Did someone say makeover? As the year marches on, various properties around the globe are flaunting a swanky new look. From updated guest rooms and accommodations to revamped shared spaces and eateries, check out these recently reimagined hotels and resorts in some of vacationers’ favorite destinations. And, as a special treat, we’ve even included a newly opened U.S. property travelers won’t want to miss.
Atlantis Paradise Island
Following a $150 million resort-wide transformation, Atlantis Paradise Island is flaunting updates to its casino, guests rooms, restaurants and lounges. Designed to reflect the brand’s ethos with custom fixtures and furnishings inspired by the ocean and ecosystems throughout the Bahamas, guests can look forward to revamped guest rooms at The Royal, Atlantis’ iconic towers; a totally remodeled Atlantis Casino; and the addition of Paranza, a new restaurant at The Cove helmed by Michelin-starred chef Michael White. And that’s not all, popular brands and restaurants including Bar Sol, Cleito’s private gaming, Silan, Perch, Shake Shack, FIELDTRIP, Cartier and Thistle now call the property home, and Christian Louboutin and Paradise Links mini-golf course are expected to join the ranks soon.
“Atlantis continuously elevates the guest experience, and recent developments at The Royal, Paranza and the Atlantis Casino provide guests with upgraded, modern touches while retaining the resort’s integral identity that visitors know and love,” said Audrey Oswell, president and managing director of Atlantis in a July 2024 statement. “Atlantis’ experiential-driven programming allows our guests and visitors to create lifelong memories while visiting the resort and the Bahamas. The new designs throughout Atlantis demonstrate our commitment to providing an unsurpassed vacation experience.”
Hyatt Regency Greenwich
In partnership with Trinity Investments, Hyatt Regency Greenwich is about to close a chapter on a multi-year, ~$40 million, top-to-bottom renovation. Expected to wrap up in November 2024, the project included changes to the property’s pool and fitness center, a new atrium event space, the introduction of new eateries and a complete remodel of the 374 existing guest rooms and suites. According to Hyatt, the expansive transformation aimed to add ‘a modern touch to the historic campus’ which acted as home to Condé Nast Publishing’s printing operation in the 1920s.
“Hyatt Regency Greenwich is a remarkable hotel with a rich past and bright future, and we are excited to showcase this through our thoughtful redesigns throughout the property,” said Sherry Hicks-Buckles, general manager of Hyatt Regency Greenwich in a statement. “Our team has been working diligently on the renovations to ensure the rooms and common spaces are visually brilliant while maximizing the guest experience, making every stay seamless and infusing the spirit of Old Greenwich.”
Peter Island Resort
Following an extensive, six-year remodel, Peter Island Resort plans to officially reopen its doors in December 2024. Expected to be better than ever, visitors can look forward to big changes across the property’s accommodations and state-of-the-art facilities — including revamped meeting spaces, an oceanfront conference center and perfectly manicured event lawns. What hasn’t changed is the intimate vibe the property emits, and travelers will find the 52 total rooms, suites and villas a dreamy escape with their stylish décor and breathtaking views, especially those who stay in Falcon’s Nest, the hotel’s over-the-top luxury villa with 360-degree views of the Virgin Islands. As far as food goes, the property features two onsite restaurants — The Drake Steakhouse and the Drunken Pelican — and offers a variety of beers, wines and spirits alongside specialty cocktails.
“After over six years, we are excited to raise the curtain on Peter Island Resort’s transformation to a new level of luxury,” said David Van Andel, president of Peter Island Resort in a statement. “Our evolved and re-imagined private island hideaway will welcome guests with the same warm, Caribbean hospitality, casual elegance and natural tropical wonders that have captivated visitors for decades. For generations we have been honored stewards of Peter Island and we look forward to sharing our revitalized Caribbean treasure once again in 2024.”
Riu Palace Bavaro
In a historic move for RIU Hotels & Resorts, Riu Palace Bavaro recently absorbed the former site of Riu Naiboa — which was demolished earlier this year — to accommodate more square-footage for its innovative gastronomic and entertainment areas. Now, the property is home to 994 hotel rooms, 32 bars and restaurants — including a massive food court serving up pizza, poke, fried chicken, a taqueria, ice cream and more — an exclusive kids’ area and a select Elite Club zone.
“This extraordinary refurbishment, with all of its innovations, has allowed RIU Hotels to enhance its options in the Dominican Republic, increasing the quality of its products and services,” said RIU in a statement. “The opening of the Riu Republica in 2016 and its subsequent extension at the end of 2017 was followed by the refurbishment of the Riu Bambu in 2017, the overhaul of the Riu Palace Punta Cana in 2018 and the recent refurbishment of the Riu Palace Macao at the end of 2023. RIU now has, therefore, a completely new set of hotel options in Punta Cana with a total of 4,528 rooms across its five properties.”
Riu Plaza Chicago
Representing RIU Hotels & Resorts’ fifth urban hotel in the United States, and the 11th worldwide, Riu Plaza Chicago is a new, four-star establishment with 390 guest rooms, modern facilities and 28 stories to explore. Situated in the heart of The Windy City, Riu Plaza Chicago is just footsteps from the Magnificent Mile, offering guests no shortage of shopping, fun and entertainment to enjoy during their stay.
Inside, beautiful accommodations inspired by the Chicago School architectural style invite guests to make themselves at home while a fully equipped gym, restaurant and lobby bar support the initiative. Those looking for a unique place to grab a drink won’t want to miss The Rooftop, Riu Plaza Chicago’s 27th-floor watering hole with a stunning glass floor balcony. Meanwhile, those in search of a quick bite to eat can take advantage of a full buffet breakfast included in the room rate in addition to Grab&Go service in the hotel lobby with snacks, coffee and assorted beverages.
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