A literary hideout on a Portuguese volcanic island, a safari camp with the Great Migration at its doorstep, and not one but two Four Seasons resorts on Saudi Arabia's rising Red Sea coast — the current crop of hotel openings is unusually interesting. Here's what's new and who each one suits.

Faial, one of the most characterful islands in the Azores, finally has a five-star property. The Book Hotel occupies a historic building that has previously served as an archive, school and library, and it leans into that past with concerts, poetry nights and literary events. Expect light-filled rooms framed by original sash windows. Timing is good: the archipelago marks its 600th anniversary in 2027, with festivals planned across the islands, though celebrations are already under way. From the hotel you can get out for whale watching, sailing, diving and hikes across volcanic terrain.

In Austria, Das Edelweiss in Grossarl isn't new, but a first in its 40-year history is: it now takes bookings year-round. The family-run resort sits high in the Alps, and its €80 million refurbishment brought a seriously impressive wellness area. Summer is the draw here — guided hikes and e-biking in the Grossarl Valley make it a smart swap for an overheated beach break.

Tanzania's Wild Wakati Camp takes a deliberately quiet approach in the Serengeti. It sits far from other lodges, with hand-stitched tents and furniture made by artisans in Arusha, and its guides steer clear of the busy circuits in favour of intimate wildlife sightings. The Great Migration passes close by, so the location does a lot of the work.

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea giga-projects keep adding luxury names. The Four Seasons on Shura Island runs on renewable energy backed by one of the world's largest off-grid battery systems, sits on the island's longest beach, and offers conservation activities including coral and mangrove restoration. Further along the coast, Four Seasons AMAALA at Triple Bay is positioned as a wellness benchmark, with a 2,095-square-metre spa centre and a marine institute, Corallium, where guests can volunteer.

In Europe, Ghent gains 1898 Porter's House, a small boutique retreat above the Graslei quay from the team behind 1898 The Post. Designer Geraldine Dohogne handled the interiors, and the location puts you steps from Ghent's medieval centre and street-art scene. And in Japan, KAI Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture connects to the famous hot-spring town via a private tunnel. Guests get high-acidity onsen baths, 'Silk Art Rooms' celebrating local weaving, kaiseki dinners of local Joshu cuisine, and excellent soba at the in-house Soba Kappo SAI.

Why it matters: each of these fills a genuine gap — Faial had no five-star option at all, and the Serengeti camp answers demand for lower-impact safaris. If you like being early on a destination, book before the 2027 Azores anniversary crowds arrive.