A wave of new luxury hotel openings is pointing to the next major destinations for upscale travel in 2019. These recently announced properties reveal which regions are becoming hot spots for high-end vacations.
Australia has been a particular focus for investment in premium hospitality. Tasmania, the rugged island off Australia’s southern coast known for its remoteness and rich cultural scene, continues to grow its luxury offering. Established properties such as Cradle Mountain Lodge and Saffire Freycinet exemplify the island’s secluded, high-end appeal, and 2019 will add The Tasman from the Marriott Luxury Collection to that roster. On the mainland, Perth’s hotel scene is expanding with newly opened properties including a Westin and a QT hotel, while plans are in place to complete a Ritz-Carlton development at Elizabeth Quay.
Europe is also seeing notable luxury growth. Greece will welcome its first Four Seasons property roughly 30 minutes from Athens in the former Astir Palace Hotel, bringing an international flagship brand to the region. Following that, a One&Only resort on Kea Island is scheduled to open in 2020, further expanding Greece’s upscale travel options.
Japan’s major cities are preparing for a surge of luxury openings ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games. New projects extend from the southern islands to the historic cultural centers: the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa on Kyushu, Marriott’s IRAPH SUI in Okinawa, a JW Marriott in Nara City, and a Park Hyatt in Kyoto are all part of the expansion. Together these properties broaden the range of top-tier stays across Japan, catering to visitors seeking both contemporary comforts and access to local culture and heritage.
Across these regions, the newest luxury hotels reflect broader travel trends: a demand for uniquely local experiences combined with refined service and high-end amenities. Whether travelers are drawn to remote island seclusion, urban waterfront developments, or culturally rich historic destinations, the incoming crop of luxury openings suggests more diverse choices for sophisticated travelers in 2019 and beyond.