Let Us Help You
17th January 2025
These are the new luxury properties that deserve to be on your radar.
A colonial mansion in Sri Lanka's tea country, a floating treehouse in Singapore, and the rebirth of a New York legend: 2025's most anticipated luxury hotels are anything but ordinary.
LIL_JANUARY_Blog_2025-Hotels_2.jpg
Uga Halloowella, Sri Lanka
Uga Halloowella, Sri Lanka
Opening: Early 2025
Imagine having one of just six keys to a meticulously restored colonial mansion, perched 1,444 metres above sea level in Sri Lanka's storied tea country. This is Uga's newest masterpiece, Halloowella.
The property, once home to RAF pilot Major Elton Lane (there's a story in every corner here), sprawls across 252 acres of working tea estate. But it's what celebrated architect Channa Daswatte has done with the restoration that's causing ripples in design circles. Think of it as a love letter to Ceylon's golden age, reimagined through a distinctly modern lens.
The infinity pool alone is worth the journey – it seems to hover between earth and sky, with the Castlereagh Reservoir shimmering below like a mirror to the heavens.
LIL_JANUARY_Blog_2025-Hotels_3.jpg
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Singapore
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Singapore
Opening: Mid 2025
In a city known for pushing architectural boundaries, Banyan Tree's latest venture still manages to raise eyebrows. Their first Singapore property isn't just near nature – it's completely immersed in it.
The star attractions of the resort are the 24 Grand Mandai treehouse villas, woven so seamlessly into the protected rainforest canopy that they feel like they've grown there naturally.
Each one floats among ancient rain trees, with floor-to-ceiling windows that blur the line between inside and out. Don't miss the suspended walkways connecting the 338-room main building, offering a monkey's-eye view of the forest, while a dramatic rooftop pool hovers above the canopy like a floating oasis.
LIL_JANUARY_Blog_2025-Destinations_4.jpg
One&Only Moonlight Basin, USA
One&Only Moonlight Basin, USA
Opening: Mid 2025
One&Only's first American property – and first venture into cold-weather territory – will land in Montana's most coveted wilderness playground.
Sprawling across 190 acres of Big Sky territory, this 73-room lodge and its collection of 19 ultra-private cabins have been designed to make the surroundings the star, with every suite perfectly positioned to frame the dramatic landscape beyond.
Positioned for year-round stays, don't miss their heli-adventures program - a collection of bespoke experiences ranging from private ski drops to guided wildlife photography expeditions, each designed to unlock the secrets of this last great wilderness.
Waldorf Astoria New York, USA
After an extensive six-year renovation, the grand dame of Park Avenue is set to re-open to New York. Revealing 375 guest rooms and interiors by renowned hotel designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the Waldorf Astoria's transformation extends far beyond its Art Deco façade.
For those in the know, the exclusive Waldorf Astoria Personal Concierge unlocks access to private tours of the meticulously restored Art Deco murals and the legendary Waldorf wine vault. A refurbished underground train platform - (once used by the US's elite) pays homage to the hotel’s storied past, offering a rare glimpse into New York’s golden age.
LIL_JANUARY_Blog_2025-Hotels_6.jpg
Orient Express La Minerva Hotel, Italy
Orient Express La Minerva Hotel, Italy
Opening: Early 2025
The historic legacy of the Orient Express finds a new chapter in Rome with the unveiling of its first hotel, set within a former 17th-century palace near the Pantheon.
Known for redefining luxury travel, the Orient Express La Minerva Hotel brings the brand's renowned glamour to 93 rooms and suites curated by designer Hugo Toro.
A celebration of the Orient Express’ dedication to refined living, the hotel offers a curated array of indulgences, including a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views, a Japanese dining experience, a chic speakeasy bar, a patisserie, and a wine shop.
