Top 2016 New Luxury Hotel Openings

Which new luxury hotels are opening in 2016? As I help clients plan their 2016 and 2017 travel, several new Four Seasons hotels, a new Aman Resort, and a new Park Hyatt have come up as potential stay options, so I thought I'd share these new luxury hotels and opening dates, where known. I've also provided their Virtuoso or preferred partner benefits, where known, though in the future all should be eligible for Virtuoso benefits.

1. Amanemu, Ago Bay, Japan: March 2016

Amanemu will be Aman Resorts second property in Japan, after opening Aman Tokyo in late 2014. Located on the shores of Ago Bay (the Bay of Pearls) in the Ise Shima National Park in Mie Prefecture, it will also be Aman's first hot spring resort, competing with luxury onsen ryokan. Access is via high speed rail from Tokyo, or a scenic 2 hour train journey from Nagoya.

Each suite at Amanemu will offer its own private onsen, and the Aman Spa will have two extensive onsen bathing pavilions, watsu pool, four treatment suites, a yoga studio and fitness center.

Amanemu Virtuoso Benefits for TravelSort Clients

Amanemu has applied for Virtuoso membership, but is not yet a member. Once accepted, its Virtuoso benefits are likely to be similar to Aman Tokyo's, which currently are:

Upgrade at time of arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Full American Breakfast for two daily for duration of the stay
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-in/Late Check-out (subject to availability)

2. Ritz Paris, France: March 14, 2016

The Ritz Paris has been undergoing extensive renovation, so this is very anticpated reopening in the City of Light. It will be interesting to see how the property fares in this ultra competitive luxury market, against luminaries such as Four Seasons George V Paris, the Mandarin Oriental Paris, The Peninsula Paris, Le Bristol Paris, the Plaza Athenee, etc.

Ritz Paris Virtuoso Benefits for TravelSort Clients

Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking
No set check-in/check-out time (hotel must be advised of estimated arrival time)
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests (valid at restaurant or in-room)
Complimentary two-way private airport transfer (with VIP meet & greet at the airport on arrival)

3. Four Seasons Kyoto, Japan, 2016 opening date TBD

The new Four Seasons Kyoto will be in the beautiful and historic Higashiyama district, near to Kiyomizu Temple and Toyokuni Shrine, with 124 rooms, 57 private residences, spa and fitness center with a pool. My clients are very excited about this property, since Kyoto is sorely lacking in luxury hotels, and even the quite new Ritz-Carlton Kyoto falls short in some luxury aspects.

Four Seasons Kyoto Preferred Partner Benefits for TravelSort Clients

Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits haven't yet been announced, but are likely to be similar to Four Seasons Tokyo:

Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
Food and beverage credit of USD100
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms, complimentary premium Internet in all suites.

4. Four Seasons Lanai, Lanai, Hawaii, March 1, 2016

Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay has been undergoing an extensive multi-million dollar renovation, and even prior to its closure was enjoyed by my clients seeking a wonderful relaxing beach stay, since Four Seasons Maui at Wailea and even Four Seasons Hualalai can be quite busy at certain times of the year.

Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay Preferred Partner Benefits for TravelSort Clients

Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
Food and beverage credit of USD100
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms, complimentary premium Internet in all suites.

5. Four Seasons Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii, June 1, 2016

The new Four Seasons Ko Olina will be the first Four Seasons on Oahu, which is sorely in need of true luxury hotels; currently most of my clients stay either at the Halekulani or the Trump Waikiki.

Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina Preferred Partner Benefits for TravelSort Clients

Don't forget there's also a 4th night free offer June 1-August 31, 2016 that combines with these benefits:

Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
Spa credit of USD100 once during stay (not applicable to products)
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms, complimentary premium Internet in all suites.

6. Four Seasons New York Downtown, NYC, 2016 opening date TBD

The new Four Seasons New York Downtown will be in the heart of the Tribeca district and just a short walk from the new World Trade Center, Wall Street and the trendy Soho neighbourhood, the 185-room hotel will have interiors designed by Yabu Pushelberg and also be home to 157 private residences.

Four Seasons New York Downtown Preferred Partner Benefits for TravelSort Clients

While not announced yet, the Four Seasons New York Downtown will likely have similar FSPP benefits to the Four Seasons New York:

Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
USD100 Hotel Credit
Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites and villas)
Late check-out at 4pm, based on availability
Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms, complimentary premium Internet in all suites.

7. Park Hyatt St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis, March 2016

The new Park Hyatt St. Kitts will be just 3 miles from St. Kitts & Nevis Airport (SKB), in Banana Bay and will offer 134 guestrooms and suites.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts Virtuoso Benefits for TravelSort Clients

Virtuoso Preview benefits are still TBD, but are likely to be:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests
A property specific amenity such as a spa or dining credit worth ~$100, once during the stay
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability