1. Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa, Benin 

Sofitel is set to continue its expansion across Africa, debuting its 16th property on the continent later this year. Located in Benin, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa will be the first hotel from the Accor brand to open in the coastal country. The resort, which is a 15-minute drive from the nearest airport, will be set on a 29-hectare estate of lush parkland just steps away from the beach. 

Accommodation-wise, there will be 198 guest rooms, including modern villas and duplex suites with private pools, as well as access to Club Millesime for those staying in higher-category rooms. 

For wellness, the property boasts two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor), two tennis courts, a fitness centre with personal training services and a spacious spa in collaboration with Kos Paris. Entertainment awaits at the Pavillion, which houses two cinemas, while its nine flexible meeting rooms make up Cotonau’s largest convention centre. 

There will also be multiple concept restaurants, including Vivo, which serves Levantine cuisine, and L’Ami, a French-style bistro with Beninese influences. It is situated close to popular landmarks, such as the Esplanade of the Amazons and the Route des Peches, a hotspot for sports enthusiasts. Other highlights in Benin agents should know include Bab’s Dock, where you can take a boat ride through mangroves, and Python’s Temple, an ancient voodoo shrine that’s home to 60 sleepy snakes.  

Management has also recruited 90% of its talent from Benin, as part of its commitment to support the local economy and create an authentic visitor experience. 

2. Raffles The Palm Dubai, UAE 

It may be three years since Raffles The Palm Dubai opened, but the momentum for this stunning property remains strong. Situated in Jumeirah, the beachside resort regularly earns glowing reviews for its pristine cleanliness, top notch service and of course, grandiose design (it literally looks like a palace).

The spaciousness of its 369 guest rooms has also received praise, along with its 24-hour butler service and the “edutainment” program it offers for kids. For dining, there are seven food and beverage outlets, including a French patisserie, an Italian restaurant and the Sola Jazz lounge. The wellness department is another standout feature, with its Cinq Mondes spa boasting 23 treatment rooms as well as the city’s largest indoor swimming pool.

3. InterContinental Chantilly Chateau Mont Royal, France

IHG Hotels & Resorts has welcomed InterContinental Chantilly Chateau Mont Royal to its growing portfolio, marking the brand’s third opening in France in the past three years. 

Located 30 minutes by train from Paris, this early 20th-century chateau has officially reopened after eight months of extensive renovations to restore the building to its original grandeur. The property features 109 guest rooms including 12 suites, as well as dedicated sauna and wellness rooms, providing tailored treatments and rejuvenating therapies.

For dining, French dishes are served in the cosy Stradivarius restaurant, while the traditional brassiere Opera offers a more upscale culinary experience. There are also 11 meeting rooms, one of which can accommodate up to 250 guests, and a dedicated concierge team to help curate local excursions. 

4. Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Scotland 

If a client is looking for a magical weekend without the jet lag, this one’s for them. The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa has just introduced its autumn packages, which offer a variety of options to experience the idyllic St. Andrew’s property overnight.

The launch comes shortly after the renovation of its spa, Kohler Waters Spa, which involved upgrading its interiors and installing new experience showers. The resort is now home to the UK’s first Espuro Foam experience, a 15 to 20 minute immersion in plant-based foam that promises to relax and rejuvenate the client. There’s also a fitness centre with a 20m pool, hot tub and sauna, as well as a fully-equipped gym with a boutique retail counter. When hunger hits, check out the re-opened Jigger Inn, a traditional Scottish pub which dates back to the 1850s.