Orient Express Mahanakhon Bangkok

This icon of a building contains a 154 room hotel that was originally planned to be the Edition Bangkok- a luxury hotel which is a part of the Marriott group- until it was suddenly dropped without a word in late 2018. The developer had a change of plans and sold various parts of the building to King Power International Group, which also owns the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel, which is being managed by AccorHotels. AccorHotels, in turn, acquired a 50 per cent stake in Orient Express in 2017, with plans of re-inventing its storied past in the guise of luxurious hotels around the world. The Orient Express Mahanahkon Bangkok will be the first of a planned ten Orient-Express Hotels to be opened by 2030.

Not much is known about the property yet, however, French interior architect Tristan Auer is on board and tasked with interpreting the Art Deco stylings of the famous train carriages into the modern super-luxury hotel. Auer has previously worked on The Cotton House in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, which was listed in the Conde Nast Traveller 2019 Gold List, among others.

Orient Express Bangkok Mahanakhon will have 314  luxuriously appointed guest rooms and nine suites, and will also have a dedicated wellness floor with an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, and also feature a signature Orient Express Spa by Guerlain. Internationally renowned Michelin star awarded Australian chef David Thompson of Nahm fame will head one of the two restaurants at the Orient Express Bangkok Mahanakhon, with Mahanathi by David Thompson. The other confirmed restaurant is Mott 32, the fourth international branch of the upscale modern Chinese cuisine restaurant.

Check back regularly for more information as this project proceeds. Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on The Orient Express Mahanakhon Bangkok.

• Opening Date: Q3-4 2019
• Address: 114 Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand
• Reservations: Not yet

Capella Bangkok

Capella Bangkok is the first property in The Capella Hotel Group’s pipeline that also contains highly anticipated openings in Sydney and The Maldives. When it opens on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the first half of 2019, Capella Bangkok will have 101 absolute waterfront rooms, suites and villas with panoramic views of the river, with some suites equipped with outdoor living spaces and sky gardens.

Other features promised at Capella Bangkok is a signature restaurant by 2 Michelin starred Argentinean chef Mauro Colagreco, The Capella Library, Auriga wellness spa as well as Capella Personal Assistants, Capella’s own version of super-charged personal concierges.

Check back regularly for more information as this project proceeds. Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on Capella Bangkok.

• Opening Date: Q2 2019
• Address: 300 Charoenkrung Rd Yannawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
• Reservations: Not yet

Rosewood Bangkok

Sister property to the immaculate Rosewood Phuket, Rosewood Bangkok stands out in the Bangkok business district skyline with its strikingly unique shape, inspired by the Thai “wai” greeting. Due in the second quarter of 2019, Rosewood Bangkok will feature 159 spacious guestrooms, suites and  “Sky Pool Villas” with large private terraces and plunge pools. Read our extensive review of Rosewood Bangkok with over 20 original photos here.

Check back regularly for more information as this project proceeds. Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on Rosewood Bangkok.

• Opening Date: March 31, 2019
• Address: 1041 38 Phloen Chit Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
• Reservations:  Open. Check Rates Now

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

This one is high on my list of most anticipated hotels opening in Bangkok this year. The new Four Seasons Bangkok will combine a luxury hotel and residential apartments all set over 9 acres of prime riverfront land. With som many new properties popping up on the banks of the Chao Phraya river within minutes of the BTS Saphan Taksin Skytrain station, I would be surprised if there is any space left for anything new within the next year or so. This stunning 312 room property is part of the upcoming Chao Phraya Estate, which also includes the above-mentioned Capella Bangkok and a 73 storey ultra-luxury residential tower that will house the Four Seasons Private Residences.

Expect lush cascading green courtyards, elegant rooms and exceptional service in this most anticipated opening of 2019.

Check back regularly for more information as this project proceeds. Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River.

• Opening Date: 2019
• Address: Charoen Krung 64, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Thailand
• Reservations: not yet

Hotel Nikko Bangkok

Located in the Thong Lor district of Bangkok, a trendy area of Bangkok popular with Japanese expats, The Hotel Nikko Bangkok opened in January 2019 and offers a more economical stay to its big sister, the nearby The Okura Prestige Bangkok, while still providing omotenashi, the unique Japanese approach to hospitality.

Stay here at your own risk, because while I don’t want to be crude, once you experience the TOTO washlets in the bathroom of every guestroom, especially in the Bangkok climate, you will wonder how you lived without them up till now.

• Opening Date: January 16 2019
• Address: Thonglor, 27 Soi Sukhumvit 55, Sukhumvit Rd, Klongtan Nua, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
• Reservations: Open. Check rates now

Hotel Indigo Phuket Patpong

What I really like about the Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong is the bold and adventurous design of the rooms and public spaces. The guestrooms are decorated in really bright and beautiful colors, and combined with a variety of patterns that meld so well together. No bland neutral colors here. The hotel has 180 spacious guest rooms inspired by the island’s tropical forests, fishing village heritage and famous nightlife. Try one of the luxurious Oasis pool rooms that offer direct pool access from their own private terrace.

Facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre with full-sized Muay Thai boxing ring, rooftop pool areas, restaurants and a casual street-front tiki bar, with colorful and stylish furniture and local art to make each area a haven of relaxation.

• Opening Date: January 2019
• Address: Rat U Thit 200 Pee Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
• Reservations: Open. Check Rates Now

Intercontinental Hotels Phuket Resort

Located between Millionaire’s Mile and Amanpuri Headland on the eastern side of Phuket island, Intercontinental Hotels Phuket Resort is part of the B15 billion MontAzure project set on 181 acres. The Intercontinental Hotels Phuket Resort will add 260 “classic luxury” rooms to the island and offer unobstructed views of the Andaman Sea and is surrounded by a forest of pine trees. Features include direct access to the beach, Swimming pool, spa, fitness club and the Club Intercontinental, an enhanced Intercontinental experience with dedicated rooms, breakfast, drinks and canapés in an exclusive lounge. A Kid’s Club will also be available to keep all members of the family happy and relaxed.

Check back regularly for more information as this project proceeds. Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on Intercontinental Hotels Phuket Resort.

• Opening Date: August 4, 2019. (Soft Opening)
• Address: Moo 3, Kamala Sub-district, Phuket, 83150 Thailand
• Reservations: Open. Check Rates Now

Grand Centre Point Pattaya

Grande Centre Point Pattaya is a lovely big, clean, family-friendly hotel and a welcome addition to Pattaya. Hard to miss with the big airplane taking off from the concourse out front, this hotel is situated in a prime location on top of the upscale Terminal 21 shopping mall on North Pattaya Road. With six room types ranging size from 34 to 98 square meters, most with panoramic ocean views, The Grande Centre Point Pattaya has received excellent reviews since its opening, with the average rating of 9/10 and a 9.4 for cleanliness, (which, let’s face it, is a welcome trait in Pattaya).

If you are travelling with kids to Pattaya, this is the place you will want to stay. There is so much to do here and two of the room types are perfect for families; the 69 Sqm. Family Deluxe Connecting and the Two Bedroom Panoramic Suite at 98 Sqm. There is actually a water park on the roof that features two water slides, a huge tipping bucket, and an army of space invaders gushing water that should keep the kids amused for a while. There is also an outdoor jacuzzi and cabanas. If that isn’t enough to keep the kids busy there is a kids club and an entertainment zone with games to play.

• Opening Date: January 2019
• Address: 456, 777, 777/1 M.6 Na Kluea, Bang Lamung, Pattaya, Chonburi, Thailand 20150
• Reservations: Check Rates Now

Avani+ Samui

Escape the crowds and enjoy a secluded luxury break with personalised service where it feels like all the staff know your name. Formerly known as the Sunset Coast Samui Resort & Villas, the property has undergone renovations and re-opened in February with an updated and refreshed look and a new name; Avani + Samui.

Avani + Samui is located right on the beachfront of a small secluded bay on the southwestern tip of Samui island, the opposite side of the island from the airport and it would be hard to find a more secluded place on Samui away from the crowds. Free paddle boats and kayak rental allows you to explore the waters around the resort and there is also a free shuttle bus to nearby Lamai beach. If you are looking for a quiet break, Avani + Samui is the place for you. Check out the pool villas- highly recommended!

• Opening Date: February 2019
• Address: 53/5 Moo 4, Phang Ka, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand
• Reservations: Check Rates Now

Livist Design Resort Phetchabun

You don’t see many luxury 5 star resorts in central and northeastern Thailand, so when Livist Design Resort Phetchabun opens in Phetchabun province in November 2019, it will be a welcome aclove of luxury surrounded by beautiful nature and mountain ranges that span several national parks including Khao Kho, Tat Mok and Thung Salaeng Luang National Parks .

Award-winning design firm POAR | Patchara + Ornnicha Architects have created what is being touted as a “5 star luxury urban design boutique resort“, with a mandate from the owner to use local artisans and craftspeople wherever possible in order to support the local community and also to provide a unique experience for guests who are tired of cookie-cutter branded experiences. The property will feature 80 suites each ranging in size from 50 to 70 square meters and each with floor to ceiling windows providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountain vistas. Luxury features in each room include 500 count Egyptian cotton bed sheets, Bang & Olufsen sound systems and Lutron dimmer and lighting controls.

The resort will also feature a large infinity rooftop pool with 360-degree views of Khao Kho national park and the Korat Plateau.
Watch for news of the soft opening of this property in November 2019

• Opening Date: Soft Opening November 2019
• Address: Narai Phattana Alley, Phetchabun, Thailand
• Reservations: Not yet.