Check Into the Most Dazzling New Hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Whether you yearn to see the best of Athens from a ritzy room with Acropolis views, or crave a laid-back vacation lazing on pristine beaches in a chic Indian Ocean retreat, these seven exciting new hotels are sure to hit the spot.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

The Middle Eastern Gem with Breathtaking Persian Gulf Views

A spectacular, 31-story, glass-walled hotel with jaw-dropping views reaching from glitzy Jumeirah Beach all the way to Ain Dubai (the world’s highest observation wheel), W Dubai – Mina Seyahi‘s gilded interiors are inspired by Middle Eastern gold souks and serve as a glamorous ode to the city’s fabled past.

With a state-of-the-art spa, glittering infinity pool and string of fine dining restaurants, there are plenty of modern comforts here, too.

The Chic Greek Haven with Acropolis Views

In the heart of Greece’s Parthenon-topped capital and within easy reach of the city’s ritzy Riviera beaches, the funky Moxy Athens City has sleek and sexy rooms and suites, many with Acropolis views.

Along with high-tech fixtures and fittings, cool features at this hip Greek hideaway include a rooftop spaces where you can sip signature cocktails and gaze out over the ancient lace-white columns of this glitzy city’s famed citadel.

The Indian Ocean Paradise on the Peninsula

A luxurious cluster of light-filled studios and apartments equipped with in-room kitchens and spacious spa-style bathrooms, Element Dar es Salaam is the perfect base for a stylish stay in this vibrant Tanzanian city.

Whether you snack on meze tidbits at the hotel’s Olive & Thyme restaurant, play a few rounds at the Harold Swan–designed 18 hole Lugalo Golf Club, or just chill on the talc-soft sands of Coco Beach, this is your paradise on the peninsula.

The Iconic Lifestyle Sanctuary in the Qatari Capital

A diamond in the glittering crown of future waterside city Lusail, the neoclassical Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa has direct access to the glitzy stores and fine dining of Parisian-inspired luxury complex Place Vendôme Qatar.

Other highlights in this plush property include Michelin-starred chef David Myers’ Italian restaurant, ADRIFT Anda; Qatari food-whiz Aziz Al Qubaisi’s Franco-Arab Loleya Patisserie; and the light-filled Explore Spa, where pampering treatments await.

The Turkish Delight

As the first of the Marriott Hotels brand in Izmir, the Izmir Marriott Hotel offers guests the perfect base from which to explore this ancient Turkish city.

Its central location overlooking the Aegean coast means that in addition to unobstructed sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the chic rooms and suites, you also have easy access to some of Izmir’s best sights, including the ruins of the agora, a Roman marketplace dating back to the fourth century.

After exploring Izmir’s bustling seaside attractions, book a rejuvenating spa treatment at Quan Spa and de-stress in the traditional hammam. Finish off the night with panoramic views of the Gulf of Izmir with a craft cocktail in hand at Pagos, the hotel’s stylish rooftop bar.

The Wine Lovers Paradise in Bordeaux

Standing tall above the mighty Garonne River, the Renaissance Bordeaux Hotel is housed in a towerlike building that was once an oil factory and has panoramic views over the city’s lively harbor and trendsetting Wet Docks quarter — home to the Cité du Vin wine heritage center.

Combining industrial-chic architecture with opulent interiors across 149 rooms, this striking hotel has an elegant ninth-floor pool and a rooftop restaurant serving succulent Italian fare.

The Romantic Spa Retreat Overlooking the Thames

Overlooking the storied Thames River, The Westin London City is a sleek retreat within easy strolling distance of Picassos, Warhols and other world-class art at the Tate Modern.

Sleep deep in river-view rooms and suites equipped with Westin’ signature Heavenly Bed or indulge in luxurious treatments in the hotel’s gleaming copper-ceilinged spa featuring products by Germaine de Capuccini, Aromatherapy Associates and Philosophia Botanica. Then marvel at the city’s glittering panorama from the rooftop Hithe + Seek wine bar.