On cold, dark winter nights it’s only natural that our thoughts turn to holidays. To help your planning and provide a little inspo, Muddy’s curated a list of all the top new hotel openings and of-the-moment places to go, from Tartu in Estonia to a private island in the Seychelles. Happy holidays!

10 HOT NEW HOTELS 

Waldorf Astoria, Seychelles 

Calling all honeymooners! Actually scrap that, why should loved-up couples get all the paradise island action? Basically anyone who adores pristine white sand, palm forests, turquoise lagoons and very, very posh villas with their own private pool and concierge, will absolutely love this new resort set to open in February.   

Cardo Roma, Autograph Collection, Italy 

Say ‘ciao’ to our new city break crush. Opening its doors in the Eternal City early in 2024, Muddy’s a big fan of its green, white and terracotta colour scheme, tech-filled Pop, Fab and Top suites, and Vertigo restaurant, where you can have a go at pasta-making. You’ll most likely find us, however, in Olea Wellness and Spa, indulging in a bathing experience inspired by ancient Rome followed by a Cing Mondes facial. 

Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, Portugal

If you always thought the Algarve was a bit vanilla, this white-washed wonder opening in Spring could help change your mind. It’s designed in the style of a ‘traditional Algarve village’, though Muddy’s pretty sure most traditional Portuguese villages don’t have room service, an holistic spa, infinity pool, eight gourmet restaurants and bars, suites with private balconies and an 18-hole golf course.  

Odera, Greece

Psst…ever been to the Greek island of Tinos? Nope, us neither, but now this resort’s opening there we want to pay a visit pronto. Apparently there’ll be a private beach, large spa, boat to explore the coast and an obsession with all things local (which Muddy approves of, obvs), from traditional Tinian stonework to menus celebrating fresh island food and even marble carving workshops (we’re hoping they’ll let us whip up a couple of kitchen worktops to take home?).

Six Senses La Sagesse, Grenada

Let’s cross to the Caribbean now, because we’d like to fan-girl this resort opening in May. It’s Six Senses’ debut in the archipelago, and they’re going in strong with a sensational location on a lush private peninsula next to a protected cove in the quiet south of the island. Fifty-six pool suites and 15 luxe villas have a (posh) Caribbean village vibe and we applaud the use natural, renewable and repurposed materials. Also liking the sound of the activities on offer, including waterfall meditation and rum and chocolate making, not to mention a two-floor Six Senses spa with an Alchemy Bar, aerial yoga and Kneipp therapy pool. We’ll need to stay a couple of weeks just to fit it all in.

Singita Milele, Tanzania

Bucket list break alert! An exclusive-use, fully staffed villa on the slopes of Sasakwa Hill in the heart of the Serengeti is as good as it gets safari-wise. Meaning ‘forever’, in Swahili (which is how long we’d like to check in for), it opens in May, has its own landing strip and can sleep up to 10 lucky guests in five suites with viewing decks and outdoor showers. When you’re not floating around in the infinity pool or Jacuzzi, enjoy open-air jeep safaris spotting the big five, guided walks through the bush and in-room massages – there’s even a movie room. 

Hotel Casa Lucia, Argentina

Opening in January 2024 on heart of the action Arroyo Street, this elegant five-star will make the perfect base for exploring beautiful Buenos Aires. After a day’s sightseeing who wouldn’t want to tuck into succulent steak at Cantina Restaurant, enjoy a massage in the spa and retire to a swanky beige and cream room with plenty of warm wood and cool marble accents? Err nobody.

Thompson Hotel Palm Springs, USA

This new opening has ‘starlet flees LA’ vibes, think bungalow-style rooms with balconies overlooking the desert and San Jacinto Mountains which are ideal for escaping paparazzi / contemplating your next movie / having a breakdown in private. Back in the real world, there are two rooftop pools lined with cabanas that we covet and a restaurant called Lola Rose, Grand Mezzo serving loads of veggie dishes inspired by the Middle East.  

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, Austria

Fairytale fantasy in-coming. Rosewood’s taken over this legendary 15th Century landmark close to Salzburg and relaunching it in 2024. Overlooking Lake Fuschl, there’s promise of world-class restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools and plenty of spa action. Here for it all.

Cali Resort & Spa, Cyprus 

Don’t have a squillion pounds to spend on your next holiday? Same, which is why we want to draw your attention to the latest all-inclusive to open on Cyprus. Steps from Coral Bay Beach, it’s five-star, has two pools, two restaurants and (you’ve guessed it) two bars plus a luxury spa. Opens in May, form an orderly queue.  

WHERE ON EARTH TO TRAVEL?

The most googled destinations in 2023? Greece, Spain and Italy. Some places never go out of fashion because well, they’re fantastic and tick all the boxes when it comes to sun, great food and bargain prices. But sometimes change is good and that’s why we’ve pulled together a guide to some alternative places to visit in 2024, from paradise islands to exotic city breaks. 

Mauritius  

The Indian Ocean island’s having a renaissance. Big in the 00s with super models, royalty, pop stars and, err, footballers, it’s back baby, only this time in a more subtle way – think less marble and seven-course tasting menus, more reclaimed wood and authentic island cuisine. Muddy visited towards the end of 2023 and loved Dinarobin Resort & Spa (read the review feature here) and was also the first journalist through the door of newly-opened resort LUX* Belle Mare (pictured above), a tropical minimalist paradise with all white rooms and a pastel pink Aperitivo bar. Paradis Golf Resort and Spa at Le Morne has just revealed a fancy new facelift, and new for 2024 is Socio Tribeca, which (shock) isn’t by a beach, and Muse Villas opening on a private island. 

Tangier, Morocco  

You’ve probably done a long weekend in Marrakech, but Tangier? Less likely, though that might change in 2024 because two smart new hotels are just the excuse we need to hop on a plane (Ryanair flies there from £14.99 FYI) and get touristy in this cosmopolitan north coast city. Fairmont Tazi Palace lies on a hillside above the ancient Medina and has seven restaurants and bars and a large spa. Even more special is Villa Mabrouka (pictured), a 12-bedroom escape once owned by Yves Saint Laurent and given a makeover by Jasper Conran. There are also whispers of a Waldorf Astoria opening in 2025. You heard it here first. 

Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Going green isn’t something you associate with oil-guzzling Saudi, admittedly, but hear us out because this new tourism destination claims to have sustainability in mind. First off, they’re only developing 22 islands in an archipelagos of 90, it’s also going to be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, have nine conservation areas, e-vehicle transport, mangrove nurseries (the aim is to eventually plant 50 million), hotels powered by solar panels and a zero-carbon 5G network. See? Told you. One of the first resorts to open will be Six Senses Southern Dune (pictured) which looks like it will definitely help us get over our Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Paris, France

Mon dieu, it’s the Olympics! That’s right, the City of Light is hosting the world’s most famous sporting event this year and it’s going to be très bien. Even if you can’t get tickets, French flair means it’s certain to be one long stylish celebration, with lots of non-sporty events too, plus what better excuse to try out some of the latest hotel openings in the city? We’ve got our eye on La Fantaisie, which has a sage green-tiled pool, colourful, kitsch rooms and hidden courtyard full of blooms. Also check out slick TOO Hôtel (pictured above) and Hôtel Madame Rêve, close to the Louvre. 

Tartu, Estonia

Never heard of it? Well, Estonia’s second city is about to step into the limelight because it’s been chosen as a European Capital of Culture for 2024 (along with Bad Ischl in Austria and Bodø in Norway). Cue 12 months of celebrations and events in the East European enclave, from film screenings and street art festivals to classical concerts. Soak up the café-culture, sightsee in the Old Town and check into Hotel Antonius, an elegant boutique hotel (think chandeliers, Chesterfield sofas) in an historic building housing one of the city’s best restaurants. Weekend break 2024 sorted.