Courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection – The Dunlin resort sits along South Carolina’s Kiawah River.
The United States is experiencing a renaissance of luxury hospitality, with 2024‑2025 bringing a wave of new properties that are as design‑forward as they are destination‑driven. For time‑starved families and travelers who value authenticity and ease, these openings provide fresh reasons to plan a high‑end getaway close to home. From Lowcountry riverbanks to snow‑dusted mountain valleys and art‑rich urban neighborhoods, here are a few standout hotels that recently debuted or will open this year.
Lowcountry Luxury: The Dunlin, Johns Island, South Carolina
Nestled on Johns Island about 20 miles from Charleston, The Dunlin is Auberge Resorts Collection’s first South Carolina hotel and a love letter to the Lowcountry. The 72 guest rooms and suites are scattered across buildings that resemble historic Southern homes, many with river and marsh views. Designer Amanda Lindroth pairs wicker, pastels and gingham with the region’s natural beauty to create nostalgic interiors. Aster Spa anchors the wellness offering, while a pool lined with 1950s‑style umbrellas and three restaurants invite guests to linger. Experiences such as sunset porch cocktails, caviar‑topped fried oysters at Linnette’s restaurant and boat excursions on the Kiawah River showcase the area’s laid‑back charm. Rates for this riverside retreat start around $749 a night.
Ski‑In, Ski‑Out: Grand Hyatt Deer Valley, Utah
Utah’s Deer Valley East Village is billed as the first new ski area to open in North America since 1981, and its centerpiece is the 436‑room Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. The stone‑and‑glass fortress anchors the new base village, which will eventually offer 4,100 acres of skiable terrain, 130 trails and a village of shops, restaurants and spas. Inside, a soaring two‑story lobby leads to a wall of glass framing the Jordanelle Reservoir and the snow‑capped Wasatch Mountains. Families lounge on plush sofas with artisanal hot chocolate, teenagers sprint to the heated outdoor pool and SUVs unload skiers throughout the day. While there are a few opening kinks, guests seem thrilled to be among the first to carve fresh tracks at this alpine newcomer. Expect rates around $799 a night.
Artful Urban Escape: Hotel Saint Augustine, Houston
In January Bunkhouse Hotels opened the 71‑room Hotel Saint Augustine in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. The property sits next to the Menil Collection and weaves local references throughout: the restaurant Perseid nods to the city’s stargazing heritage and cocktails like the Noble Night Heron (named for Houston’s official bird) highlight local trivia. Even the hotel’s name honors Augustus Chapman, a founder of Houston. Rates start around $429, and once Bunkhouse is integrated into World of Hyatt, loyalty members will be able to earn and redeem points on stays.
Palm Beach Flair: Palm House, Palm Beach, Florida
The first U.S. property from Iconic Luxury Hotels, Palm House brings a whimsical touch to Palm Beach’s historic core. The 1960s Mediterranean‑Revival building has been reimagined with Murano‑glass chandeliers, shell and coral murals, pink marble and plush ruby seating—designers call the style ‘The Little Mermaid’ meets ‘Alice in Wonderland’. The restaurant serves Japanese sushi alongside Peruvian ceviche and overlooks a turquoise‑tiled pool deck lined with pink‑and‑white striped daybeds. A beach concierge arranges umbrellas and chairs at nearby Midtown Beach, but many guests prefer to linger at the palm‑fringed pool. Doubles start around $499.
Whether you prefer the salt‑marsh serenity of South Carolina’s Sea Islands, powdery ski slopes in Utah, art‑filled city breaks or pastel‑tinged pool decks in Palm Beach, these new hotels underscore how U.S. luxury travel is evolving. Each opening blends thoughtful design with a sense of place, giving affluent couples and families fresh inspiration for their next getaway.
