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patch management
Patch management is an area of systems management that involves acquiring, testing, and installing multiple patches (code changes) to an administered computer system. Patch management tasks include: maintaining current knowledge of available patches, deciding what patches are appropriate for particular systems, ensuring that patches are installed properly, testing systems after installation, and documenting all associated procedures, such as specific configurations required. A number of products are available to automate patch management tasks, including RingMaster's Automated Patch Management, PatchLink Update, and Gibraltar's Everguard.
Like its real world counterpart, a patch is a "make-do" fix rather than an elegant solution. Patches are sometimes ineffective, and can sometimes cause more problems than they fix. Patch management experts, such as Mark Allen, CTO of Gibraltar Software, suggest that system administrators take simple steps to avoid problems, such as performing backups and testing patches on non-critical systems prior to installations.
Patch management can be viewed as part of change management.
Next Steps
See how patch management software works to keep your company protected and compliant, and learn about the many benefits of patch management tools.
Read the seven tips to evaluating patch management tools, and then see which patch management vendor best fits your company's needs. For more information about each product, check out this patch management vendor roundup.


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Two generations of radical bikers face off in this rubber-burning action drama. Manuel "Smoke" Galloway (Laurence Fishburne) is the leader of the Black Knights, an underground motorcycle club. Smoke, like most of his fellow Knights, is a successful white collar worker who can afford fancy leathers and top quality bikes, and Smoke has earned a reputation as the "King of Cali," willing take on anyone in a drag race, legal or no. Kid (more
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Monday, December 22, 2014
Top Ten of 2014: Best Books I've Read
15 comments:
I still need to read Breakable and Beautiful Oblivion. I still need to finish Starling. I made it like 70% or so and when I realized she was gonna end up with the wrong guy I quit reading. I did not switch sides and was really pissed! LOL I only liked the first book then lost interest in the next two. Glad it worked for you but I just could not believe it. I also included Ignite Me and Silver Shadows!ReplyDelete
Best Books I've Read in 2014
Nice list! I haven't read any of these (though I loved Throne of Glass & the prequels, I need to catch up), but I'm glad you loved these. I'll have to check out a few.ReplyDelete
Best Books I've Read in 2014
Nice! I've heard some of these, but I rarely had a chance to read (or write) this year. I hope 2015 is different. Happy Holidays! :)ReplyDelete
I still need to read Stone Cold Touch and Heir of Fire! I will hopefully get to them soon! And I'm hoping to start Caged in Winter tonight!! I'm excited to start that one!!ReplyDelete
*muggle huggles*
I haven't read any of those, glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for sharing. :) Here are my Best Books of 2014.ReplyDelete
ANY list that includes Heir of Fire wins in my books :D I still need to read the Shatter Me series and all the new JLA but hopefully in the new year ;) Happy holidays!! xReplyDelete
Love your picks! Thanks so much for taking part in the Top 10 of 2014! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your Top 10's :DReplyDelete
Jaime @ Two Chicks On Books
Oh wow, what a fantastic list! Heir of Fire and Ignite Me were two of my favorite books this year, that I've read. But, I've also been wanting to read Breakable, so it's on my list of wants! :)ReplyDelete
Happy reading!
Suz @ A Soul Unsung
I am SO excited about seeing so many Jennifer L Armentrout fans! She totally rocks! Great list! Love your choicesReplyDelete
- Beckie @ Bittersweet Enchantment
I haven't read a lot of these, but I think I will! Sounds like a lot of great contemporaries!ReplyDelete
- Barbara @ My Bibliophile Mind
I have the audio for Nowhere But Here, I need to get to it. And I'm so curious about Hard Knox too!ReplyDeleteReplies
Hard Knox is so good. Reminds me of NA when the genre was still new.Delete
Oh yes! I adore this (the ones I've read). AND I must read the ones I haven't. Breakable is such a diamond. I so love Lucas. It's a re-read book for me. When I'm in a slump or just NEED my Lucas time, I'm turning to this one again. Nice list.ReplyDelete
Perfect choices, Wifey! I LOVED buddy reading There's Wild, Then There's You with you SO MUCH!! That would have made my list, too! Also: WARNER FEELS!! So happy I can share my love of that beautiful guy with you! Breakable and Nowhere but Here are favorites, too. This list made me all swoony!!!! *smoosh*ReplyDelete
So many of these are on my tbr or my actual shelves because of you, Teresa. Since I'm attempting to refrain from one-clicking so much this year, I'm hoping to actually read these books you put on my shelves. LOL Ignite Me, in particular. But I must catch up on my JLA reads...and Samantha Young...and M. Leighton...well, you get the picture. ;)ReplyDelete
I love getting comments and appreciate every single one of them! It always brightens my day =]
This is an award free blog. I truly appreciate the thought but I simply do not have the time. Comments are an award all on their own =]


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Blog Archives
A Better Table View Data Structure
Lately, I've found myself creating a lot of table views that look like this:
A plain-jane table view filled with homogenous items grouped by some common element. I couldn't help but notice how ill-suited the standard NS data structures are for handling this. It always involves some sorted array containing the keys of a dictionary which is filled with sorted arrays. The setup for these is pretty standard and easily repeatable, so I submit to the community my IndexArray class which takes care of much of the boiler plate for you. This is definitely rough around the edges as I only started putting this all together yesterday.
First some high level requirements:
- Everything should be sortable: keys and items.
- I want to be able to add and remove items without having to always resort.
- I want to be able to specify how the sort should occur. I want this to be as convenient as sorting an array.
- I don't want have to worry about the logic of whether a key has an array associated with it when I push items into it.
- Items should be easily accessible by index so it works rather seamlessly with UITableViews.
- Keys should have the same freedom as they do in NSDictionary.
Here's my public interface as it stands now:
@property (nonatomic, assign) SEL keySortSelector; @property (nonatomic, assign) SEL objectSortSelector; @property (nonatomic, copy) NSComparator keySortComparator; @property (nonatomic, copy) NSComparator objectSortComparator; // accessing keys - (id)keyAtIndex:(NSUInteger)index; - (NSOrderedSet *)allKeys; - (NSUInteger)keyCount; // accessing objects - (id)objectForKeyAtIndex:(NSUInteger)keyIndex objectIndex:(NSUInteger)objIndex; - (id)objectForKey:(id)key index:(NSUInteger)index; - (NSArray *)allObjectsForKey:(id)key; - (NSUInteger)count; // adding objects - (void)addObject:(id)object forKey:(id<NSCopying>)key; // removing objects - (void)removeObject:(id)object forKey:(id)key;
You can see that I've specified 2 ways to sort keys and items. Since keys are usually strings, it's uber convenient to simply hand the compare: selector to the data structure. For what I've been working on the items are NSManagedObject subclasses, so I need something a little more powerful to maintain their order, so I can also send in a comparator block in the form:
typedef NSComparisonResult (^NSComparator)(id obj1, id obj2);
Adding and removing objects is as simple as possible with:
// adding objects - (void)addObject:(id)object forKey:(id<NSCopying>)key; // removing objects - (void)removeObject:(id)object forKey:(id)key;
Under the hood:
Here's the rest of the interface:
@interface PZIndexedArray : NSObject { @private NSMutableDictionary *dictionary_; NSMutableOrderedSet *orderedKeys_; SEL keySortSelector_; SEL objectSortSelector_; NSComparator keySortComparator_; NSComparator objectSortComparator_; BOOL sortsKeys_; BOOL sortsObjects_; BOOL usesComparatorForKeys_; BOOL usesComparatorForObjects_; }
I'm using two data structures inside the class. First an NSDictionary that will contain mutable arrays for each key. Secondly an NSOrderedSet that will also contain every key. The ordered set will guarantee uniqueness of the keys and provide the ordering I need.
You can also see the selectors and comparators being stored. There's also some flags to know whether the class should try to sort at all (we won't if there's neither a comparator nor a selector). In the implementation as I have it, the selector will take precedence over the comparator if both are provided for either keys or items.
The implementation is pretty straightforward. Setting a comparator or a selector automatically triggers the flags for sorting. There's a setter for each one, but they all look basically like this:
- (void)setKeySortComparator:(NSComparator)keySortComparator { if (keySortComparator != keySortComparator_) { [keySortComparator_ release]; keySortComparator_ = Block_copy(keySortComparator); } sortsKeys_ = keySortComparator != nil; }
Adding an object for a key is pretty simple. The mutable array is automatically created if no entry exists for a key.
// adding objects - (void)addObject:(id)object forKey:(id<NSCopying>)key { NSMutableArray *array = [dictionary_ objectForKey:key]; if (!array) { array = [NSMutableArray array]; [dictionary_ setObject:array forKey:key]; if (sortsKeys_) { [self insertKeySorted:key]; } else { [orderedKeys_ addObject:key]; } } if (sortsObjects_) { [self insertObject:object array:array]; } else { [array addObject:object]; } }
If there's no sorting the on the keys, the key simply added to the set, otherwise it gets inserted in sorted order. Same goes for items. The sorted insert methods are pretty much the same both. The basic method is to iterate through the array until the object in the enumerator is greater than the object being inserted.
- (void)insertKeySorted:(id)key { if ([orderedKeys_ count] == 0) { [orderedKeys_ addObject:key]; return; } __block NSUInteger insertIndex = -1; __block NSInvocation *selectorInvocation = nil; if (!usesComparatorForKeys_) { selectorInvocation = [NSInvocation invocationWithMethodSignature:[key methodSignatureForSelector:keySortSelector_]]; [selectorInvocation setTarget:key]; [selectorInvocation setSelector:keySortSelector_]; } [orderedKeys_ enumerateObjectsUsingBlock:^(id obj, NSUInteger idx, BOOL *stop) { if (idx < [orderedKeys_ count]) { NSComparisonResult result = NSOrderedAscending; if (usesComparatorForKeys_) { result = self.keySortComparator(key, obj); } else { [selectorInvocation setArgument:&obj atIndex:2]; [selectorInvocation invoke]; [selectorInvocation getReturnValue:&result]; } if (result == NSOrderedAscending) { insertIndex = idx; *stop = YES; } } }]; if (insertIndex == -1) { [orderedKeys_ addObject:key]; } else { [orderedKeys_ insertObject:key atIndex:insertIndex]; } }
The result is adding items from an array into this data structure is much more compact and cleaner than maintaining the data structures yourself:
IndexedArray *byName = [[IndexedArray alloc] init]; byName.keySortSelector = @selector(compare:); byName.objectSortComparator = ^NSComparisonResult(Document *doc1, Document *doc2) { return [[doc1.filename firstCharacterAsString] compare:[doc2.filename firstCharacterAsString]]; }; // firstCharacterAsString is a category I created.
And it integrates nicely with the table view datasource methods:
- (NSInteger)numberOfSectionsInTableView:(UITableView *)tableView { return [categoryIndex keyCount]; } - (NSInteger)tableView:(UITableView *)tableView numberOfRowsInSection:(NSInteger)section { return [categoryIndex allObjectsForKey:[categoryIndex keyAtIndex:section]]; } - (NSString *)tableView:(UITableView *)tableView titleForHeaderInSection:(NSInteger)section { return [categoryIndex keyAtIndex:section]; } - (UITableViewCell *)tableView:(UITableView *)tableView cellForRowAtIndexPath:(NSIndexPath *)indexPath { static NSString *identifier = @"cell"; UITableViewCell *cell = [tableView dequeueReusableCellWithIdentifier:identifier]; if (cell == nil) { cell = [[UITableViewCell alloc] initWithStyle:UITableViewCellStyleValue1 reuseIdentifier:identifier]; } id item = [categoryIndex objectForKeyAtIndex:indexPath.section objectIndex:indexPath.row]; cell.textLabel.text = [item filename]; return cell; }
The code for this is posted up GitHub. Please have a look and feel free to contribute back!
Some Love for Data Structures
NSArray. NSDictionary. NSSet. So common. So ordinary. Or are they really?
You probably use tons of these every day. You probably write them without even thinking about them. They are the foundation of any (interesting) iOS application. Rarely do we ever think about what they are. Who are these creatures? What do they do? In short they're data structures. The foundation of an application and the bane of every computer science undergrad.
It's often difficult to find good topics to blog about, especially when you're in the middle of bug-fix mode with my day job and haven't necessarily been doing anything interesting or innovative. For my second iDevBlogADay post, I'm going to give some love to our built-in data structures and also discuss some alternatives to them.
But first a side-bar:
Big-O is used to describe the complexity of an operation (algorithm). It defines the worst case performance of an operation. It's usually useless describe the best or even the average case of an operation, but always useful to be able to say that an operation will perform no worse than particular value. For data structures we define the performance in terms of 'n' which the number of items in the data structure.
For instance:
O(n) – "big O of n" means that for an operation we have to touch every object in the data structure at worst case.
O(2n) – "big O of 2n" means that for an operation, we have to touch every object in the data structure twice at worst case.
O(n2) – "big O of n-squared" means that for an operation, we have to touch every object in the data structure once for every object, at worst case.
There are a myriad of other ways to express complexity including using the logarithm of n, or factorials of n. I'm not really going to cover these here.
Confused? That's ok. Here's some more concrete examples:
Let's start with a basic array, defined as a basic indexed series of objects. Let's say our array holds 1000 numbers (how many doesn't matter) and we want to search for the number 99. We can imagine that the number 99 may exist at the first index (index 0) or the last index (999) or anywhere in the middle. Regardless, we know that it will never take more comparisons than 1000 to find 99 if it exists. It will also take no more than 1000 comparisons to determine whether it exists at all. Because n = 1000, we say that the complexity is O(n) since it will always take n comparisons to find a particular value in an array.
Another example. Let's say we have our array of 1000 numbers, and we want to sort it. Let's consider a basic sort that compares each value to every other value. To iterate over the array will take 1000 steps, and comparing one element to every other will take another 999 steps. So we're talking about 1000 x 999 steps, or about 1000 squared. Therefore we say that the sort operation runs in n-squared time or O(n2).
Big-O is not necessarily something you always think about, but when you're trying to optimize your code, the complexity of the algorithms you use on your data structure can become a big deal.
NS Data Structures
When we delve into the documentation for data structures like NSArray, we begin to discover that an array is not quite what we expect. RidiculousFish points out that some operations on CFArray, and consequently, NSArray are in O(N*lgN) (n times the base 2 log of n, which is bigger than n), not in straight O(n) as we might think. Operations such as searching. This is kind of a big deal. What gives?
The prevailing Apple wisdom seems to be that our data structures only need to look like the real thing, rather than act like it. For instance, in a real honest-to-god array, an operation like [NSArray objectAtIndex:] should return run in what we call constant time, or O(1), meaning that it's instantaneous. No need to count or search; we're able to jump right to where we need to go. The CFArray comments RidiculousFish mentions say that it could run in O(lg n). For the mathematically impaired, this is way slower.
The computer scientist in you should feel cheated an betrayed. Your inner programmer should be thinking of sending Steve Jobs a strongly worded email about this telling him that arrays indexing should be constant time and nothing else. Don't click send just yet. 99 times out of 100 the NSArray implementation will work fine for what you need. The same holds for all the other data structures that comes standard in Foundation. But what about those rare times where you actually need not only the interface of a data structure (the methods on it) but also the implementation that goes along with it?
Let's think about an example. Imagine a queue, just like a line at the bank, where the first person in line is the first person served. First in, first out. Let's assume you needed that implementation exactly. You need an enqueue method to add an item to the end of the line and a dequeue method to remove an item to the front. You might easily wrap an NSMutabableArray in the following manner:
- To enqueue an item, simply use the addObject: method on NSMutableArray
- To dequeue an item, simply use the removeObjectAtIndex method with index 0, effectively removing the first item at the front of the array.
Oh and did I mention you want it to be fast? Knowing what you know about NSArray, you can see how this would wind up being a poor performance implementation. Enqueue would be fast, since you only need to find the end of the array, probably O(1) since we'd know how big the array is. Dequeue on the other hand would be slow and expensive since adding removing the zeroth object would involve shifting all the other objects down by 1. This would run in O(n) time. A better implementation would be to use some kind of chained list where lopping off the front of the list wouldn't require everything to be re-indexed.
Stacks and Trees and Graphs . . . Oh My
There's a plethora of data structures defined in the abstract sense, from trees to lists, to fully connected webs. Questions of data structure choice can arise all the time in applications and choosing the right one can greatly enhance the speed and efficiency of your code. You can of course opt to write your own, either by adapting one of the built in data structures like NSArray or by working from scratch. In fact, if you've never written data structures, its always a worthwhile exercise to write some implementations to get a feel for how they work. CHDataStructures is also a great library for getting implementation-exact structures for list, circular buffers, and others.
The foundation structures often pamper us into using them. They're nice, comfortable, familiar – like your favorite pair of jeans. It's important to remember that there are other things out there. Things that may be tailored exactly to your needs. Things worth checking out.
Using an NSDictionary for storing a matrix of values
For a recent project I needed to store a matrix of data. My only requirement was that access would be fast given a row and column designation. Unfortunately, the usual approach of using arrays of arrays wouldn't work because of how NSArray works. From the Apple documentation for NSMutableArray:
Note that NSArray objects are not like C arrays. That is, even though you specify a size when you create an array, the specified size is regarded as a "hint"; the actual size of the array is still 0. This means that you cannot insert an object at an index greater than the current count of an array.
I could have used C arrays, but I wanted something more flexible when it comes to size and I didn't necessarily need the contiguous memory. Constant time access was good enough.
NSDictionaries provide constant time access, and the only requirements for keys are that the object used conform to NSCoding and implement a hash function, both of which are implemented by NSIndexPath.
For my example I'll use the adapter pattern and wrap a dictionary and expose only the methods I want:
// PZMatrix.h #import <Foundation/Foundation.h> @interface PZMatrix : NSObject { @private NSMutableDictionary *_source; } - (id)initWithRows:(NSInteger)rows columns:(NSInteger)cols; - (id)objectForRow:(NSInteger)row column:(NSInteger)col; - (void)setObject:(id)object forRow:(NSInteger)row column:(NSInteger)col; - (void)removeAllObjects; @end
You can see that I'm using the NSDictionary as the only iVar in the class, and I've created a few accessors and mutators for the data structure.
// PZMatrix.m #import "PZMatrix.h" @implementation PZMatrix - (id)initWithRows:(NSInteger)rows columns:(NSInteger)cols { self = [super init]; if (self) { _source = [[NSMutableDictionary alloc] initWithCapacity:rows *cols]; } return self; } - (id)objectForRow:(NSInteger)row column:(NSInteger)col { NSUInteger idxs[] = {row, col}; NSIndexPath *path = [NSIndexPath indexPathWithIndexes:idxs length:2]; return [_source objectForKey:path]; } - (void)setObject:(id)object forRow:(NSInteger)row column:(NSInteger)col { NSUInteger idxs[] = {row, col}; NSIndexPath *path = [NSIndexPath indexPathWithIndexes:idxs length:2]; [_source setObject:object forKey:path]; } - (void)removeAllObjects { [_source removeAllObjects]; } @end
Pretty simple. There's obviously some code duplication here, some of which I can simplify with a category on NSIndexPath:
// NSIndexPath+Matrix.h #import <Foundation/Foundation.h> @interface NSIndexPath (Matrix) + (NSIndexPath *)indexPathWithRow:(NSUInteger)row column:(NSUInteger)col; @end
// NSIndexPath+Matrix.m #import "NSIndexPath+Matrix.h" @implementation NSIndexPath (Matrix) + (NSIndexPath *)indexPathWithRow:(NSUInteger)row column:(NSUInteger)col { NSUInteger indexes[] = {row, col}; return [NSIndexPath indexPathWithIndexes:indexes length:2]; } @end
I can now pull that category into the matrix storage class:
// PZMatrix.m #import "PZMatrix.h" #import "NSIndexPath+Matrix.h" @implementation PZMatrix - (id)initWithRows:(NSInteger)rows columns:(NSInteger)cols { self = [super init]; if (self) { _source = [[NSMutableDictionary alloc] initWithCapacity:rows *cols]; } return self; } - (id)objectForRow:(NSInteger)row column:(NSInteger)col { NSIndexPath *path = [NSIndexPath indexPathWithRow:row column:col]; return [_source objectForKey:path]; } - (void)setObject:(id)object forRow:(NSInteger)row column:(NSInteger)col { NSIndexPath *path = [NSIndexPath indexPathWithRow:row column:col]; [_source setObject:object forKey:path]; } - (void)removeAllObjects { [_source removeAllObjects]; } @end
Testing the implementation:
PZMatrix *matrix = [[PZMatrix alloc] initWithRows:10 columns:10]; [matrix setObject:@"foo" forRow:2 column:8]; [matrix setObject:@"bar" forRow:0 column:9]; [matrix setObject:@"baz" forRow:9 column:9]; NSLog(@"%@", [matrix objectForRow:2 column:8]); NSLog(@"%@", [matrix objectForRow:9 column:9]); NSLog(@"%@", [matrix objectForRow:9 column:8]);


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How to throw a World Cup party
Our favourite party platters, jugs of cocktails, barbecue treats and summer celebration recipes for honouring the beautiful game in food form.
The World Cup means a lot of things to a lot of people, but for us it means one thing: Food. We're looking forward to the sharing platters, pre-match barbecues, bowls of punch and flowing beer as much as we are the ceremony, party spirit and (hopefully abundant) goals.
Whichever team you're backing, beyond the group stage it all gets excitingly unpredictable. We have ideas for last minute feasts that can be easily executed with all the finesse of a midfielder's cross and allow for less cooking and more spectating.
Party platters
Assembly is key if you're tasked with catering for the masses. Dazzle them into momentarily peeling their eyes from the screen with our edible party flags. They can be put together in minutes and are perfect for little spectators to get stuck into.
It's only fair to pay homage to the host nation, regardless of your allegiances. This tropical fruit plate turns the idea of pints and sausage rolls on its head. Serve with Brazilian's national cocktail - caipirinha.
Components of a Brazilian flag:
- Blueberries
- Pineapple slices
- Natural yogurt or soured cream
- Kiwi fruit
Go all afternoon tea on the situation, whatever time of day England is stepping out. We feel this red and white strawberry scone plate is a fitting tribute to our home cuisine. Plus, you can recycle the concept for Wimbledon…
Components of an England flag:
- Scones... Make your own scones
- Strawberry jam... Make your own strawberry jam
- Fresh strawberries
- Clotted cream
Traditionally, Italians channel their national flag with a 'tricolore' salad of green basil, white cheese and red tomatoes. We've used ham in our version, and added a grissini flagpole.
Components of an Italian flag:
- Basil leaves
- Mozzarella
- Parma ham
- Grissini or breadsticks
Doff your cap to the boys in blue - and in this instance, it's the bluer the better when it comes recreating France's flag with cheese. Add some bread, grapes – and a chilled bottle of white wine.
Components of a French flag:
- Baguette
- Red grapes
- Roquefort, Fourme d'Ambert or other blue cheese
Steam a pan of mussels from Brussels with wine and garlic, then serve with the traditional 'pommes frites' and a continental sausage – we sourced frikandel but any reddish cured meat or salami will suffice.
Components of a Belgian flag:
- Steamed mussels... Make your own mussels, white wine & parsley
- Fries... Make your own baked fries
- Belgian sausage
Spoon two of Mexico's finest exports onto a platter and get everyone to delve in with tortilla chips. If you're feeling especially creative, you can make a crest using shards of tortilla.
Components of a Mexican flag:
- Guacamole... Make your own chunky guacamole
- Salsa... Make your own red pepper & tomato salsa
- Soured cream
- Tortilla chips
- Fresh coriander
Brazilian snacks
Soak up the spirited atmosphere of the host country by trying one of our authentic Brazilian recipes. Cheese rolls (pão de queijo), fried cream cheese parcels (pastel de palmito) and black-eyed bean fritters (acaraje) and all snacks that were made for match-side nibbling. Serve with a customary ice-cold bottle of beer. For more authentic recipes, take a look at top 10 Brazilian dishes to try at home and away.
Snack menu:
Pão de queijo - Cheese rolls
Pastel de palmito - Fried parcels with cream cheese and palm heart filling
Acaraje-black eyed pea fritters with shrimp filling
Brigadeiro - Brazilian chocolate truffles
Brazilian barbecue
South Americans know how to treat a piece of meat. Fire up the grill in good time to ensure you have a full spread ready for kick-off. Grilled chicken and cumin beef will satisfy the carnivorous palate, while oregano cheese skewers, palm heart salad and a selection of delicious dips are universal treats.
Remember to barbecue safely- read our guide to pulling off a last-minute barbecue without panic.
Barbecue menu
Frango churrasco - Grilled lemon & garlic chicken
Roasted chilli prawns
Cumin & onion marinated beef
Grilled corn with garlic mayo & grated cheese
Oregano cheese skewers
Creamy Aji green sauce
Chimichurri sauce
Drinks menu
Alleviate rising temperatures with jugs of non-alcoholic punch and mocktails, and cater for the party crowd with good, cold beer and chic cocktails, or combine the two in Micheladas – a Mexican beer cocktail with lime and sea salt. Create bowls of sangria with bobbing citrus slices and punch with summer fruits then sit back and raise a toast to your team.
Ginger, apple & vanilla punch
Mojito mocktail
Peach punch
How will you be celebrating the World Cup? We'd love to see some of your flag creations on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We have more inspiration in our summer of sport and sharing recipe collections.


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Hmmmm now this one! On our Amsterdam girl trip weekend, we selected this restaurant for saturday night's diner (check out where we went for lunch). It was not even our first pick but I am so glad we finally settled for this restaurant! The place is so central that you can literally see it as…Read More
All articles filed in food
BAK – Amsterdam
For my bestie's 30th bday, we organized a surprise girls trip to Amsterdam! We were a group of foodie so the pressure was on to select the right places! Anyways, for saturday lunch we selected the restaurant BAK (check out where we went for diner). I loved the location, it was on the third and last…Read More
Osteria Bartolini – Bologna
Before travelling to a new destination, we sometimes like to choose a restaurant to try out. I must say this one was a surprise because the decor was very sober for a seafood restaurant. We initially sat inside before deciding to move outside, closer to the other customers. Obviously, what were we thinking? It was summertime! Best…Read More
O surf & turf – Lisbon
Located in the Lisbon Timeout Market, this restaurant was rather intriguing. We were first attracted by this lovely place because of the outside terrace (it was quite warm), but also the menu was creative. I always like to try something new, different and challenging. After taking our seats, we simply loved the vibe, the waiters…Read More
Le Tagide – Lisbon
From time to time, I like to enjoy a fancy restaurant, because I deserve it! :). Based on numerous positive comments i chose "Le Tagide". Located in the historic area of Chiado, this restaurant had the most astonishing view in the Lisbon bay. However, I must say i was slightly disappointed. Even though the waiters…Read More
L'Auberge Frankenbourg – La Vancelle
Last year i was taken to this beautiful hostel as a surprise birthday gift. I'm saying hostel because that was the translation i found but i would rather say an "inn" or a "guest house". As i entered the place i only thought we were staying there for the night. I had no clue they…Read More
Central Taqueria – Zurich
Last week as I was riding my bike in the city when i found out this "window". Little did I know it was a Central's taqueria! Central is one of my favourite bars in Zurich because the interior is so simple and the cocktail list is always adapted to the season. Usually busy at night, you…Read More


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Depression Era: Taking a trip in a Model T Truck
During the depression era, I was living in northern Missouri when Mom and Dad packed all of our meager belongings into Dad's Model "T" truck and set out for the land of plenty in central Iowa. Dad had taken a job as a hired hand on a large farm. I was six years old. It was early spring and although the trip was only one hundred and fifty miles, in my mind it was halfway across country. The roads in those early days were all dirt and in the spring turned to mud.
Dad's overloaded and overworked truck could go no more than twenty-five miles without the radiator heating up. When this happened, the steam came out like Old Faithful and caused the motor to die. Dad knew all of this in advance and carried two, five-gallon cans of water. After the motor cooled down, fresh water was added and then came the swear words as Dad tried to restart the engine. After all these years I can still hear that truck magneto making strange buzzing sounds as Dad cranked the engine. The motor would make a few "putt putts" and Dad would run to the steering wheel to advance the spark. After a few unsuccessful tries and some choice language, he told Mom to advance the spark when the motor "putted." Now Mom figured if a little spark advance was good, a lot would be better. This set the stage for the coming attraction.
Dad cranked, the motor "putted," and Mom jammed the spark all the way up. The motor backfired with the sound of an M-80, the crank kicked back, sending Dad sprawling through the mud. The sparks flew, not from the truck, but from Dad. Mom was trying to keep from laughing. I couldn't suppress my laughter. Dad was mumbling under his breath and wiping mud from his face. Evidently Dad gave up ownership of that truck right on the spot as he called it the son of someone else that I didn't know. Mom never did tell him she advanced the spark all the way up. Three days later, after umpteen gallons of water, two flat tires, muddy and exhausted, we arrived at our small farmhouse in central Iowa. Dad drove that truck that was the son of somebody else into the farmyard, and as he came to a stop, the radiator started hissing, and rumbling and gurgling. All of a sudden there was a terrific explosion and my Dad's pride and joy, his naked woman radiator cap, shot straight into the air. I just know that lady beat John Glenn by forty years as the first person to orbit the earth.
We never did find that radiator cap and once again Dad disowned that truck.
That trip from Missouri to Iowa stands tall in my memory, even after sixty-four years. I gained a very liberal education in English, most of it not in the dictionary, and just think, I hadn't even started school yet.
Eugene K. Carson
Montezuma, Iowa
Back in 1955 a call went out from the editors of the then Capper's Weekly asking for readers to send in articles on true pioneers. Hundreds of letters came pouring in from early settlers and their children, many now in their 80s and 90s, and from grandchildren of settlers, all with tales to tell. So many articles were received that a decision was made to create a book, and in 1956, the first My Folks title – My Folks Came in a Covered Wagon – hit the shelves. Nine other books have since been published in the My Folks series, all filled to the brim with true tales from Capper's readers, and we are proud to make those stories available to our growing online community.
12 Herbs That Will Save You From Bug Bites
Are you struggling to keep those stinging bugs at bay? Employ these 12 herbs to help keep those bothersome insects away.
20 Unbreakable Rules for Becoming a Real Gardener
Follow these tips and you'll soon become the best grower in town!
Gift Guide: Yard and Garden
This year's Capper's Farmer 2019 gift guide for yard and garden includes a countertop garden, folding saw, hammock chair swing, solar lantern, bee house planter, garden gun and gloves.


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Netflix Announces 'Fuller House' Premiere Date, Releases First Trailer (VIDEO)
Fuller House, the sequel to the classic 90s sitcom Full House, is coming to Netflix this February. And you can get your first sneak peak with the official teaser trailer, which Netflix has just released.
The entire 13-episode season of Fuller House will premiere on Feb. 26, and the series promises a blast of nostalgia right to the heart, as the teaser revisits some of the show's most iconic locations in the old Tanner home while soundbites from the series stars (Candace Cameron Bure, John Stamos, Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber, Bob Sagat and Dave Coulier) can be heard just on the other side of the front door — as a dog that looks like a relation of their old pal, Comet, waits with anticipation. Fittingly, this is all set to Miranda Lambert's "The House That Built Me", although I was naively holding out hope for "Everywhere You Look" to make a reappearance. Ah well, you can't win'em all. Hopefully, the theme song for Fuller House is just as catchy. The sitcom landscape of this of this era needs some corniness to it! Seriously though, this teaser was kind of moving, particularly if you grew up with Full House like I did. Get ready for goosebumps…or, at the very least, a good-natured eye roll from the "Cut it out!" catchphrase making a return. Watch the video below:
What do you think of Fuller House? Do you think it has potential, or was this a bad idea? Sound off in the comments!
And for more Netflix news, watch the first teaser trailer for House of Cards Season 4!


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Family Fun Zone
King Street between Market & John Sts.
Open Friday 6-9 pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
Affordable fun in the Family Fun Zone on the
Toonie Train, Pony Rides & Water Balloons
Enjoy these FREE events in the FAMILY FUN ZONE
All Weekend: FREE INFLATABLES TIM HORTON'S COFFEE
6-9 p.m
Free Balloon Twisting with Daffy Dill
9 a.m-12 p.m:
Baby Cactus Contest Sponsored by
Enter at http://dundascactusfestival.ca/ & Fortino's 1579 Main St.W, Hamilton
Age Groups 0-24 months. Grand prizes in each category & random draws for all participants.
Certificates for all!
12 p.m- 5 p.m:
Free Face Painting with Glitterbug Face & Body Art
12 p.m-4 p.m
Free Balloon Twisting with Daffy Dill
* Artists/Schedules subject to change
Robertson's Amusement Rides
Miller's Lane & Hatt Sts.
Friday 6 -11 p.m. Satuday 11 a.m. – 11p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.


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Alexis Kalikman, MFT
license #49670
Lexi received her BA from Stanford University and her MA in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco, where she was a Graduate Merit Scholar.
In addition to her clinical work, Lexi serves on the Board of Directors for the Edgewood Center for Children and Families. She is also an instructor for Gerry Grossman Seminars, which offers exam preparation and continuing education classes for therapists.
You can email Lexi directly at: [email protected]
Katy Lloyd, MFT
license #49376
Katy received her BA from University of Colorado and her MS in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University, where she was a member of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology, in recognition of outstanding academic achievement. In addition to seeing clients in San Francisco, Katy has a private practice in Mill Valley where she sees adults, families and children.
You can email Katy directly at: [email protected]


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Besides the staple of exclusive villas with smooth infinity pools, this year gives us a shipwreck lodge lost in a vast desert, cocoons instead of hotel rooms, and a luxury hotel set in a former prison. But the most interesting new projects are not just focused on a unique location, beautiful architecture, or cool features. Some properties want to reinvent the way one thinks about a hotel experience. Others spend 15 years restoring a village or moving an entire forest to a new location.
We know many people keep this page bookmarked and revisit it, and that's a good idea, as we will be updating the list when new information comes in. While you peruse the list, keep in mind that many openings have been delayed from last year, and some others may yet slip to the next one. Also, as this list is not arranged in the order of "best-to-worst," do let us know if we missed any cool new openings. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
We love Six Senses almost as much as we love Bali, so to us, this new opening looks like the perfect match. In a classic Six Senses approach, the resort design draws from the deeply spiritual local culture of Bali, while its location and landscaping embraces nature. Set atop a rugged cliff, the property shares a spectacular sunset view with the famous Uluwatu Temple. When it opens, the resort will have twenty-eight Sky Villas, sixty-two one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom villas. There will be also the Six Senses Spa, offering a range of locally-inspired treatments as the Six Senses signature therapies.
Website: Six Senses Uluwatu. Opening: March 2018.
Images (including the leading image at the top of the article) © Six Senses
"Every Aman has a story to tell and this one is no exception. This project and the many challenges it presented were unimaginable, but we overcame them not only to defy the test of time. […] This resort, a legacy to the past, stands proud as an archive for future generations."—
Vladislav Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman.
The fourth Aman in China is the result of 15-year conservation initiative, which involved the relocation of a forest (!) and the reconstruction of a historic settlement. Situated in downtown Shanghai, the resort is designed in a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis. Modelled after a peaceful village and made up of restored Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, Amanyangyun will also have contemporary suites and pool villas as well as the Aman Spa, two large swimming pools, and six dining venues.
Website: Aman Shanghai. Opening: Jan 2018. Images © Aman Resorts
This long-delayed, five-star eco resort from Alila is finally set to launch on the island of Koh Russey this year. Designed by the Singaporean architect Chioh-Hui Goh of the Studiogoto, the sleek architecture of Alila Villas Koh Russey takes Khmer ambience and charm to create a beautiful experience of contemporary luxury. One, two and four bedroom villas are all carefully placed to maximise the magnificent sea views, and each villa will have a private swimming pool. This will be the first 'Villas' class of resort from Alila outside Bali, after the Alila Villas Uluwatu (which we loved).
Website: Alila Villas Koh Russey. Opening: September 2018. Images © Alila Hotels
We are always very excited about any new luxury properties opening in Namibia because this country has astonished us with its beauty like no other. No doubt we will return to Namibia — and why not to the Hoanib area? Natural Selection Safaris has a selection of camps and lodges in Botswana, South Africa and Namibia, and the Hoanib Valley Camp is their newest arrival. The camp will offer only six stylish tents, raised on decks with ensuite bathrooms and will overlook the ephemeral Hoanib River, banks of which are frequented by elephants. Desert-adapted rhino and lions are also present in the area.
Website: Hoanib Valley Camp. Opening: May 2018. Images © Natural Selection Safari
Harmony in contrasts
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Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
Harmony in contrasts
Just minutes from the Tiananmen Square, Mandarin Oriental will open its doors in Beijing, in a prized location within the Qianmen East Hutong Quarter. The hotel will follow the architectural patterns and established traditions of the Hutongs, sharing space with privately-owned traditional residences, restaurants, bars and retail outlets. The courtyard suites of the hotel will be connected to a range of facilities, among which are an indoor swimming pool and dining venues, including an all-day roof terrace eatery. The Spa will be the perfect place to unwind after a day filled with sightseeing.
But this is not the only property the Group will be launching in Beijing. The second hotel to open in 2018 is Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing. Occupying two top floors of the WF Central building, the place will have outstanding views, including over the Forbidden City.
Website: Not yet available. Opening: 2018. Image © Mandarin Oriental
One of our favourite resort brands is rapidly expanding, venturing into new destinations, including cities, mountain areas and so on. Fiji is both tropical and very remote — which is the kind of setting in which we love Six Senses the most. We are looking forward to the white-sand beaches, the fantastic spa, and spacious villas, beautifully designed in the brand's hallmark style that blends indoor and outdoor living.
Website: Six Senses Fiji. Opening: Opening April 14, 2018. Images © Six Senses
This will be only the fourth Ritz-Carlton resort branded "Reserve" — and all signs tell us that Zadún will wow with a high level of service and the beauty of its design. Opening on the dramatic coastline of San José del Cabo, this luxury retreat will have 115 villas, many of them equipped with private pools, as well as Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences. The place will boast two championship golf courses and will also maintain a botanical park with the desert flora.
Website: Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Opening: early 2018.
Image © The Ritz-Carlton
We are always super excited about any new luxury openings in the Maldives and Joali looks very promising. This island retreat will offer 73 luxurious beach and water villas with curated in-room libraries, walk-in closets, and artisanal amenities in the bathrooms. Four restaurants will base the menus on original fusion cuisine, while an ice cream parlour and whisky lounge should satisfy the cravings for guilty pleasures. What will surely distinguish the resort among others will be the underwater museum focused on environmental issues, as well as a dedicated Art Studio and Gallery showcasing art and design created out of recycled goods.
Read our review of Joali Maldives.
Website: Joali. Opening: late 2018. Images © Joali
"It's nothing that I've ever done before. It's everything I've dreamed about. [It's] way beyond glamping."
—Bill Bensley
This property has been designed and is owned by the world-renowned designer Bill Bensley and it is already being talked about as "the most luxurious tented camp in Asia." There will be only sixteen 100-square-meter tents here, hidden deep in the jungle on 500 acres of land and located between three oldest national parks in Cambodia. Bensley ambition is to create a jungle resort built to the highest luxury standards, but also one that is "fully self-sustaining". We can't wait to see it open this year.
Website: Shinta Mani Wild. Opening: 3rd Quarter of 2018. Image © Shinta Mani
Remote and secluded, yet only a 35-minute flight from Mahé, the Desroches Island is perfectly located to provide an experience of "luxury castaway", courtesy of Four Seasons. Following extensive renovations of an old resort, the delayed Four Seasons will offer forty beach suites with private pools as well as eleven private residence villas — all set up as an exclusive destination on a pristine tropical island, edged by fourteen kilometres of white beaches.
Website: Four Seasons Resort at Desroches Island. Opening: early 2018.
Images © Four Seasons Hotels
This one is also delayed — for the second consecutive year — so we are stoked that the Six Senses' Bhutan project will finally see the light of day. What's interesting about this development is that it is not a single hotel. Rather, it's a journey, designed to showcase the magical Kingdom of Bhutan on an expedition between five small lodges, located in Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro. The Six Senses guests will set off in the capital and will experience very different places, each with a different theme reflecting its location.
Website: Six Senses Bhutan. Opening: August 2018. Images © Six Senses
Wilderness Safaris are in the midst of upgrading several of their flagship lodges in different countries, including Botswana. Here, in the Moremi Game Reserve, two sister lodges are undergoing a major overhaul. They will be luxurious and exclusive, as Little Mombo is just three guest tents, and Mombo nine. Although located on two sides of the same island (a raised boardwalk will connect them), each will have their own facilities. Apart from the design of the lodges — which we expect to be nothing short of spectacular — what is exciting about these two is the commitment to conservation and sustainability.
Website: Mombo Camp. Opening: March 2018. Images © Wilderness Safaris
A Beautiful Creation
Already in its soft opening stage, this new property from one of our favourite luxury resort brands will be officially opening in February. The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui is a stunning oceanfront resort of 175 suites and pool villas, set on 58 acres of a former coconut plantation, and overlooking two white-sand beaches lapped by the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. The hotel also features a massive Spa with multiple treatment pavilions (plus a health bar and a lap pool with cosy cabanas), and as many as six different dining venues.
Elsewhere in Asia, The Ritz-Carlton will be also opening the Jiuzhaigou resort in China, delayed from last year. It will be an all-villa resort, whose design draws from the local area's history spanning 2000 years, and which will ensure wonderful views of the dramatic mountains of Tibet.
Website: The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui. Opening: Feb 2018. Image © The Ritz-Carlton
The news of the Rosewood property opening in Laos is exciting, as this country has been on our to-visit list for a long time. This will be a luxury resort with tented villas, which makes it the first of this kind in the Rosewood portfolio. Each guest villa is set up as a hundred-square-meters of pure luxury. The property will have two dining venues and the signature Sense spa. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang city is only minutes from the hotel.
Website: Rosewood Luang Prabang. Opening: first quarter 2018.
Photos © Rosewood Hotels and Resorts
We very much enjoyed our stay at the Bulgari Resort in Bali, and while Shanghai does not suffer from the lack of high-end luxury hotels, we wouldn't mind finding out how well the Italian-styled Bulgari fits into the city's vibrant scene. Occupying eight top floors of a 40-floor-high skyscraper, the hotel will be offering more than eighty guest suites, including an extravagant 400-square-metre "Bulgari Suite", promised to be one of the biggest in the city. We would definitely want to check out their rooftop restaurant and bar.
Website: Bulgari Shanghai. Opening: 2018. Image © Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
In the novelty-seeking luxury hotel's world, new destinations are the hottest commodity. It's not hard to predict then that Burma is being eagerly looked to with the hope that the country is approaching its moment. Paving the way is Wa Ale, being readied for its March opening on a 9000-acre island in the Lampi Marine National Park. Made up of eleven tented villas and three treetop hideouts, this unique resort will sit alongside a kilometre-long beach, in the untouched Mergui Archipelago.
Website: Wa Ale Island Resort. Opening: March 2018. Images © Wa Ale Island Resort
Eminently peaceful in Namib Rand
We have no official hotel images yet, but based on the track record of the Zannier Hotels, we are already excited about their two new lodges in Namibia. The arid landscapes are particularly well suited as a backdrop to the kind of pared down and sophisticated look that this Belgium-based specialise in.
The Sonop Lodge in Sossusvlei will be located near one of the most spectacular places we've seen (photo, above). This exclusive camp of only ten guest tents will be created in the style of an early explorer's camp. With a restaurant, spa and swimming pool, Sonop Namibia will ensure a sense of a blissful retreat after a day spent exploring the stunning landscape. Then the 10-room Omaanda will open near Windhoek, located in a 9000-hectare wildlife reserve that is home to elephant and rhino. The guest "huts" here are inspired by the traditions of the Ovambo tribe. The camp will also feature a restaurant and spa.
Website: Omaanda. Opening: summer 2018. Photo © Travel Plus Style
You may recognise this entry from our last year's List. Yes, the Six Senses Resorts' debut in Cambodia has been delayed. Finally opening in 2018, the resort will comprise 40 beautifully designed villas, landscaped into the picturesque island of Krabey. Bringing to the Sihanoukville area the hallmark approach of barefoot luxury that embraces modern technology and total convenience and comfort, the resort will feature the famous Six Senses Spa, two poolside restaurants, and a deli complete with the ice cream parlour.
Website: Six Senses Krabey Island. Opening: September 2018.
Images © Six Senses Resorts
A dream world unto its own
Rwanda is becoming a super hot destination this year and is one to watch. With that in mind, we will be looking forward to new openings from One&Only in this African country. First to launch will be the One&Only Nyungwe House, set on a working tea plantation on the edge of Nyungwe National Park. It'll offer twenty-two rooms and suites situated in 6 wooden villas with open fireplaces and private decks and exceptional views of the forest.
The second lodge will be the Gorilla's Nest Lodge, situated in the foothills of the Virunga Volcano Range. Featuring twenty-two guest tents as well as a restaurant and spa, it will be a luxurious home base from which to discover the roaming grounds of the mountain gorillas. The camp's restaurant will serve cuisine focused on local traditions using produce grown in the property's organic garden, while the spa will provide African-inspired treatments.
Website: One&Only Nyungwe House. Opening: late 2018. Photo © One&Only Resorts
This year Tunisia is maturing as one of the hottest — no pun intended — destinations on the map of luxury travellers. One of the brands that will mark its presence in the country is Anantara, opening in the Saharan oasis city of Tozeur, known for the film set locations of the popular Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchises. The resort will feature ninety-three lavish guest rooms and pool villas, several swimming pools, six restaurants and bars, a relaxing spa, and a souk. One of the restaurants will be a tented eatery themed "Arabian Nights", and it will come with cushioned seating and a bonfire. A view of sandy dunes will complete the look — and make it a perfect place for sundowners.
Website: Anantara Tozeur Resort. Opening: mid-2018. Images © Anantara Hotels
Technology and style
This will be the fourth property under the Swire Hotel's House Collective brand, originally created to bring together three distinctive hotels, The Upper House Hong Kong, The Opposite House Beijing and The Temple House Chengdu. The Middle House will offer 111 rooms and 102 Residences, with interiors designed by Milan-based designer Piero Lissoni, and the architecture by Lissoni Associati and Wong and Ouyang. The Middle House promises the brand's trademark style of intimate luxury, delivered with highly personalised service. The property will offer many unique features, including an abundance of outdoor spaces and terraces that help to create a feeling of calm oasis amidst the dynamic backdrop of one of Asia's most cosmopolitan cities.
Website: The Middle House. Opening: early 2018. Photo © Swire Hotels
As you can sense from our list this year, Namibia is booming — and rightly so, as this country is simply amazing. One of the most eerily beautiful areas of the country is the Skeleton Coast, where the ancient Namib Desert meets Atlantic and where the remains of hundreds of beached ships are slowly consumed by the elements. This unique place is the inspiration for Shipwreck Lodge as the twelve chalets reflect the rusty, upturned shapes of old vessels, while the textures and materials of the decor reflect the weathered surroundings. At the same time, the interiors could easily trace their pedigrees to the latest chic décor catalogues.
Website: Shipwreck Lodge. Opening: June 2018. Images © Natural Selection Safari
The Chedi Luštica Bay will be located on the Montenegro coast. Boasting beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea, the hotel is designed in a minimalist style in which the simple, modern decor and sensitive lighting emphasise luxury and elegance. Other than 110 guest rooms, the on-site facilities will include two restaurants and a bar, outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre with an indoor heated pool. Beyond Europe, this year the Chedi will also be launching in Ninghai (China).
Website: The Chedi Luštica Bay. Opening: 2018. Image © GHM
Sierra Madre Mountains and Mexico's Pacific coast in Puerto Vallarta will be the backdrop to the new adult-only Hotel Amapa. Said to be "a showcase space for Mexican design," this Design Hotels property combines traditional Mexican aesthetics with minimal, contemporary design to create a laid-back atmosphere. The hotel's rooftop pool and bar will offer panoramic ocean views, and many of the fifty-five guest rooms will have large windows and private balconies. The street-level café and restaurant will celebrate the coastal flavours of Mexico. There will be also a wellness pavilion for meditation and massages.
Website: Hotel Amapa. Opening: February 2018. Images © Hotel Amapa
We loved our trip to Malta — it is just such a unique country — and are clearly not the only ones to have noticed the beauty of the island. The Iniala Group, lead by British entrepreneur Mark Weingard, will be opening a boutique hotel in Valletta. The concept behind this stylish place is drawn upon a design-centric hospitality experience, and the world-famous designers Autoban from Turkey and A-Cero from Spain were commissioned in helping to realise this vision. The 24 rooms and suites of the hotel will be spread across four grand palazzos in the waterfront St. Barbara Bastion. A rooftop restaurant and a spa in the vaults will entice the future guests to chill after a day's worth exploration of the beautiful capital of Malta.
Website: Not yet available. Opening: January 2018. Image © Autoban
We can't wait to visit the Six Senses Shaharut. Located in a remote place south of the Negev Desert, its design will be inspired by the desert landscape, and the hotel integrated into the site topography. The resort will be composed of 58 suites and villas, plus one Retreat Villa. Six Senses Spa will have an outlet here with single and double treatment rooms as well as steam, sauna and hammams.
Website: Six Senses Shaharut. Opening: November 2018. Images © Six Senses
Raffles' flagship property in Singapore is to reopen in late 2018, following sixteen months of careful, sensitive restoration. Refurbished and updated to the expectations of 21st Century city dwellers, this legend of a hotel will relaunch with refreshed restaurants, added a new category of suites, and updated technology. This historic Singaporean hotel will, of course, aim to retain its unique ambience and the high level of service.
Website: Raffles Singapore. Opening: late 2018. Image © Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Situated in the wild Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the Tengile River Lodge is the newest addition to the portfolio of &Beyond, the safari company well-known for its string of luxury lodges and camps across Africa. Tengile translates as "tranquil", and the lodge designers (Anatomy Design) took it as a guiding principle when creating elegant interiors and warm, intimate spaces infused with contemporary chic. Nine guest suites will offer sunken lounges, chic bedrooms and bathrooms that open to the forest. Raised above the ground, they will have magnificent river views.
Website: &Beyond Tengile River Lodge. Opening: Dec 2018. Images © &Beyond
The ongoing refurbishment project at the Datai Langkawi has us drooling with anticipation, especially as the makeover is directed by the original creators of this luxury resort. The visionary Australian architect Kerry Hill and the interior designer Didier Lefort of DL2A are overseeing the extensive renovation the property, which will include refurbishment of the resort's guest rooms and villas, an extension of the spa, and a new fitness centre by the beach. The project kicked off in September 2017 and is expected to take up to 10 months.
Website: The Datai Langkawi. Opening: July 2018. Image © The Datai
Zanzibar has a lot of room for beautiful hotels and Zuri makes us want to visit the island again. Set on the north coast, this new Design Hotels member will offer a luxury of simplicity in a "beach hammock" type of experience. Fifty-four villas are designed in a style that marries chic modernism with a thatched-roof accommodation. The large private beach is set to be the main attraction, but there will be also a couple of bars, a grill restaurant, and a swimming pool.
Website: Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort. Opening: July 2018. Images © Zuri Zanzibar
Quintessentially Thai
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Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
Quintessentially Thai
The third property in Four Seasons Resorts' Mexico collection will launch later this year as a luxury resort in the exclusive Costa Palmas community, which also boasts a private marina and yacht club — all set along a 3.2 kilometre stretch of a white-sand-beach lapped by the warm waves of the Sea of Cortez. Designed by Las Vegas-based TAL Studio, this 145-room Four Seasons retreat will feature a range of five-star amenities. They will include a full-service spa and multiple swimming pools, a members-only beach, and an 18-hole golf course, as well as access to an 18-acre organic farm.
Website: Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas. Opening: Winter 2018.
Image © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Following a restoration commissioned to the architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, in 2018 Hotel Lutetia will start a new chapter of its history. The work done on this landmark building will return it to the former Art Nouveau glory, with 184 rooms and suites (plus two penthouses) refreshed to suit contemporary sensitivities. New additions to the hotel will include a holistic spa centre. Cool fact: past guests of Hotel Lutetia include Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Josephine Baker.
Website: Hotel Lutetia, Paris. Opening: Spring 2018. Images © Lutetia Paris
Safari-style hotels are clearly in vogue, but Bali has not yet seen a property like this yet. Capella Ubud promises the experience of glamping in the heart of the island, with 22 tents designed by the world-famous architect Bill Bensley. Inspired by the spirit of exploration and discovery in the nineteenth century, the luxurious accommodation will nevertheless come with all mod cons, including private plunge pools.
Website: Capella Ubud. Opening: 2018. Image © Capella Hotel Group
This is a huge year for The Edition. The company is on the spending spree with huge ambitions to expand worldwide. This year the hotel group will launch no less than seven hotels in different locations, from China (in Shanghai) to Turkey (in Bodrum) and from Thailand (Bangkok) to New York (Times Square). One to watch is the hotel in Abu Dhabi, the destination which gets an extra spotlight this year thanks to the opening of the Louvre branch. Another is their opening in Hollywood (West Hollywood, Photo above), but the opening we look forward to the most is the delayed Barcelona EDITION, Spain. With a desirable location in the Ciutat Vella district, this new hot spot on the Barcelona map will be a worthy addition to the vibrant hotel scene in the city.
Website: EDITION Hotels. Opening: 2018. Images © EDITION Hotels
Aman hospitality at its best
We are not saying we have a thing for Six Senses, but we have a thing for Six Senses. Well, what can you do. These resorts offer the blend of luxury, sustainability, design and mood that resonates with us. 2018 marks the group's expansion into the Mediterranean, with the opening of the Six Senses Kaplankaya, on the Turkish Riviera. Designed to reflect the landscape of rugged rocks, golden beaches and undulating hills covered by wild cypresses and olive trees, the resort will feature 141 guestrooms and suites, including 66 Ridge Villas, as well as 154 private adjacent residences. With the addition of the massive Spa complex, this place is shaping up to be another great destination.
Website: Six Senses Kaplankaya. Opening: May 2018. Image © Six Senses
The Blue Lagoon is one of Iceland's top tourist attractions. Surrounding it is a dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic activity. Steaming pools, rugged rock and hardened lava flows are the backdrop to the unique blue colour of the water. A new addition to this naturally-formed site is a human-made wonder. Located directly on site, the new luxury hotel will give its guests exclusive access to the geothermal spring and a private swimming area set apart from the main body of the lagoon. This 62-room retreat will have a subterranean spa with the Hidden Cove which will be a private guest experience that includes a butler, on-call chef, and private spa treatments.
Website: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. Opening: April 2018.
Images © The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
The NoMad hotel and restaurant in New York City are well established and loved by the locals there and now its unique take on the city chic will no doubt be welcomed by the discerning crowds in LA. The new hotel takes over the 20th century Giannini Building, originally designed in a Neoclassical fashion as the headquarters for The Bank of Italy. Carefully refurbished and updated, the place will now host 241 rooms (including 31 suites) with interiors drawing inspiration from the lobby's restored gold-and-blue Italianate ceilings. The hotel's rooftop cocktail bar, with swimming pool and alfresco dining space, should become a new cool hangout in the city's booming downtown.
Website: NoMad Los Angeles. Opening: January 2018. Image © NoMad Hotel
Coming to one of our all-time favourite islands will be Canaves Oia Epitome, a new property in the collection of five boutique luxury hotels from Canaves, all of them are located in various spots in Oia. The Epitome overlooks a small fishing town of Ammoudi and will have access to a beach, which is something of a rarity in Santorini. The new place will boast an infinity pool, a restaurant and sundowner bar, while its guest suites, equipped with plunge pools are designed to maximise the sunset views.
Website: Canaves Oia Epitome. Opening: May 2018. Images © Canaves Oia Hotel
"Getting to Serra Cafema is a tough journey. Hundreds of square kilometres of mountains and desert surround the camp and no permanent roads cross this part of the country. The only way of travelling here is an arduous flight on a bumpy light plane. It may be one of the remotest luxury camps in all of Africa—but reaching it is worth every effort."
This is what we wrote about our stay at the Serra Cafema, so to learn that Wilderness Safaris is rebuilding and upgrading the camp means one thing: we have to put it back on our to-visit list. Oh well. It's not like we are complaining. The landscape and location on its own make it worth a visit, but, of course, Serra Cafema is one of the most beautiful camps we visited. And now the place is poised to get even better. Just take our money already.
Website: Serra Cafema Camp. Opening: June 2018. Image © Wilderness Safaris
If the very cool Hoxton Paris opening last year was an indication of anything, it was that The Hoxton was only just warming up. 2018 will see no fewer than three new hotels from this fashionable boutique brand, except this time all will pop up in the USA, with the openings in Williamsburg (NY), in the Old Town Chinatown of Portland (OR), and Los Angeles (CA).
The Hoxton Williamsburg will be the first to launch. Located on the site of the former Rosenwach Water Tank Company and positioning itself as "part of its neighbourhood", the 175-room hotel is planning to host monthly events and be open to the public with three restaurants, terrace bar and roof deck.
Website: The Hoxton Williamsburg. Opening: 2017. Images © The Hoxton
Alila is on a roll with new hotels and fresh starts, so this is not the only entry from the brand on our list. Sri Lanka is having its moment too, and the arrival of a new Alila property here is not surprising. A rainforest with wildlife habitats surrounds the Koggala resort, which will be located by the lake of the same name. The area is famed for tranquillity and biodiversity, and it is only a short drive from the seashore. The forty suites and villas of Alila Koggala will ensure luxurious living thanks to its spacious layouts and meticulous style. The place will have plenty on offer to satisfy all senses, with two restaurants, a beach grill and bar, signature treatments at the spa, a beachfront swimming pool, Kids' Club, yoga garden, library, and more.
Website: Alila Koggala. Opening: June 2018. Image © Alila Hotels & Resorts
Situated just below the exact spot where the famous final scene of the movie Out of Africa was filmed, in 2018 the Bateleur Camp promises a glamorous experience. Strictly speaking, this is not a new opening but a reboot of the &Beyond's classic Masai Mara camp, following a complete rebuild and makeover. The safari tents will be expanded to 97m2. They will now have private verandas with comfortable new built-in daybeds and ensuite bathrooms with spacious bathtubs and al fresco showers. A stylistic update is in the works too, with interiors done in a lighter theme. The camp will be enhanced by the addition of a gin bar, two new swimming pools — with beautiful views of the Masai Mara — as well as a massage sala and a well-equipped fitness centre.
Website: &Beyond Bateleur Camp. Opening: March 2018. Images © &Beyond
In the heart of Beijing
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, on a prized Victoria Harbor waterfront, this multi-use tower is poised to become a new landmark on the city's famous skyline. Twenty-seven floors of the building will be occupied by the Rosewood Hong Kong, a new luxury hotel with 398 guest rooms. The property will also offer eight dining options, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and Rosewood's wellness spa.
Also in Asia, this year we should also expect a new opening in Cambodia, with the delayed Rosewood Phnom Penh, as well as the Rosewood Guangzhou in China, expected to launch in fall 2018.
Website: Rosewood Hong Kong. Opening: 2018. Image © Rosewood Hotels
This is the kind of place that you can't help but be wowed by. Composed of six minimalist wooden cabins with skylights and large windows, Arctic Bath is a floating hotel and spa. Set on the Lule River, this is essentially a watercraft which floats on the surface in summer and gets gripped in place by the freeze of the winter months. The concept comes from designers Bertil Harström and Johan Kaupp. It looks to us as much as an experience as it is a hotel.
Website: Arctic Bath. Opening: 2018. Images © Arctic Bath
Following the successful launches of two lovely adult-oriented hotels on Rhodes and Kos, the luxury boutique properties under the Casa Cook brand is branching out to Crete. The new resort in Chania will stick to the bohemian-chic feel, and it will be focused on families. The standard rooms will each sleep two adults and a child, and for larger families, larger suites will be also available, many with shared or private pools. Apart from the sixty-five rooms and suites, there will be also a spa, while activities will include yoga classes for parents and learning experiences for the little ones.
Website: Casa Cook Chania. Opening: summer 2018. Image © Casa Cook
The expansion ambitions of the private members' club Soho House have been so extensive that the group had to seek to refinance, but after securing £275m last year, the company is now free to realise its plans. Thus The Soho House has two fresh additions to the London's vibrant hotel space. First to open is Kettner's Townhouse with 33 bedrooms, next to the group's original Soho House on Greek Street. Kettner's Townhouse was originally established in 1867 as London's first French restaurant, and remained open for business all the way through two world wars and beyond. Still primarily a restaurant, it will also accept guests in 33 guest bedrooms, on the upper floors. The room design is inspired by the 1920s, bringing to mind a French boudoir style.
Website: Kettner's Townhouse. Opening: January 2018. Images © Soho House
"The aim of the architectural intervention […] is to preserve the site's powerful atmosphere while returning the existing buildings and adding significant contemporary components to the composition" —designer John Pawson
So this is another terribly delayed opening, but perhaps for a good reason. Launching in Jaffa, the oldest district of Tel Aviv, the The Jaffa is set in a former hospital and convent, and for the past four years, its creators have been engaged in a meticulous restoration of the complex. The historic building will get a new lease of life as a luxury property with 127 hotel rooms and 32 residences, the spa, a signature restaurant, fitness centre, and outside deck with pool. The amazing 19th century French Hospital's Chapel will become a bar, while the lobby will feature 12th-century ruins.
Website: The Jaffa, A Luxury Collection Hotel. Opening: March 2018.
Images © Marriott International
COMO Hotels, already well established in Bali, will be launching a third property on the island, this time a beach resort. COMO Echo Beach is located on one of the best surf beaches in the area, so the resort is poised to attract surfers, both experienced ones and beginners. Non-surfers can still take up a surf tuition or spend time at their fantastic spa. Alternatively, for sunbathing and lounging, there is the COMO Beach Club, around which the resort is formed.
Website: COMO Uma Canggu. Opening: Feb 2018. Images © COMO Hotels
This new arrival to the luxury hotel scene of Malaysia's capital will make its mark in the thriving district of the Golden Triangle. Located in a 65-floor mixed-use tower that includes retail and residential, the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur will have 209 guest rooms and suites plus 27 serviced residences, and a full spectrum of facilities. The four dining outlets will include a rooftop pool bar and an all-day dining restaurant with views of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Website: Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Opening: mid-2018.
Image © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
The Italian brand Baglioni specialises in city hotels in European capitals, so its venture into the Maldivian resort world is a bit of a departure from the script. But we rather like the idea of matching the premise of a paradise island living with the Italian sense of style. The 96-villa property in the Dhaalu Atoll is already looking really good. The design of the luxuriously appointed villas seems like a perfect compliment to the beauty of the Maagau island. The guest accommodation will be either looking out to the Indian Ocean or tucked in the tropical garden. The resort will offer a full range of services, with the spa, three elite restaurants, a large infinity pool and the Dive Centre.
Website: Baglioni Resort Maldives. Opening: Summer 2018.
Images © Baglioni Hotels
Housed in the 60-floor Magnolias Ratchadamri complex, the 171-room Waldorf Astoria hotel will be a great addition to the luxury hotel scene in Bangkok. The guest accommodations, starting at 50m2 will feature marble bathrooms with separate shower and bathtub while the two-bedroom Royal Suite (over 300 sqm) with kitchen and dining room should satisfy the most discerning city dweller. The guests will also get to enjoy a rooftop restaurant, two bars, an indulgent wellness spa, as well as the outdoor infinity pool.
Website: Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. Opening: August 2018.
Image © Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts
Impeccable and intriguing, the design and architecture of this new opening from Alila will draw from the local heritage but also will reflect the best trends in contemporary architecture. This hotel of more than 100 rooms was designed by Greentown Oriental Architects studio, who has already scored a major award for the project. The resort should be a great spot from which to discover the 1000 years of rich cultural history of the ancient town of Wuzhen.
Coming to Asia are also Alila SCBD in Jakarta (scheduled to open in April 2018), and Alila Bangsar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Soft Opening 1st April).
Website: Not yet available. Opening: May 2018. Images © Alila Hotels & Resorts
Bedouin-style luxury
After years of social strife in the country, Egypt is popping on the tourism industry radar again. And perhaps the best time to visit the pyramids is now — before the mainstream crowds flock to the iconic sights and places again. The delayed from last year St. Regis will (hopefully) open its new 39-floor city hotel with 292 lavishly appointed rooms and suites, and almost as many guest apartments and residences. It will also feature an open-air terrace with a sushi bar — which should be an excellent spot to marvel at Cairo's hazy sunsets.
Website: The St. Regis Cairo. Opening: March 2018. Image © Marriott International
The just-opened Azerai is built on a verdant islet and is only accessible by boat from the city of Can Tho. The designers of this chic resort looked to traditional architecture and interpreted it in a contemporary style in its 60 guest rooms. Those staying here will have an opportunity to experience spa, use the tennis court, swim in the centrally located rectangular infinity pool, and choose from two restaurants for dining. Among excursions and activities, the highlight will be a trip on an early morning boat to witness the local fishermen and plantation farmers trade their catch and crops at the Cai Rang floating markets.
Website: Azerai Can Tho. Opening: January 2018. Images © Azerai
Hip in LA
The neighbourhood in which this brand new hotel has its address has a strong art and fashion vibe. The 105-room La Peer taps into it with a cool design that injects quirky and fun ideas into a luxurious setting. Thoughtfully designed, the pared-down interiors are elegant and sleek, with accents that include string art installations and original artwork. The wood-fired cuisine is promised in the modern trattoria, while the pool, roof terrace, and plenty of indoor and outdoor lounging spaces should provide opportunities for chilling out after days of exploring the West Hollywood's Design District.
Website: Kimpton La Peer Hotel. Opening: January 2018. Image © La Peer Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel Tunis is the group's first foray into North Africa and the two-hundred-room property is already accepting reservations. Stretching over five hundred meters of beach, it offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean coastline — including from the three restaurants and two lounges. The centrepiece of the hotel is its Roman spa. Boasting ten treatment rooms plus a VIP suite, it's an eye-candy of marble columns, dreamy water features and a glass-walled indoor-outdoor pool.
Website: Four Seasons Hotel Tunis. Opening: Now opened.
Images © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Designed by Richard Meier, this Yucatan property takes a subtle inspiration from pre-Columbian historical monuments to create a beautiful minimalistic architecture. Apart from 180 rooms, the hotel will have spa and fitness facilities, two restaurants and three bars.
Website: W Kanai Retreat. Opening: December 2018. Image © Marriott International
The new hotel by Banyan Tree will be launched in the country of rippling green hills, famous for its bamboo forests and white tea. The resort's 151 rooms, suites and villas will all provide intoxicating views of the mountainous landscape in this popular summer destination in eastern China. Infused with the classic glamour of the Banyan Tree style, the architecture and interior design will reflect the local cultural traditions. Among the amenities and services, the resort will offer the signature Spa, kids club, two restaurants, one lounge and one bar.
Website: Banyan Tree Anji. Opening: May 2018. Images © Banyan Tree Hotels
The Viceroy Hotel Group has taken over management of the architecturally stunning Hotel Mar Adentro. Surrounded by flat surfaces of water, wrapping around the minimalistic buildings that house luxury suites and villas, this stunning property looks almost like a work of contemporary art. Currently undergoing a refurbishment work, the updated hotel will feature a new beach bar and pool and state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa. Upon completion, the resort will feature 194 rooms, suites and villas, and even a small cinema.
Website: Viceroy Los Cabos. Opening: spring 2018. Photo © Viceroy Hotel Group
Leonardo DiCaprio — yes, that Leonardo DiCaprio — who, apart from acting career now is also a climate-change activist, has decided to take on a third job, albeit a little linked to the second one. Leo is planning to build the world's foremost eco-resort, off the coast of Belize. Set on a 104-acre island of which half will be a protected wildlife reserve, and with a location by the world's second-largest barrier reef, the Blackadore Caye will take sustainability and conservation seriously. The resort will be solar-powered, free of plastic and pesticide, and will use a net-zero water. An ecological research station will be also funded on site. The project's principal architect is Jean-Michel Gathy, known for several Chedi hotels, as well as Aman Resorts and Cheval Blanc Randheli. This exclusive property will have only thirty-six hotel bungalows and the same number of for-sale residences.
Website: Not yet available. Opening: late 2018. Photos © Blackadore Caye
This newly opened luxury hotel boasts 120 rooms housed in a former Ottoman prison, now transformed and refurbished in a style that compliments contemporary aesthetics with heritage elements. The sleek interiors will feature the original 13th-century stonework, Ottoman doors, wrought-iron bars, reclaimed timber from the historical roof or a centuries-old fountain. A restored Turkish Hamam Spa and infinity rooftop pool look towards Tel Aviv cityscape and ensure breathtaking views from sunrise to sunset.
Website: The Setai Tel Aviv. Opening: January 2018. Photo © The Setai Hotels
We know the W Hotels as the place to be if you crave cool urban vibes, and W Kuala Lumpur will be following the modus operandi of this luxury brand. Located at the Malaysian capital's Golden Triangle, the hotel will wow with a combination of art, design, music and fashion and no doubt attract the design-aware, discerning audience. The urban chic in the style of W will infuse one hundred and fifty guest rooms as well as restaurants, lounge, bar, fitness centre, spa — and a swimming pool.
Starwood continues its vigorous global expansion under the W brand. In 2018 also opening will be W Brisbane (opening March), W Panama (February) W Amman (January), W Muscat (May) and W Dubai The Palm (June).
Website: W Kuala Lumpur. Opening: June 2018. Images © Marriott International
Endless vacation
LUX* Resorts & Hotels is planning this year to open their 2nd property in the Maldives with the launch of the North Male Atoll on Olhahali, a six-hectare island only 45 minutes by speedboat from Male. Behind the development of this new arrival is the Singapore design studio Miaja, who took inspiration from nautical forms and tones to create unique blends a luxury yacht glamour with a beach club vibe. Rather than the typical to Maldives thatched villas, the resort will consist of sixty-seven innovative penthouse residences, one-, two- and three-bedroom. Well spaced to ensure privacy, placed either on the beach or over water, these stylish residences will have a minimum living area of 350m2.
Website: LUX* North Malé Atoll. Opening: April 2018. Image © LUX* Resorts & Hotels
This year the favourite hang-out of celebrities from London to Hollywood is set to land in India for its Bollywood debut. Housed in the upscale neighbourhood of Juhu, the Soho House Mumbai will have thirty-eight bedrooms of various sizes, as well as a gym, cinema room, and the Cecconi's restaurant. The hotel will benefit from a direct access to the popular Juhu Beach, while its rooftop pool and bar looking out to sea will surely become a popular spot.
Website: Soho House Mumbai. Opening: Mid 2018. Image © Soho House
Following a fire in December 2016, this sole use house located in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province is being reborn after an extensive overhaul. Charged with the rebuild is the studio Fox Browne Creative, who set out to recreate the lodge as a contemporary bush home. Interiors will be decorated with furniture bearing hints of 1980s retro design, while colours, textures and raw materials will bring to mind the local traditions of the Zulu craftwork. The house ensures a relaxing stay thanks to the spacious, simple yet elegant bedrooms, a well-equipped gym, massage room, and the library.
Also at the Phinda Private Game Reserve, the Phinda Vlei Lodge will be undergoing a refurbishment. Aiming to envoke a sense of the Old World luxury, the updated look of the property will feature interiors refreshed with an eclectic mix of curated antiques, tapestries, fine art, vintage fabrics and silver.
Website: &Beyond Phinda Homestead. Opening: Sep 2018. Images © &Beyond
We love coming back to Greece and next time we are in Athens we know where to check-in. Located only 30 minutes from the historical city centre, and occupying a lovely spot on the trendy Athens Riviera, the new Four Seasons Astir Palace promises a laid-back seaside escape and easy access to Acropolis. The hotel will have 303 guest rooms, suites and bungalows, three pools, two private beaches and eight restaurants, lounges and bars. The Spa claims to be "inspired by the ancient teachings of Hippocrates."
Website: Not yet available. Opening: Mid 2018. Image © Four Seasons Hotels
Royal Heritage
The remote Andaman Islands have the right location and pedigree to become the next hot spot for the travellers looking for something off the beaten path and Taj Exotica is certainly seeing the opportunity in these faraway lands. Landing on Havelock Island, known for lush hinterland and as a staging ground for some excellent diving, the new Taj Exotica Resort & Spa will capitalise on the attractions of the destination — including the hotel location, on the edge of a jungle, and alongside Radhanagar Beach. It's one of the most desirable beaches in the Andaman archipelago. Serene and remote, it will play as a beautiful backdrop to the seventy-five private villas, three restaurants and spa. Inspired by the pitch-roof style of the local Jawarawa huts, the beautiful design of this Taj resort will further enhance the experience.
Website: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Andamans. Opening: March 2018.
Image © Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Located on a serene beach between Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An, Anantara Quy Nhon Villas will be soon welcoming its first guests who will have the chance to live the beauty of southern Vietnam through the experience of a luxury resort. This hideaway will be composed of only twenty-five private pool villas, designed with elegance and restraint. The guests will enjoy a swimming pool, onsite gym, restaurant and library. The diverse neighbourhood will provide plenty of ideas for activities, from taking adventurous hikes to visiting secluded temples.
On the other side of the world, in Brazil, also opening is the Anantara Maraú Bahia Resort, set on a remote patch of Atlantic coastline. There will be thirty rooms and bungalows and the facilities will include the Anantara Spa, a beachfront restaurant, a swimming pool with bar, tennis courts and a gym.
Website: Anantara Quy Nhon Villas. Opening: mid-2018. Images © Anantara Hotels
The second development of Soho House in London this year is a hotel located in the revived former BBC Television Centre. This famous circular building is being transformed into a new 'village' with hundreds of apartments, restaurants and cafes — and the White City House hotel. It will have 45 bedrooms, a Cowshed Spa and a cinema. And as with all Soho House's properties, the hotel will also boast a rooftop swimming pool.
Beyond that, the brand is expanding further still this year will the unveiling of the Soho House Amsterdam as well as finally launching the delayed Soho Warehouse in LA.
Website: White City House. Opening: Spring 2018. Image © Soho House
Somewhere, someone is currently dreaming up something visionary. But to see the vision become a reality is much rarer. This year, "the world's first happiness-themed boutique hotel", dreamed up by Adriana Chardí and Martin Loeffler, will be one example of such rare occurrence. The name itself, Awakening, promises a quasi-transcendental experience. The temporal visitors (guests) here will not stay in hotel rooms. Instead, they will check in to "human cocoons". These futuristic-looking pods can be just described as a cross between a beach cabin and a treehouse — but maybe they are small temples of mindfulness?
Website: Awakening. Opening: December 2018. Images © Awakening
Think of the former Soviet republic of Georgia and "cool" may not be the first thing that pops to mind. But this is slowly changing, and not least because of the new air of trendiness that sweeps Tbilisi, the young republic's capital. One of the new brands that have been instrumental in putting the country on the design-aware traveller's map is Adjara, the company behind the Rooms hotels in Tbilisi. This year they are launching their first five-star hotel. Named Stamba and housed in an old printing house, the property will have a magnificent basement-to-roof atrium topped with a rooftop swimming pool, filtering a sky view through its transparent bottom. The hotel will house an upscale casino called Aviator as well as a cool underground cocktail bar featuring an antique printing machine as a design object.
Website: Stamba Hotel. Opening: the first half of 2018. Image © Rooms Hotels
Some wonders of the world truly deserve the praise they receive and the nearly mile-long waterfall of Victoria Falls, shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of them. Reopening soon in the area are Sussi & Chuma, named after Dr David Livingstone's companions. The twelve Sussi tree-houses, linked by wooden walkways, plus two private Chuma houses (each with two bedrooms) will provide beautiful new accommodation infused with natural elegance thanks to sophisticated furniture design and bespoke pieces.
But the Sussi & Chuma are not the only new openings from the Sanctuary Retreats. Sanctuary Olonana in Kenya will relaunch this year, blending modern design with distinct traditional African finishes. Then the Sanctuary Stanley's Camp in Botswana, on a 260,000-acre private concession in the renowned Okavango Delta, will be reopened with ten completely new luxury canvas tents.
Website: Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. Opening: April 2018.
Images © Sanctuary Retreats
Another newcomer to the capital of Malaysia is this new hotel from the well-known luxury hotel chain — set to launch this year in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle. This city retreat will have only fifty-five rooms and suites, and one of its attractions no doubt will be the Vertigo rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city skyline. And where is Banyan Tree hotel, there is also the Banyan Tree Spa, which we love visiting.
Website: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur. Opening: June 2018.
Image © Banyan Tree Hotels
As we wrote about the Katikies Santorini, it "tuned the Santorinian aesthetics to perfection." Following the success of that property, the company is island-hopping to Mykonos. We think the Cycladic style of Katikies will work just as well on Greece's party island. The guests here will surely appreciate whitewashed rooms with private verandas and hot tubs, two infinity pools, sunbathing decks, a spa and bubbly sundowners by candlelight at the Seltz Champagne Bar.
Website: Katikies Mykonos. Opening: June 2018. Images © Katikies
We know SALA from their Phuket resort (which we loved very much) and their opening on Samui looks like another stunner. We recognise the trademark SALA touches in the mix of minimalist design and beach-villa chic, with the sweeping curtains, bleached timber, fantastic private pools and alfresco showers. Facing the sea, with luxurious villas and suites and a beachfront swimming pool, the Chaweng resort promises a fantastic stay on one of our favourite Thai islands.
Website: SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort. Opening: January 2018.
Image © SALA Hospitality Group
The old Hotel Europejski, one of the city's best-loved buildings, was originally established in 1857 as the most luxurious hotel in the Russian Empire. Harking back to the decadent years of the 19th-century, and having undergone a meticulous restoration, the building is poised to become the new classic under the auspices of Raffles. The future guests will have over one hundred rooms and suites to choose from, as well as a six-room house spa, bar and cigar lounge, a pâtisserie and a restaurant with an outdoor terrace. But this is not all for Raffles this year. The brand is pulling its weight big time with two additional openings: Raffles Meradhoo Maldives, and Raffles Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia.
Website: Raffles Europejski. Opening: early 2018. Images © Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Conveniently located near Beijing, the Dhawa Jinshanling resort is nestled in the shadow of the Great Wall at Jinshanling, the best-preserved part of the ancient wall. Two hundred rooms of Dhawa Jinshanling will offer either mountain or garden views and will be designed with a blend of contemporary design trends and strong influences from China's rich cultural heritage.
Website: Dhawa Jinshanling. Opening: May 2018. Image © Dhawa
It is a pleasant surprise to see a simple, sophisticated, unpretentious luxury coming to Grenada's Grand Anse Beach, which has been so far a home only to large, bland hotels. Launching soon on the shores outlined by white beaches, the Silversands Grenada looks a real stunner. This sleek, contemporary boutique property of forty-three suites and nine villas surround a 100-metre pool (the longest in the Caribbean) and will be defined by a minimalist design by the French design studio AW2. We are all for the kind of pared-back luxury Silversands Grenada will be proposing.
Website: Silversands Grenada. Opening: March 2018. Images © Silversands
Coqui Coqui was the place that started the craze for Tulum as a jet-setter destination. The company then launched three other properties in the Yucatan Peninsula, all of them wonderful perfumeries with a tiny hotel on top, but now this chic company is bringing its rustic style and exclusive hospitality to the very distant, exotic shores of Bora Bora — and we are sure this will be a hit. Other than the lovely design, Coqui Coqui will be filled with the signature scents (with the addition of eight new French Polynesian-inspired fragrances).
Website: Coqui Coqui Bora Bora. Opening: Fall 2018. Photo © Coqui Coqui
Curated by The Design Hotels, this will be their first property in the Baltic States. Housed in a magnificent, authentic 17th-century mansion, this new development will offer a truly unique take on a baroque palace, with a sleek contemporary design set against historical grandeur. The minimalist challenge to the heritage decoration captures the vibe of Vilnius as a city that can trace its history to 13th Century but is vibrant, young and optimistic in spirit. The new hotel, offering just over one hundred rooms, plus two restaurants, four meeting rooms, a spa and a beautiful courtyard, will provide a level of luxury that will surely set the new benchmark for the hospitality industry in Lithuania.
Website: Hotel Pacai. Opening: spring 2018. Images © Hotel Pacai
Best of the rest:
Let's supplement the above 80 Top Openings with the quick list of additional hotels, lodges and resorts due to launch this year. These are also worth keeping an eye on.
The Constance Aiyana, Zanzibar. Opening date: January 1, 2018.
Great Plains Conservation will be opening new Selinda Pioneers Camp in Botswana (December 2018) and Mpala Jena Camp, within the Zambezi National Park in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (July 2018).
Qorokwe, Okavango Delta, Botswana. Just opened.
Kings Pool, Linyanti, Okavango Delta, Botswana. Completely rebuilt in 2018.
Singita Pamushana, undergoing a rebuild from January through May 2018.
Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. September.
Al Manara, A Luxury Collection Hotel Saraya Aqaba, in Jordan (image below right). Set to open April 1, 2018.
Al Bait Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (image below left). Opening in 2018.
Mandarin Oriental Doha, Qatar. Early 2018.
The Drisco, Tel Aviv, Israel. Spring 2018.
ME by Meliá, Dubai, UAE. Much-anticipated debut in the Middle Eastern will open at the end of 2018 as the only hotel project to feature all interiors and exteriors personally designed by Zaha Hadid (image below in the middle).
Ayana Komodo Resort, Komodo, Indonesia (summer 2018)
AVANI Sunset Coast Samui Resort & Villas, Koh Samui, Thailand. September.
Akyra Sukhumvit Bangkok, Thailand. Q2 2018.
Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi, Maldives (image below left). January 2018.
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi, Maldives. Summer 2018.
The Residence Bintan, Indonesia (image below right). February 2018.
Regent Jakarta, Indonesia. Late 2018.
The Murray, Hong Kong, China (image below in the middle). January 2018.
1 Hotel Haitang Bay, China. Opening Late 2018.
Iraph Sui, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Okinawa, Japan. Late 2018.
Six Senses Singapore. Split across two buildings that are an easy wander apart. Six Senses Duxton (due to open in April 2018) and Six Senses Maxwell (July 2018) will mark the brand's first city hotels, celebrating local Singapore culture and history while adding a touch of playfulness to the heritage properties.
Rosewood Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands (image below left). The hotel will be reopening after a full renovation in December 2018.
The LINE CD, Washington (image below in the middle). Opens in January 2018.
Freehand New York, US. Also January 2018.
Rosewood Baha Mar – Nassau, The Bahamas (spring 2018)
Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito, Montecito, California. Summer 2018.
Montage Los Cabos, Mexico. May 2018.
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Mexico. To launch at some point in 2018.
Solaz, A Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico (image below right). March.
St. Jane Chicago, Illinois, US. Spring 2018.
Downtown LA Proper, Los Angeles, California, US. Mid 2018.
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore, Keystone, South Dakota. June 2018
Itz'ana Resort & Residences, Placencia, Belize. Completion 2018.
Hotel Birks, Montreal, Canada. Opening May 2018.
Hotel des Grands Boulevards, Paris, France. January 2018.
The Dixon, London, United Kingdom. Early 2018.
Vintry & Mercer, London, United Kingdom. Spring 2018.
Principal London (image below right). Opening in April 2018.
The Oscar, London, UK. April 2018.
The Langley, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Buckinghamshire, UK. June 2018.
Belmond Cadogan Hotel, London, UK. Opening in 2018.
Nobu Marbella, Spain. March 2018.
The St Georges, Helsinki, Finland (image below left). Spring 2018.
The Fontenay Hamburg, Germany. March 2018.
Bairro Alto Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal. In February 2016, the hotel began an extension project led by award-winning architect Eduardo Souto Moura, which has included the renovation and addition of the adjacent 18th-century building, to add a further 33 guestrooms. The new area also includes an innovative concept restaurant, 4 state-of-the-art meeting spaces and an indulgent wellness area, making Bairro Alto the most comprehensive luxury boutique hotel in its neighbourhood. Reopening projected for September 2018.
Elizabeth Unique Hotel, Rome, Italy. February 2018.
Finally, why not check out our previous lists? See the top 2017 openings or our list from 2016 and 2015. There is even more in our T+S Magazine and stay tuned for our upcoming Hotel Reviews. Happy travels!
Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 03/01/2020
The Angkor and beyond
A Design Hotels Project™ in Mexico