Everyone loves a new hotel. The luxurious surroundings, the first to experience a new bedroom, enhanced service levels, and the chance to provide a first-hand account that could influence thousands of travellers globally. The Wise Traveller offers a guided tour of five of the best openings this summer.
FERGUS Style Punta Arabi, Ibiza, Spain
FERGUS Hotels has announced the opening of the FERGUS Style Punta Arabi in Ibiza. Located in Es Canar, this hotel captures the free-spirited soul of the island. It is set to become the go-to base for travellers looking to plug into the island's electric energy, creativity and coastal vibe.
With the iconic Punta Arabí Hippy Market on the hotel grounds, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, and walking distance to the stunning beaches, FERGUS Style Punta Arabi offers a superior lifestyle-oriented experience for adults.
Set on a spectacular cliff, the resort features traditional Ibizan village architecture with 329 rooms that have been refurbished to offer a boho style and authentic island feel. The white-washed villas are set within lush pine trees and provide a traditional design with soft archways and rustic wooden decor.
With three restaurants and three bars, guests are spoiled for choice and can enjoy a range of dining options, from casual poolside snacks to Mediterranean market specialities.
With the legendary Punta Arabí Hippy Market located within the hotel grounds, FERGUS Style Punta Arabi offers front-row access to one of Ibiza's most iconic weekly events. Every Wednesday, the area comes alive with hundreds of stalls selling everything from handcrafted jewellery to vintage fashion, street food, and live music.
Grand Mercure Batam Centre, Indonesia
This 230-room hotel features a swimming pool, an all-day dining restaurant called Ambrosia, and the 1,200-capacity Rarantira Grand Ballroom.
The hotel marks the debut of the Grand Mercure, a brand of Accor, in this strategic Indonesian hub, inviting travellers to experience Batam through a cultural lens, where indigenous design, locally inspired cuisine, and heartfelt service converge.
Perfectly located just minutes from Batam Centre International Ferry Terminal, which connects Batam to Singapore and Malaysia, and steps from One Batam Mall, the hotel offers seamless access for both business and leisure guests.
The hotel features interiors echoing the forms of sea-worn stones and tidal rhythms. "The opening of Grand Mercure Batam Centre strengthens our presence in a key gateway city for regional travel," said Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Asia, Accor.
"Batam continues to evolve as a vibrant leisure and business destination, and we are proud to introduce a hotel that blends modern comfort with authentic local experiences. This opening reaffirms our commitment to cultural resonance and hospitality excellence across Indonesia."
Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkiye
Moxy Hotels has opened Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu. Situated in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district, the hotel marks an exciting debut for the brand, showcasing its unique style in the city.
Designed by Designist Architecture, Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu blends neoclassical elements with fresh, youthful energy. Bold colours, playful details and locally inspired artwork, specifically from Turkish cinema, bring the hotel's vibrant character to life.
The hotel is housed within the historic Afrika Han building, seamlessly blending the city's storied past with contemporary design, offering travellers a new way to experience Istanbul.
With 167 guestrooms and suites, Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu offers stylish accommodations featuring city views or serene atrium vistas. Each guestroom features smart amenities, including USB ports, smart TVs, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring that guests are always connected.
Guests can grab a drink at Bar Moxy, featuring handcrafted cocktails, local beers and small bites in a music-infused setting. The 24/7 Grab & Go Delights station offers snacks and drinks for travellers on the move, while Moxy's Breakfast Bar reinvents the traditional morning spread with a fun and casual twist, perfect for fueling guests' urban adventures.
Moxy Istanbul Beyoğlu is near Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue, placing guests at the centre of Istanbul's cultural, historical and modern attractions, such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Ibis Styles Old Tbilisi, Tbilisi, Georgia
Housed within a restored building in Old Tbilisi, the 67-room hotel features design inspired by stained glass, with original features including a cast-iron spiral staircase and traditional stained-glass windows.
The design-led economy hotel brand from Accor stated that the ibis Styles Old Tbilisi is located in the heart of Tbilisi's historic district within walking distance of the renowned Freedom Square, as well as local shops and cosy cafés.
The hotel offers guests a blend of comfort and contemporary style with a creative design inspired by the beauty of the Georgian alphabet. Its opening marks an important step in Accor's continued expansion in Georgia, which now includes 13 hotels, with over 10 additional properties under development.
Ibis Styles Old Tbilisi features 67 creatively designed rooms in five distinct categories. Certain rooms feature private balconies, spacious living areas, and family-friendly spaces, accommodating up to four guests. The cozy and functional rooms are equipped with everything needed for work and rest, including the signature Sweet Bed by ibis Styles, designed for a restful night's sleep.
Seamlessly blending modern elements with the charm of Tbilisi's historic architecture, ibis Styles Old Tbilisi is an exciting spot for travellers and locals to eat, drink, and socialize. The hotel is just a 15-minute drive to Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport.
Mandai Rainforest Resort, Singapore
Banyan Group, an independent global hospitality company, has achieved a significant moment in its journey with the grand opening of Mandai Rainforest Resort, its 100th hotel and a symbolic homecoming in Singapore.
Mandai Rainforest Resort is an 11-acre resort located just a short drive from the city centre, within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, an integrated wildlife and nature destination. The property offers direct access to zoological parks, including the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and the upcoming Rainforest Wild.
The 338-room resort has been designed by WOW Architects. Upon arrival at the resort entrance, guests will be greeted by a nearly 40-foot-tall Rain Tree on one side and an Indian Beech tree on the other. Retained in their original locations on the site, these two trees symbolize the resort's commitment to blending architecture with nature.
The resort's 24 tree houses each have a private patio. The adjacent five-story resort building, including its rooftop, houses 314 guestrooms and suites, offering views of the rainforest, garden, and reservoir.
Every element, from the design details to the structure itself, has been carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with the environment. Even the wings of the resort have been elevated from the ground to accommodate the movement of native wildlife.
Andy Probert is an independent journalist who writes about global travel news, airlines, airports, and business. His work has appeared globally on the BBC, and in many national newspapers and magazines.
