7 new hotels opening in 2016 that you won’t want to miss

Throughout 2016 they’ll be a diverse array of new and noteworthy hotels opening around the world. From eco-minded mountain hideaways to family-friendly fun next-the-sea, here’s our roundup of seven soon-to-open resorts to keep an eye on…

Ozen by Atmosphere Maldives – opening July 2016

Following multi-million dollar development, the Ozen resort at Maadhoo is set to take the Maldivian All Inclusive experience up a notch. The ‘Atmosphere Indulgence’ plan promises to be one of the most extensive in the whole of the Maldives. With easy access by speedboat from Male, we’re expecting Ozen to become increasingly popular when it opens later this year. Aside from 41 spacious beach villas, this brand-new resort will boast 49 swoon-worthy overwater villas on stilts, offering sweet seclusion and direct access to the inviting lagoon waters below. Team this with a blissful spa, tantalising dining options and a range of activities from sailing to scuba, Ozen is set to become the ultimate atoll escape.

Martinhal Cascais, Portugal – opening end of March 2016

If keeping the kids happy is your top holiday priority, this resort will definitely tick the box. Designed with families in mind, it’ll have a whopping 8000 sqft of indoor space exclusively dedicated to children’s entertainment, plus a plethora of outdoor playgrounds, catering for children aged 6 months to 16 years old. Age appropriate activities will be available for all; toddlers will proudly produce works of art from pasta and playdoh, whilst teens can happily remove themselves from parental company and try their hand at mixing mocktails, windsurfing, and diving. For grown-ups there’ll be a well-equipped spa to while away the hours when the kids are crashing about at crèche. Parents will also appreciate the super-family-friendly restaurants which’ll feature supervised play areas (ingenious), so mum and dad can leisurely finish their meal whinge-free. Nearby, there’s a sandy beach to keep budding castle-architects content, whilst comfy sun loungers will be in abundance.

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi – opening mid 2016

Famed and revered for their upscale resorts, Four Seasons will open their first presence in the capital city of the UAE later this year. Four Seasons Abu Dhabi will be grand in their characteristically understated way. Think cool contemporary styling, with really spacious rooms (and we’re talking really spacious here – even by UAE standards). With a prime waterfront location overlooking the superyachts at Al Maryah island, along with various outdoor terraces for sunbathing (rest assured – no plastic sun beds in sight) and a plush rooftop pool terrace with striking views of the surrounding skyscrapers – this hotel will be oozing glamour at every turn.

Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Oman – opening August 2016

Perched atop Oman’s fabled Green Mountain, this will be the highest five-star hotel in the Middle East when it opens later this year (in fact, one of the highest in the world), and promises to deliver the highest level of service too. One of the few places in the Arabian Peninsula where summers are cool(ish) and the air is fresh (and it even rains – occasionally – hence the mountain’s ‘green’ nickname as vegetation is able to thrive) this unique setting is perfect for adventure sports. The views across the Al Hajar Mountains will be breathtaking, and thanks to a new tarmac road the area’s craggy cliffs are significantly easier to access than previous years.

Montigo Resort, Seminyak, Bali – opening June 2016

This resort is already sort-of-open, but offering reduced rates as the spa and kids clubs will be added later in the year, with grand opening tipped to happen mid-June. The early reviews coming in on social media are good; graced by images of idyllic sunsets, colourful cuisine and watersports on the beach. Word on the street is that the service is excellent, which bodes well if the old adage ‘a hotel is only as good as it’s staff’ is to be believed.

Crest Phuket, Thailand  – opening July 2016

Nestled in the hillside, the brand new Crest Phuket is bang on trend with an emphasis on eco tourism (on a larger scale than you’d expect). The light and airy rooms have been constructed using sustainable materials, and little features are built-in to reduce the carbon footprint of the overall development. There’ll be an organic garden to provide herbs and vegetables for the restaurants. The resort is in a good location, offering seclusion and peace, yet it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to the restaurants and bars of nearby Patong – a free 10 minute shuttle bus will be in operation. Worthy of mention is the size of the private pools accompanying the higher room categories – they’re huge (actually swim-able, not just plunge-able) offering picturesque views across the bay and out to the Andaman Sea beyond.

The Sands, Barbados – opening October 2016

Aside from the prime piece of sandy (clue’s in the name) beach fronting the resort, this 4* hotel boasts an excellent location just steps away from St Lawrence Gap, Barbados’ nightlife hotspot, home to many of the best restaurants and bars on the island. The resort will come with the all-inclusive paraphernalia you’d expect; on-site eateries, kids club, complimentary watersports, spa, choice of swimming pools and a fitness centre. The condo style rooms will be light, bright and stylishly furnished (no traditional mahogany here) and likely to appeal to young families and couples seeking plenty of fun in the sun.

Spencer Groves is Commercial Director at letsgo2.