The good news is that the European Commission recently announced that vaccinated Americans will soon be welcomed into the countries that make up the European Union. The even better news? If you’re planning an incentive trip to Europe, there’s an array of new luxury hotels to choose from.
Across Europe—from Rome to Paris to Madrid—new luxury hotels opening in 2021 cater to your incentive groups.
New Luxury Hotels: W in Italy & Portugal
Set to open this September, the first W Hotel property in Italy and one of two of the bran’s new luxury hotels in Europe, W Rome will be located near the Spanish Steps and the city’s famed Via Condotti boutiques. Spanning two adjacent 19th century properties on Via Liguria, the property will offer 159 rooms and suites and a rooftop bar with views across Rome. In addition, the property will feature culinary offerings spearheaded by Michelin-starred chef Ciccio Sultano.
Also set to open this year is W Algarve, the brand’s first incentive entry in Portugal. Located on the Algarve coast with direct access to three beaches, the 134-room and -suite oceanview property features duplex apartments with private plunge pools, ideal for incentive guests looking for an exclusive experience. The best place to catch the sunset? The hotel’s sky deck, Sea Sky, facing the golden bay of Armacao de Pera. Another spectacular spot for those stunning views is the Wind Studio, for events up to 200, and Air, the hotel’s exclusive outdoor clifftop spot.
New Luxury Hotels: AMResorts—Greece
AMResorts has expanded its European footprint, with plans to manage three new luxury hotels on the Greek islands of Crete, Corfu and Zante. Offering a total of 845 accommodations, all three properties will be located beachfront. Dreams Crete will grace Malame Beach and encompass 357 luxury suites, while Dreams Corcyra, on Corfu, will offer 327 rooms. The Alua Soul Plagos Beach on Zante will have 161 rooms. With the addition of these Greece resorts, AMResorts’ Europe portfolio will include 22 properties and 7,205 rooms. Management under the AMResorts brands will begin in the summer of 2022, following a major renovation. Dreams Crete and Dreams Corcyra will offer the brand’s signature Unlimited-Luxury vacation concept, with unlimited access to gourmet dining options and premium beverages, concierge services, a daily refreshed mini-bar and the brand’s Preferred Club option. The adults-only Alua Soul Plagos Beach will feature an all-inclusive concept.
Kempinski Palace Engelberg—Switzerland
Opening next month, the Kempinski Palace Engelberg has been flagged as the first international five-star-superior hotel in Central Switzerland. Located in the center of the Engelberg village, just a few minutes from the railway station, the Engelberg monastery and the funiculars, the property features 129 guestrooms and suites with panoramic mountain views. For an exclusive experience, the Belle Epoque accommodations feature light-flooded bedrooms, a balcony and a unique circular shape. Kempinki The Spa features an infinity pool and a relaxation room with open Himalayan salt-stone fireplace. Onsite venues include the Cattani Restaurant, and the Palace Bar and Cigar Lounge, with its 1920s vibe, and adjacent to the lobby is the Wintergarden with a terrace and serving afternoon tea.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid—Spain
Opened just last month after completing a 3-year renovation of the 110-year property, the Ritz Madrid has reopened as the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. It now boasts 153 guestrooms, including 53 suites and five restaurants and bars, which have been designed and developed by celebrated Spanish chef Quique Dacosta. For idyllic events that celebrate incentive guests, the property features newly renovated spaces with large windows overlooking the Prado Museum.
Mandarin Oriental Lake Como—Italy
Offering five-star lakefront views, the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is located amidst picturesque surroundings, between a botanical park and famous Lake Como.
When it comes to stunning incentive events, a lakefront setting provides the perfect backdrop, with the option for setting up right along the lake for views that will take one’s breath away. There are two onsite restaurants—L’Aria serving Mediterranean cuisine on a lakefront setting, and the CO.MO Bar & Bistrot, set in an outdoor terrace overlooking the lake.
La Reserve Eden du Lac—Switzerland
Set on Lake Zurich, the La Reserve Eden du Lac—near the city’s various museums as well as the Old Town and Burkliplatz Market—features 40 guestrooms and suites across eight categories, including the Eden Suite, with five openings to the outside, including four charming ironwork balconies. The suite’s vast lounge area overlooks the lake on the south side and allows guests to admire the Alps in the distance. Incentive groups can enjoy Eden Kitchen & Bar located next to the lobby and featuring an open kitchen as well as the Eden Cigar Lounge, and La Muna, a rooftop restaurant that overlooks the city and the Alps. This luxe hotel also has an onsite fitness room, which offers personalized sessions with a coach or yoga instructor upon request.
Galleria ViK Milano—Italy
Art takes center stage at the new 89-room and -suite property Galleria Vik Milano, located in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest active shopping mall and a major landmark of Milan. Each accommodation showcases art installations by Italian and international artists. Onsite, guests will find the V Bart & Restaurant, which showcases a DJ, wines from the VIK vineyards, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. At I Dodici Gatti Pizzeria, attendees dine on traditional wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas and can enjoy the outdoor terrace overlooking the Galleria rooftops and views of the Milan skyline.
Mayfair Townhouse London—UK
Reopening this month, the Mayfair Townhouse London, which overlooks the city’s Green Park is also near Hyde Park, and favorite London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace. Accommodations include Signature Suites, such as the Skylight Suite, the Fifth Floor Suite and the Loft Suite. Venues include The Dandy Bar, which feels like a private club with its intimate decor and all-day dining, as well as what the hotel calls Private Dining, designed to feel like a private room of the owner’s residence. The concierge can help arrange an array of activities such as a Champagne experience or private pod on the London Eye, a private horse ride through Hyde Park or a high-end shopping experience at the Burlington Arcade.
NoMad London—UK
Located in Covent Garden and near the Royal Opera House, NoMad London—formerly the Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Police Station—is a 91-room property recently opened within walking distance of SoHo, the River Thames, and Leicester Square. Accommodations at this luxe hotel—the first NoMad property outside the U.S.—feature hardwood floors, Carrara marble mosaic bathrooms and Aragan bath amenities. For exclusive incentive events, the Magistrates’ Ballroom—once the Magistrates’ Courtroom—features a formal space with two adjacent private dining rooms, a separate bar, and its own entrance from the street by using the original courtroom’s entrance. Delightful features include a landscaped, glass-ceilinged atrium where attendees can find the Nomad Restaurant & Bar; Side Hustle, a British pub; and The Library—reserved only for hotel guests—offering light fare through breakfast and lunch, plus small plates and cocktails in the evening. And for a late night encounter, Common Decency is the onsite craft cocktail bar and lounge.
Bulgari Paris—France
Opening this fall for incentive groups is Bulgari Paris located on the city’s Triangle d’Or, home to the world’s finest haute couture shops. One of the most awaited new luxury hotels in Europe, it will feature 76 guestrooms, most of which will be suites. Onsite, attendees will have access to an 82-ft. pool, a spa, and the onsite Bulgari restaurant and bar, which will overlook a courtyard garden.
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