The World’s Best New Luxury Hotels of 2024: A Year of Bold Statements and Subtle Trends

London, Côte d’Azur and Saudi Arabia, each with two properties, lead the The World’s Best New Luxury Hotels of The Year.

Each year, the unveiling of LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence’s list of the World’s Best New Luxury Hotels feels like a global treasure hunt—an invitation to explore the most exceptional new addresses in hospitality. In 2024, the lineup is a testament to how luxury is evolving, with London, Côte d’Azur, and Saudi Arabia stealing the spotlight with two entries each.

With the Seychelles’ Cheval Blanc crowned as the year’s standout, the question arises: What threads tie these luxury hotels together, and how do they differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive luxury landscape?

Why These Hotels?

LTI’s methodology is famously rigorous. As a members-only organisation, it operates free of advertising or partnerships, ensuring unbiased reviews. Properties are evaluated based on design, service, innovation, culinary offerings, and overall experience. This year’s winners showcase an intersection of heritage, design, and a commitment to extraordinary guest experiences.

From The Surrey’s intimate boutique charm in New York to Soneva Secret’s Maldivian opulence, each property offers a unique perspective on what luxury can mean today.

Common Threads: What Defines 2024’s Luxury Hotspots?

Hyper-Personalisation:
Many of the winning hotels, like Soneva Secret in the Maldives, highlight bespoke service. With dedicated teams tailoring every aspect of the stay, the focus on individuality is sharper than ever.

Design as a Narrative:
The standout properties aren’t just well-designed; they tell a story through architecture and interiors. The Hôtel du Couvent in Nice, with its transformation from a nunnery, and Cheval Blanc’s seamless integration with the Seychellois landscape, exemplify this.

A Commitment to Sustainability:
While sustainability is a growing focus, some properties go beyond token gestures. Cheval Blanc, Seychelles, integrates local materials and inspirations into its design, while Nujuma and Shebara in Saudi Arabia promote eco-conscious luxury in the Red Sea’s pristine environment.

Blurring Boundaries Between Past and Future:
Whether it’s Royal Mansour’s reinterpretation of Casablanca’s golden age or the futuristic allure of Shebara, the hotels effortlessly marry tradition with innovation.

The Most Interesting Arrival: Cheval Blanc, Seychelles

Crowned as the best new luxury hotel of the year, Cheval Blanc by LVMH isn’t just a hotel—it’s a statement. Located on the paradisiacal Anse Intendance beach, the property combines LVMH’s luxury savoir-faire with local Seychellois charm.

Its design strikes the perfect balance between spacious contemporary elegance and nature-inspired aesthetics, making it stand out in a field where luxury often leans too heavily on opulence. The Spa Cheval Blanc by Guerlain, featuring treatments inspired by the island’s natural beauty, encapsulates the ethos of creating harmony between indulgence and wellness.

A Closer Look: Are These Hotels All the Same?

Despite their shared commitment to excellence, these high-end hotels differ in how they interpret luxury. Some, like Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, deliver a polished urban experience, while others, such as The Potlach Club in the Bahamas, offer exclusivity through isolation and heritage. The Raffles Jaipur immerses guests in regal tranquility, whereas Bijal, Turkey, leans into contemporary, laid-back luxury.

Design varies widely—though all are visually stunning, their aesthetics range from minimalist and modern to opulent and historical. What unites them is their ability to evoke emotion and create unforgettable experiences.

The 2024 list from LTI is a reminder that luxury is not one-size-fits-all. Each of these properties invites guests to experience the world through a distinctive lens, whether it’s a private island sanctuary, a restored historic gem, or a modern urban retreat.

However, as these properties push the boundaries of what’s possible, they also raise a critical question: Can luxury maintain its charm while becoming more inclusive and sustainable? Cheval Blanc and its peers hint at a future where beauty, innovation, and responsibility converge, but only time will tell if the rest of the industry will follow suit.

For now, these 15 destinations beckon, offering a glimpse into the heights of luxury for discerning travelers. Will you answer the call?

15. Arev, St. Tropez

A boutique gem that balances timeless luxury with bold design. Featuring just 50 rooms and suites, Arev charms with its attention to detail, offering fine dining at The Strand Restaurant, inventive cocktails at Q’s Bar, and an intimate but exquisite Arev Spa. The vibe here feels effortlessly glamorous—perfect for a St. Tropez escape.

14. Hôtel du Couvent, Nice

This unique property emerges from a decade-long transformation of an abandoned nunnery into a characterful oasis. Located in Nice’s enchanting Vieille Ville, it blends history with understated luxury, offering guests a retreat filled with charm and authenticity.

13. The Dunlin, South Carolina

A new addition to the Auberge Resorts Collection, this coastal property offers 72 cottage-style guest rooms and suites, plus 19 villas, all nestled within the exclusive Kiawah River waterfront community. The Dunlin is ideal for travelers seeking Southern hospitality paired with serene natural beauty.

12. Nujuma, Saudi Arabia

The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East is set on the stunning Ummahat Island in the Red Sea. Surrounded by coral reefs and nighttime celestial displays, Nujuma is a private island sanctuary offering an eco-conscious luxury experience in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments.

11. The Surrey luxury boutique hotel, New York

A landmark reborn, this Upper East Side gem has undergone a dramatic transformation courtesy of Corinthia. The result is a boutique haven blending sophisticated design with a contemporary touch. Casa Tua, a destination restaurant, adds to its allure.

10. Four Seasons Resort Mallorca

The iconic Hotel Formentor is reborn under the Four Seasons banner. Located on a 100-acre private estate, it’s a haven of European elegance. Expect sprawling Mediterranean gardens, refined service, and the timeless allure of Mallorca’s coastline.

9. Raffles, Jaipur

A tranquil palace retreat in India’s Golden Triangle, Raffles Jaipur is a study in opulence. Its gleaming white structure channels the grandeur of the Taj Mahal, while the serene surroundings and impeccable service create a sense of timeless luxury. Perfect for those seeking an indulgent escape steeped in culture and elegance.

8. Shebara Resort Saudi Arabia

Located in the Red Sea, Shebara redefines futuristic luxury. This ultra-modern resort combines cutting-edge design with stunning natural surroundings. Guests can expect unparalleled amenities, awe-inspiring architecture, and an immersive experience that blends innovation with the pristine beauty of the Red Sea.

7. Bijal luxury villa retreat, Turkey

From the creators of the renowned Joali resorts in the Maldives, Bijal is a luxury villa retreat offering ultimate privacy. The 19 villas, each with a private pool, range from intimate one-bedroom hideaways to expansive four-bedroom corner sanctuaries. Nestled amidst breathtaking Turkish landscapes, Bijal seamlessly merges tranquility with extravagance.

6. The Potlach Club, Bahamas

After a seven-year renovation, this iconic property shines once again. The 12-acre tropical estate boasts just 11 suites, cottages, and villas, blending restored historic buildings with new structures that complement the lush surroundings. Each accommodation offers a private veranda or terrace, some with secluded gardens and gazebos.

5. Royal Mansour, Casablanca

Set in a 50s-era architectural masterpiece, this property captures the golden age of Casablanca. The lobby’s monumental lighting, elegant lounges, and exquisite restaurants ooze sophistication and energy. It’s a property that effortlessly combines classic Moroccan charm with contemporary luxury.

4. The Emory, London

London’s newest all-suite ultra-luxury hotel, The Emory, offers unparalleled discretion and sophistication. As part of the prestigious Maybourne Hotel Group, this exclusive property features expansive suites, refined interiors, and world-class dining in the heart of Mayfair.

3. Soneva Secret, Maldives

Located in the untouched Makunudhoo Atoll, this property redefines exclusivity. Each of the 14 overwater and island villas comes with a dedicated team, including a Barefoot Guardian, assistant, and personal chef. Offering a fully bespoke experience, this may now be the most indulgent—and expensive—resort in the Maldives.

2. Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

This ultra-boutique property epitomizes Mandarin Oriental’s refined style. Nestled in Mayfair, it boasts a spectacular spa, an acclaimed Akira Back restaurant, and two chic bars, including a rooftop lounge with panoramic views. Discreet yet indulgent, it’s the ultimate urban retreat.

1. Cheval Blanc, Seychelles

Crowned the World’s Best New Luxury Hotel of 2024, Cheval Blanc Seychelles is a masterpiece by LVMH. Nestled on Mahé Island’s Anse Intendance beach, this “Maison” blends lush natural surroundings with contemporary design. Its 52 villas feature expansive spaces, ocean views, and local artistry. Five distinct dining concepts and the Spa Cheval Blanc by Guerlain offer an unmatched experience of indulgence. The property’s harmony with the environment and its dedication to showcasing the Seychelles’ beauty make it a standout destination in every sense.

What unites these remarkable properties is their dedication to blending local culture and natural beauty with luxury design and exceptional service. Each hotel offers a unique experience, yet all share a commitment to personalization, exclusivity, and sustainability.

Among them, Cheval Blanc Seychelles stands out not only for its idyllic setting but also for its innovative approach to luxury—rooted in the environment it inhabits. By contrast, The Emory in London and Mandarin Oriental Mayfair illustrate how urban hotels can still feel intimate and discreet, redefining metropolitan opulence.

The diversity in architectural styles—from the futuristic design of Shebara to the timeless charm of Hôtel du Couvent—proves that luxury can take many forms. These hotels don’t merely compete; they set benchmarks for the future of the industry.