Join/
Best of...
Whether you’re ready to start planning summer and fall trips, or you’re still in dreaming mode, our curated list of the best new hotels of 2021 is here to inspire future getaways. These spectacular properties—both recently opened and coming soon—have our staff and members buzzing, thanks to unique locations off the beaten path, mouthwatering food and wine programs, immersive nature experiences, exceptional design and more. Some destinations to watch include New York, London and Paris, as well as open-air enclaves of arcadian beauty—like the Maldives, Brazil, Mexico and, closer to home, the Catskills. Certain names on this list may sound familiar, due to delayed openings—after all, 2020 was the year of best-laid plans gone awry—while other brands accomplished the herculean feat of launching projects from the ground up during the pandemic. Whichever pique your fancy, we have the latest intel and strategies for getting you there and back safely, when it's the right time.Contact your Indagare Trip Designer or Indagare if you are not yet a member to start planning a getaway to the best new hotels of 2021—this year and beyond. Our team can match you with the accommodations and activities that are right for you and provide information on coronavirus travel safety, destinations that are open to travel, Covid-19 hotel policies, transportation options, private villas and charters and more.
. Opens spring 2021
. Opens Summer 2021
. Opens fall 2021
Contact your Trip Designer or Indagare if you are not yet a member to start planning a trip.
. Opens spring 2021
. Opens spring 2021
. Opens later this year
Also On Our Radar: Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, California; Stanly Ranch, Napa Valley, California; Montage Big Sky, Montana; The Green O, Montana; The St. Regis Bermuda Resort; Six Senses New York
Related: Best New Hotels of 2020: Our Top Picks from Around the World
In a Tetris-like high-rise of latticed wooden panels, snaked over by leafy ferns and palms, the Rosewood São Paulo marks a futuristic luxury addition to the hotel scene in Brazil's fashion capital (and the Sense of Place brand's first South American address). The garden tower—which is located within a complex of historic buildings that will also house high-end retailers and private residences—was designed by Jean Nouvel, and the 150 guest rooms and suites and 124 privately owned apartments are by Philippe Starck. Additionally, the property will contain six restaurants and bars, an Asaya wellness retreat and two swimming pools—one on the rooftop, and one in the garden. Opens later this year
On 700 acres in the Mantiqueira Mountains—a three-hour drive north of São Paulo, and a five-hour drive west of Rio—a new Six Senses property is bringing access to the three isolated river valleys that converge within the mountains' center. Fusing Japanese ryokan and rainforest lodge vibes, the seven open suites and 11 villas emphasize views and privacy, and on-property experiences focus on meditation and rejuvenation through the healing powers of the forest and its waters. Standouts include thermal and mineral bath treatments (including floating in an isotonic pool), foraged and fired flavors at the three dining venues and activities like birdwatching, horseback riding, paragliding and meeting local artisans. Brazil is currently open to American travelers—which means that an herb-loaded cocktail (crafted with homemade probiotics and medicinal tonics) beside a fragrant wood fire that keeps away the bugs, but not the birds (more than 165 local species can be found here), could be in your not-so-far-off future. Open now
Hidden in the southern mountains of Costa Rica, near the rainforest-covered Osa Peninsula, Cielo Lodge is the land of pura vida's newest eco-luxury lodge. With only six modern-style treehouse accommodations (a total maximum occupancy of 15 people), it's ideal for social distancing, and can even be an option for an exclusive takeover with your pod. The property runs on its own solar energy system and is the passion project of Nicole and Keith Goldstein, a couple based in Silicon Valley. Open now
Contact your Trip Designer or Indagare if you are not yet a member to start planning a trip.
Just a 55-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, this brand-new One&Only resort commands a rare cliffside perch overlooking the Pacific Ocean, nestled among the lush beachfront jungle of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit coastline and surrounded by the Sierra del Vallejo Mountains. The resort is comprised of 104 standalone treehouse and cliff-top villas (each with a private plunge pool), a one-mile, private, swimmable beach and beach club spaces, multiple restaurants and an 85,000-square-foot kids’ club. The rare location of One&Only Mandarina emphasizes peace and privacy, and each villa is designed to blend seamlessly with the ambient biodiversity in both indoor and outdoor living spaces. The adventure activities—including horseback riding, snorkeling, sailing, zip-lining and hiking—as well as the leisure experiences—infinity pools, beach clubs, a movie theater and open-air spa—are likewise integrated with the palm-fringed coves, volcanic reefs and jungle canopies that abound in this unspoiled area.
In the words of an Indagare Member who recently stayed with her husband: "We loved O&O Mandarina! The view from our room was incomparable (room 321 in case you want to request it for others). Basically the entire front wall opens up. There’s a screen, but the bugs were minimal for much of the day, so we usually left it fully open—and it felt so fantastic to sit and watch the waves and birds or read or talk. They kindly set the plunge pool to a warm temperature that felt good even in the cooler evenings. The room was really beautiful and comfortable. The food was great, particularly at Carao, and the service was warm and efficient. We ended up scheduling fairly limited activities (hike to a 500-year-old tree and meditation, massage, “wine and stars” astrological reading)—[but] when we return with the kids we’ll do more (likely zip-line, horseback ride, boat ride, maybe surfing lessons)." Open now – plus: access special perks, flexible cancellation policies and the services of our expert team with our exclusive Seasonal Offer!
Also On Our Radar: Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Mexico; Etéreo Riviera Maya, Mexico; Susurros del Corazón, Punta de Mita, Mexico; Amanvari, Baja California, Mexico; Paradero Todos Santos, Baja California, Mexico
Related: Spring Break Vacation Ideas for 2021
. Opens August 5, 2021
The white-sand beaches and prime snorkeling and diving of Mozambique, a sought-after post-safari and honeymoon destination, have welcomed a delectable new boutique property on its southern shores. In the hotel's sprawling private bungalows, guests will find incredibly chic interiors defined by smooth earthenware fixtures, rattan lighting and woven-grass roofing, and stone-washed linens that will kiss sun-washed skin after hours in the nearby lagoon, which opens out into floating forests, deserted islands and fishing villages that can be explored by the hotel's dhow boats. When you're not simply soaking in the delicate grace of this haven from the beach—sussurro means "whisper" in Italian and Portuguese—you can hang out in the gallery, library or bar; exercise in the lap pool or yoga pavilion; indulge in the creations of the open-plan kitchen, where plates include roast beet, ginger and coconut soup, crispy salt and pepper chili squid, char-grilled piri-piri Mozambique chicken with pilau rice and aubergine ravioli in arugula-cashew pesto (yum!); and even arrange guided overnight safaris focused on conservation in the Gorongosa and Zinave national parks. Open now
Contact your Trip Designer or Indagare if you are not yet a member to start planning a trip.
In the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, surrounded by 86 acres of eucalyptus forest filled with exotic birds and butterflies, One&Only Gorilla's Nest offers a design-focused retreat from which to trek to the see the endangered mountain gorillas and their chimpanzee and golden monkey cousins (the lodge is just five minutes away from the park headquarters). The 21 wooden lodges and suites—which rest on stilts to give a floating effect—come in a variety of configurations, with two-bedroom options, viewing decks, outdoor tubs, fireplaces and private plunge pools, making this a great option for families and groups. Other lovely property features include a rose garden, organic spa and the Nest restaurant and bar—but the access to Volcanoes and its wildlife is the true star. Open now
After a 45-minute drive from the Nairobi airport to the city’s Langata neighborhood, you arrive at the oasis that is Eden, only to be swiftly enveloped into designer Anna Trzebinski’s world. Samburu warriors greet you in traditional clothing, as you pull through the gate and up to the main house. The fire in the living room is blazing; the sounds of the forest ring in your ears. While Nairobi has traditionally been looked at as an overnight destination before moving to the bush, Eden might change your mind. Anna’s hope is that her new hotel is seen as a retreat, a place to spend multiple nights to reconnect while disconnecting. Set on leafy grounds, the property comprises two houses and eight rooms in total: three in the main house and five in the studio annex. The main house is equipped with a beautiful open-plan dining area, bar, living room with fireplace and veranda where local creatives, guides and foreigners alike come to mingle, having received negative PCR-test results. The décor is exceptional, which comes as no surprise when you see Anna's collections (which you can shop on-property, and in Anna's studio through private tours). For a true taste of Nairobi culture, there's nowhere better. Open now
Plus: Read our exclusive first look of the Hotel Eden Nairobi here.
Xigera (pronounced kee-jera) is tucked away on a remote island called "Paradise" in the Moremi Game Reserve, in the heart of the astounding Okavango Delta in Botswana. This new eco-friendly tented camp is completely solar-powered, with 12 spacious, air-conditioned, design-minded canvas suites decorated with the work of southern African and Marrakech-based artisans—plus a pool, spa and gym, and a fantastic baobab tree house where you can experience the bush under the stars. Activities include daytime game drives to see wildlife like elephants, leopards, hippos, antelopes and a variety of birds, seasonal mokoro rides, catch-and-release fishing, helicopter tours, guided walks and more. You may not be the first guest to check in—allegedly, a leopard mother and her two cubs gained early access to one of the suites, which temporarily delayed the project's opening—but we are certain that, upon arrival, the red carpet will be rolled out just the same. Open now
Also On Our Radar: Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique; Nobu Marrakech, Morocco
Related: Explore with Insider Journeys
The expanding Hoshino brand's latest ryokan stunner will bring travelers to a lesser-known prefecture of Japan: Kagoshima, which is located in the south-westernmost region of the country, known for its natural beauty. Within the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, the KAI Kirishima offers striking views of the Sakurajima Volcano, Kinko Bay and and Kirishima Plateau from 49 regionally inspired rooms, accented with materials like volcanic white clay and Satsuma washi paper. A quick trip by monorail brings guests to the hotel's pristine bathhouse, with an outdoor sulfur hot spring as well as indoor pools. Plus: don't miss the kaiseki dining program. Open now
Japan's rapidly developing ski destination has just welcomed another luxury hotel to its ranks: Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (only the fifth in the portfolio and the first in Japan). The property is ski-in/ski-out, but Niseko's powder-covered slopes are just as beautiful in the springtime, and the area is also known for its food and art—making this a year-round destination. Open now
This former 14th-century fort, once owned by the Rajasthani royal family and facing the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir temple, will open later this year and is a must-watch for history buffs. With 48 suites inside the fort's original walls (and a preserved palace, with two temples), the property is a vessel for time-travel. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the richness of the region, whether by studying the principles of Ayurveda in the 30,000-square-foot spa, wandering through traditional gardens or sampling classic Rajasthani cuisine at one of the several dining venues. Opens late 2021
This 47-room boutique hotel, which was delicately designed for art lovers by the inimitable Bill Bensley (also behind Capella Ubud, Shinta Mani Wild and Oberoi Udaivilas), uniquely celebrates the world of opera legends—composers, singers and designers—with an early 20th-century vibe, in a charming building on a promenade facing Hoàn Kiếm Lake. Don't miss a meal at Backstage—the signature restaurant—or Vietnamese tapas and cocktails at the bar, Diva's Lounge. Open now
Also On Our Radar: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; Patina Maldives; Azumi Setoda, Ikuchi Island, Japan; Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Thailand; Capella Bangkok, Thailand (open now)
Related: Best New Hotels of 2019: 13 Picks from Around the World
Contact your Indagare Trip Designer or Indagare if you are not yet a member to start planning a getaway to the best new hotels of 2021—this year and beyond. Our team can match you with the accommodations and activities that are right for you and provide information on coronavirus travel safety, destinations that are open to travel, Covid-19 hotel policies, transportation options, private villas and charters and more.
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities.
Get In Touch