Once the ongoing travel restrictions caused by Covid are finally over, research suggests there will be a huge pent up demand for travel. And there’s nothing quite like the prospect of checking out the hottest new hotel openings to get #eventprofs packing their suitcases.

Following on from our recent feature looking at the UK’s hottest new openings for 2021, we take a look at six exciting new properties across Europe that are set to open their doors this year…

Villa Igiea, A Rocco Forte Hotel
Opening in spring 2021, this former refuge for royalty and Hollywood’s elite occupies a unique location overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Palermo in Sicily. After a restoration and redesign by Olga Polizzi in collaboration with Paolo Moschino of Nicholas Haslam Studios, the iconic palazzo will showcase a fresh design while maintaining its timeless splendour. The 104-room hotel will offer a spa set in the gardens, restaurant serving local specialties, event spaces including the grand mirrored ballroom, and swimming pool.

Bvlgari Paris
This super luxurious addition to the Paris hotel scene is finally expected to open its doors this summer. Originally due to open in 2020, the property is located on the exclusive Avenue George V. Its 76 rooms will predominantly be suites, and it will also feature a spa and 25-metre pool, while its restaurant and bar will open out onto a courtyard garden – perfect for a relaxed end of evening cocktail.

Kempinski Palace Engelberg
Also opening this summer is the five-star Kempinski Palace Engelberg, perched high in the mountains in the heart of Switzerland, only a short distance from Lucerne. The 129 rooms and suites radiate contemporary Swiss flair and offer sweeping views the beautiful alpine surroundings. Whether you choose to relax in the breathtaking rooftop spa or take advantage of the countless leisure opportunities, the Activity Concierge Team will be available to assist with planning or to accompany guests on snowshoeing or biking excursions.

Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid
Following the most ambitious and extensive renovation to take place in its 110-year history, Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid has confirmed that it will open next Spring, and is currently accepting reservations from 15 March 2021. The hotel will open with 153 luxuriously appointed rooms, including 53 suites and five restaurants and bars, which have been designed, developed and implemented by celebrated Spanish chef, Quique Dacosta. The ballroom and function spaces, with their large windows facing the Prado Museum have been beautifully restored and designed to ensure the hotel is once again the venue of choice for weddings, private dinners and parties.

Six Senses Ibiza
From the Spanish capital to one of its most popular islands, Ibiza is also set to welcome a hot new luxury opening. The tranquil northern tip of Ibiza on crystalline Cala Xarraca Bay is the inspiring setting for Six Senses Ibiza. Scheduled to open in 2021, the 134 guest accommodations include townhouses, pool suites and beach cave units set on a 25-acre (10-hectare) site just 30 minutes from the airport. With unobstructed westerly sunset views, the resort, spa and residential community will dance to the beat of a new mantra: transformative wellness to nourish the body, mind and soul.

One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
The long-awaited new One&Only Portonovi, the brand’s first resort in Europe, is set to become Montenegro’s most coveted address when it finally opens in 2021. This wonderfully secluded 113-room property nestles beside the entrance to beautiful Boka Bay, surrounded by striking mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Reflecting the region’s Venetian architectural style, Portonovi has a helipad and yacht marina with 238 berths. A wide range of experiences catering to all tastes are on offer – whether you head out to explore some of Europe’s most picturesque towns, discover captivating caves by boat, or simply unwind on the private sandy beach.
Dining options include Sabia by Giorgio Locatelli, the Michelin-star chef’s first restaurant in the region; Tapasake Club, serving contemporary pan-Asian, tapas-style fusion cuisine; and La Veranda, championing locally sourced ingredients and Montenegrin-inspired cooking styles.