"The Leading Hotels of the World," a collection of exceptional luxury hotels, welcomes new members from around the world, including some exciting new openings. Falstaff TRAVEL checks in.
A total of nine new properties are joining “The Leading Hotels of the World” (LHW) collection, including four remarkable new openings. The selection ranges from newly opened coastal resorts to design-oriented retreats, as well as sensitively restored historic buildings and private island getaways. Falstaff TRAVEL presents its new locations.
The “Hotel Fermata” overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the La Lora surf break, placing surfing at the heart of the guest experience. Opened in December 2025, the hotel offers 35 rooms and casitas, ranging from beachfront to garden views, featuring whitewashed walls, natural wood, and travertine, inspired by the coastal landscape. Private terraces, open living spaces, and outdoor showers define the relaxed indoor-outdoor experience.
An in-house surf school offers coaching, guided sessions, and equipment right on site. Culinary-wise, “Fermata Kitchen” focuses on Mediterranean cuisine with a French twist, seafood, and seasonal sharing dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. A pool, yoga on the beach, bicycles, and spa treatments offer relaxation surrounded by nature.
An elegant city residence in the heart of Rome: “Casa J.K. Place Roma” is located on Via dei Prefetti, just a few minutes’ walk from the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps. Opened in April 2026, the property is an intimate evolution of the cozy J.K. Place concept and is designed for longer, private stays. Thirteen suites designed by Michele Bönan combine classic Italian craftsmanship with the atmosphere of a Roman residence. "Casa J.K. Bistrot" serves casual Italian cuisine. Boutiques, galleries, and historic streets are right on your doorstep.
"The Hawthorn by Galway Bay," opened in May 2026, combines the rugged beauty of Ireland's Atlantic coast with a keen sense of place and history. Located on Galway Bay, the 114 rooms, 47 junior suites, and 17 penthouses draw inspiration from the region’s maritime heritage while showcasing works by Irish artist Kathryn Callaghan. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the view of the bay and the adjacent golf course like vibrant landscape paintings. The restaurant also emphasizes variety in its cuisine; while “Skylark” serves fish, seafood, and seasonal ingredients prepared on a wood- and charcoal-fired grill, “Oystercatcher”, developed in collaboration with Takashi Miyazaki, combines Japanese techniques with Irish ingredients. A two-story spa with a thermal suite and algae baths, as well as the one designed by Christy O’Connor Jr. The resort's beautifully designed golf course makes it a destination for connoisseurs and golfers alike.
Located on Crete’s unspoiled southwest coast, near Elafonisi, “The Revery” will offer views of cedar forests, rocky headlands, and the beaches of Balos and Kedrodasos, from the summer of 2026. The resort features 24 safari-inspired tented pavilions and suites built into the cliffs. Natural stone, wood, and high-quality fabrics characterize the accommodations, all of which offer unobstructed ocean views; many feature private pools or hydrotherapy pools on spacious terraces. The culinary highlight is Fílema, perched on a cliff, which specializes in Cretan cuisine and seasonal produce. The "Roée Spa," which is integrated into the rocky landscape, features treatments using local botanicals and sea salt. A restored chapel on the grounds, which is over 80 years old, serves as an intimate venue for ceremonies.
