With debuts planned for the North America and Britain next year and a doubling of its portfolio in the pipeline, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the famed luxury brand founded in Singapore in 1887 and which introduced private butlers and the Singapore Sling, is set to embark on a “new era.”

2022 will see two “watershed” moments for the brand, with Raffles making its debut in the US and UK. Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences is located in the heart of Back Bay, Boston’s most prestigious neighbourhood, and comprises a distinctive hotel as well as exquisitely appointed residences. Meanwhile, Raffles London at The OWO and The OWO Residences by Raffles will be located within the iconic Grade II listed Old War Office building, an architectural masterpiece originally completed in 1906.

The brand is also set to debut flagship locations in Macau later this year, while Doha and Jeddah will come onstream in 2022, as well as Moscow and others in 2023 and beyond.

This year a second hotel in Dubai (The Palm), along with Bahrain and Udaipur, India, began flying the Raffles flag.

“Raffles approaches every endeavour with the utmost thought, care and discernment; our global expansion is no exception,” says Raffles CEO Stephen Alden. “With our pioneering spirit, we have sought out locations where we can really bring Raffles’ gracious welcome and tradition of excellence to life. Each new Raffles property is a destination in itself, and we are creating places where people want to be, in tune with our well-travelled guests’ contemporary lifestyles.”

Among the openings:

2021

Raffles the Palm, Dubai: Raffles the Palm Dubai is set to open its doors before the end of the year. This will be the first Raffles resort on the Palm Jumeirah – the world’s largest man-made island and archipelago. Raffles the Palm Dubai, located across 100,000 sq. m. of landscape on the West Crescent, will feature 389 rooms, suites, and villas, each with a balcony and sea-view terrace, and offer eight bar and restaurant concepts.

Raffles Al Areen Palace, Bahrain: A serene sanctuary known as ‘the island of a million palm trees,’ Raffles Al Areen Palace is located near the island’s protected wildlife park and reserve – home to a wide range of exotic animals and desert plants. With 78 opulent pool villas, one of the largest spas in the region and a wealth of tailor-made and signature Raffles experiences, this palatial property is set to redefine luxury hospitality in Bahrain. Honouring the Raffles heritage, the property will play its part as a cultural hotspot. A collection of one- and two-bedroom villas will feature living and dining areas, an intimate office, and expansive master bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Lush Raffles Al Areen will feature an enchanting secret garden under the care of the hotel’s dedicated palace botanist.

Raffles Udaipur, India: Located on an 8.5-hectare private island in Udai Sagar Lake, the palatial Raffles Udaipur opened in August. Surrounded by spectacular hills and a view of the 400-year-old temple in the background, the property has 101 rooms, each with a private pool. The hotel provides a rare and authentic experience of one of India’s most scenic destinations.

2022 & beyond

Raffles at Galaxy Macau: Raffles at Galaxy Macau will be situated within a stunning architectural landmark featuring a glass airbridge that connects the two towers on every floor. Each of the 450 suites draws inspiration from a modern palazzo, with curated artworks and some featuring private pools and gardens. The resort will add to Galaxy Macau, a world-class luxury integrated resort that offers an array of bespoke leisure activities, on-site entertainment and a specialty restaurant helmed by a multi-Michelin-starred Japanese chef.

Raffles London at The OWO, UK: Set in one of the most glamorous and legendary locations in London, Raffles London at The OWO will be the capital’s first Raffles property – The Old War Office, a storied building that served as Winston Churchill’s base during the Second World War and was the birthplace of Ian Fleming’s James Bond. Many original architectural details have been preserved while also allowing room for updated design elements. Comprised of 125 rooms and suites, 85 residences, a collection of nine restaurants and bars and an immersive spa, the hotel and residences are set to be completed in 2022 and will open to the public for the first time in more than a century.

Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences, US: Raffles Boston will be the brand’s first mixed-use North American venture, featuring both a hotel and private residences. Located in Boston’s Back Bay neighbourhood, just a block away from Copley Square, the 35-storey building will be a new landmark in Boston’s skyline, with 146 residences, 147 guest rooms, and six restaurant and bar venues, including a sky bar and speakeasy. The property will feature state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. The striking three-story sky lobby, the first of its kind in Boston, will be the centrepiece of the property, complete with a grand staircase spanning the 17th, 18th, and 19th floors.

Raffles Doha, Qatar: A cultural tribute to Qatar’s heritage, the Iconic Towers in Lusail, a representation of Qatar’s national seal, will be home to the new Raffles Doha. A lavishly impressive property with 132 sophisticated suites and 49 branded apartments, the luxurious combo hotel will feature state-of-the-art entertainment and recreational facilities, boutique shopping, movie theatres, restaurants, and a cigar lounge, as well as a variety of meeting spaces.

Raffles Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Inspired by the history of Saudi Arabia and Jeddah’s old town architecture, Raffles Jeddah will have 181 guestrooms – including a spectacular wedding suite and penthouse suite with in-room entertainment – and 188 branded residences. Alongside six restaurants and lounges, there will be an extensive library, a 1,200 sq. m spa with eight treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness club.

Raffles Moscow, Russia: The new flagship Raffles Moscow, located next to the Kremlin in the heart of Moscow, is expected to open in 2023 – becoming the first Raffles hotel in Russia. The landmark hotel will offer 153 exquisite rooms across nine floors with views overlooking the Kremlin and Red Square. These will include 20 two-bedroom suites, 19 junior suites and two presidential suites with private terraces. Each guestroom has breath-taking views of the city, with a select few offering access to the hotel’s courtyard terrace.

Raffles is part of Accor hospitality group, which consists of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.