Seven hot new European hotel openings
This spring and summer will see a bumper crop of hotel openings across Europe, from chic city escapes to luxurious coastal resorts.
So, we round up some of the hottest new properties that we think will be ideal for memorable events and incentives once restrictions ease and it’s safe to travel again…
Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid
Originally designed and built under the supervision of legendary hotelier César Ritz, this hotel first opened its doors in 1910. Over the last three years, it has been carefully restored and has just reopened as part of the Mandarin Oriental portfolio.
The property’s prestigious location, in the heart of Madrid’s commercial and cultural district has ensured that The Ritz has always been an integral part of society in Spain’s capital, and host to royalty, politicians, corporate leaders and celebrities for decades.
The hotel features 153 rooms and five dining concepts overseen by three Michelin-starred Chef Quique Dacosta. The ballroom and function spaces, with their large windows facing the Prado Museum have been beautifully restored to ensure the hotel is once again a venue of choice for events, celebrations, private dinners and parties.
One&Only Portonovi Montenegro
This luxury resort on the shores of Montenegro’s Boka Bay finally opened its doors on 1 May, overlooking the dramatic coastline. One&Only Portonovi offers 123 rooms, suites, villas and private homes, five restaurants, a health spa, helipad and yacht marina with 238 berths.
Indoor or outdoor, One&Only Portonovi offers distinctive spaces for all kinds of events – a romantic sandy beach overlooking the bay, Il Giardino, an al fresco garden, the Arena Function Room, the vibrant Tapasake Club, or one of the unique sea view restaurants.
EDITION Reykjavik
The much-anticipated property from Ian Schrager and Marriott International’s luxury EDITION brand is expected to open in the historical heart of downtown Reykjavik this summer.
The hotel, which will offer 253 rooms and suites, is close to Old Harbor port, Laugavegur Street, the city’s vibrant shopping district, and the Harpa Concert and Conference Center making it ideal for delegates attending events there. The Reykjavik EDITION will also house a rooftop, signature restaurant, destination bar and café, spacious meeting and event spaces (502 sqm) and a spa.
With incredible landscapes and a plethora of memorable outdoor activities, Iceland remains a popular destination for exciting and memorable incentive programmes, meaning the hotel will be ideal for both meetings and incentives.
Bvlgari Paris
Paris is always a popular choice for meetings and events, and the addition of The Bvgari Hotel Paris will increase its appeal even more. Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts latest jewel will feature 76 rooms, a 25-metre pool, bar and restaurant, and a Parisian courtyard.
The hotel has an appropriately exclusive address, located on the corner of the Triangle d’Or on Avenue George V, between the Champs Elysees and the Avenue Montaigne, one of Paris’ most fashionable and distinctive areas offering a wealth of luxury shopping, entertainment and cultural attractions.
Designed by Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the hotel will combine a classic Parisian Haussmann-style with a contemporary rationalistic façade.
Villa Igiea, A Rocco Forte Hotel, Sicily
Built in 1900, at the height of the Belle Époque, Villa Igiea was a private palazzo that morphed into a luxury hotel. This long-loved seaside-meets-city sanctuary for royalty, dignitaries and Hollywood luminaries has been revitalised as a Rocco Forte hotel.
Nestled at the base of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo, Villa Igiea is perfectly placed for memorable experiences set along the Mediterranean’s picturesque coastline.
Opening June 2021, the 104-room hotel will offer a spa set in the gardens, restaurant serving local specialties, event spaces including the grand mirrored ballroom and a conference centre, and swimming pool. For incentive groups, a range of excursions curated by local experts, including Sicilian cooking classes, mixology workshops, scenic boat tours and unique wine tastings are on offer.
W Algarve Hotel Portugal
Opening in August 2021, W Algarve will be located just outside of Albufeira on the iconic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel will have 134 rooms and suites plus 83 residences, all ocean facing and boasting spacious balconies. Atlantic colours and asymmetrical forms that mimic the nearby cliffs define the design.
Facilities will include a state-of-the-art fitness centre ‘FIT’ and an ‘Away’ spa with seven treatment rooms, plus outdoor pools. Dining options include Market Kitchen, which serves regional cuisine, while Paper Moon adds tempting Italian dishes into the mix.
W Algarve will also cater for groups who need to mix a little work with play, offering two ultra-modern meeting rooms, complemented by extensive outdoor facilities ideal for vibrant outdoor events or beachfront celebrations.
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey
Positioned along the glimmering shoreline where East and West collide, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul will be the luxury brand’s second hotel in Turkey when it opens its doors this year.
This urban oasis has three swimming pools, a restaurant, bar and lobby lounge, and an impressive 3,500 sqm spa and fitness centre offering the Group’s award-winning signature wellness programmes as well as locally inspired treatments.
The luxury hotel is designed to accommodate an array of social and business events, offering meeting rooms and several opulent ballrooms including the grand Bosphorus Ballroom with 1,040 sqm of spectacular space.