This document highlights several new and luxurious hotel openings around the world, including a design-driven Sofitel in Singapore, the Ayana Resort in Bali with sustainable features, and the Shangri-La Hotel in Qufu, China inspired by Confucian philosophy. Each establishment offers unique amenities, dining options, and experiences catering to high-end travelers. These hotels emphasize modern luxury while incorporating local culture and natural elements.

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hotel update
So far, so good
The third hotel to open under the Sofitel’s design-driven So label, this new Singapore stunner is set to debut in
November with 157 rooms occupying a handsome 1927 building. Karl Lagerfeld was called in to oversee design,
which unites modern amenities – complimentary use of iPad minis, free Wi-Fi and minibar snacks – and lipstick
hues with classic colonial overtones including panelled walls and domed skylights. The HI SO rooftop bar is set
to become an instant sensation – it’s located beside by a shimmering pool tiled with gold leaf. accorhotels.com
Bali beauty
Bali’s Ayana Resort and Spa has a new sister in Rimba, located
within Ayana’s 77-hectare grounds overlooking Jimbaran Bay.
With its sustainable ethos, Rimba features multi-tiered
swimming pools and expansive tree plantations, tropical
flowers and organic fruit and vegetable gardens. The 297
guest rooms and suites are contemporary, elegant and chic,
while on-site restaurants and bars include Indonesia’s largest
Chinese restaurant, Ah-Yat Abalone; ultra-glam rooftop bar
Unique, designed around a swimming pool; all-day cuisine and
gourmet baked goods at To’ge; and a swim-up pool bar. Rimba
also offers a state-of-the-art cooking school designed by the
hotel’s culinary professionals. rimbajimbaran.com
Island idyll
Set within the Archipelago of Chiloé on the islands of Chilean
Patagonia, this dramatic retreat has just 12 rooms, each with
a sea view. Accommodations are sleek and minimal,
decorated with artisan-made homewares such as local
textiles, sheepskin-covered chairs and simple wooden
furniture. There’s also a reading room, living room with
fireplace, dining room and a terrace, plus a spa with a jacuzzi,
dry sauna, steam room and a massage room. Day trips range
from cultural excursions and boating to horseback riding,
biking, trekking and nature observation, providing guests
with a unique glimpse into this archipelago. refugia.cl

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More from Myanmar
Perched on the edge of an archaeological wonderland in
Myanmar, Bagan Lodge is a gateway to some of the
world’s most magnificent temples and pagodas. On the
banks of the Irrawaddy River and within easy reach of
Bagan’s 2,200 temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins, the
lodge’s rooms and suites evoke the romance of a storied
expedition, decorated with handcrafted furniture and
local textiles. A spa and swimming pool offer welcome
respite after a day exploring the temples, and restaurants
include Tiffin Box, where authentic Myanmar cuisine is on
the menu. bagan-lodge.com
Shangri-La’s
wise move
Newly opened in Qufu, the
birthplace of Confucius, the
Shangri-La Hotel is the first luxury
property in the city. Designed to
resemble a traditional Chinese
pavilion with roofs topped by grey
tiers of flying eaves, the property
takes its inspiration from three
principles of Confucian philosophy
– order, harmony and hierarchy.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted
by two full-grown trees planted in
the middle of the lobby, where
natural daylight streams in from a
glass roof. Many of the 211 guest
rooms overlook the Yi River, with
balconies offering views of the old
city wall, palaces of the Temple of
Confucius and the hotel’s
traditional Chinese landscaped
garden dotted with pavilions.
shangri-la.com
Palm reading
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas brings a taste of Thailand to Dubai with the group’s first property in the city. The
new Anantara Dubai Palm Jumeirah Resort & Spa is set on a private beach on Palm Jumeirah island, its 293 guest
rooms and suites including a series of beach and overwater villas. If you can tear yourself away from your room,
facilities range from three natural lagoons and a shoreline infinity pool to an Anantara Spa with 12 treatment rooms
and two tennis courts. Six themed restaurants and bars include an all-day dining restaurant serving classic Middle
Eastern and international cuisine, an Australian-inspired grill, an Asian themed specialty restaurant, a beachfront
Mediterranean restaurant, and a lobby lounge with a dedicated shisha deck and poolside refreshments.
dubai-palm.anantara.com
Astoria to remember
Dubai’s freshly minted Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah takes its lavish design
inspiration from the palaces of the Arabian Peninsula. Set on a private beach
and overlooking an 18-hole championship golf course, the hotel spares no
expense when it comes to life’s little luxuries: butler service is available for
all rooms, there are coffee machines and marbled bathrooms, and the King
Imperial Suite even features a grand piano. In addition to a full roster of
treatments, the spa delights with bath and fragrance “masters,” on call to
draw a specially infused bath or make sure your room is scented to your
liking. Nine restaurants and bars including a cigar lounge and Marjan, dishing
up traditional Arabic specialties, round out the extensive offerings.
waldorfastoria3.hilton.com