SIGNIA BY HILTON AMMAN, JORDAN
Well, a big Happy New Year! to Signia by Hilton, which opened January 1st. It’s the first Signia to open outside the US. Located in downtown Amman, a 15-minute walk from Abdali Mall and Abdali Boulevard in the Jordanian capital, it has 272 guestrooms and suites, all, we are informed, with natural light. For wining and dining options you have seven — yes, seven, so no complaints there — which offer local and international cuisines and a bowling and entertainment center, although, in case there are doubts, not in the same spaces as the food places. There’s an outdoor pool where you will find one of the bars, and yes there is a gym and a spa.
But, hell, you’re in Jordan, get out of the hotel, all temptations to just stay there notwithstanding.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ammhasa-signia-amman/
RECENTLY OPENED
DESERT ROCK RESORT RED SEA, SAUDI ARABIA
The Desert Rock Resort is a unique luxury hotel, literally crafted into the rock in a hidden valley. It is part of the Red Sea Project, an eco-tourism plan designed by Oppenheim Architecture, and this first phase opened in December. There are 10 suites, 54 villas all with private pools and uninterrupted views of the desert landscape. Six wining and dining options, an oasis pool with bar, and, maintenant, a spa. All aspects of the resort are state-of-the-art but are designed to focus on preserving the environment while giving guests a memorable experience all powered by sunlight. All just a 20 minute drive from Red Sea International Airport.
REOPENINGS
NGALA TENTED CAMP SOUTH AFRICA
In October, after a six-month refurbishment, Ngala reopened. The camp is part of the &Beyond Ngala Game Reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park, known for wonderful and ample wildlife including the area’s famous white lions and African wild dogs.
The nine luxury tents, which sit on the banks of the Timbavati River, have been lovingly redesigned with an extended outdoor deck, bathrooms with an indoor and outdoor shower and al fresco bathtub. The guest area, dining options, the pool and the spa got a makeover too, all retaining the camp’s balance of tranquility, privacy and luxury while watching nature.
FOUR SEASONS NEW YORK, USA
It took four years but the almost instantly iconic Manhattan hotel, which shut in the pandemic, re-opened in November! Located at 57 East 57th Street, between ritzy Madison and Park Avenues, it is New York’s second tallest hotel (1717 Broadway is the tallest, if you were wondering, and perhaps that’s even the first time you’ve ever even thought about what the tallest hotel in a city of concrete stalagmites is).
The 52 storey building — that is a lot, now we can think of nothing else — houses 219 rooms, breaking down as 138 junior suites, 59 standard suites and 5 signature suites with views of Central Park or the city skyline, which, let’s face it, is a redundant statement to make of any building in NYC. We’re not sure what the 17 other accommodations are, having done the math on the back of an old Four Seasons matchbook! Mystery rooms! Probably we’ll eventually get around to calling the hotel and asking them.
The grand lobby, itself worth a visit, is probably best viewed, as most things are, truthfully, from the bar. The spa re-opens this year.
https://www.fourseasons.com/newyork/
COMING SOON
WALDORF ASTORIA OSAKA, JAPAN
In the Spring, the hotel will start accepting reservations, from April, and then Osaka, and indeed Japan as a whole, will have a Waldorf Astoria. This momentous occasion doubtless has the entire nation breathless with excitement. Located in the south district of the new Grand Green Osaka, just by the station, the WA will have 252 guestrooms and three restaurants, one of which is the New York City signature Peacock Alley, a place to relax and look out over Osaka Bay. And you could go to the spa and wellness center. You will find me in the bar.
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/osawawa-waldorf-astoria-osaka/