Global travelers are finding community through new and historic destinations, with Design Hotels in Turkey, Mexico, and Cyprus enhancing cultural connections.
From Istanbul’s bustling Beyoğlu district to the pristine shorelines of Mexico’s Pacific coast to the beating heart of Cyprus, both new and beloved destinations are beckoning travelers in search of community. With an eye on 2025, Design Hotels selected a list of places where travelers can come together at brand-new hotels to join inspired conversations, forge new relationships with cherished cities, and discover both historic and contemporary architectural gems.
Design Hotels
Mexico: Pioneers of boutique hospitality in Mexico, Grupo Habita is preparing for the opening of two new properties: Hotel Humano in the surfing paradise of Brisas de Zicatela, Oaxaca, and Hotel Sevilla in the historic town of Mérida, Yucatán. Hotel Humano, opening in December this year, embraces and reflects its local community, welcoming barefoot guests and catering to surfers’ needs. The 31 rooms, including 8 suites, feature sophisticated yet loose and relaxed interiors by Plantea Estudio, whose vision extends the ethos of Brisas de Zicatela, an area just south of Puerto Escondido that’s known as a renowned surf spot on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Here, guests will find a restaurant in a central courtyard, a rooftop bar and pool, and a library, all adorned with bespoke, locally crafted furniture and décor. On the northwest side of the Yucatán peninsula is the state’s capital, Mérida, known for its colonial architecture, Mayan heritage, cenotes, and cuisine. At the heart of the historic city center stands a villa with roots dating back to the 16th century; come early 2025, the historically renovated building will reopen as Hotel Sevilla, with its architecture and interiors reimagined by the team at Mexico City- and Berlin-based studio Zeller & Moye. In addition to 17 rooms and 4 suites, the property boasts a spa and wellness center, lush garden, restaurant, lounge, bar, library, and several stores at street level. Located in the oldest part of the city, guests are only one block away from the historic main square and local markets.
Turkey: Situated just steps away from the pedestrianized Istiklal Avenue, the iconic Galata Tower, and the Tünel funicular in the heart of Istanbul’s second oldest district Beyoğlu, Casa Foscolo Hotel is a newly renovated historical hotel that immerses guests within the city’s rich culture. Having recently opened in November this year, the 18-room property features an architectural restoration and interior design overseen by Emre Kuzlu, who seamlessly integrated the building’s 19th century features with contemporary amenities. Guests can indulge in specialty drinks and light bites at the Minoa Bar, browse artworks in an exhibition space, and find inspiration in a coworking area, while encountering antique brickwork, handcrafted oriental motifs, and an original marble staircase. Within walking distance are art and culture centers such as the Istanbul Modern, Salt Galata, Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, Atatürk Cultural Center, Borusan Sanat, and Pera Museum.
Cyprus: The last divided capital in Europe, Nicosia offers a distinctive mix of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot cultures, with an array of museums, art galleries, theaters, and events that celebrate the country’s unique art and heritage. Located within the city’s medieval Venetian walls, Amyth of Nicosia – the sister property of our member hotel Almyra in the coastal town of Paphos – connects guests with the region’s history and contemporary culture. The intimate 9-room hotel, opening in February, is situated within a villa dating to the early 20th century. Eraclis Papachristou Architects and designer Maria Neophytou restored the building in full harmony with its original character, maintaining architectural details, decorative ceilings and walls, and vintage tiled floors along with a grand staircase. Guests can retreat to the hotel’s lounge, restaurant, and courtyard after a day exploring nearby sites, including the Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Mansion, now home to the Cyprus Ethnological Museum; the Famagusta Gate; and Eleftherias Square, which was redesigned by Zaha Hadid Architects.
Lithouania: A beautiful coastal city with a blend of old-world charm and Baltic seaside vibes, Klaipėda, Lithuania, is known for its Old Town, where the architecture blends German, Scandinavian, and Lithuanian influences; busy harbor and port; and local food scene and breweries. Come March, the former National Hotel will reopen as Reja with an overhaul envisioned by YesDesign, whose team has brought a sleek, contemporary update to the 50 rooms, bar, and restaurant. The hotel is set to be the ideal base from which to explore the Lithuanian coast, including the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site of Curonian Spit National Park, where pristine sand dunes, forests, and quaint fishing villages await.
Design Hotels
Czech Republic: In the city of 100 spires, the international Sir Hotels group will debut its latest property, Sir Prague Hotel, in March. Set along the Vlata River, the hotel is in the city’s New Town, an area known for its Art Nouveau and Modernist architecture. Guests will find themselves just down the street from the famous Dancing House, a building designed by Croatian Czech architect Vlado Milunić in cooperation with Frank Gehry, and the Municipal House with its anthropomorphic sculptural elements and mosaic exedra. Inside the hotel, 76 rooms, an indoor courtyard, restaurant, and bar will exude sensual cinematic vibes through an interior concept designed by Linda Boronkay, while a gym and sauna provide spaces for wellbeing.
United Kingdom: The following month, Sir Hotels will open the doors to another property, one destined to become a new hotspot in London’s East End: Sir Devonshire Square Hotel. Designed by Maison191, the hotel, slated to open in April, will boast 81 rooms, including 11 impeccable suites, an outdoor botanical courtyard, a state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, The Cover members’ club, and the second Seven North restaurant. The timeless escape is nestled in the tranquil brick-lined Devonshire Square, neighboring Shoreditch and near Spitalfields Market, in an area known for everything from its curry houses to street art and contemporary bars to concerts and exhibitions held in the 18th-century Christ Church Spitalfields.
Spain: Spain’s Costa Brava, with its rocky coastline and majestic beaches, is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance, drawing in a new wave of travelers to this long-favored destination in the northeast of Spain. At the forefront of this evolution is Finca Victoria, a 38-room beachfront hotel carved from a storied Catalan estate due to open in spring 2025. With its breathtaking sea views and historic charm, the original house was once a haven for artists, politicians, and dreamers drawn to its warmth and vibrant gatherings. Today, the renovated finca looks to continue its legacy of heartfelt hospitality across a series of contemporary spaces that place an emphasis on wellbeing. Guestrooms will feature furniture and lighting designed by local artisans, and many will also feature outside showers and verdant terraces. Elsewhere, two exceptional restaurants, including the Asador de Mar grill, a range of bespoke experiences – from walks along the scenic Camino de Ronda to private sailing excursions – a pool and a spa, make this an idyllic launchpad from which to embrace the magic of the Costa Brava.