We’ve got a deep love for hotels; everything about them draws us in, tempting us with their stylish décor, impeccable service, modern architecture and swoon-worthy restaurants. So of course, over the past year, we’ve taken notice of 2013’s best new hotels and have gathered a list of ones that have made us giddy with excitement. Here are our top six favorite luxury properties that opened around the world last year (and believe us, this was no easy feat):
Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund
Distinctive, modern, and glitzy, the Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund set up shop in China’s bustling city and is making sure their presence is known. Boasting the city’s largest accommodations, their 130 guestrooms all provide views of Huangpu River, stunning bathrooms with marble countertops and deep-soaking tubs, and some even have their own pool inside. Need a spa treatment? Step inside their over 14,000-square-foot facility spread over three floors.
Star Rating: 5
Our Room Choice: Panorama Oasis with Romantic Pool
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico
Sometimes all you need is a little face-lift to feel like your old self again (right, Hollywood?). Once a celebrity hot spot, Dorado Beach went through a $349 million renovation to bring it back to its previous splendor. Calling their resort a barefoot elegance destination, the hotel’s private beach sets the setting for a romantic tropical vacation among its 100 suites, villas and residences.
Star Rating: 5
Our Room Choice: Su Casa, a Spanish Hacienda situated on the water’s edge
Palais Namaskar, Marrakech
It is quintessentially Moroccan with its soaring stone arches, gold domes and a long palm tree-lined entrance that welcomes guests to Palais Namaskar. But there are also hints of modern aesthetics like steel-framed floor-to-ceiling windows and cubist villas, all brilliantly created by designer Imaad Rahmouni. Oversized curtains and glittering chandeliers decorate Le Namaskar Restaurant which serves French delicacies infused with subtle Moroccan flavors.
Star Rating: 5
Our Room Choice: Villa Namaskar
Das Stue, Berlin
We partially like this one for the way the name rolls off your tongue. But Das Stue is also one of Berlin’s newest boutique hotel with only 79 rooms and hidden away between the zoo and Tiergarten park. What’s cool here are the mixture of colors and design concepts all fused together to create an eclectic hodge-podge of décor that is truly unique. Each guestroom and suite is a little different from the next, with some even overlooking Berlin Zoo for a peak at the ostriches and gazelles.
Star Rating: 5
Our Room Choice: Stue Suite
Jumeirah Port Soller, Mallorca, Spain
When the Jumeirah brand is behind a hotel, you can be certain you’re in for a treat. Making their way over to Spain, the hotelier opened Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa in Mallorca on a cliff overlooking the fishing village. One of the most beautiful areas of the property is their infinity pool who’s views melt into the Balearic Sea below. Of the 120 guestrooms, all face either the sea or mountains and come with a private balcony or terrace. The surrounding area is also picturesque with vintage trams and cafés lining its streets.
Star Rating: 5
Our Room Choice: Junior Suite Sea View
SLS Hotel South Beach
Miami can always be counted on to heat things up, especially when nightlife mogul Sam Nazarian and designer Philippe Starck get together to partner on a new hotel. SLS Hotel South Beach has everything you might expect in this sun-kissed city and is dressed in playfully elegant décor. Channeling the ghost of Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV's legendary mistress, guestrooms reflect old French aristocracy with a touch of a naughty side. When you’re hungry, head to The Bazaar, where James Beard award-winning Chef José Andrés menu blends together his Spanish heritage, tradition and ingenuity with South Beach’s local Latin flavors.
Star Rating: 5
Our Room Choice: Villa Penthouse (designed by Lenny Kravitz)
