Where to Stay: New hotels from Conrad, Centara, Oberoi, Hyatt and more…

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Location: In a private cove on Motu To’opua, overlooked by Mount Otemanu and 20 minutes by boat from Bora Bora Airport
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 114, including 86 overwater bungalows
Facilities: French, Chinese and beachfront restaurants, three bars, spa, outdoor pool, kids’ club, mini-golf course, fitness centre, retail outlets, watersports. The resort also has a small private island for excursions and dinners
Meeting space: Meeting room for 60 people, plus a private island for events
They say: “Our remote location in a private cove offers a truly special setting for Conrad’s debut in the South Pacific”
We say: Impressive new luxury resort takes full advantage of French Polynesia’s spectacular natural landscape. Conrad have a created a real dream destination for once-in-a-lifetime holidays
Opening: Already open

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah

Location: On the beachfront in Ajman, UAE, 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport
Grade: Luxury
Keys: Collection of rooms, suites and villas with private terraces and swimming pools, including two- and three-bedroom options
Facilities: Two restaurants, three bars, large spa with Turkish hammams, 24-hour gym, 80-metre long pool. Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course nearby
Meeting space: More than 400m² of indoor meeting space, plus an adjoining outdoor garden area
They say: “The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah with its unique location, aesthetic design and a committed young team will offer distinctive Oberoi service to travellers from around the world”
We say: New destination on UAE’s coast combines white sandy beaches, lagoons and mangrove forests, making it an interesting option for travellers seeking a change from Dubai
Opening: Already open

Hyatt Place Rameswaram

Location: Five minutes from Ramanathaswamy Temple, a popular pilgrimage spot in Tamil Nadu, close to India’s southernmost point
Grade: Midscale
Keys: 101
Facilities: Breakfast area with Indian and vegetarian options, 24-hour F&B area, bar, 24-hour gym, outdoor pool
Meeting space: 442m² of meeting space
They say: “The Hyatt Place brand offers an innovative service concept and a modern design, and we are confident this hotel will provide a wonderful new lodging option to those visiting the area”
We say: India’s fifth Hyatt Place hotel will provide a good midscale option for visitors to this pilgrimage city. Each room can sleep three people, making it flexible for families
Opening: Already open

Mimi’s Soho

Location: On Frith Street in central London’s trendy Soho area
Grade: Luxury boutique hotel
Keys: 58
Facilities: Henson’s Bar & Social which features original works by famous artists such as Warhol, Matisse and Picasso
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “Mimi’s Soho is a unique experience that is strongly distinct from the standardised chains, not only due its design and build quality but [also] our operational team”
We say: Perfect for guests seeking a prime central location in London, and a non-chain hotel. High-tech in-room amenities such as USB ports will be a welcome addition
Opening: Already open

Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong

Location: On the banks of Hung Hom Bay in Kowloon, overlooking Victoria Harbour
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 546
Facilities: Five restaurants, bar, 300m² club lounge, health centre with fitness equipment, outdoor pool (heated in winter) and spa
Meeting space: 17 event spaces, including two ballrooms. The Grand Ballroom will be Hong Kong’s largest pillar-free hotel ballroom, covering 1,756m²
They say: “Providing plenty of natural daylight, the hotel’s interior features multi-level podium space with extensive outdoor landscaped gardens that connect seamlessly to many public areas”
We say: The first new-build hotel on the Kowloon waterfront since 1995, this major new development will surely become a key destination for Hong Kong’s MICE market
Opening: 28 April 2017

Centara Grand Muthaafushi Resort & Spa Maldives

Location: Baa Atoll – also known as Southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll – 123km northwest of Malé International Airport
Grade: Luxury
Keys: 101 villas – 24 on land and 77 overwater
Facilities: Several restaurants including one underwater, floating cinema, Thai spa, fitness centre and more
Meeting space: Unspecified
They say: “This expansion of the business in the Maldives is in line with Centara’s growth strategy to strengthen our presence both in the South Asian region and internationally”
We say: The high-end Centara Grand brand fits well with the Maldives’ luxury reputation. Expect Thai-style amenities and all-inclusive packages, while the underwater restaurant will be an interesting addition
Opening: Late 2018

Holiday Inn Express Queenstown

Location: New-build project in the centre of the South Island city
Grade: Economy
Keys: 227
Facilities: Fitness centre, laundry, “grab and go” F&B area
Meeting space: Available but unspecified
They say: “The… select service hotel will be value-rich and cater to self-sufficient travellers”
We say: IHG doesn’t currently operates a Holiday Inn Express in New Zealand, but also plans to launch the budget concept in Christchurch in 2018
Opening: 2018