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2020: Hottest New Hotel Openings

2020: Hottest New Hotel Openings

2020 is poised to be a year of new beginnings. Not perhaps since the Millennium, has the turning of a calendar year seemed so notable. The constellation of hotels set to burst onto the wanderlust trail is second to none. From the wildlife-filled deltas of Botswana to Rajasthan’s pavilion-lined lakes, we explore some of the most exciting new openings lighting up the travel map and waiting for you to be first on the scene.

1). Tokyo

Ahead of the 2020 Olympics, Tokyo is surging with hoteliers racing to open ever more spectacular properties. The iconic Okura Hotel has just reopened after a billion-dollar restoration. Having played hosts to names such as Obama and Princess Diana, the original hotel was demolished to widespread protest but has happily been re-constructed combining Japanese minimalism with a ‘jet-age aesthetic’. The Imperial suite on the 39th and 40th floors, now holds the crown for Tokyo’s largest hotel room while designers have entwined local elements such as a Zen Garden, wooden lattice work and floral ikebana to bring an authentic touch to this most beloved of Tokyo haunts. Four Seasons will be opening their second Tokyo property in mid-2020 in the financial heart of Otemachi. Designed by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the 103-room property will be an ultra-modern perch high above the city skyline with a spa promising to become a leading wellness haven.

2). Mandarin Oriental, Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s high-octane beating heart of a city, is gaining a new design jewel in the form of the upcoming Mandarin Oriental. Taking over the upper floors of the colonial leviathan of Union Square, which is also under restoration. Once completed, the complex will sport an outdoor rooftop swimming pool and a glorious heritage-meets-contemporary interior. Its location could not be bettered, next door to the Wes Anderson-esque Saigon Opera House.
Ampersand Tip: For the city's best brunch (and chilli-laced bloody Mary), head to Blu on the languid banks of the Saigon River.

3). Six Senses Barwara, Rajasthan

We have fort fever here at Ampersand Travel with the news of the long-awaited opening of Six Senses Barwara in Rajasthan. Sensitively and fabulously restoring the 700-year old Fort Barwara has been a labour of love (and Indian timing) which is very near to completion. Aiming to be awarded the five-star green rating for national sustainable design, the 48-suite fort will be flinging open its elephant gates next year and its location only 68 miles southeast of Jaipur will ensure a tsunami of visitors seeking out the latest Six Senses experience.

4). Six Senses Bumthang, Bhutan

Following on from their stellar openings across the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, Six Senses are launching a highly-anticipated hotel in the central-eastern region of Bumthang in spring 2020. The surrounding valley and attractions such as the 17th-century Jakar Dzong create a wonderland hidden away from the prying eyes of the outside world. Aiming to be a ‘forest within a forest’, Six Senses Bumthang will sport timber walls, upcycled wooden furniture and huge windows framing heart-stopping views. Days will be spent horseriding, taking traditional hot stone baths in the spa and exploring sights such as the Tamzhing Lhundrup Lhakhang, the most beautiful ancient temple in the Kingdom.

5). Xigera Safari LodgeBotswana

June 2020 will herald the opening of Botswana’s most luxurious lodge yet. Xigera Safari Lodge (pronounced “kee-jera”) will be within whispering distance of the famed Moremi Game Reserve. Completely rebuilt, the Lodge is surrounded by palm-filled Paradise Island and bird-filled floodplains. Twelve suites will highlight works from local artisans and being 100 % solar -powered the Lodge will be focused on sustainability with the aim of becoming ‘the best camp in Africa’. The Okavanga Delta is a lush oasis of diverse wildlife. Dawn journeys on mokoro dug-out boats will be an unforgettable feast of sights and sounds.

6). Raffles, Udaipur

There can be no more romantic matchmaking than legendary brand Raffles and the ‘Venice of the East’, the pearl-white city of Udaipur. Destined to open its doors in spring 2020, Raffles Udaipur will be set in a discreet location in the middle of the ‘other lake’ Udai Sagar. 101 palatial suites will be centred around the renowned Raffles Long Bar, a vast spa, verdant gardens filled with fountains and peacocks and the views that only Udaipur can serve up. Raffles will also be conquering the pink city of Jaipur in coming months - and we can’t wait.

7). Labotessa, Cape Town

A boutique gem, Labotessa is as elegant as the name suggests. Hidden behind a 17th-century facade on cobbled Church Square, it is the newly-launched love-child of first-time hoteliers Jan Fourie and Johan du Plessis. The perfect urban bolthole, Labotessa combines European sophistication with a Cape Town zing. The penthouse Governor’s Suite, named after Simon Van der Stel, the first Governor of the Cape, boasts a private splash pool and a panorama of Lion’s Head and Table Mountain.

For more information, or to start planning your 2020 tailor-made holiday, please contact us:

info@ampersandtravel.com // +44 (0) 207 819 9770 



Client Testimonials

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

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