Where will your journey lead you in 2025? The upcoming twelve months present numerous opportunities for travel and accommodation. Whether you desire a unique adventure in the legendary Mustang Kingdom of Nepal, a sleek minimalist retreat in Tokyo, or a charming cabin suite in the picturesque Irish countryside, Wallpaper* has the information you need. Below are our most popular hotel openings from the past year, all available for your booking.
The hotels to book in 2025
Shinta Mani Mustang in Jomsom, Nepal
Shinta Mani Mustang exterior
(Image credit: Photography by Elise Hassey)
Nestled in the enigmatic Mustang Kingdom of Nepal, Shinta Mani Mustang provides a unique experience steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture. This retreat, reimagined by Sherpa Hospitality in collaboration with designer and architect Bill Bensley, builds upon the original design by Prabal Thapa Architect from 2010. The stone-and-timber structure reflects the rugged beauty of Thakali villages and the vibrant colors of Tibetan monasteries. The ambiance is enriched by candlelight and the soothing chants of monks in the lobby, creating an inviting atmosphere for enjoying warm apple brandy at the Aara bar or indulging in traditional Mustang cuisine at the Nilgiri restaurant. Each of the 29 rooms features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase breathtaking views of the Himalayas. For those seeking relaxation, the hillside spa offers glacier-blue pools and herb-infused treatments designed by Tsewang Gyurme Gurung, an 11th-generation Tibetan medicine practitioner, providing a perfect balance to adventurous excursions.
(Image credit: Photography by Elise Hassey)
Hotel Rakuragu in Tokyo, Japan
(Image credit: Photography by Keishin Horikoshi)
A narrow parking lot has transformed into an impressive nine-storey hotel, known as Hotel Rakuragu, located in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi district. Designed by Kooo Architects, the hotel features a lantern-inspired façade characterized by irregularly shaped windows and angular balconies, creating a harmonious balance between urban privacy and ample natural light. The interior boasts 14 guest rooms, varying in size from 13 to 35 square meters, designed to evoke tranquility with their rounded corners, diatomaceous earth wallpaper, and low wooden bed platforms complemented by plant-filled balconies. The hotel pays homage to jazz culture, evident in its name, which alludes to ‘ragtime’ in Japanese, as well as through carefully curated playlists. The minimalist lobby serves as a striking introduction to the hotel, where raw concrete contrasts with pristine white walls, enhanced by a sculptural mirrored installation from design studio We+, making it a fitting entrance to this compact yet impactful minimalist haven.
(Image credit: Photography by Keishin Horikoshi)
Six Senses Kyoto in Japan
Six Senses Kyoto exterior
(Image credit: Courtesy of Six Senses Kyoto)
Introducing a contemporary escape within one of Japan’s most well-preserved historical areas, Six Senses Kyoto marks the brand’s debut in Japan as a modern wellness sanctuary. Crafted by Blink Design Group, this 81-room hotel pays homage to the city’s rich cultural traditions and is built around four central themes: playful, organic, biophilic, and sustainable. The accommodations, offering views of either the central courtyard or Toyokuni Shrine, are designed with wooden partitions featuring adjustable panels, woven copper lighting, and sun-filtering sudare screens. Central to the experience is wellness, highlighted by a spa that provides a range of treatments from Watsu therapy to a Biohack Recovery Lounge, all set amidst elegant ikebana arrangements and Zen-inspired design. Dining options include the all-day Sekki and Café Sekki, while Nine Tails serves as an intimate cocktail bar, exuding the charm of a modern apothecary.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Six Senses Kyoto)
Woodland and River Suites at The Montenotte in Cork, Ireland
Woodland Suites at The Montenotte exterior
(Image credit: Courtesy of The Montenotte)
Situated above the River Lee, The Montenotte is a luxury urban resort featuring 107 rooms, a wellness center, a cinema, and a restaurant and bar. Its prime location near Cork’s city center and stunning views of the harbor have made it a beloved destination for locals. The resort has recently unveiled a new collection of nine outdoor suites, designed by Henry J Lyons Architects. Among these are the Woodland Suites, nestled above a forest canopy, and the River Suites, surrounded by vibrant Irish wildflowers. Dublin-based designer Rósín Lafferty has beautifully blended Japanese-inspired aesthetics with the natural beauty of Ireland in the interiors, incorporating light oak, travertine flooring, bronze mirrors, and custom rice paper screens. Guests who reserve the suites can enjoy the exclusive Woodland Suite Experience, which includes access to the Club House—a serene area with harbor views, ideal for enjoying leisurely breakfasts or afternoon cocktails.
Woodland Suites at The Montenotte interior
(Image credit: Courtesy of The Montenotte)
Ta’aktana Labuan Bajo in Indonesia
Ta’aktana Labuan Bajo exterior
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ta’aktana Labuan Bajo)
Ta’aktana, a newly established Luxury Collection resort by Marriott International, aims to elevate Labuan Bajo, a fishing village located on Indonesia’s Flores island, as a premier luxury destination. Spanning an impressive 16 hectares, the resort features 70 accommodations, including seven exclusive overwater villas. The Balinese design firm ANP Interiors has skillfully blended natural wood and fibers with a contemporary minimalist aesthetic, highlighted by the striking woven ceiling panels in the villas. The wellness offerings at Di’a Spa are inspired by the essence of Flores’ Rangko and Batu Cermin caves, providing a comprehensive range of treatments, including specialized Korean hair and scalp therapies. With five diverse dining venues, such as the Japanese-themed Taba, the Indonesian farm-to-table Umasa, and a café dedicated to showcasing the finest coffee from Flores, the resort promises a culinary experience as vibrant as the island’s rich biodiversity.
Ta’aktana Labuan Bajo room
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ta’aktana Labuan Bajo)
Singita Milele in Natta, Tanzania
Singita Milele outdoor lounge
(Image credit: Courtesy of Singita Milele)
Singita Milele, located in Tanzania’s expansive 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserve, transforms the conventional safari experience and establishes a new benchmark for contemporary African bush architecture. Developed over two years, this 1,200-square-foot exclusive retreat, crafted by South Africa’s HK Studio, accommodates up to ten guests in five suites, each reflecting the stunning vistas, hues, and textures of the Serengeti. The property features extensive indoor and outdoor areas, including a large infinity pool that provides unobstructed views of the Great Migration. The design harmonizes with the surrounding savannah, incorporating locally sourced materials and artworks to enhance the bond between guests and the environment. Whether relaxing on spacious decks, dining in the open-air setting, or observing wildlife through a telescope, Singita Milele offers an immersive experience with nature.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Singita Milele)
📅 Published on: 2025-01-19
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Note: This article was reviewed and edited by the ArchUp editorial team to ensure accuracy and quality.
