Raffles opened its doors in Singapore in 1887, welcoming writers, artists, film stars and royalty into opulent surroundings with exceptional hospitality. The brand has become famous for introducing private butlers, creating the cocktail the Singapore Sling, and hosting the likes of Joseph Conrad, Rudyard Kipling, Elizabeth Taylor and Queen Elizabeth II. Today, Raffles Hotels & Resorts can be found in Singapore, Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Maldives, Udaipur, Phnom Penh, and Bali, with new openings announced for London, Boston, Macau, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.
At the June International Luxury Travel Market Asia Pacific event, Jeannette Ho, VP of Raffles Brand and Strategic Relationships for Accor Luxury & Lifestyle Division, spoke about the new openings for 2023 and 2024. “We’ve done lots of work regarding wellbeing, starting with the design of all our hotels. Our design is based around the senses and the elements, so when you walk into Raffles, you feel good,” said Ms Ho. “The brand is growing, and gastronomy is part of our DNA.”
This statement is proved by the three dining concepts at Raffles London at the OWO led by Mauro Colagreco, a recently appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity, the first in UNESCO’s history.
Raffles at Galaxy Macau, August 2023
Raffles at Galaxy Macau is scheduled to open in August 2023 and, in a world first, will turn its guestrooms into a multi-usage space. Samsung, The Frame Hospitality, will be in every room, creating customised experiences and a personalised ambience. Guests may unwind in the Raffles’ hallmark Long Bar with a new iconic Sling tailored for Macau. A luxury spa and restaurant helmed by a Michelin-star chef are also rumoured to be included.
“The Macau property and the Galaxy Macau team will be the most incredible product. Every room will have a view overlooking the historical village. The property will have close to 100 butlers, one of the largest Raffles teams yet,” said Ms Ho.
Raffles Boston Hotel and Residences, September 2023
Raffles Boston is set to welcome guests from 1 September 2023 and will be the brand’s first mixed-use development property in North America. The 35-storey complex is set to house 147 guestrooms, including 21 Signature Suites, eight Premier Suites, a spectacular presidential Raffles Suite, and 16 gathering spaces. Award-winning hospitality design firm Stonehill Taylor was commissioned to oversee the interior design.
Raffles London at the Old War Office, October 2023
The Old War Office, or the OWO, as it is now known, was once home to icons such as Sir Winston Churchill and Lord Haldane. Ian Fleming, the writer behind James Bond, was a regular visitor to the building, and many scenes from the 007 movies were filmed at The OWO. The historic building is home to Raffles London at the OWO, and will open to guests from 9 October 2023.
The property is set to become one of the city’s premier wellness destinations as heritage French beauty brand Guerlain has launched its first spa in the United Kingdom within the historic building. “This has never before been opened to the public, so I think there are going to be many goosebump moments,” said Ms Ho.
Raffles Jeddah, 2024
Raffles Jeddah in Saudi Arabia is set to open in 2024. It will feature 182 guestrooms and 120 branded residences, a library, a penthouse-level entertainment suite, a 1,200-square-metre spa, and a fitness club. The property will include event and meeting facilities, a ballroom, six restaurants and lounges.
Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa, 2024
The original Raffles Hotel was conceived as a beachfront property, and the new Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa takes inspiration from the initial Singapore development. Located on Sentosa Island and scheduled to open in 2024, this property will feature 62 villas with a private pool and terrace. A bar, world-class restaurants, a well-appointed fitness centre, a multi-purpose celebrations room, state-of-the-art meeting spaces and a grand ballroom that can host up to 400 people are also planned for the resort.
Raffles Riyadh, 2027
Accor has partnered with Erth Real Estate Company to open three new hotels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of a new development project, which includes a 230-room Raffles set to open by 2027.
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.