DRMumbai: The Leading Hotels of the World Ltd. is pleased to introduce the collection’s first new members of 2019. Eight outstanding properties were added to its portfolio of more than 400 independent luxury hotels.
Leading Hotels has a nine-decade-long commitment to serving independent hoteliers and delivering unordinary travel experiences to global travelers. With the addition of the eight new members, the portfolio expands to include a riverside hideaway in central Thailand, a modern island retreat in Portugal, and a fjord city grande dame in Norway which marks the collections’ new Northernmost Leading Hotel.
“After adding more than 50 new members in 2018, we are thrilled to build upon the momentum and welcome our first new members of the year,” said Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President, Membership, The Leading Hotels of the World. “This notable group of properties includes recently opened new builds, renovated masterpieces, and time-honoured gems found in popular and emerging destinations. We look forward to our curious travelers experiencing these eight new members around the globe.”
The Leading Hotels of the World new members include:
Al Bait Sharjah (Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
Spread over two and a half acres, Al Bait Sharjah is part of an Emirati conservation project and opened in December 2018. Its restaurants, spa and wellness facility, and 53 rooms are incorporated into heritage buildings that are more than a century old. A sanctuary in the truest sense, the spa opens the door to traditional beauty and wellness secrets, while The Arabic Restaurant invites guests to share Levantine gourmet favorites. An uncommon experience not to miss: There is beauty and serenity at every turn throughout this property. Make sure to relax in the expansive hammam or 15-meter outdoor swimming pool.
Antigon Urban Chic Hotel (Thessaloniki, Greece)
Located in one of Greece’s most vibrant cities, Antigon Urban Chic Hotel proudly sits above a Roman Empire site and features 38 masterfully designed rooms and suites. Guests can unwind at the rooftop plunge pool or enjoy creative cocktails and cuisine at the Duval-Leroy Champagne bar and the A Bistro restaurant, serving Greek and Mediterranean dishes with authentic, locally-grown ingredients. An uncommon experience not to miss: Become a timeless citizen of Thessaloniki through Antigon Urban Chic Hotel’s exclusive, themed city tours that focus on the history and culture of the vibrant city.
Britannia Hotel (Trondheim, Norway)
Following a three-year, nearly $150 million top-to-toe renovation, the fjord-side city’s Britannia Hotel was relaunched in 2019. The 257-room Norwegian icon was established in 1870 and features a signature spa and fitness area with an indoor pool, plus six F&B concepts, one of which will be led by world champion chef and Bocuse d´Or silver winner, Christopher Davidsen. An uncommon experience not to miss: Wine and dine in style at the hands of a world champion chef Christopher Davidsen and four-time Norwegian sommelier champion Henrik Dahl Jahnsen in Britannia’s Speilsalen restaurant.
Hotel Des Indes (The Hauge, Netherlands)
With more than 130 years of history behind its doors, Hotel des Indes was originally built to host private functions for the treasurer of King Willem III. Each of its 92 guestrooms and suites blend comfort and sophistication continuing the hotel’s tradition of chic luxury. With its central location in The Hague, the hotel is a short 10 minutes from the beach and within walking distance of a number of local attractions. An uncommon experience not to miss: With its convenient location near the famous Mauritshuis museum – home to a notable Rembrandt exhibition – the hotel is celebrating Rembrandt and The Golden Age with sweet pieces of artwork. These confections, crafted by the hotel’s skilled pastry chef, are inspired by the many special exhibitions featured in The Netherlands this year.
Mr. C Coconut Grove (Coconut Grove, FL, USA)
Mr. C Coconut Grove will open in April 2019. An oasis within lively South Florida, the hotel will feature 100 rooms and suites with private terraces, a new Italian dining concept and rooftop Bellini Restaurant and Bar. It will provide guests with the attentive and celebrated European service synonymous with the standards set by the fourth generation Cipriani brothers, Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani. An uncommon experience not to miss: Escape Miami’s hustle and bustle while sipping a famous a Mr. C classic bellini in Mr. C Coconut Grove’s private, European-style garden hideaway.
Nobu Hotel Los Cabos (Los Cabos, Mexico)
Officially opening its doors in April 2019, Nobu Hotel Los Cabos will feature 200 rooms and suites that seamlessly blend contemporary Japanese minimalism with locally-sourced, Mexican materials and finishes. The hotel is the perfect fusion of architectural elegance and laid-back luxury on Mexico’s Baja Califorina Peninsula. It is the first property in Mexico from the dining and hospitality empire helmed by Robert De Niro and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. An uncommon experience not to miss: Drawing design and culinary inspiration from the sophisticated palette of the Nobu brand, make sure to dine at the destination’s second Nobu dining outlet that, like the hotel’s design, will combine Japanese influence with Mexico flavors.
Raya Heritage (Amphur Mae Rim, Thailand)
Immersed in tranquil natural surroundings on the banks of the Ping River, Raya Heritage offers a clean, contemporary take on traditional Thai design. Beautifully curated, one-of-a-kind furniture, artefacts, and accessories handmade by local craftspeople are highlighted throughout. Raya Heritage’s 33 spacious suites feature comfortable outdoor terrace areas, many with private pools. An uncommon experience not to miss: Take part in Raya Heritage’s signature excursion, A Day of Eco Valley, for a farm-fresh meal prepared by a local guide in the village of Pakeryaw hill tribes.
Savoy Palace (Funchal, Portugal)
Opening June 2019, the Savoy Palace offers a modern take on island hospitality. Designed by an award-winning team, the bold, curved structure is home to 306 chic rooms and 43 suites. The hotel boasts the island’s largest spa with a full hydrotherapy facility that is inspired by the UNESCO World Heritage island surroundings and an array of stylish restaurants and bars. An uncommon experience not to miss: Take the plunge…into one of Savoy Palace’s pool suites that boast private plunge pools, some of the only in Portugal. You can’t beat the breath-taking ocean views in one of these 14 unique suites.
For an exclusive ‘First-Look’ at Leading Hotels’ newest members, book the “Leaders Club First Look Offer” that enhances your stay with round-trip airport or rail station transfers, guaranteed upgrade at check-in, and flexible check-in and check-out. To be eligible to book, a guest must be a member of Leading Hotels’ exclusive tiered guest loyalty program, Leaders Club, that provides enhanced benefits and exclusive access at the collection’s properties worldwide.
