Take a look at some of the luxury hospitality openings for February 2024…
Bavette, Leeds – www.bavettebistro.com
Launching in Horsforth, Leeds in February, neighbourhood restaurant Bavette Bistro is the first venture from ex-Culpeper Head Chef Sandy Jarvis and his partner, sommelier Clément Cousin, formerly of Brawn and The Buxton. A true collaboration between front-of-house and kitchen, Bavette Bistro is born out of the desire of its passionate and experienced co-founders to share their love of restaurants and create a relaxed, convivial bistro where food and wine are of equal measure. The seasonally led, classically composed bistro menu will feature French-inspired dishes such as Comté Cheese Croquettes, Pork Belly Rillons, Frisée Salad and Ravigote Sauce, or Whole Grilled Plaice, Brown Butter & Almonds, designed to be shared, and the destination wine list will feature wines from Clément’s family farm, as well as other French natural and biodynamic bottles. Bavette Bistro will be a true representation of Sandy and Clément’s professional journeys and personal experiences, paying homage to the pair’s favourite bistros, many of which they have had the joy of working in.
Sourcing ingredients from the very best small-time growers and sustainable suppliers to serving wines that excite the most novice and well-heeled wine-lovers, Bavette Bistro will offer a warm, guest-centred approach to dining, creating a community restaurant for locals and visitors alike to return to again and again.
Camille, London – @camille_se1
Opening on Stoney Street, Borough Market in mid-February, Camille is a new provincial French-inspired restaurant from Clare Lattin and Tom Hill, founders of London’s Ducksoup and Little Duck and their latest venture Emilia, an Italian osteria in Ashburton, Devon. An elegant play on French bistro dining, Camille will be a reflective imagining of the duo’s travels across France. It will retain their simple, rustic approach to provenance-led cooking that is ever-present throughout their restaurants. The menu will feature the best produce from British growers, many of which will be sourced locally from suppliers within Borough Market, and the wine list will feature low-intervention and biodynamic bottles, focusing on small French producers and vineyards.
The kitchen will be headed up by ex-St John chef Elliot Hashtroudi, currently resident chef at Clapton’s 107 wine bar. Later in the year, the doors will open onto an outdoor terrace, offering alfresco dining during the warmer months. Since opening Ducksoup in 2011 to much acclaim, restaurateur Clare Lattin and chef Tom Hill have continued to explore their love of honest, provenance-led cooking and the happiness this simple and heartfelt approach brings. Their love of the small and intimate dining space frames the authentic and warm-hearted attitude present in their restaurants.
Cape Grace, Cape Town – www.capegrace.com
Cape Town’s treasured Cape Grace will open its doors under the new management of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, after acquiring the former hotel back in March 2023. Retaining the much-loved charm for which the hotel is historically known, the new opening of Cape Grace will unveil a striking new design that simultaneously respects Cape Grace’s well-earned reputation as one of South Africa’s most beloved city hotels, whilst bringing a fresh and contemporary aesthetic. Framed by traditional French windows, the 114 remodelled rooms and master suites will gaze onto the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain, immersing guests in the natural wonders of Cape Town. The new design will also incorporate four high-end dining areas, each showcasing South Africa’s celebrated wine industry and rapidly growing culinary scene. Situated on the doorstep of some of the most celebrated landmarks, Cape Grace is perfectly positioned for guests to explore the country’s rich and diverse culture and history, whilst also providing a serene and sophisticated haven to relax and unwind in. Running up to its completion in Spring 2024, Cape Grace will unveil a series of excellent culinary and wellness offerings, creating a haven where heritage and opulence converge in a celebration of luxurious living.
Secrets Playa Blanca, Costa Mujeres, Mexico – www.hyattinclusivecollection.com
Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres is set on a pristine white-sand beach and offers guests stunning infinity pools, contemporary rooms with high-end amenities, a range of restaurants. The hotel will feature 509 thoughtfully designed suites and world-class amenities. Each suite will be adorned with handmade local art and furnished with organic, locally sourced materials, creating an authentic and captivating ambiance. Elevated accommodations will offer an extra level of luxury, including swim-out suites, exclusive access to the Preferred Club Lounge, an oceanfront beach club and a unique jungle-inspired pool surrounded by lush vegetation.
Culinary enthusiasts will delight in Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres’ nine dining options, including six à la carte gourmet restaurants, a buffet, a café and a grill. Unique culinary experiences await, such as kitchen tours to meet chefs, cooking classes, tequila and wine tastings, and a French restaurant boasting one of the largest wine selections in the destination. Guests will benefit from additional world-class amenities, such as a state-of-the-art Secrets Spa by Pevonia® as well as 8,000 square feet of dedicated meeting and event space. All guests will enjoy access to four swimming pools, including two oceanfront infinity pools facing the Caribbean Sea.
SIRO Hotel, Dubai – www.sirohotels.com
Kerzner International (parent company of One&Only Resorts and Atlantis Resort & Residences) has announced its first fitness & wellness-destination hotel, SIRO, which will sit adjacent to One&Only One Za’abeel.
Recognising a gap in the market, SIRO will deliver a bold new immersive hospitality experience with tailored programs and treatments that focus on five pillars: fitness, nutrition, sleep, recovery and mindfulness. SIRO One Za’abeel will encompass state-of-the-art rooms, each fully soundproof and equipped with recovery equipment, a dedicated stretching bar, an in-room refuel bar with healthy and nutritious bites, personalised in-room modular dining and access to virtual classes. Dedicated Fitness Suites present more advanced in-room amenities, including a personal gym; while Recovery Suites offer the ideal space to unwind with stretching accessories, a treatment room and a luxurious bathtub that overlooks the city. Each room within the property is designed to improve physical and mental recovery, mitigate jet lag, enhance mood, and ensure restorative sleep, emphasising the critical role of a well-rested night. The environment is optimised with app-controlled smart curtains, integrated with guests’ circadian rhythms, that adapt to natural light, promoting a refreshed awakening.
The Barn at Coworth Park, Ascot – www.dorchestercollection.com/ascot
Coworth Park, Dorchester Collection’s luxury country house hotel near Ascot, will relaunch its relaxed neighbourhood restaurant, The Barn, with a brand-new kitchen and produce-led, ingredient-focused menu. Housed in the original barn frame, the new open kitchen and grill will take pride of place in The Barn. Guided by seasonal ingredients from the UK’s best producers, the menu will feature Executive Chef Adam Smith’s take on British classics, and will encourage a convivial, relaxed style of dining.
Fresh and preserved ingredients from the Coworth Park estate will feature on the menu and Adam Smith also works closely with leading British producers. The Barn welcomes guests to experience its relaxed, rustic charm. Feasting menus, for groups of 10 or more, feature many of The Barn’s signature dishes and are served family style down the table for everyone to share.
In winter, The Barn it is the height of cosiness with the roaring fire, in summer the floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, and guests can also choose to sit on the large outdoor terrace.
The Lana: Dubai – www.dorchestercollection.com/dubai/the-lana
The Dorchester Collection’s first hotel in the Middle East, The Lana, is set to open in February 2024. Overlooking the Business Bay area and the Dubai Canal, the 30-story tower was designed by award-winning architects Foster + Partners and the interiors were designed by Gilles & Boissier.
Space and light are the defining features of our exquisite rooms and suites, where designers Gilles & Boissier playfully blend traditional and contemporary touches, inspired by the spirit of Dubai. With eight world-class dining options, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, and an expansive spa, this is one luxury hotel you certainly shouldn’t miss if you’re in the UAE.
As a Dorchester Collection hotel, The Lana knows how to look after people. In uniquely splendid rooms that set new benchmarks in design and sophistication, our guests are assured of the ultimate in heartfelt hospitality and a stay of incomparable delight.
The StandardX, Melbourne, Australia – www.standardx.com
Iconic lifestyle hotel brand, Standard International, will debut its inaugural concept in Melbourne, Australia, in February. This new hotel concept from Standard International takes the iconic brand back to its youthful roots. Located in the vibrant, post-industrial enclave of Fitzroy, The StandardX, Melbourne is rooted in a neighbourhood with a storied history of iconic record stores, sticky-carpeted punk clubs, legendary writers’ haunts, and beloved party spots.
Melbourne interior design firm Hecker Guthrie drew inspiration from The Standard’s classic imprint to reflect Fitzroy’s rebellious spirit into the 125 rooms and unique public spaces. Upon entering the lobby through a familiar bold revolving door, the ground floor opens to an airy elevated loft with a fireplace that beckons guests to linger longer. Columns wrapped in macramé by local artist Sarah Parkes of Smalltown and paintings from Dane Lovett are complemented by custom furniture and antique pieces. A contemporary, uncomplicated aesthetic spans eight floors, with room categories ranging from the intimate Cozy King to spacious Suite Spot. Amidst a palette of blue and white in the guest rooms, a plush bed sits focally, complemented by a millwork ledge that doubles as a writing corner and open closet.
A trifecta of distinct food and beverage concepts will leave a lasting impression on guests and locals alike. Perched atop the hotel is The Roof, a secret hideaway accessible exclusively to hotel guests, offering a dining experience inspired by the melodic flavours of Mercado Medellin. Guests are surrounded with incredible panoramic views of Fitzroy and Melbourne, creating the ultimate city playground. The property will also feature BANG, all-day Thai concept where a medley of bold street flavours and techniques are on display.
The Store Oxford, England – www.thestoreoxford.com
The Store, Oxford, will launch in 2024. Located on Broad Street, in the heart of the city, The Store sits in the building of the historic department store and Oxford institution, Boswells. Reimagined as a hotel, restaurant, rooftop bar, co-working bar, and spa, The Store, delivered by Reef Group and EQ Group, will present a labyrinth of spaces to discover and explore. The expert hospitality team at EQ are looking to delight guests with a sense of curiosity and wonder, reflecting the rich heritage of the building’s former life.
Arranged over seven floors, the interior design has been informed by the heritage of the two distinct buildings that make up The Store. Both buildings have a distinct architectural language that runs throughout the refurbished and extended spaces. These have been sensitively worked on by Urban R, Reef Groups’ team of architects and designers, with multi-purpose open-plan public spaces divided into different areas through elegant design choices – reminiscent of a department store filled with moments of joy that entice – and juxtaposed with intimate corners, and moments of escape.
The 101 rooms are spread across the two interconnected buildings, with six district design typologies, some with plush velvet headboards, panelled walls, and bold art deco features, others with leafy courtyard views, a muted palette and textures that comfort and cocoon. Bringing the rich tapestry of Oxford into the space, bespoke patterns and furniture echo the tiles and patterns of the rooftops or follow the line of the city’s “dreaming spires” to offer uninterrupted views.
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