Published on November 24, 2025
2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for luxury travel, as Waldorf Astoria New York joins One&Only Moonlight Basin and La Bahia Hotel & Spa in this year’s most luxurious hotel openings in the U.S. Each of these iconic properties brings a unique experience, blending timeless elegance with modern luxury. The Waldorf Astoria New York, a renowned symbol of New York City, has undergone a spectacular renovation, promising guests unparalleled luxury in the heart of Manhattan. Meanwhile, One&Only Moonlight Basin offers a serene alpine retreat in Big Sky, Montana, combining natural beauty with five-star amenities. On the coast of California, La Bahia Hotel & Spa will provide a peaceful escape along the Pacific Ocean, offering a tranquil beachside experience. Together, these hotels represent the pinnacle of luxury and redefine what it means to stay in style in 2025.
A Legendary Hotel Reborn
Located in the heart of Manhattan, the Waldorf Astoria New York is more than just a hotel; it’s an icon. After undergoing an extensive renovation, the hotel has finally reopened in 2025. Originally opened in 1931, this historic property has been closed for several years, but now, after a total revamp, it is ready to welcome guests once again.
Rooms & Design
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The hotel, which once boasted approximately 1,400 rooms, now features a total of 375 luxurious guest rooms. Some of the space has been converted into residential apartments, but the hotel’s central focus is its high-end hotel offering. The interiors have been designed by renowned designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, blending the grandeur of Art Deco with modern luxury. The rooms are spacious, with luxury bathroom fittings, preserved historic elements like the lobby clock, and a refreshed design that includes larger rooms compared to the original, more compact ones.
Dining & Specialties
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Dining at the Waldorf Astoria New York is an experience in itself. The hotel boasts several exclusive dining venues, including Lex Yard, Yoshoku, and the world-famous Peacock Alley. At Lex Yard, Chef Michael Anthony revisits classics, like the iconic Waldorf Salad, but with a modern twist. For food lovers, this hotel offers a blend of history and innovation in every bite.
Amenities & Unique Features
The hotel also features the Guerlain Wellness Spa, a luxurious retreat offering top-notch spa services. For business travellers, the Waldorf Astoria provides a massive 43,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the Grand Ballroom. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, you’ll be immersed in elegance at every corner of the hotel. Plus, with its prime Midtown Manhattan location, you’re just steps away from major attractions like Grand Central Terminal, the Chrysler Building, and Bryant Park.
Price Range
Expect premium rates for such a prestigious property. Though exact pricing varies, room rates are expected to start around $400 to $500 per night, with suites running significantly higher. Given the hotel’s legacy and its elevated luxury offerings, prices for the top suites will likely reach several thousand dollars per night. This is definitely a property for those seeking a truly lavish experience.
A Unique Alpine Resort
The One&Only Moonlight Basin is a luxury resort that promises an unforgettable experience for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in Big Sky, Montana, this resort is One&Only’s first U.S. property and marks the brand’s debut in the American alpine resort market. Set to open in 2025, this exclusive resort is nestled in a pristine natural setting, surrounded by mountains, ski terrain, and forests.
Rooms & Accommodation
One&Only Moonlight Basin features 73 rooms and suites, as well as 19 freestanding cabins and private homes. The rooms, known as “Moonlight Rooms,” offer stunning mountain views, with options for one king or two queen beds. The suites offer even more space and opulence, with large living areas and private balconies. For those seeking complete privacy and space, the luxury private homes, which range from four to six bedrooms, are the ultimate retreat.
Location & Activities
The resort’s location is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With easy access to world-class skiing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking, guests can enjoy year-round adventure. In the warmer months, hiking and nature exploration are popular activities. The resort also boasts a golf course, spa services, and wellness facilities to ensure guests can unwind after a long day of outdoor activities.
Amenities & Special Features
One of the standout features of this resort is its design, which combines residential comfort with the beauty of the alpine surroundings. The rooms are designed to reflect the natural beauty of the region, with large windows, fireplaces, and private balconies. The resort also offers a full-service spa and wellness centre, ensuring guests can rejuvenate and relax in style after a day on the slopes or trails.
Price Range
The price range for a stay at One&Only Moonlight Basin varies, with rooms starting at a premium rate. Luxury villas and private homes can be particularly expensive, but they offer unparalleled privacy and comfort. Given the resort’s location and its exclusive offering, you can expect prices to be on the higher end, especially for those booking the larger private homes or suites.
An Oceanfront Escape
The La Bahia Hotel & Spa, located in Santa Cruz, California, offers a luxurious and peaceful escape right on the Pacific coast. Set to open in the summer of 2025, this oceanfront resort will feature 155 rooms, including 29 suites, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a serene getaway by the sea.
Rooms & Accommodation
The rooms at La Bahia Hotel & Spa are designed to provide comfort and luxury, with ocean-view terraces in many of the rooms. The suites offer even more space and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Rooms come equipped with amenities such as Nespresso coffee machines, Frette bathrobes, and modern furnishings that complement the hotel’s coastal location.
Dining & Amenities
La Bahia will feature four dining and drinking venues, including the signature restaurant High Tide, Low Tide Bar & Grill, Pearl (a champagne lounge), and Plunge (a poolside bar). Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed drink or a fine dining experience, the hotel caters to all tastes. Guests can also enjoy a rooftop spa with ocean-view treatment rooms, a Zen deck, and an ocean-view sauna. For those looking to host events or meetings, the hotel provides over 13,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, including a 5,200 square foot Seaside Roof Deck with stunning views of the coastline.
Location & Nearby Attractions
Located at 215 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, California, the hotel is ideally situated near the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, redwood forests, and the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. Surfing, boardwalk activities, and coastal sightseeing are all within easy reach. This makes it an ideal destination for those looking to combine relaxation with outdoor adventure.
Price Range
Prices at La Bahia Hotel & Spa start at $450 per night for regular rooms, with suites reaching up to $2,200 per night. Given its prime location and luxurious offerings, this hotel is perfect for those who want to enjoy a premium coastal experience.
When you book a stay at a luxury hotel, you might expect high-end amenities, exceptional service, and a central location. But, beyond the stunning rooms and lavish restaurants, there’s something magical about uncovering the hidden gems nearby. These secret spots offer unique experiences that enrich your stay and take you deeper into the heart of your destination. From tranquil parks in New York City to secret trails in Montana, and quiet retreats along California’s coastline, the following hidden gems will give you a truly unforgettable experience.
Just a short stroll from the Waldorf Astoria New York, Bryant Park is an oasis of calm amid the bustling streets of Midtown Manhattan. Known as the “secret garden” of the city, it’s the perfect spot to relax, sip a coffee, and watch the world rush by. Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape where locals gather to unwind. Whether you’re looking for a place to read, people-watch, or simply take in the sights, Bryant Park is a must-visit.
Why Visit?
If you’ve ever passed through Grand Central Terminal, you’ve probably noticed its iconic architecture. But have you heard about the Whispering Gallery? This hidden acoustic feature lets you and a friend stand at diagonal arches, whispering to each other, and your voices will travel across the hall. It’s a quirky and fun experience that most visitors miss, but it’s just minutes from the Waldorf Astoria.
Why Visit?
Right near the Waldorf Astoria is St. Bartholomew’s Church, a peaceful retreat offering beautiful stained-glass windows, historic architecture, and a calm atmosphere. This church is a stark contrast to the chaos of Midtown Manhattan and provides an opportunity to pause and reflect. Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment or just want to enjoy the stunning interior, St. Bartholomew’s Church is a hidden gem not to be missed.
Why Visit?
While Times Square and Rockefeller Center are popular hotspots, Midtown is home to hidden treasures that you may not expect. Take a walk off the beaten path and explore the smaller art galleries, tucked-away courtyards behind office blocks, and local cafes where Midtown workers lunch. These quiet corners of the city offer a more authentic, local experience of New York.
Why Visit?
For those who love the outdoors, Beehive Basin is a local favourite. Just a short hike from Big Sky, this alpine basin is home to meadows, wildflowers, and stunning mountain views. It’s a peaceful spot that doesn’t get as crowded as the more well-known areas. The hike takes you past crystal-clear lakes and through meadows where you can immerse yourself in nature.
Why Visit?
Fishing enthusiasts will love the hidden channels and secret spots along the Gallatin River. While the main sections can get busy, there are secluded spots further downstream where you can fish in solitude. The river is home to excellent trout runs, and these hidden areas provide a perfect opportunity for peaceful, uninterrupted fishing.
Why Visit?
Ousel Falls is a serene and immersive hike that leads you to a beautiful waterfall. The trail winds through evergreen forests, and the sound of the creek will keep you company as you walk. When you reach the waterfall, it feels like a private paradise, away from the hustle of the resort.
Why Visit?
Big Sky offers a wealth of year-round adventures beyond the main resort trails. Whether it’s snowmobiling or dog sledding in the winter, or hiking through wildflower meadows in the summer, these activities let you experience the area in its raw, natural beauty. For those who love adventure and a bit of thrill, these off-the-beat tracks will make your stay even more special.
Why Visit?
A short drive from Santa Cruz, the Land of Medicine Buddha is a peaceful Buddhist retreat nestled in the redwoods. This serene location offers nature trails, meditation spots, and a sense of tranquillity that feels miles away from the beach crowds. It’s the perfect place to unwind, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of the forest.
Why Visit?
For something completely different, the Mystery Spot is a fun and unusual experience in Santa Cruz. This gravitational anomaly seems to defy the laws of physics, with objects appearing to tilt and behave in strange ways. It’s a quirky, fascinating stop that will intrigue anyone curious about the weird and wonderful.
Why Visit?
If you want to avoid the crowds at the more popular beaches, head to Natural Bridges State Beach. This lesser-known spot offers tide pools, stunning views, and a butterfly preserve (in season). It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful day by the ocean, away from the noise of the boardwalk.
Why Visit?
The Santa Cruz Mountains are filled with hidden gems. Beyond the coast, you’ll find trails through quiet forests, stunning outlooks, and local vineyards offering wine tastings. These lesser-known spots allow you to explore the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a glass of local wine.
Why Visit?
The luxury hotels opening in 2025 promise to set new standards in the hospitality industry. Whether you’re looking for a historic experience at the Waldorf Astoria New York, an alpine escape at One&Only Moonlight Basin, or a coastal retreat at La Bahia Hotel & Spa, there’s something for every type of traveller. These hotels are not just places to stay—they’re destinations in themselves, offering unique experiences, world-class amenities, and stunning locations. As the year progresses, these properties will surely become the go-to spots for luxury travellers looking to indulge in the very best that the hospitality world has to offer. So, if you’re planning your next getaway, make sure to keep an eye on these incredible openings.
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Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025