There are those vacationers who love making new memories in old favorite spots. They revisit tried and true resorts or stay loyal to favorite hotel brands knowing that they’re going to have an exceptional experience.
 

Then there are those travelers who see new properties and new destinations as their own personal Pokemon quest – “gotta catch ‘em all!” They want to be among the first to visit, to be the trendsetter and the authority, telling their friends and family that this is the new hot spot.
 

While both types seem like they might be at odds, Travel Impressions’ list of the year’s most highly anticipated new hotels actually bridges both. Big holding brands with devoted customers are expanding into new markets, and others are creating new experiences in beloved spots. Special niche gems are getting into the action this year, too, making this year the one to explore these eight new grand openings on a hype train anyone can get on board with. Come along with us on a preview of these breathtaking new properties, and maybe you’ll find your next vacation destination along the way.

Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe All-Inclusive Resort – Opened November 2023
Ninety million dollars is easy to spend when you pull out all the stops, as this Cancun Hotel Zone property has, making this renovation as close to a new build as anyone can get. Guests can expect 540 oceanview rooms and even multi-bedroom suites with balconies to enjoy those views, 32 beachfront suites with direct walking access to the beach, and two top-floor Presidential Suites. The 61 Enclave accommodations offer even more attention to detail right on the beachfront, plus an exclusive arrival experience, upgraded minibar, and lounge with premium liquors and assorted tapas all day.
 

Secrets Tides Punta Cana – Opened January 2024
Just when you thought Uvero Alto couldn’t get any better, this brand-new resort has recently opened its doors, marking the third Secrets® Resorts & Spas property in the Dominican Republic. Each block of suites have their own color schemes and design touches, keeping things from being too cookie-cutter, and Preferred Club guests get even more than just the best room locations – dedicated butler service, a private pool area, two outdoor hot tubs, and a lounge are reserved just for this category.
 

Hyatt Vivid Grand Island – Opened April 2024
Pool-lovers, your oasis is here. Just 15 minutes from the airport, the longest rooftop pool in all of Cancun spans 295 feet long with full all-around views from its high vantage point between the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon. In fact, this high-rise design is what gives the Vantage Club category its name. Those rooms in this 400 all-suite resort are all on the highest floors for the best vistas, plus upgraded service, extra amenities, and an exclusive lounge just for those guests. And for all guests, another special club – a barefoot luxury beach club, complete with a pool and lounge area, snack bar, restaurant, and bar, on Playa Delfines, just ten minutes away via complimentary shuttle. In the community, there are tennis and pickleball courts, a golf course, and even an archeological site.

Royalton CHIC Antigua – Opened April 2024
The most notable highlight of this new construction in a land of endless perfect beaches is, naturally, right on it. Or technically, off it. We’re talking about its included overwater restaurant, Pescari, the first of its kind in all of the Caribbean. The food served is seafood focused, but they call an experience there Diningtainment as their signature CHIC Angels host, perform, and interact with their dining audience.
 

Other major bullet points for this vibrant and social all-inclusive vacation experience exclusively for adults include the Party Your Way attitude, which means guests can relax or celebrate as the mood strikes. Amenities for low-key leisure include The Royal Spa, Royalton Fit facilities, seven restaurants, and 235 rooms and suites; more spirited options include five bars, lively shows, beachfront pools with DJs, and more. Diamond Club room categories elevate both moods, offering exclusive services, private beach and pool areas, and other select experience upgrades.
 

Riu Palace Aquarelle – Opened May 2024
Historic Falmouth, Jamaica’s White Bay Beach is getting a modern new resort, and this news is as big as this sprawling property. Five inviting swimming pools and the Splash Water World aquatic park with a variety of slides, and all junior-suite accommodations – including two-bedroom categories ideal for families and regular and upper level swim-ups perfect for couples – are generously spread out across an inviting property with greenery, grassy areas, and lots of open space in which to lounge freely.