Heading to Malaysia, Dubai or Taiwan this year? Here’s a whopping big list of all the best new hotels in Asia 2020 to have on your radar

There’s nothing that makes us more excited than the promise of a new hotel. Fresh interior design coupled with plush robes, new technology and more room service options than you can shake a stick at? Yes, please! This is our ever-growing list of the best-of-the-best new hotels in Asia, 2020. We’ll take any excuse for a holiday.

Think you should be on the list? Give us a shout at concierge@thehoteljournal.com and we’ll rectify that immediately.

BHUTAN

Six Senses Bumthang, Bhutan

If you’ve always wanted to discover the stunning kingdom of Bhutan, there’s never been a better time as Six Senses Bumthang has just opened. A sustainable concept, known as a Forest within a Forest, the hotel is part of a collection of five lodges and is located within a pine forest in the Jakar Valley.

Housing just eight suites and one two-person villa, all of the furniture for the space is crafted from recycled wood, as is the large decking that surrounds the lodge. Featuring an onsite restaurant, a spa, and activities such as wildlife watching, temple visits and more, it’s easy to see why we’re excited about this one.

Find out more about Six Senses Bumthang

CHINA

W Chengdu

W Chengdu
W Chengdu

Chengdu is one of China’s coolest cities, so it’s no surprise that the vibrant W brand from Marriott is opening up there this year. Sitting in the heart of the Gaoxin District in central Chengdu, W Chengdu will offer 297 guestrooms that take their interior design sensibility from the city itself.

Guests can expect the signature offerings from W properties here, including AWAY Spa, Wet pool, and Fit gym, alongside four restaurants and a range of colourful extras.

Learn more about W Chengdu here

DUBAI

ME Dubai

Having opened in February of 2020, ME Dubai is located inside The Opus, a building designed by the late Zaha Hadid. This is the Spanish brand’s first foray into Asia, and as such, Hadid also helped complete the interior design for the property.

With 74 rooms and 19 suites, you can expect sleek and forward-thinking design at this new opening, and with three restaurants and access to all the offerings inside The Opus, you definitely won’t go hungry. A pool and wet deck overlook the city and a 7,000 sq-m gym will keep fitness fanatics happy. If you’ve been to Morpheus in Macau, you’ll now that we’re in for a treat with ME Dubai.

Find out more about ME Dubai

HONG KONG

The Hari

Wonderful Wan Chai will have a new hotel to add to its ever-growing roster in 2020 with the launch of The Hari Hong Kong. Sister to the gorgeous The Hari in Belgravia, the Hong Kong hotel will be home to 210 guestrooms all of which have been designed by British interior designer Tara Bernerd.

Not too much is known about the hotel so far, but we can confirm it will launch with two restaurants and two bars, a fitness centre, and a living art gallery.

Read more about The Hari here

Hotel Alexandra

Hotel Alexandra room Hong Kong
Hotel Alexandra

Another new opening set to launch in 2020 in Hong Kong is Hotel Alexandra. Situated in bustling North Point, the design for the property blends Victorian excess with all the mod-cons to create an atmosphere that is sure to look positively extra.

With 840 rooms, this new-build overlooks the harbour and offers guests lush views of Kowloon and the water. On the lobby floor, Cafe A is set to serve international cuisine throughout the day, while The Bar & Lounge will be the perfect spot to relax. A 20-metre swimming pool and fitness centre will round out the facilities at Hotel Alexandra.

Find out more about Hotel Alexandra here

INDIA

The Chedi, Mumbai

If you’re Mumbai bound, don’t miss the chance to check out The Chedi, Mumbai which will be opening later in the year. With views of Powai Lake, the property features seven innovative restaurants alongside a holistic spa, wellness facilities and a range of venues for private events.

The hotel houses 312 guestrooms, which have been designed in a ‘modern Asian style’ complete with Indian flourishes. There’s also a swimming pool, with a separate kids’ pool, a health club and guests can get access to the Bombay Presidency Golf Club if they fancy some time on the green.

Learn more about The Chedi, Mumbai

Six Senses Fort Barwara

Six Senses Fort Barwara
Six Senses Fort Barwara

Big news for Six Senses fans heading to India this year, as Six Senses Fort Barwara is set to launch at the end of 2020 as the first property from the group in the country.

Located inside the former home of the Rajasthani Royal Family, we absolutely can not wait to see this conversion of a historic 14th-century fort. We’re told that beautiful gardens and water features are hidden away inside the walls of the fort, along with 48 suites, two swimming pools, a spa, a fitness centre, a bar, and two restaurants that feature classic Rajasthani cuisine crafted from locally-sourced ingredients.

Find out more about Six Senses Fort Barwara here

INDONESIA

The Legian Sire, Lombok

The Legian Sire Lombok
The Legian Sire, Lombok

Set to open in mid-May, The Legian Sire, Lombok offers a selection of boutique suites and villas with mesmerising views of the Gili Islands. Every single room boasts views of the ocean with all suites complete with 55- and 75-foot infinity pools to float away the day in.

The Club by The Legian Sire offers a personalised butler service that won’t have you wanting for everything, and the spa takes a holistic philosophy with treatments that have been created to balance body and soul. We’re pumped to try the fully vegetarian restaurant, just one of the restaurants on the property that uses produce from the hotel’s very own organic fruit and vegetable gardens.

Read more about The Legian Sire, Lombok

Mamaka by Ovolo

Ovolo Bali
Ovolo Bali

If you’ve never tried the hotel experience that is Ovolo then get excited, as the hotel group’s first property outside Australia and Hong Kong is coming to Bali. Having acquired the hotel, formerly Citadines Kuta Beach club in 2019, we’re excited to see what these modern hoteliers have in-store for us with Mamaka by Ovolo.

One thing is for sure, and that’s that the design for this 194-room hotel is sure to be first class.

Find out more about Mamaka by Ovolo

W Bali, Ubud

The second W hotel to open in Bali, W Bali, Ubud will be opening its doors in 2020, and we’re excited to see it. Design for the property has been inspired by the surroundings themselves, with guests entering the hotel to a selection of Balinese art works by local makers.

100 guestrooms, including 10 villas with private swimming pools, will be housed at the property, with two main swimming pools for guests to enjoy. A selection of restaurants featuring Asian and international fare will be on offer with one even catering to the large vegan traveller who frequents the island so regularly.

Learn more about W Bali, Ubud

JAPAN

Ace Hotel Kyoto

Ace Hotel Kyoto art work
Ace Hotel Kyoto

To say that we are super excited about the launch of Ace Hotel Kyoto would be an understatement. Designed in collaboration with the wonderful Kengo Kuma and Commune Design, this is definitely one of the hottest openings of the year and the fact that it’s set in dreamy Kyoto makes it even more special.

Offering spacious design-led rooms complete with Japanese soaking tubs and bespoke art pieces, guests are sure to fall in love with the signature hospitality that Ace Hotels have become known for.

Find out more about Ace Hotel Kyoto here

Four Seasons Tokyo Otemachi

Offering views of the iconic Imperial Palace, Four Seasons Tokyo Otemachi is slated to be one of the biggest openings in Tokyo ahead of the Olympics. Classic Four Seasons hospitality will be the backbone of this stunning new property that blends contemporary design with some historic touches of Japan.

Each guestroom features uniquely bespoke art that pays homage to the legendary Japanese designer Issey Miyake with elegant furnishings created by local designers. Enjoy some time in the indoor lap pool, sample food at the four different restaurants, and be sure to book in at the Jean-Michel Gathy-designed spa.

Read more about Four Seasons Tokyo Otemachi

The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon

Featuring 206 guestrooms and suites with views of the stunning Tokyo skyline, we’re pumped for the opening of the Tokyo Edition, Toranomon. If the existing Edition properties are anything to go by, then we’ll be expecting beautiful design coupled with all the mod-cons at this new hotel.

There’ll be three restaurants onsite as well as the signature Edition cocktail bar: Punch Room, plus a custom-designed Spa complete with six treatment rooms. Best of all, this beauty is set in the heart of sophisticated Tokyo, making it easy to get to art shows, the best shopping and nightlife.

Learn more about The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon

MALAYSIA

Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

New hotel opening: Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, Malaysia lagoon pool
The lagoon pool at Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

The first property from Anantara in Malaysia has recently opened on the country’s south-east coast. Featuring a range of rooms, suites and villas to suit all types of holiday-makers, guests can enjoy two swimming pools, a signature Anantara Spa and a variety of dining options while having access to 17-kilometres of untouched beach.

Read our full story on Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

Learn more about Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas

One & Only Desaru Coast

Opening in March of 2020, One & Only Desaru Coast is set to offer tranquil beachside suites on Malaysia’s south-east coast.

Guests can expect plunge pools, easy access to the beach, and beautifully designed accomodation inspired by the local beauty. A number of wellness experiences are on offer from yoga to spartan training, plus families are well catered for with a Kids-only programme.

Find out more about One & Only Desaru Coast

MALDIVES

The Chedi Kudavillingili

When is the Maldives ever a bad idea? The Chedi opens its first property in the country on Kudavillingli, an island just 30-minutes away from the capital of Male.

A mixed-use resort housing beach villas, water villas and double-storey villas, guests will be able to enjoy a selection of vibrant F&B concepts as they relax in the tropical paradise. With design for the property inspired by nature, we think this is one hotel we won’t have any trouble unwinding at.

Learn more about The Chedi Kudavillingili

THE PHILIPPINES

Hotel Okura, Manila

Opening this year, this 188-room hotel located near the capital’s Nino Aquino International AIrport is set to sit pretty within Resorts World Manila.

Embracing the signature Okura-style hospitality and design aesthetic, guests will be treated to a sophisticated stay in spacious rooms that have been inspired by Japanese minimalism. A range of dining options will be available, including Yamazoto, a traditional Japanese restaurant and bar. A sky pool, fitness and wellness centre will also be on-hand for guests.

Find out more about Hotel Okura, Manila

SINGAPORE

Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore

Slated to launch in Q2 2020, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore will sit within the grounds of the Laguna National Golf & Country Club, around 10 minutes from Changi International Airport. Featuring 198 rooms and suites, along with eight golf chalets, guests of the hotel can expect tastefully settings complete with pillow menus and all the mod-cons.

Numerous restaurants will keep you well-fed, and when you’re not playing golf, you can choose to relax by one of three swimming pools, enjoy a game of tennis, the gym or some time at Devarana Spa.

Learn more about Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore

TAIWAN

CESVI

The newest member of the Louis T Collection, CESVI is scheduled to launch in Kaohsiung in March 2020. While not too much is known about the project, the 28-room boutique property will be constructed from shipping containers, the perfect homage to the port city in which it will sit.

Find out more about CESVI

THAILAND

Avani Koh Lanta Krabi Resort

Opening in mid-2020, Avani Koh Lanta Krabi Resort is set to offer the perfect blend of pristine beaches and calming forests for the weary traveller. With 83 rooms and villas, each offering a different vista, choose to gaze out at the gorgeous Andaman Sea, or opt for a private pool villa.

Enjoy all of the signature Avani perks, including AvaniSpa, AvaniFit and AvaniPantry, plus restaurants, bars and access to a range of wellness activities. Best of all there’s a private beach so you don’t have to worry about other people.

Learn more about Avani Koh Lanta Krabi Resort

Banyan Tree Krabi

In the second quarter of 2020, Banyan Tree Krabi will launch on the stunning Tubkaek Beach, just 45-minutes from Krabi Airport. Guests can expect Thailand’s signature white sands and turquoise waters on the front doorstep of this property, making it the perfect spot for rest and relaxation.

Home to 72 pool suites and villas, Banyan Tree Krabi’s design will be stylish and timeless with the resort hosting a rainforest-themed spa where guests can be pampered.

Learn more about Banyan Tree Krabi

Capella Bangkok

Opening early 2020, and offering views of the Chao Phraya River, Capella Bangkok will be something of an urban getaway in the busy city. With inspiration for the property coming from the soul of riverfront life, the spaces will be imbued with the personality of a boutique pied à terre.
101 suites and villas with views of the river will be available, alongside a selection of restaurants serving international and Thai cuisine. Auriga Wellness will also offer a range of unique Asian therapies and ancient traditional Thai healings. We can’t wait for this one.

Find out more about Capella Bangkok

InterContinental Phuket Resort

We love us some time at Kamala Beach, and InterContinental Resort has just opened its doors to welcome guests. Featuring Thai-inspired architecture, the property is nestled between jungle-covered hills and offers stunning vistas of the Andaman Sea.

Guestrooms have a mod-luxe vibe and boast ocean, lagoon or mountain views. Enjoy a range of dining options and don’t miss spending time at Sati Spa.

Read more about InterContinental Phuket Resort

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach

Four points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach pool
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach

Patong Beach has another quality place to stay courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach. Choose from the ocean view or pool access rooms, all of which have been designed in an elegant and sophisticated style.

Featuring five restaurants, multiple swimming pools and a 24-hour gym, there’s even a Kid’s club to keep the littlies busy.

See more about Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach

VIETNAM

Fusion Suites Vung Tau

Fusion Suites Vung Tau
Fusion Suites Vung Tau

Just a short boat ride from Saigon, Vung Tau was once a popular French colonial seaside town. Fusion Suites Vung Tau has recently opened its door here and the 19-storey property features 171 suites and apartments all designed with the signature Fusion look.

The hotel houses a restaurant, a bar and a range of market stalls but the most exciting part has to be the spa. As per Fusion’s mandate, spa treatments are included in the room rate, allowing guests one spa treatment per day, and a range of massages, body wraps, scrubs and facials are on offer.

Read more on Fusion Suite Vung Tau here

Shilla Monogram Danang

Shilla Monogram Danang Vietnam
Shilla Monogram Danang Vietnam

The first property outside of Korea for The Shilla Hotels & Resorts group, Shilla Monogram Danang will open in Q1 2020. Sitting atop a beachfront between Danang and Hoi An, the property boasts 309 rooms and suites all decorated in modern-yet-subdued neutral tones for a contemporary and calm feel.

A great spot for families, the resort will be home to four outdoor swimming pools and a range of dining options to feed every hunger.

Learn more about Shilla Monogram Danang

But wait, there’s more…