These are the best new hotels in the world in 2024

Some of us like a homely boutique hotel, others prefer a towering mega-complex that feels like its own destination – whatever your style, choosing where to stay can make or break a holiday.

To help you out, AFAR Magazine has just published a brand-new guide to the world’s best new hotels. Drawing on their network of travel advisors, editors and writers, the mag has evaluated the location, design and service at all these hotels, as well as which ones are striving to reduce their carbon footprints and connect guests with the landscape.

Julia Cosgrove, editor-in-chief of AFAR, said: ‘The 2024 winners exemplify excellence in design, authentic connection to their local communities, and deep commitment to sustainability. These properties set a new standard for hospitality worldwide and I'm delighted to recognize them.’

And the list does have some rather impressive inclusions. From bustling city stays like The Peninsula in London and The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York to the more secluded locations such as Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll in Iceland or &Beyond Punakha River Lodge in Bhutan, the collection boasts some stunning getaways with distinctive designs. 

These are the best new hotels in the world, according to AFAR Magazine

1. The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern – Los Olivos, California, USA
2. Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort – Hawaii, USA
3. The Fifth Avenue Hotel – New York, USA
4. Ambiente Sedona – Sedona, Arizona, USA
5. Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo – Jalisco, Mexico
6. ULUM Moab – Moab, Utah, USA
7. Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo – Panama City, Panama
8. Maroma, a Belmond Hotel – Riviera Maya, Mexico
9. Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll – Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland
10. The Hotel Maria – Helsinki, Finland
11. Raffles London at the OWO –  London, UK
12. Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel – Cannes, France
13. The Peninsula Istanbul – Istanbul, Türkiye
14. Le Grand Mazarin – Paris, France
15. Bulgari Hotel Roma – Rome, Italy
16. Grand Hotel Son Net – Mallorca, Spain
17. Violino d’Oro – Venice, Italy
18. One&Only Aesthesis – Athens Riviera, Greece
19. The Peninsula London – London, UK
20. Angama Amboseli – Amboseli, Kenya
21. Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Loapi Tented Camp –  Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa
22. Riad Rosemary – Marrakech, Morocco
23. Fairmont Doha – Doha, Qatar
24. Atlantis THE Royal – Dubai, UAE
25. Shinta Mani Mustang, a Bensley Collection – Jomson, Nepal
26. &Beyond Punakha River Lodge – Bhutan
27. Mondrian Singapore Duxton – Singapore
28. JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa – Jeju Island, South Korea
29. Six Senses Vana –Dehradun, India
30. Southern Ocean Lodge – Kangaroo Island, Australia
31. Capella Sydney – Sydney, Australia 

You can have a look at the list in more detail on AFAR Magazine’s website right here. 

Did you see that it’s now much, much easier to travel to these underrated European countries?

Plus: These are officially the world’s most fashionable cities. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news.