Inside three luxurious hotel openings of 2018
Escape the world with a rejuvenating bath overlooking a bustling city or by getting some shut eye on the finest linen at a retreat in the Maldives.
Whether for work or leisure, The CEO Magazine has rounded up some of the best hotel openings around the world this year.
Emporium Hotel, Brisbane, Australia
Nestled on the banks of Brisbane’s eponymous river, Emporium Hotel South Bank features an impressive 143 suites with sweeping views of the sunshine city.
The exquisite destination in South Bank’s A$600 million precinct opens its doors in September, indulging guests with an 23-metre infinity pool and rooftop bar on the striking 21st floor.
An eloquent stain-glass antique Parisian shopfront and back-lit red glass "E" welcomes visitors into the building where they can make their way up to the bar complete with light up white onyx stone floors.
An eloquent stain-glass antique Parisian shopfront and back-lit red glass "E" welcomes visitors into the building where they can then make their way up to the bar complete with light up white onyx stone floors.
The boutique hotel boasts a number of dining facilities including the Piano Bar, Belle Epoque Patisserie, Champagne Bar and Opal where Michelin star expertise will be added to the notable culinary experience with newly appointed executive chef Chris Norman and executive sous chef Alex Liddle.
Norman has worked at distinguished restaurants across the UK including at two Michelin star restaurant, The Square in London, and also at The Bridge Room in Sydney which received Three Hats from the Australian Good Food Guide while Liddle was one of 30 people selected for a scholarship under three Michelin starred chef, Michel Roux Junior.
"Our vision is to provide our guests heightened sensory experiences from the moment they walk through the door, and, of course, cuisine pays a crucial role in this," Emporium Hotel South Bank general manager Peter Savoff says.
The prestigious elegance continues throughout the suites with bronze wet bars, 55-inch mirror TVs, Bose sound bars, double vanities in ensuites and privacy switch glass.
The 11-year-old business, which was first opened in Fortitude Valley by husband-wife duo Anthony and Francine John, focuses on bespoke designs with artisan showpieces throughout and boasts several tourism awards including Australia’s Leading Boutique Hotel.
Savoff says the hotel sets the bar for boutique luxury accommodation across the nation.
"No expense has been spared to offer our guests a heightened, sensory experience. We are looking forward to raising the bar in boutique luxury accommodation, not only in Brisbane, but nationwide and beyond," he says.
Alila Villas Koh Russey, Cambodia
Trade in days of winter chill for a tropical resort escape at one Cambodia’s finest hotels, which opens this year.
Waiting on the island of Koh Russey, in the heart of the Cambodian Riviera, is Singaporean architect Chioh-Hui Goh’s latest five-star eco retreat, making it the first "Villas" resort by the company outside of Bali.
Boasting villas of up to four bedrooms, the charming waterside suites – each with their own private swimming pool – capture the breathtaking sea views of sandy beaches and tropical rainforests.
Butler service, chefs and restaurants are just a few of the inclusive features of the Asian nature escape that offers guests tropical living in the luxury of sleek interiors and restorative and luscious scenery.
The absolute height of luxury is the four-bedroom pool villas complete with an expansive outdoor terrace, guest bedrooms and large living and kitchen areas, creating a "perfect harmony with nature".
Joali, Muravandhoo Island, Maldives
Nestled deep in the aqua blue of the Maldives lies one of the latest luxury resorts for you to explore.
Joali offers 73 glamorous beach and water villas complete with libraries, walk-in wardrobes and artisan-styled bathrooms for those wanting to escape the grind and hide away among tropical palm trees.
Private beach gardens, valet services and infinity pools accompany many of the luxury beach villas but for those wanting golden treatment, a private duplex beach resort sprawls over 508 square metres allowing for up to eight people to immerse themselves in relative solitude. They can also make use of a personal driver.
The chic Muravandhoo Island retreat plays host to four restaurants featuring an ice-cream parlour and a whisky lounge to visit after exploring the underwater museum.
Guests can marvel at one of the world’s largest atolls (ring-shaped coral reef) in a Maldivian lagoon surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches and piercing blue waters bursting with unspoiled coral reefs.
Stunning yachts, water sports and majestic diving experiences will all be on offer when the resort opens later this year.