A 23-cabin converted ship – and 4 other stunning new hotels that are opening up in 2019
Looking to start the new year with a well-deserved holiday?
Then check out some of the highly anticipated hotel openings in the region in the first quarter of 2019.
6 new travel trends for 2019 – far from the crowd
Beyond Cambodia’s Angkor Wat’s ruins, the country is opening up its islands and national parks. New hotel openings include Six Senses Krabey Island and the new Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection, a new concept in luxury camping in Cambodia’s Bokor National Park, which opened in December: since you may have missed this over the festive holidays, we’ve included it here as a reminder.
Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection
What: luxury camping experience
Where: Bokor National Park, Cambodia
Facilities: a total of 15 custom-designed 100-square-metre (1,080 square-foot) tents; situated on top of the sanctuary’s biggest waterfall are the “Landing Zone Bar” and “Waterfall Restaurant”.
When: opened in December 2018
Designed and owned by renowned resort designer Bill Bensley, the Shinta Mani Wild – Bensley Collection is located in what was an unprotected wildlife corridor that connects the Bokor National Park with Kirirom National Park. By doing so, the property’s presence means that it sets out to protect 350 hectares (865 acres) of river valley from poaching, mining and logging. This is a new conservation model brought to life by partnering with Wildlife Alliance, and the Royal University of Phnom Penh and the Cambodian government.
Six Senses Krabey Island
What: tropical beach stay
Where: Krabey Island, Cambodia
Facilities: a total of 40 free-standing pool villas, Six Senses Spa, sunset bar, two restaurants, ice cream parlour, outdoor fitness circuit, open-air theatre and sky observatory
When: early 2019
The 12-hectare private resort is located on Krabey Island, which is only a 15-minute cruise away from Cambodia’s mainland. The island promises tranquillity and an intimate privacy – and caters to guests that are looking to stay far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
What: beachfront luxury
Where: Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
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When: reservations are now open for February 1
The Kempinski name has long been synonymous with the highest standards of luxury within the hospitality sector. With the opening of its Bali resort, the hotel group is offering you the chance to stay at a resort set amid dramatic cliffs and serene beaches. The establishment is the masterpiece of award-winning architect Budiman Hendropurnomo of Denton Corker Marshall, and acclaimed interior designer Rudy Dodo of Trivium Design Group. It combines Balinese architecture and landscaping with Indonesian heritage and craftsmanship.
The Pavilions Himalayas
What: mountain eco-stay
Where: Phewa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal
When: opens January 2019
A short drive away from Nepal’s Pokhara airport, this luxury eco-boutique resort has seen some obstacles since the first announcement about its opening in 2015. It has taken until this month for the long-awaited hotel to officially launch. Sustainability is the core mantra at The Pavilions Himalayas, which relies on solar energy and the harvesting of rainwater to create bio gas for use on-site. Biodegradable signature toiletries are incorporated into its offering. The resort is surrounded by farmland, forested hills and a mountain-fed river where each villa offers spectacular views of a tranquil setting with the Annapurna mountains in the background.
Something different – and further away
Fingal
What: on the water
Where: Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Facilities: a total of 23 cabins, a restaurant, lighthouse bar and ballroom – featuring a sweeping staircase located in this ship-turned luxury hotel.
When: opens January 7
Sister ship to the Royal Yacht Brittania – the former royal yacht of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth – Fingal is permanently berthed in Leith. Each of its 23 cabins are uniquely fitted to the curves of the ship. It has a ballroom with a sweeping staircase and a skylight to open up the space with natural lighting. Its restaurant can seat up to 80 dining guests, and, so far, the ship has already received a visit from members of Britain’s royal family.
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A wildlife park camping experience and tropical island beach resort, both in Cambodia, and a mountain eco-stay in Nepal are among the luxury offerings