Rolling into a new decade, 2020 will be a year that sees new hotel openings in emerging destinations, a rise in philanthropic holidays that allow guests to give back, new transformative wellbeing programmes, and immersive cultural experiences. So, hold on tight, as we take you on a short trip around the globe! Here is a sneak peek of what’s new from the BIRD’s nest…
THE NEWCOMERS
Loved by chic, modern travellers, LUX* Hotels & Resorts are shaking things up in 2020 with new properties in Dali, Southwest China and the jungle-draped island of Phu Quoc, just off the southwestern coast of Vietnam.
But that isn’t all…closer to home, Castello di Reschio, a 3,700-acre pastoral Estate in the Umbrian hills, will next June launch a 36-bedroom hotel in the Estate’s 10th century castle, propelling a spotlight on Italy’s forgotten heartland.
Autumn 2020 will see the highly anticipated launch of Three Mile Beach on the shores of Gwithian. Created by Audley Travel founder, Craig Burkinshaw and his partner, Joanne Le Bon, the property will be a collection of 16 beach houses set on the northern Cornish coast, designed to evoke the carefree fun and nostalgia of childhood seaside holidays.
THE RISE OF PHILANTOURISM
Heading into 2020, sustainability is as hot as ever, so it’s no surprise that leading luxury hoteliers, Resplendent Ceylon, have catered to the philanthropic desires of the traveller. Launching this winter, the new Giving Getaways programme offers a range of conservation and community building activities for guests to participate in across its three flagship properties: Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge.
Blowing us away with its conservation efforts is Mashpi Lodge as the Mashpi Reserve has doubled in size, expanding from 1,200HA to 2,500HA. As a result, the new MashpiLab in Quito will launch in Autumn 2020 so that chefs can whip up contemporary culinary dishes from the newly discovered ingredients in the reserve whilst guests watch on!
THE SOULFUL SPAS
For eco-warriors seeking mindful spoiling in the Maldives, the much-loved eco-resort, Gili Lankanfushi, has reopened this month. Epitomising barefoot luxury, Gili has provided its guests with three new wellness programmes: Holistic Healing; Dive & Discover and Surf & Spa. We know, we can’t choose either!
The iconic Marbella Club will launch its year-long retreat series providing transformative wellbeing experiences designed to prevent everyday ailments such as exhaustion, stress, anxiety or gut health issues. Partnered with leading botanicals-inspired skincare brand, Votary, Marbella once again ticks every box and more.
Marbella isn’t the only hotel to partner with a renowned name in the wellness world: in February, Le Grand Bellevue will host aesthetic doctor Barbara Sturm for a week long pop-up, offering guests one-on-one consultations and a chance to sample her products for the signature #SturmGlow. It gets better, as Dr. Sturm will share her knowledge so that her treatments will remain on the spa menu all year round.
Over in the Galapagos, the Finch Bay Hotel will be making waves in the wellness sphere thanks to the launch of their first-of-its kind spa: a custom-built space celebrating the raw and rugged beauty of the archipelago.
GRAND DAME GLORY
This winter season, legendary Alpine outpost, Badrutt’s Palace, continues its flourishing art renaissance through a number of immersive packages that provide unrivalled access to the region’s foremost exhibitions in partnership with celebrated gallerists, Hauser & Wirth. Date to note! The Alexander Calder exhibition opens this December.
Situated on a 470-acre estate in the heart of the rolling Surrey hills, the dazzling Victorian mansion, Beaverbrook, is a celebration of the past. In 2020 they will partner with a local historian to offer historical talks and tours of The House followed by a classic afternoon tea – granting guests unrivalled insight into the hotel’s grand-dame guests of yesteryear (including Elizabeth Taylor and Winston Churchill to name just a few!).
WILD WONDERS
The recently restored 19th century farmhouse hotel, São Lourenço do Barrocal, will launch a new three-night Wildlife Wonders of the Alentejo package, showcasing the haven of wildlife that makes up the 780-hectare historic family estate. From birding tours, to wild swimming to an ethnobotanical hike, you will be in touch with all of Alentejo’s beauties.
