Whether you see yourself sipping single malts in Scotland or soaking up Mediterranean sunshine, RICHARD HOLMES has selected six stunning new hotels to add a dose of joie de vivre to your European adventures in 2025.
NETHERLANDS: Rosewood Amsterdam
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts makes its debut in the Netherlands in June 2025, with the opening of Rosewood Amsterdam. Housed in the former Palace of Justice, a 17th-century landmark set on the banks of the stately Prinsengracht, the new hotel marks the city’s final permitted hotel development within a historic monument.
The restoration and transformation of the Palace of Justice – built in 1665 – was a decade-long process driven by Studio Piet Boon. Transforming courtrooms and cell blocks into elegant design-driven suites and public spaces was a mammoth undertaking, but the Studio deftly blended the heritage of the space with a sense of contemporary sophistication. Dutch craftsmanship comes to the fore in the 134 rooms and suites, while public spaces celebrate the Dutch concept of gezelligheid, which South African travellers will certainly appreciate!
“We wanted every space to reflect Amsterdam’s soul: rich in history, effortlessly elegant and alive with charm,” explains founder and owner Piet Boon. “Each detail invites guests to feel at home, immersed in a journey that flows from the timeless beauty of the 17th century to a fresh, contemporary Dutch design perspective.
”That aesthetic continues in the three restaurants and bars, while signature touches abound. Look forward to sipping spirits from the in-house distillery or touring the famous canal district, a Unesco World Heritage Site, on the hotel’s exclusive Salon Boat.
SCOTLAND: Ardbeg House
Smoke. Salt. Iodine. Islay whiskies are certainly not for everyone, but … if you know, you know. For ardent whisky lovers a pilgrimage to Islay is a trip for the bucket list, whether you fly in from Glasgow or take the (more scenic) ferry from Kennacraig on the Kintyre Peninsula to Port Ellen. This charming seaside village will also soon be home to the most exciting new hotel on the island, as Ardbeg House throws open its doors to guests in September 2025.
Ardbeg House takes over what was once the historic Islay Hotel, with Russell Sage Studio – the creative force behind the striking reinvention of Glenmorangie in Speyside – driving a floor-to-ceiling rethink of the establishment. Out go the staid British furnishings, replaced by a ‘distinctly Ardbeggian’ flourish of texture and a dash of humour across the 12 rooms and suites.
Here you’ll find a dark and moody decor that matches the malts and delves into the history of this remarkable distillery. Downstairs the Signature Restaurant will showcase Scottish produce and culinary traditions, while The Islay Bar will offer a complete range of Islay malts, including a signature Ardbeg release only available here. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary tour of the distillery that clings to the island’s wild southern coastline.
ITALY: Splendido
It’s not hard to find a wonderful hotel on the Italian Riviera that stretches east of Genoa, but perhaps few can compare with Splendido, a Belmond hotel that clings to the forested hills above Portofino. With a guest list that included Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Splendido has epitomised the golden era of la dolce vita for decades, and a process of constant evolution ensures this magnificent property is looking as vital as ever.
This year marks the third, and perhaps most exciting, stage in an inspired renovation of what was once a 16th-century Benedictine monastery. While 2023 revealed a transformation of the famous saltwater swimming pool terrace overlooking Ligurian bay, and 2024 saw the signature Baronessa Suite and Splendido Grill welcome guests, 2025 is a bellwether for the fortunes of this famous hotel.
With a revamp led by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, guests will arrive at a reimagined central building complete with a restyled cocktail bar – perfect for that all-but-compulsory Aperol Spritz – coffee bar, lounge and breakfast room. The new wellness space is another highlight, with the Dior Spa promising four treatment cabins and a dedicated relaxation space on an exclusive roof terrace.
UNITED KINGDOM: Britannic Explorer
With the historic Venice-Simplon Orient Express in its stable, Belmond certainly knows a thing or two about luxury on the rails. And in mid-2025 the company brings that expertise to the first luxury sleeper train to ride the rails of England and Wales.
Look forward to multi-day itineraries to discover the dramatic coastline of Cornwall or the bucolic countryside of Wales and the Lake District. Happily, these itineraries can be easily combined into a week-long sojourn exploring some of Britain’s best scenery. That landscape was the creative spark for the onboard experience too, created by design studio Albion Nord.
Expect a contemporary take on English style and design in the Explorer’s three grand suites and 15 suites, as well as the convivial bar, lounge and restaurant areas. Cuisine is by restaurateur Simon Rogan, one of the pioneers of Britain’s farm-to-fork movement. If you love Rovos Rail, you’ll quickly fall in love with the Britannic Explorer.
MALTA: Romègas
For savvy travellers in search of a dose of European history and Mediterranean charm but away from the crowds of the usual hotspots, Malta is having a moment. And while the coastline and historic villages are all worth exploring, it’s in the capital Valletta that you’ll want to base yourself to soak up the energy of the island.
After a five-year restoration, a 500-year-old palazzo has been reinvented as the city’s most exciting new boutique hotel. With the aim of both reflecting the Maltese heritage of the palazzo and infusing a more modern aesthetic into the space, local design studio Camilleri Paris Mode meticulously preserved and protected the stonework, façade and historic carvings, providing the perfect canvas for a space that also exhibits works by established and emerging artists from the island.
Guests can be assured of personal service, as Romègas – named for a former resident who was once Grand Master of Malta – offers only 23 rooms and suites.
FRANCE: Château de la Commaraine
With a history stretching back to 1112, when it was built as a fortified manor, Château de la Commaraine has been entirely reimagined over the past four years into an unforgettable five-star hotel in the heart of Burgundy. It will be ready to welcome guests for the first time in late 2025.
Set in the heart of the village of Pommard, a short drive from Beaune, Château de la Commaraine will offer 37 rooms for guests to discover an expansive estate immersed in the vines of this seminal wine-growing region. Though the estate’s heritage is rich and varied, the renovation instils a distinct sense of contemporary sophistication. Think screed walls, high ceilings and thoroughly modern furnishings in a neutral colour palette – together they bring the vibrancy of the vineyards to life. And while Burgundy is on the doorstep, you may be tempted to stay in.
Château de la Commaraine will offer two restaurants helmed by acclaimed chef Christophe Raoux, while also welcoming guests to taste wines from its own cellar.