Ten Outstanding Hotels Join The Leading Hotels of the World Portfolio
- EDITOR
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) is thrilled to unveil its Winter Collection, welcoming ten extraordinary properties into its global portfolio of 425+ hotels. This collection of independent, luxury hotels represents an exceptional range of hospitality options, from secluded eco-retreats and contemporary design-led stays to historic castles and alpine sanctuaries, each reflecting the unique spirit and local character that defines The Leading Hotels of the World. Spanning South Africa’s coastline to the European Alps, these additions highlight several of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
"Our Winter Collection is exciting, because it truly shows how LHW is consciously expanding in terms of diverse destinations and experiences. This in-take comprises a renovated grain silo in South Africa, a nature lodge in Reunion Island, re-imagined monastery in the Dolomites and a cutting-edge mountain spa in Switzerland, amongst other gems. All have the ‘LHW DNA’ including family-led vision, cultural integrity and joyful hospitality experiences of the highest level. We’re absolutely delighted to welcome these ten remarkable new members into the LHW family," commented Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President of Member Experience, The Leading Hotels of the World.
Discover LHW’s Winter Collection
AFRICA
Birkenhead House, Hermanus, South Africa | opened 2003
Boutique oceanfront haven in untamed coastal setting
Perched high above Walker Bay in the seaside town of Hermanus, Birkenhead House offers a luxurious vantage point from which to experience the wild beauty of South Africa’s southern coast. With just 11 individually designed rooms overlooking the ocean or Kleinrivier Mountains, the hotel exudes intimate sophistication, blending eclectic design, contemporary African art, and laid-back seaside charm. Days unfold to the rhythm of the tides, from foraging for mussels with the chef or embarking on coastal hikes to watching southern right whales breach just beyond the cliffs. Dining celebrates freshness and flair under Executive Chef Clive Biggs, with daily changing menus that are inspired by local produce and the region’s rich culinary heritage. The spa, a sanctuary of calm with four serene treatment rooms, offers expert therapies using South Africa’s finest products. Steps from Voëlklip Beach and within reach of the renowned Hemel-en-Aarde wine route, Birkenhead House captures Hermanus at its most elegant and effortless.
La Residence, Franschhoek, South Africa | opened 2008
Vineyard glamour and mountain serenity in the Cape Winelands
Set on a private 30-acre estate in the heart of South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley, La Residence blends vineyard glamour with mountain serenity. Eleven bespoke rooms, five suites, and a private villa showcase opulent furnishings, and a rich color palette reflecting the surrounding landscape. Vineyards, orchards, and rose gardens stretch across the property, with guinea fowl and miniature horses adding to the estate’s charm. Dining, led by Executive Chef Cheslin Cornelissen, celebrates seasonal, farm-fresh ingredients, from intimate Chef’s Table experiences to vineyard picnics, with expertly paired estate wines enhancing every course. Guests can choose between estate walks, e-biking or cycling through the valley, gallery visits, and rounds at nearby Pearl Valley Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus. The estate spa offers personalized treatments, while the palm-fringed pool and shaded terraces provide tranquil spaces for rest and reflection. La Residence combines refined luxury, natural beauty, and tailored experiences, offering an immersive escape in South Africa’s premier wine region.
Royal Malewane, Hoedspruit, South Africa | opened 1999
Luxury safari lodges immersed in the Greater Kruger National Park
In the heart of South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane captures the raw beauty of the bush through refined design and world-leading wildlife expertise. Four distinctive lodges, Malewane Lodge, Farmstead, Waterside, and Masiya’s Camp, plus three exclusive-use villas, Africa House, Waterside House, and Farmhouse, each express a unique interpretation of safari luxury, from classic colonial elegance to bold contemporary design. Twice-daily game drives and walking safaris are led by Africa’s most qualified guiding team, whose expertise brings the wilderness vividly to life. Dining is fully inclusive and tailored by Executive Chefs Rudolph Potgieter, Kele Tsenoli, Michael Mandy, and Daniel Marais, from relaxed poolside lunches to six-course dinners with curated wine pairings. Wellness is integral: the Royal Waters Spa features an 80-foot heated lap pool, African baths, and a steam room, while Reflections Spa offers a Hammam experience. Nearby Leopard Creek Golf Course, designed by Gary Player, redefines golfing in the wild.
The Silo Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa | opened 2017
Architectural marvel on Cape Town’s iconic waterfront
Rising above Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, The Silo Hotel is a striking reimagination of a 1920s grain silo transformed into a beacon of contemporary African design. Built within the historic grain elevator above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, the largest museum of its kind on the continent, the hotel pairs industrial heritage with bold architecture, defined by its iconic convex glass façade. Each of the 28 rooms and suites is individually curated with vibrant textiles, bespoke furnishings, and works by leading African artists. Under Executive Chef Veronica Canha-Hibbert, The Granary Café, The Willaston Bar, and The Silo Rooftop celebrate inventive, locally inspired cuisine with sweeping views from Table Mountain to the Atlantic. The Silo Spa offers regenerative treatments and holistic wellness, while the exclusive Wisdom Room hosts private dining for up to 22. Nearby, the historic Metropolitan Golf Club provides championship greens beneath Table Mountain’s gaze.
Diana Dea Lodge, Saint Benoit, Reunion Island | opened 2010
Secluded eco-luxury lodge with forest and ocean vistas
Set within a 370-acre former hunting reserve on Réunion Island’s eastern highlands, Diana Dea Lodge is a five-star retreat surrounded by roaming deer and sweeping views of forest and ocean. Built from stone, warm wood, and natural textures, the lodge’s architecture blends modern comfort with the island’s wild landscape. Rooms, suites, and luxury tents feature floor-to-ceiling openings to birdsong, misty hills, and shifting light. The spa overlooks dense forest and includes a sauna, open-air Jacuzzi, and Balinese shower. The restaurant, led by Chef Jofrane Dailly, trained at Mas des Vignes under Yann de Coëtlogon, creates terroir-driven cuisine rooted in Reunionese heritage. Signature dishes include wood-fired chicken curry and fresh Langevin trout, seasoned with ginger and local herbs. From the lodge, guests can explore Réunion’s vanilla plantations, distilleries, and Creole villages; hike Takamaka or the active Piton de la Fournaise; wander Bébour-Bélouve Forest; swim in Bassin Bleu; or horseback ride near Grand Étang.
EUROPE
Argos in Cappadocia, Nevşehir, Türkiye | opened 2010
Village-within-a-village amid Cappadocia’s magical valleys
Caves, age-old monasteries, underground tunnels and caravanserai have been carefully restored to create this village-style sustainable hotel set amid Cappadocia’s undulating landscapes. Positioned high above the dramatic cliffs of Pigeon Valley, its 71 rooms, scattered across myriad historic buildings, blend traditional motifs with contemporary styling. Each offers expansive views of the valley, creating a serene retreat within the region’s iconic terrain. The hotel’s award-winning gastronomic offering proudly showcases Anatolian contemporary cuisine. With guardianship at its core, Argos supports local farmers, suppliers and artisans. A small example is their fermentation room where they store pickled vegetables prepared by local families, a reflection of how indigenious culture is celebrated through the revival of traditional cuisine, handicrafts and heritage. A trip to Argos wouldn’t be complete without exploring the rocky Cappadocian terrain, and the concierge are on hand to organize a range of activities, including a traditional hot air balloon ride at sunrise, a hike through the valleys or exploring the region’s fascinating subterranean cities.
Castel Badia, San Lorenzo di Sebato, Italy | New Opening December 2025
Millennium-old castle reimagined for modern alpine living
Castel Badia is a millennium-old castle in the breathtaking Dolomites, reimagined for modern alpine living by the team behind Borgo Egnazia. With just 29 rooms and suites plus a private chalet, it feels intimate yet expansive, with its historic stone softened by natural materials, warm fabrics, and contemporary design. The castle overlooks the Dolomites, with Plan de Corones only five minutes away, a gateway to the vast Dolomiti Superski area in winter, and to hiking, biking, and valley trails in summer. Brunico’s cafés and cobblestone streets are close enough for leisurely wandering. Dining is led by Chef Alberto Toè, whose modern alpine cuisine blends Tyrolean tradition with a fresh, light approach. Guests choose between three distinct spaces: Stube Badia for soulful regional cooking, UMES for communal, chef-led tasting evenings, and the Bar & Lounge for wine, cocktails, and firelit conversation. The castle’s herb garden, rooted there for centuries, continues to infuse dishes, teas, and spa rituals, tying past and present with quiet elegance.
Grand Resort Zürserhof, Zürs am Arlberg, Austria | opened 1955
Legendary family-run alpine hotel with ski-in, ski-out access
Nestled high in the cosmopolitan skiing village of Zürs am Arlberg, Hotel Zürserhof showcases the best of family hospitality with its warm-hearted, impeccable service, luxurious suites for complete mountain-top comfort, and finest selection of mountain gastronomy and wine. A five-star superior ski & spa resort, the sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Austrian Alps provide the perfect backdrop for guests who wish to indulge in the 34,000 ft² Aureus Spa – a dedicated wellness oasis featuring tranquil relaxation rooms, expert therapists, state-of-the-art saunas and steam baths, and Alpine-inspired treatments. For winter sports lovers, the hotel’s true ski-in, ski-out access places guests directly onto the legendary Arlberg slopes, part of one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world, with nearly 200 miles of pistes. Dining is a highlight, with refined evening menus and an impressive wine cellar showcasing Austria’s best vintners alongside international classics.
Huus Quell by Appenzeller Huus, Gonten, Switzerland | Opened October 2025
High concept, holistic mountain retreat
Set at 3,000 feet above sea level in the Alpstein, Huus Quell is a just-opened Swiss wellness sanctuary with 30 elegant rooms and suites surrounded by picture-perfect mountain views. Smart, sustainable and sensory, this is the third, and newest accommodation within in the Appenzeller Huus Resort, offering over 24,000 ft² of wellbeing experiences. The wellness and longevity area includes 11 pools, saunas, steam baths, and offers treatments like cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, Watsu, and tailored detox, massage, and aromatherapy programs. Guests can balance activity with meditation, nutrition coaching, or golf at the nearby 18-hole Golfclub Appenzell, designed by John Chilver-Stainer. Gastronomy is led by Executive Chef Carsten Kypke across two distinct restaurants: Bärenstobe, a regional culinary institution known for refined Alpine dishes and fine wines, and Löwenstobe, where Appenzell classics are reinterpreted through sustainable, contemporary cuisine that respects nature and local producers. The Appenzeller Huus wine cellar, among Switzerland’s most extensive, hosts intimate tastings for up to nine guests in its atmospheric wine barrel room.
The Florentin, Frankfurt, Germany | Opening 2025
Historic villa meets contemporary luxury in Sachsenhausen
Where historic grandeur meets contemporary design, The Florentin, an Althoff Collection Hotel, brings refined modern luxury to Frankfurt’s elegant Sachsenhausen district. Set within the 1901 Villa Speyer and its sleek architectural extension, the 196-key hotel including 49 suites balances heritage with modern design. A leafy courtyard offers alfresco dining, and other top-class amenities include a 45-foot indoor pool, saunas, and a TechnoGym fitness area within The Florentin Spa, which offers massages, facials, and holistic treatments. Gastronomy is central to the experience: Two restaurants provide choice and inspiration. The Garden has inside and outside space in the central courtyard, and is dedicated to serving seasonal dishes, and Destination is the fine-dining option that promises culinary masterpieces and refined flavours. Buzzy drinking destination, The Florentin Bar transitions effortlessly from daytime coffee and light bites to crafted evening cocktails. Nine individually designed Villa Suites each provide access to private salons and a wine lounge, and curated services including concierge, private shopping, and event spaces with cutting-edge technology... Read more here - Hotel Management Global Outlook Link
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