1. Nicaragua’s first luxury beach resort

The Mukul in Guacalito de la Isla is where Nicaragua’s lush rainforest dramatically meets its Emerald Coast. Due mid-February, the 675 hectare resort has 37 beautiful accommodations including 12 beach villas and 23 luxurious cliff-side treehouses. Each comes with ocean views, a pool and dedicated staff. The best time to go? The dry season, which runs from November to May.

2. The highest Green-rated hotel in Singapore

The Parkroyal on Pickering, which opened mid-January, is just a stone’s throw from the vibrant nightspots of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. The 16-storey structure includes 367 guestrooms and 1,500 square metres of solar-powered sky gardens, with waterfalls and cascading greenery. The views of Singapore’s skyline from the Orchid Lounge on the top floor, are dizzying. 

3. Oslo’s first luxury waterfront hotel

A former prison, Oslo’s Thief Hotel takes its name from its location, Tjuvholmen, otherwise known as Thief Island. Edgy, contemporary and artsy, all 119 rooms have balconies overlooking the stunning surroundings with boats to take you wherever you please. Much of the art is borrowed from the neighbouring Renzo Piano-designed Astrup Fearnely Contemporary Art Museum.

 4. A new addition to Abu Dhabi

Scheduled to open at the end of February, Abu Dhabi’s Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal features 447 rooms and suites, as well as 85 private villas. Set in landscaped gardens overlooking the water, the Ritz is between the Mussafah and Maqtaa bridges across from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Perhaps the best way to describe it is palatial.