4 new luxurious stays to check out this year

It’s hard to think of a more gloriously grand, quintessentially “London” building than the Grade I listed Admiralty Arch. Standing at one end of The Mall with Buckingham Palace at the other, it has been a backdrop to royal processions, state occasions and the theatre of British history since 1912, after being commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his late mother, Queen Victoria.  

This year, the storied landmark will open its doors as a new flagship hotel: the Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch. It is the most eagerly anticipated hotel opening in Britain in years, with a meticulous restoration that cherishes its Edwardian features while epitomising modern luxury.  

At its heart will be a collection of destination restaurants and bars that are just as spectacular as the setting. The legendary Clare Smyth is helming the signature fine-dining eatery, Coreus. 

Located in the former home of the First Sea Lord, its seafood-forward menu reflects the building’s maritime heritage. Smyth is also bringing her famed bar concept, Whiskey & Seaweed, featuring a huge selection of whiskies from every distillery in the UK.  

On the top floor, fellow multi-Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud will oversee the all-day French-style  restaurant, Café Boulud, perched on a magnificent vine-draped rooftop terrace with sweeping views from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye. Here, guests will find breakfast and afternoon tea, alongside lunch and dinner menus highlighting Boulud’s most celebrated dishes. 

There is, naturally, a state-of-the-art spa, a 320-cover ballroom and 100 guest rooms, including a palatial VIP Suite overlooking both Trafalgar Square and The Mall. The hotel interiors pay homage to Winston Churchill and naval intelligence officer-turned-James-Bond-author, Ian Fleming, both of whom once worked here. 

Few London addresses can claim such historical weight and this latest chapter ensures Admiralty Arch’s place among the city’s enduring icons. Keep an eye out in Spring-Summer for the hotel’s official opening date.

Nestled in the Swiss village of Sils Maria, Chesa Marchetta opened in January. This quaint town is accessible via a two and a half hour drive from Zurich and is worth the visit thanks to its beautiful alpine views and traditional architecture.  Originally a 16th-century guest house, the newly renovated 13-room hotel and 46-cover restaurant celebrates art, local tradition and Alpine gastronomy. 

Luxury Japanese brand The Imperial opened its doors in Kyoto’s historic Gion district in March. Housed in a former theatre, this 55-room boutique property offers exceptional dining, wellness amenities and authentic local hospitality.  

Hospitality legend Ian Schrager is set to open a new outpost of his PUBLIC hotel brand on the Sunset Strip this spring, promising stylish rooms, multiple bars and a sprawling rooftop overlooking the Hollywood Hills. 

Feature image by: David Iliff

For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to these destinations, visit singaporeair.com.