Austin finally has a 1 Hotel — and it's set a seriously dramatic backdrop. The sustainability-minded, plant-filled brand from Starwood's revived portfolio has opened inside the tallest tower in Texas, in the heart of the Rainey Street District. Expect 252 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool with sweeping views, a Bamford Wellness Spa, a wine bar and a restaurant from James Beard-nominated chef Johnny Curiel. Cash rates start around $372 a night, though most dates hover closer to $600, so this one skews towards a special-occasion stay rather than a budget city break.
Beach lovers have a fresh option too. Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana has opened its doors in the Dominican Republic, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in a remodeled former property not far from Punta Cana airport. The brand leans hard into a social, experience-driven vibe aimed at 'digital nomads and social explorers': 467 rooms, five restaurants, seven bars and lounges pouring top-shelf drinks, a wellness cafe, plus everything from DJ sets to creative workshops and spa rituals. Rates start near $390 per night for two, and World of Hyatt members can book award nights from 20,000 to 40,000 points — solid value if you're sitting on a points balance.
Greece fans, take note: Santorini Sky, a luxury resort perched at the highest point on the island, is now bookable through Hilton via the Small Luxury Hotels partnership. It's one of the few Santorini properties open year-round, with contemporary rooms featuring big outdoor terraces, private heated pools and Jacuzzis. Meals at the Sky Lounge look out over the Aegean, and the concierge can line up wine tours and spa outings. Cash rates start at $168 a night, or 51,000 Hilton Honors points — a genuinely appealing points redemption for a bucket-list island.
There's more across the Caribbean and beyond. In Aruba, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort has added the Kundalini Spa, complete with massages, facials, a full beauty salon and even kids' spa treatments that apparently involve chocolate. And Aman has revealed the name of its first Maldives resort: Amanolu, opening in 2028 on Vaavu Atoll with 52 rooms plus 16 branded residences, an 82-foot pool and an Aman Spa. The name blends 'Aman' (Sanskrit for peace) with 'Olu', inspired by the water lily.
Why does this matter for travellers? It's a good week for choice. City breakers get a design-forward new anchor in Austin; couples and remote workers get a lively adults-only all-inclusive in Punta Cana with bookable points rates; and Hilton points holders gain a surprisingly affordable route into Santorini luxury. If you've been hoarding Honors or Hyatt points, this batch of openings — especially Santorini Sky — is worth a fresh look before peak-season pricing kicks in.
