Last year saw a range of highly anticipated hotel arrivals and returns. Highlights included the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Hotel Eden and Alila Fort Bishangarh. Gladly, 2018 will be no different. From vast, historic beauty in the heart of romantic cities to secluded island escapes in untarnished outposts, the next 12 months promise an exciting array of options for discerning travellers. And our list will be updated with more information and locations. Be sure to check the website regularly for longer features on all these hotels and more throughout the year.

Europe

Lutetia, Paris (spring)

Another of the city of light’s most iconic hotels will reopen this year (2017 belonged to Hôtel de Crillon). Lutetia is a bastion of the Art Nouveau style, and its latest incarnation will herald a significant upgrade: 184 guest rooms, the Lutetia Brasserie and a new internal courtyard make a hefty statement.

The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland (1 April)

Become immersed into nature at this made-over favourite, with an underground spa, 62 guest suites and access to the astonishing geothermal lagoon – the water reaches temperatures of 39º.

Raffles Europejski Warsaw (spring)

Close to the charming old town, the original Europejski was heavily bombed in the Second World War, reopened then closed after a long legal wrangle – this Raffles restoration returns a Warsaw icon. The 106-key hotel boasts an eatery with outdoor terrace, a spa and an on-site patisserie.

The Langley, Buckinghamshire (June)

Nestled in the heart of the luscious Buckinghamshire countryside, The Wellesley Knightsbridge’s sister property features Baroque flourishes in many of its 41 guest rooms and suites. Head for a walk in the Capability Brown-designed gardens.

Asia

Raffles Singapore (late 2018)

The marque’s flagship property – once the domain of Charlie Chaplin and Liz Taylor – is currently undergoing a makeover, which will add in new suite categories and updated eateries – twinned with the 130-year-old hotel’s colonial stylings.

Baglioni Resort Maldives (summer) 

Accessible by seaplane from the Maldivian capital Malé, this 96-villa retreat on the isle of Maagau has hints of Italy sprinkled throughout, along with a yoga pavilion and a pool bar looking out over azure waters.

Six Senses, Bhutan (summer)

Set in the “happiest place on earth”, this resort encompasses five satellite resorts totalling 82 guest suites and villas designed to reflect the diversity of the kingdom of Bhutan. All offer up peerless views of this Asian gem’s breathtaking landscape.

Six Senses Singapore (summer) 

Another of the marque’s debutants is in this city-state and split across two properties, Duxton and Maxwell. It promises a potpourri of styles, from Chinese to European, including striking ornaments such as lion-head motifs.

Capella Ubud, Bali (soon)

This camp’s 22 tents and two-bedroom lodge blend into the dense rainforest and rice terraces, and provide easy access to the nearby monkey sanctuary and Keliki Valley. As ever, Capella doesn’t skimp on conveniences – the accommodations feature salt-water Jacuzzi pools.

North America

Fairmont Austin (early 2018) 

Enjoy unrivalled views of the glittering city and Lady Bird Lake from the elevated rooms at this 37-storey bolthole. Austin Convention Center will be accessible by a skyway.

NoMad Los Angeles (21 January)

Occupying the ex-headquarters of the Bank of Italy, NoMad’s latest showcases its grandeur via a decorative, Italianate lobby ceiling. That heritage can be seen in the 241 guest rooms and suites too, while the hotel promises its LA-inspired eateries will whet the appetite.

South and Central America

Awasi Iguazú, Argentina (February)

Surrounded by rainforest, and tantalisingly close to the gigantic Iguazú Falls, the eco-conscious Awasi Iguazú comprises 13 private villas dotted around a master lodge. Outside the complex there is space enough to sample the abundance of adventures, such as kayaking or meeting local tribes.

The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya, near Cancun (summer)

With 124 guest rooms and suites, 32 villas and a shimmering oceanfront pool, the resort will offer great access to the Yucatan Peninsula. Kanai also boasts an enticement for golf fans: two championship courses designed by José María Olazábal and Nick Faldo.

Africa

One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda (summer) 

See the endangered mountain gorilla up close in their habitat from One & Only’s latest base, planted in the majestic foothills of the Virunga volcano range.