Travellers are increasingly looking for more than just a beautiful room and great service. Now, travel magazine Afar has revealed its list of the 40 best new and revamped hotels around the world, highlighting properties that capture the spirit of their destinations.
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Of the 40 selected, 11 are in Europe - ranging from restored landmarks to stylish new openings in places that have long flown under the radar.
Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection, Florence
Housed in a group of 16th-century buildings which once contained a school, this spot just outside Florence offers the best of city life and that of surrounding Tuscany.
Offering views of the iconic Duomo and the nearby countryside, it has 83 rooms and suites boasting original architectural details, as well as a spa, a lap pool and a cocktail bar situated in the former school principal’s office.
The Carlton, Milan
Following a five-year restoration, the Carlton is back in its place as one of the most luxurious hotels in Milan.
Rocco Forte Hotels has updated the 1960s building, paying tribute to some of Milan’s most iconic designers, including Gio Ponti, who was born and died in the city.
Effortlessly stylish throughout, expect interior design by Philip Vergeylen and Paolo Moschino, alongside Rocco Forte Hotels’ creative director, Olga Polizzi.
Chesa Marchetta, Sils Maria, Switzerland
In the heart of Switzerland’s Engadin Valley, you’ll find Chesa Marchetta, a rustic hub which celebrates its Alpine location.
Set in a 16th-century farmhouse, it’s the latest project from Artfarm, a hospitality company founded by gallerists Iwan and Manuela Wirth.
Each of the 13 bedrooms is furnished with traditional local furniture and artwork, and its restaurant prides itself on using seasonal ingredients and flavours inspired by Italian and Swiss cuisine.
Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard, Bucharest
Originally opened in 1867, this Belle Époque landmark once hosted royalty and some of Bucharest’s most glamorous social occasions.
Following an extensive restoration, the historic building has reopened as the 30-suite Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest, combining period elegance with modern luxury.
Its central location puts guests within easy reach of the old town, grand architecture and the independent bars and restaurants helping shape the Romanian capital’s growing reputation as a city break destination.
The Florentin, Frankfurt
Set inside a grand former banking mansion in Frankfurt’s Sachsenhausen district, The Florentin is bringing a fresh sense of style to a city often associated with business travel.
Dating back to 1901, the historic building has been transformed into an elegant retreat with warm interiors and one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, Dune.
Its arrival comes as Frankfurt seeks to establish itself as a cultural and design destination ahead of its year as World Design Capital 2026.
Fowlescombe Farm, South Devon, England
On a 450-acre estate on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Fowlescombe Farm offers a slower pace of life in the Devon countryside.
Its 10 suites are spread across converted barns and outbuildings, with interiors inspired by the surrounding landscape and many details sourced directly from the estate itself.
Guests can spend their days exploring Dartmoor, joining yoga sessions in the greenhouse or enjoying seasonal dishes made with ingredients grown on the farm.
Les Bassans, Perros-Guirec, France
Why we chose it: For revealing a different side of the French coast, far from the familiar Mediterranean
Perched on Brittany’s Pink Granite Coast, Les Bassans occupies a charming 1920s villa overlooking the sea.
The intimate hotel, the first Fontenille Collection property in the region, offers visitors a chance to discover one of France’s lesser-known coastal regions, where dramatic rock formations, seabirds and scenic walking trails take centre stage.
With stylish interiors and uninterrupted sea views from every room, it provides a very different experience from the bustle of the Mediterranean.
The Newman, London
In London's often-overlooked Fitzrovia neighbourhood, The Newman celebrates the area's independent spirit and creative history.
Art Deco-inspired interiors and photographs of local residents give the hotel a distinctly neighbourhood feel, while its elegant, 1930s-inspired Gambit Bar is designed to attract Londoners as much as overnight guests.
Some of the capital's best bakeries, cafés and restaurants are all just a short stroll away.
Orient Express La Minerva, Rome
Just steps from the Pantheon, Orient Express La Minerva marks the return of one of travel’s most famous names.
Housed in a former noble residence, the hotel combines Roman grandeur with Italian furnishings and references to the legendary train service that inspired it, think wood walls and trunk-inspired bedside tables.
Reopened after a four-year restoration, guests can enjoy sweeping views across the Eternal City from the rooftop restaurant, which has quickly become one of Rome’s most sought-after dining spots.
Sibbjäns, Gotland, Sweden
On the Swedish island of Gotland, Sibbjäns blends countryside hospitality with thoughtful Scandinavian design.
Created around a working farm, the retreat pairs cosy barn-style interiors with a strong focus on sustainability, from water-saving technology to ingredients produced on-site.
Vintage furnishings and carefully chosen details give the property a relaxed and distinctly Nordic feel.
Tella Thera, Crete, Greece
Overlooking the turquoise waters of Kissamos Bay, Tella Thera is designed to make the most of Crete’s spectacular setting.
The 21-room retreat features suites built into the hillside and surrounded by native plants, creating a sense of peace and privacy.
From spa treatments inspired by local olive oil to excursions to Balos Lagoon, renowned for its bright blue waters, the experience is firmly rooted in the island and its traditions.
Be sure to check out the boutique hotel’s zero-waste restaurant, Anemoia, which uses seasonal Cretan ingredients.