Europe dreaming: Four hotels opening in 2022
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
From island hopping in Greece to soaking up the sun in Ibiza, it’s easy to dream about a European getaway. While where to stay isn’t usually as important as where to go, Travel Courier tracked down new openings that allow travellers to experience the best of the destination because of their location. If Europe is calling, here are four hotels to put on your radar:
Santorini has long been a bucket list worthy destination and a picturesque new hotel by Nobu Hospitality will no doubt add to its appeal. Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Santorini, part of the global lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, is scheduled to open in spring.
Situated on a unique clifftop location in Imerovigli on the island’s northeast coast, the boutique hotel houses a signature Nobu Restaurant, full-service spa, fitness facility, dual-level infinity pool, and five luxurious pool villas. The property offers panoramic views of both the Caldera and Aegean Sea, and is a 10-minute drive to the coastal town of Oia and 20 minutes from Santorini (Thira) International Airport. For those who love the great outdoors, the hotel is well-positioned along the famed Oia-Fira hiking trail that runs between Oia and Fira, Santorini’s cosmopolitan capital.
“Santorini is one of the most highly regarded destinations in the world with its rare beauty, famed for its distinctive cuisine, whitewashed architecture set with a backdrop of steep cliffs, and dramatic sunsets lighting the sea and sky,” says Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer Nobu Hospitality.
Adding to Nobu Hospitality’s European portfolio, the launch of Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Santorini marks the 26th hotel around the world and tenth hotel in the European continent, with properties in Rome, San Sebastián, and Hamburg also in development.
TRS Ibiza Hotel, Spain
Calling all beach lovers. Palladium Hotel Group will launch its TRS Hotels luxury adults-only concept in the Mediterranean with TRS Ibiza Hotel. Opening in summer 2022, this all-inclusive property will be located on the west coast of Ibiza alongside Cala Gració and Cala Gracioneta.
Designed to ensure a five-star stay, the hotel will include 378 modern rooms with hydro-massage baths, treatments and massages at the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness Centre, butler service, three exclusive à la carte restaurants, a beach club, five bars, including a sky bar with incredible views, three swimming pools with swim-up bars and waiter services, and an extensive line-up of activities including yoga, Pilates, live music, and more.
The luxurious hotel is located between two coves with crystal-clear water. Guests can embrace the Ibizan lifestyle by watching the sunset in San Antonio and exploring all the must-see spots in Ibiza.
“Our TRS Hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean have proven to be successful with travellers by offering exclusive experiences in idyllic settings,” said Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart, VP of Sales and Marketing for the Americas at Palladium Hotel Group. “TRS Ibiza Hotel will offer all that Palladium Hotel Group guests know and love, plus the perfect all-adults, exclusive vacation just in time for summer.”
Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
Built in the 18th century by its namesake Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua, Passalacqua is set on the shores of Lake Como and has hosted historic leaders from Napoleon Bonaparte to Winston Churchill.
The sister property to the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo will launch in June with 24 stylish suites designed and curated by one of Italy’s most renowned hotelier families – Paolo, Antonella, and Valentina De Santis.
Committed to preserving its heritage as a private historic villa, Passalacqua will showcase original features, including hidden passageways, centuries-old beamed suites in forgotten stables, and glasshouses with ancient fruit trees.
Part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Passalacqua will feature a lakeside swimming pool and tennis court, an open-air gym set in the olive grove, vintage boat trips from a private dock, spa treatments in the fruit garden, sunrise yoga sessions, farm-to-fork dining and a cinema under the stars.
The bathrooms are works of art with sheets of marble personally chosen one by one from caves in Verona, including Breccia Pontificia also used in The Vatican.
The Emerald House Lisbon, Portugal
Newly opened this month, The Emerald House Lisbon marks the first Curio Collection by Hilton property in Portugal’s capital. The 67-room property is named after the street where it is situated, Rua das Janelas Verdes, which translates to “Street of Green Windows.” For clients who want to be in the heart of the city, The Emerald House Lisbon is situated among historic palaces and churches with rooms giving way to views of the River Tagus.
The ground floor, which was once a bakery, serves a variety of delicious breads and pastries. Several items that belonged to the previous residents of the building, such as an antique bathtub, tiles and a sink have been kept and used as unique pieces of decoration in the hotel.
When they’re not out exploring, guests can sip and graze on contemporary Portuguese drinks and dishes at the hotel’s restaurant, A Mesa, or unwind with a glass of Vinho Verde (a popular wine from a small region in Northern Portugal) at the Five O’Clock Bar. A 24-hour, fitness centre is also on hand for those wanting to stay active.
The iconic Cais Do Sodre – known as Pink Street due to the unusual and charming colour of its pavement — is a short walk from the hotel, and the property is next to the National Museum of Ancient Art.
