife complete a magical experience.
8. Il Sereno, Lake Como, Italy
This property has a beautiful contemporary style that is designed to take full advantage of the breath-taking location. A first-class restaurant—already the best on Como—makes it even more worthwhile.
7. Fendi Private Suites, Rome
The location is unbeatable: Just seven luxurious suites sit comfortably above the Fendi flagship store. More the ultimate pied-a-terre than a luxury full service hotel, as there is very little in the way of services, beyond the beautiful accommodations. This is a different but very worthy option for the discerning traveller when in Rome.
6. Ritz, Paris
A long overdue major refurbishment—it took four years and cost $360 million—has revealed a fresher, more relaxed Ritz. It is still a Grande Dame in every way, with 630 charming and wonderfully efficient staff. This has become our new ‘go to’ when in Paris.
5. Le Barthelemy, St Barth’s
Everything is on point at this hotel and St Barth’s now has a new star. The La Mer Spa is an added benefit, with first class therapists.
4. The Beekman, New York
A gem of a property that feels as if it has been here forever. Grande Dame in style, with Old School elegance, this location also offers the latest technology. The friendly and efficient staff is also a real asset. Two exceptional destination restaurants complete the picture.
3. Soneva Jani, Maldives
As ever, the Maldives delivers another knockout luxury property, with Soneva Jani raising the stakes even higher. Each of the 24 villas comes with its own pool, retractable roof in the bedroom and lots of innovative touches, such as TVs concealed in a stack of well-travelled luggage trunks.
2. Pink Sands Club, Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Everything from the private jet transfers that go nearly to the door to the spacious, elegant accommodation, cutting-edge technology and the beautiful deserted beaches make this a special place.
1. Helena Bay Lodge, New Zealand
This unique $50 million property has just five suites, accommodating no more than 10 guests. While financial investment doesn’t guarantee luxury and service, we are pleased to report that it does here. The architecture and décor is intentionally on the bland side, so as not to distract from the beautiful surrounding landscape. This is destined to become one of the world’s best hotels.
Not all of the new offerings are up to the high standards of the top 10. Here are what LIT considers the five worst luxury hotels to open this year.
5. W, Punta de Mita, Mexico
W is a hip brand, but not everything needs to be so endlessly cool. Service, quality and style still come first and LTI encountered a few too many negatives in this regard. Thankfully, these are minor issues, which W can iron out.
4. Four Seasons, Dubai
Ther "wow" factor the Four Seasons for—and which guests happily pay premium rates for—is missing here. We suggest that you opt for the excellent Four Seasons on nearby Jumeirah Beach instead.
3. Trump International, Washington D.C.
The building itself is undoubtedly impressive, but once inside, LTI finds the décor a little garish and more quantity over quality. Service is poor on occasions and lacks confidence. The whole experience seems a little forced and therefore this place is not for the true discerning luxury traveller.
2. Four Seasons, Oahu, Hawaii
This property was not built to the Four Seasons' usual standards for an upscale resort. It is a refurbished Marriott, located on a small man-made beach, next to a sometimes-boisterous, mid-market family timeshare resort. We hope this is just a rare slip by this legendary luxury hospitality brand.
1. Palazzo Versace, Dubai
This is an impressive property, but in totally the wrong place. It’s surrounded by heavy construction that will go on for years, and even when completed, guests will still find themselves on the wrong side of this buzzing metropolis. A bizarre situation, which suggests this iconic fashion brand should stick to what it knows best.
