Romantic getaways take many forms, from indulgent escapes in secluded rainforest lodges to luxurious stays in the world’s most iconic cities. Whether you’re drawn to candlelit dinners overlooking turquoise waters, private terraces in centuries-old palazzos, or spa treatments beneath starry skies, the right hotel can transform a trip into something unforgettable.
This year, couples can choose from an array of extraordinary new destinations to celebrate their love in bucket-list style — and we’ve handpicked the best of the best for your wish-list! From boutique hideaways in unspoiled wilderness to sophisticated urban retreats steeped in history, here are 25 of the most romantic new hotel openings for 2025.
1. ORIENT EXPRESS LA MINERVA: Rome, Italy
Drum roll please …. The legendary Orient Express brand is unveiled its inaugural hotel, La Minerva. Welcoming guests from the April 2025, Orient Express La Minerva transforms a grand 17th-century palazzo, mere steps from the Pantheon, into a sanctuary of timeless elegance. The historic property, once an opulent holiday haven favoured by artists, writers and intellectuals, has been beautifully reimagined by architect/artist Hugo Toro, infusing art deco-style grandeur with modern refinement.
Orient Express brings its signature savoir-faire to every decadent detail. Each of the 93 luxurious rooms and suites holds its own secrets and surprises — some offering private balconies where intimate moments unfold against the backdrop of the Eternal City. Couples can ascend to the rooftop bar and restaurant, savouring cocktails with panoramic views, while a wellness spa invites relaxation with rituals inspired by Ottoman baths. An exquisite setting for any Roman holiday.
Couples will love: Enjoying legendary hospitality in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Oh, and sipping cocktails inspired by the Roman goddess of art and craftsmanship at La Minerva Bar. laminerva.orient-express.com
2. MONDRIAN GOLD COAST: Queensland, Australia
Mondrian Gold Coast heralds the brand’s Australian debut, bringing a fresh wave of sophistication to one of Queensland’s most beloved beach precincts, Burleigh Heads. Designed by Australian firm Fraser & Partners, the 24-storey hotel offers sweeping views of Burleigh Beach, the Pacific Ocean, and the lush hinterland. Studio Carter’s interior vision blends sleek modernity with coastal charm, drawing from the sugar-white sands and tropical pandanus trees. Dining spills out onto a sunlit terrace, capturing Burleigh’s lively street vibe, while the third-floor oceanfront restaurant and pool club celebrate the region’s fresh, local produce. A dedicated wellness space and future-forward spa add to the allure.
Couples will love: Relaxing poolside with a golden-hour cocktail at Haven Restaurant & Pool Club, after leisurely explorations of Burleigh’s beloved beaches, renowned dining spots, and vibrant boutiques. mondrianhotels.com/gold-coast
3. WALDORF ASTORIA OSAKA: Osaka Japan
Already a trending destination for 2025, Osaka ups the stakes with a brand-new Waldorf Astoria property, marking the luxury brand’s foray into Japan. Having welcomed guests from April this year, and located in the new Grand Front Osaka South Building, the hotel spans 12 floors and features 252 generously sized rooms starting at 48 square metres. Guests can enjoy three fine-dining venues, a wellness-focused spa, an indoor pool, and the unique outdoor Peacock Terrace, offering open-air dining with panoramic skyline views.
Couples will love: Dining al fresco on the Peacock Terrace with sweeping views of Osaka’s skyline after a day of exploring the city’s bustling markets and cultural landmarks. hilton.com
Related reading: A ten-day Japan itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka
4. ROSEWOOD AMSTERDAM: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
If you’ve never been to Amsterdam, this noteworthy new opening might just inspire a stay in the charming Dutch capital. Rosewood Amsterdam breathes new life into the former Palace of Justice, debuting as the brand’s first Dutch property. Perched along the UNESCO-listed Prinsengracht canal, this cultural landmark seamlessly marries Dutch heritage with modern luxury. Opening in June 2025, the hotel features three distinctive dining venues, an Asaya Spa, and a private boat for exploring the canals. Each space honours Dutch craftsmanship, while curated art journeys and exclusive canal tours add depth to the experience.
Couples will love: Stepping into their expansive Rooftop Terrace Suite, where striking Dutch art meets elegant design, and ascending to a private rooftop eyrie for sunset views over Amsterdam. So romantic. rosewoodhotels.com/en/amsterdam
5. ANDBEYOND SUYIAN, Kenya Africa
For the wild at heart, AndBeyond Suyian are introducing a luxurious lodge experience within the untouched wilderness of the Suyian Conservancy, opening July 2025. This architectural gem, crafted from local stone and thatch, offers 14 suites adorned with Samburu-inspired art. Private plunge pools and expansive decks overlook Laikipia’s rugged beauty, while the conservancy’s unique wildlife, including rare black leopards, offers unparalleled safari experiences. An unforgettable stay for a bucket-list trip or honeymoon getaway in Kenya.
Couples will love: A private riverside picnic followed by an evening game drive under Africa’s star-filled sky. andbeyond.com
6. HÔTEL LA FONDATION: Paris, France
Any excuse will do when it comes to planning a trip to Paris — and Hôtel La Fondation makes a compelling case for the French capital. Set to win hearts from early 2025, this trés stylish escape is well placed between Parc Monceau and the charming village of Les Batignolles in Paris’s 17th arrondissement. Designed with a nod to modernism by New York studio Roman & Williams, this warmly elegant retreat features 55 rooms, three suites, and a rooftop bar. Part of a greater ‘urban cocoon’ development, the hotel will serve as a hub for concerts, exhibitions, and intimate dining experiences, blending five-star luxuries, cultural vibrancy and signature joie de vivre.
Couples will love: Relaxing in the semi-Olympic swimming pool and watching the City of Light come to life on the rooftop. You’ll always have Paris. en.lafondationhotel.com
Related reading: Paris for Lovers: Your Ultimate Honeymoon Guide
7. ONE&ONLY MOONLIGHT BASIN: Montana USA
The evocatively titled One&Only Moonlight Basin is set to debut in the American summer of 2025, introducing unparalleled luxury to the rugged beauty of Big Sky, Montana. Designed by the renowned Olson Kundig firm, the resort harmoniously blends modern architecture with the natural alpine landscape. Dreamy digs will include 73 guest rooms and suites in the main lodge, 19 secluded guest cabins, and 62 private homes. Each option offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Guests can indulge in six distinct dining venues, ranging from a signature Japanese steakhouse to a cosy ski lodge eatery.
Couples will love: Savouring a private dinner at the secluded whiskey shack, followed by a starlit soak in their cabin’s outdoor hot tub. oneandonlyresorts.com
Related reading: 25 Romantic USA Honeymoons for 2025
8. THE SUNDAYS: The Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia
Back in Australia, The Sundays is set to elevate an already-idyllic Whitsundays experience from May 2025. This boutique retreat is poised on the northern tip of Hamilton Island’s beautiful Catseye Beach and offers 59 rooms, each with a private balcony or terrace to capture those magical water views. The design embraces its tropical surroundings, blending serene hues with ocean views. Private cabanas by the pool and waterfront dining from award-winning culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland deliver a stellar honeymoon stay or just-because experience.
Couples will love: Watching the sunset over the Coral Sea during a candlelit dinner by the water. hamiltonisland.com.au/accommodation/the-sundays
9. ROSEWOOD HOTEL BAUER: Venice, Italy
Following a meticulous renovation, the iconic Hotel Bauer is set to reopen its door in the Floating City, blending 19th-century charm with contemporary flair. Led by architect Alberto Torsello and BAR Studio, the restoration preserves historic elements while integrating sustainable design. With over 110 rooms, signature suites, and a presidential suite, the hotel also boasts a Venetian restaurant, rooftop bar, and an Italian rooftop garden with sweeping city views.
Couples will love: The romantic allure of Venice itself — from romantic gondola rides to stolen sunset kisses on the Bridge of Sighs to sharing a glass of wine in Hotel Bauer’s rooftop garden as the sun sets over the canals. rosewoodhotels.com/en/hotel-bauer-venice
10. MANDARIN ORIENTAL BOLIDHUFFARU REEF, The Maldives
Would it even be a list of new hotel openings without the Maldives? We think not. Opening late 2025, Mandarin Oriental Bolidhuffaru Reef sprawls across three exquisite private islands in these fabled turquoise waters. Villas, both beachfront and overwater, combine sleek design with breathtaking sea views. With eight dining options, including an exclusive venue, and a world-class spa featuring vitality pools and steam rooms, Bolidhuffaru Reef promises the ultra-luxe experience you’d expect from one of the world’s most prestigious hotel groups.
Couples will love: Drinking in ocean vistas and exploring vibrant coral reefs before capping off another day in paradise with private sunset dining on the beach. mandarinoriental.com
Related reading: Discover 31 of the most romantic overwater bungalows in the world
11. SHANGRI-LA PHNOM PENH, Cambodia
Though technically it welcomed its first guests just before the calendar flipped — with a soft opening on December 28, 2024 — Shangri-La Phnom Penh earns its spot among the best new romantic hotels of 2025 thanks to the sheer scale of its debut. Marking the brand’s first foray into Cambodia, this soaring 55-storey retreat rises near the Royal Palace, redefining luxury in the capital. Interiors strike a graceful balance between French Art Deco elegance and Khmer heritage, with natural stone, warm wood finishes, and sweeping views of the city and river through floor-to-ceiling windows. Five dining venues include the signature Shang Palace, while a tranquil spa and health club on the 51st floor offer serene escapes above the bustle below.
Couples will love: Indulging at Altitude, Cambodia’s highest rooftop bar, where handcrafted cocktails and sizzling steaks meet breathtaking cityscapes. Just beyond, an infinity pool beckons, set amidst tropical fronds with a striking Italian mosaic backdrop. shangri-la.com/phnompenh/shangrila/
12. ROKI QUEENSTOWN: Queenstown, New Zealand
Roki (ro-kee) is the te reo Mãori word for tranquil — a word that comes into exquisite focus at the new ROKI Queenstown, set to open mid-2025. Just 15 luxurious suites have been furnished to perfection by acclaimed New Zealand-based interior designer Virginia Fisher, each offering a warming fireplace and incredible alpine views over Lake Wakatipu. Exclusive experiences include gourmet picnics in the mountains and private boat excursions. After a day exploring New Zealand’s adventure capital, couples can unwind at the Roman-inspired PURE Spa or toast the evening at The Library Bar.
Couples will love: Lapping up the lakefront luxury and designing bespoke romantic adventures — from helicopter picnics to guided hikes to private tours of the best Central Otago wineries. roki-collection.com
13. SIX SENSES LONDON: London, England
If a trip to London is on your wish-list for 2025, don’t miss this newly minted hotel from the iconic Six Senses brand. Located within the highly anticipated The Whiteley London redevelopment, Six Senses London redefines urban luxury in the heart of Bayswater, transforming an art-deco emporium into a wellness-centric retreat. Interiors celebrate natural light and grand proportions with 109 guest rooms and suites and 14 private residences. The sprawling spa offers a 20-metre pool, vaulted relaxation rooms, and the Alchemy Bar for bespoke elixirs while an all-day dining restaurant and cosy bar/lobby ensure a memorable stay in the English capital.
Couples will love: Escaping the city’s stylish hustle with a restorative spa day, followed by an intimate meal at the open-kitchen restaurant. sixsenses.com
14. KOTIYAGALA LUXURY VILLAS: Sri Lanka
If Sri Lanka has been on your romance radar, take this as a sign. Kotiyagala Luxury Villas, which opened in early 2025, immerses guests in the heart of the Yala Jungle and offers guests an unforgettable experience in this exotic destination. Elevated villas feature private pools and decks, offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness. The eco-conscious design, combined with immersive safaris and Ayurvedic spa treatments, creates a perfect harmony between luxury and nature.
Couples will love: Sunrise safaris led by expert guides, followed by romantic evenings under the stars. kotiyagala.com
15. THE EVE: Sydney, Australia
In the heart of Redfern, The Eve brings a fresh blend of glamour and edge to Sydney’s dynamic hotel scene. With 102 boutique rooms, a lush rooftop deck featuring a 20-metre pool, and a European-style lobby bar, this hotel captures the essence of Redfern’s artistic spirit. Guests are just steps away from vibrant new dining venues, including Olympus and Island Radio. Good to know: Australian hospitality group TFE Hotels has also envisioned a sister property for The Eve, this time in Melbourne (see #18).
Couples will love: The Sunset Suite, with its private terrace offering city views and a sumptuous soaking bath — perfect for a Sydney honeymoon or special occasion weekend. theevehotel.com.au
16. COLLEGIO ALLA QUERCE: Tuscany, Italy
Italy is currently a hotbed of new hotels — and Tuscany isn’t missing out with a former 16th-century boarding school, Collegio alla Querce, being transformed into a masterpiece by Auberge Resorts Collection. Poised above Florence, the hotel, which opened in March this year, boasts 83 beautifully curated rooms and suites, including the spectacular 2,300-square-foot Quercia Suite. Select accommodations feature private terraces overlooking Tuscany’s sun-drenched hills, while two restaurants, a cigar lounge in the former principal’s office, and a secret dinner theatre make every moment unforgettable.
Couples will love: Private vineyard tours and truffle-hunting experiences, capped by intimate evenings at the property’s hidden theatre. aubergeresorts.com/collegioallaquerce
Related reading: The most romantic places in Italy: 21 dreamy locales
17. CAPELLA KYOTO: Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto calling? If you’re visiting in late 2025, don’t miss Capella Kyoto, a serene escape in the historic Miyagawa-chō district — a traditional geisha neighbourhood. Designed by local architecture firm Kengo Kuma and Associates, the property blends contemporary elegance with Japanese heritage across 92 rooms and suites. Couples can enjoy tranquil spaces, including a central Japanese garden courtyard, the Auriga Spa featuring private ofuro rooms for immersive Japanese bathing rituals, and two exquisite dining venues — a modern brasserie and a Japanese specialty restaurant.
Couples will love: Strolling through the serene garden courtyard before indulging in a private ofuro spa experience, followed by a romantic dinner highlighting Kyoto’s seasonal ingredients. capellahotels.com
Related reading: Where to eat in Kyoto: from date night to ramen
18. HANNAH ST. HOTEL: Melbourne, Australia
Currently on track for a Q3 2025 opening, the Hannah St. Hotel will offer a boutique retreat in the heart of Melbourne’s dynamic arts precinct. The 188-room hotel is spread across ten levels of The Queensbridge Building, featuring a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, a lap pool, and a wellness studio. The neighbourhood location invites exploration, with galleries, restaurants, and the Yarra River just a stone’s throw away.
Couples will love: Wandering Melbourne’s laneways before retreating to the rooftop bar for a romantic toast beneath the city lights. tfehotels.com/en
19. VETERA MATERA: Matera, Italy
Seeking something unique for your trip to Italy? Step this way. Vetera Matera invites guests into a world where ancient history meets modern luxury, nestled within Matera’s UNESCO-listed limestone caves in southern Italy. Opened in March 2025, this Relais & Châteaux property features 23 rooms, including eight junior suites. The spa, housed in former water cisterns, offers a unique wellness experience, while the restaurant provides sweeping views over the stone rooftops of Italy’s oldest city.
Couples will love: A weekend in a suite, paired with a two-hour spa indulgence after exploring Matera’s ancient streets and captivating rock churches. veteramatera.com/en/
20. LEVANTINE HILL BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia
Calling all wine-lovers! Slated for a June 2025 opening, Levantine Hill Boutique Hotel is set to elevate the Yarra Valley’s reputation as one of Australia’s premier wine regions. With just 33 decadent suites, this boutique property offers sweeping views of vineyards and the surrounding mountains. Each suite seamlessly blends luxury and comfort, providing a serene escape into nature. Guests can indulge in bespoke wine-tasting experiences, private sculpture walks, and fine dining that highlights the estate’s award-winning drops.
Couples will love: Sharing an intimate tasting of exclusive vintages, followed by lunch overlooking the rolling vineyards. levantinehill.com.au
21. AMANVARI: Los Cabos, Mexico
A new Aman property always deserves a closer look, especially when it’s nestled between the Sea of Cortéz and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains in Los Cabos Mexico. Opening in 2025, Amanvari brings the brand’s signature understated luxury to the Costa Palmas estate, offering 20 stand-alone pavilions, each with wraparound decks and some featuring cantilevered pools. The main pavilion includes three restaurants, a library, and an infinity pool encircled by jacuzzis. A private and peaceful oasis for your next romantic getaway in Mexico.
Couples will love: Snorkelling hand-in-hand in the crystal-clear waters, with a marine biologist guiding your adventure. aman.com/resorts/amanvari
22. NOBU HOTEL LISBON: Lisbon, Portugal
New from Nobu (yes, the Chef Matsuhisa/De Niro kind of Nobu) is a special escape in the heart of Lisbon, set on the famed Avenida da Liberdade. The brand’s first foray into Portugal, Nobu Hotel Lisbon fuses Portuguese charm with Nobu’s signature sophistication. Tipped for a 2025 opening, the property will boast elegant accommodations, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, and, naturally, a Nobu restaurant. Table for two?
Couples will love: Wandering Lisbon’s cobbled streets, exploring the area’s luxury boutiques and 19th century architecture, and enjoying world-class dining in an ultra-elegant setting. nobuhotels.com/hotel-collection/lisbon
23. AMYTH OF NICOSIA: Nicosia, Cyprus
If you’re new to the Cyprus capital, Nicosia, an absolute treat awaits at Amyth of Nicosia. Located in the historic Old Town, this beautifully restored villa offers just ten individually designed rooms and suites, combining traditional charm with modern elegance and a home-away-from-home feel. The property includes an excellent Cypriot restaurant, a hidden bar, and easy access to Byzantine landmarks.
Couples will love: Discovering the stories and secrets of the ancient alleyways before feasting on local delicacies in the villa’s intimate olive tree terrace. amythhotels.com/nicosia
24. FEW & FAR LODGE: Limpopo, South Africa
Another treat for our wild-at-heart couples (or those planning a honeymoon in South Africa), Few & Far Lodge has created a revolutionary safari experience, set in South Africa’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. Guests can glide over treetops in the solar-powered ‘Solfari’ aerial cable car, take guided bush walks, or stargaze from the eco-lodge’s six luxury suites.
Couples will love: Sunset spa treatments with locally sourced ingredients, surrounded by the sounds of nature. fewandfarluvhondo.com
25. AMAALA RESORTS: Amaala, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
What’s better than one gorgeous new hotel on the horizon? Eight, of course! On the shores of the Red Sea, Amaala introduces eight new luxury resorts in 2025, blending sustainability with high-end design. Highlights include the Four Seasons Resort and Residences, the wellness-focused Clinique La Prairie, and the Six Senses Amaala, which offers panoramic views and immersive experiences.
Couples will love: Exploring marine life, unwinding in cutting-edge spas, and enjoying world-class dining by the Red Sea. amaala.com
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