The Best Newcomers 2022
We all love to hear about new hotel openings and 2022 has plenty to shout about. Here I round up her favourite newcomers from around the world to whet your appetite.
Princess Royal, Notting Hill, London
New for 2022 The Princess Royal is a sympathetically designed pub with restaurant, bar and four individually styled bedrooms in the heart of Notting Hill, London. The restaurant serves seasonal dishes using British produce with a mouth-watering Mediterranean menu created by award-winning chef Ben Tish. A relaxed and stylish place to go and be seen for breakfast, lunch or supper. Expect big beds, rolltop baths, large walk-in showers and stunning interiors (thanks to Georgie Pearman). Personal touches and attention to detail include100 Acres products, in-room treatments, and Roberts radios. Part of the Cubitt House group The Princess Royal has four rooms inspired by the pub's Victorian heritage with plenty of original features still intact. This little cutie certainly packs a punch as one of the best-designed newcomers in 2022 thanks to Director Georgie Pearman's (from Country Creatures - Double Red Duke fame) inimitable style and direction. Just off Westbourne Grove in the heart of Notting Hill this restaurant with rooms is at the end of leafy Hereford Road. The rooms are named after Princess Royal's and have high ceilings with panelled details with one wallpapered wall contrasting with the headboard. Georgie has worked with British suppliers in the bedrooms, including Lefroy Brooks for the bathrooms and Rapture & Wright for the striking hand-printed fabrics and wallpapers.
Breakfast is served in the pretty conservatory and includes an Iberico ham and cheese toastie, full English and vegetarian and continental options.
Open for lunch and dinner, the elegant 80-cover restaurant serves a selection of sharing plates, influenced by the flavours of the Mediterranean. The horseshoe bar is large and fills up pretty quickly in the evenings. Restaurant bookings are essential, such is the popularity of Ben Tish's mouth-watering menu which has a focus on fresh fish (the crab from the raw menu is a winner as are the doughnuts!). Choose between the restaurant, conservatory or outdoor courtyards designed by renowned landscape architect Jinny Blom which are dotted with olive trees adorned with fairy lights. Wherever you sit the fun and relaxed atmosphere will follow as will the team of charming staff.
www.cubitthouse.co.uk
Rates from £250 per night excluding breakfast
VOYA Boutique Hotel, Havana
VOYA is your home away from home in Havana. This restored Cuban mansion is a place where laidback luxury meets Cuban culture. An oasis of calm in the heart of the city this 10-room hotel is much more than a room for the night; the house is decorated with soothing colour palettes and ultra-chic furniture, with plenty of little luxuries including fresh flowers, turndown service and room service. Enjoy all-day dining at Brasserie 255, designer cocktails at the palm-fringed Secret Garden bar or relax in the outdoor jacuzzi spa. Many would call this extraordinary hospitality but here it’s simply known as the art of living.
www.thehotelguru.com
Rates from £130 per night
Dittisham Hideaway, Treehouses & Shepherd’s Huts, Devon
Looking for some peace and quiet surrounded by nature? This new opening is just five minutes from the River Dart and has a choice of treehouses, shepherd huts and an original American Airstream. Wood burning stoves, fully equipped kitchens and private outdoor cedar woodfired hot tubs are just some of the luxuries you’ll find here. The shepherd's huts are surrounded by wildflower meadows, whilst the treehouses enjoy a woodland position, and the Airstream is hidden in a secluded corner. All come with an outdoor deck or terrace with a hammock and you can even book a private chef if you can't be bothered to cook! Dittisham Hideaways is the ideal UK staycation for families or couples looking for a totally relaxing stay in the beautiful English countryside.
www.dittishamhideaway.co.uk
Rates from £175 per night
Casa Cook Samos, Greece
Casa Cook Samos is Greece’s latest adults-only (16+) hotel to open. Off the beaten track in one of the Mediterranean's most historically rich surroundings, this newcomer is for lovers of legends given that it’s located in the Mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess Hera. Samos is blessed with crystal clear waters, charming local towns with cobbled streets, quaint churches and fresh waterfalls. The earthy textures and colours that make up the hotel interiors are inspired by the local land and include natural, local leather, wood and stone to create bright modern spaces. The shaded Kitchen Club restaurant boasts panoramic sea views and between meals you can take part in outdoor yoga, indulge in a spa treatment, or take a dip in one of the hotel’s six swimming pools.
www.casacook.com
Rates from €185 per night
Pomâlo, Croatia
Brand, spanking new for June this little gem is an unspoilt paradise on Vis surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic sea. Vis is the farthest inhabited island off the Croatian mainland and was closed to the public for 30 years making it one of the most beautiful places to visit. Crisp white sheets, fluffy down pillows and towels, organic local bath products and delicious breakfast make your stay in one of the nine rooms exceptional. Hop on one of the complimentary bicycles and explore the island, spend a day at Stiniva, Europe’s most beautiful beach, or head out to sea and visit the various caves. Come the evening enjoy a cocktail on the terrace whilst watching the sun go down.
www.hotelpomalo.com
Rates from €200 open June to September
Hotel News
Talbooth House & Spa in Dedham has completed its re-branding and the extension of the spa and pool house is now open.
Close to home University Arms in Cambridge has just opened guest-only Aromatherapy Associates treatment rooms. Look out for more summer openings including Borgo Sant’Andrea on the Amalfi Coast and The Fox at Oddington by Daylesford.