Hot hotel openings: “Guitar pick” buildings, new wonders and more

On this week’s hot hotel openings, we’ve got big brands going mano y mano with full-scale transformations, new villas, a building shaped like a guitar pick and more.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Hilton’s luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, will welcome guests to the South Malé Atoll with the highly-anticipated opening of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi on 1 July 2019.

The all-villa resort spans across three islands, providing secluded enclaves, complete with a plethora of activities for guests. It will offer a retreat just 30 minutes from Malé International Airport via the resort’s private yacht.

An escape for families and couples, each villa provides a private pool with views of the Indian Ocean.

“Stumble upon new wonders”

TD caught up with its newly hired GM Etienne Dalançon earlier in March and he said: “The resort will offer the ultimate in space and exclusivity. Stretching 3.5 km from one end to another, there’s so much space to explore. You can stay on the island for an entire week and still stumble upon new wonders.

“The 122 luxuriously appointed villas boast exquisite, uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, each opening onto a wide deck that has a swing daybed, dining gazebo, an infinity pool and in-water lounges.”

Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace

Marriott International brand, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, has unveiled the transformation of Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace following a full-scale renovation.

“Following a stunning transformation of this iconic property, we are very proud to welcome the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace into this distinguished set of hotels,” said John Licence, vice president premium and select brands Europe at Marriott International. “The designation of the Sheraton Grand status celebrates a new era for the renovated hotel, maintaining its reputation as the most recognised gathering place in Tbilisi.”

Set in the historical heart of Tbilisi, the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace is a short drive from the old town and close to the ancient Narikala Fortress overlooking the city, the Presidential Palace, Tbilisi Botanical Garden and other cultural attractions.

The hotel is 15 minutes from Tbilisi International Airport.

Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street

The all-new Four Seasons Hotel One Dalton Street, Boston in the heart of the Back Bay neighbourhood, is steps from Symphony Hall, Newbury Street, Copley Plaza, Fenway Park and more.

The soaring glass skyscraper – now the city’s third tallest building and its highest residences at 220 metres – was designed by Henry Cobb of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners in collaboration with Gary Johnson of CambridgeSeven Associates.

Surrounding the elliptical “guitar pick” shaped building are ‘streetscapes’ by landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh.

Rosewood Ningbo

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts continues to grow in China with the opening of Rosewood Ningbo in 2024.

This latest project adds to Rosewood’s growing pipeline in China’s megacities including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu and Shenzhen, further expanding the brand’s presence in Beijing, Sanya and the recently opened Rosewood Hong Kong.

“Ningbo is a vibrant city attracting a growing wave of young entrepreneurs and technology companies and is at the heart of innovation in China,” said Sonia Cheng, chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotel Group.

“Combined with its rich history, the destination makes an ideal choice for Rosewood’s growing presence in China. Rosewood Ningbo will join its sister properties across China to create a rich collection of distinct and unique properties for our affluential explorer guests to access the rich diversity of China’s local cultures.”

We’re rounding up the latest hotel openings every Friday — click here to see the full list. 

You can also send us press releases via hospitality@traveldailymedia.com.