Hotel Missoni, 1 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1AD. Rates not set

The Yamu, Phuket, Thailand
This new hotel is not just being built - it is being “sculpted”. The Yamu is the idea of Adrian Zecha, the man behind Aman resorts, who has teamed up with Jean-Michel Gathy, the “visionary architect” (so says the website), and the “legendary” Philippe Starck. The trio claim to be “three of the greatest minds in hospitality, architecture and design”. So it ought to be pretty good when it opens in November on Phang Nga Bay.

The Yamu, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. Rates not set

Le Gray, Beirut
Lebanon's capital city may be an unusual choice for Gordon Campbell Gray's latest hotel. Campbell Gray, who made his name with London's One Aldwych and Carlisle Bay in Antigua, has almost completed Le Gray, an 80-room boutique property with a rooftop pool. Rooms are minimalist with high-quality furnishings and modern art. Beirut's souks are within a short walk. If Lebanon seems an odd location, the next is even odder: the Falkland Islands.

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Le Gray, 266 Zahr Plaza, Sami el Sohl Avenue, Beirut. Rates not set

Sassi di Matera Albergo Diffuso, Basilicata, Italy
When it comes to hotel claims, it doesn't get much better than this: “The exceptional Sassi di Matera Albergo Diffuso is the world's only boutique hotel experience to offer natural extravagance within prehistoric caves. The caves in Matera have been used as dwellings for centuries, but while conditions in the caves 2,000 years ago were basic, now the 18 hotel caves have flat-screen TVs, iPods, stylish lights and free-standing bathtubs.

Sassi di Matera Albergo Diffuso, Matera, Italy. Rooms not set

The Armani Hotel, Dubai
On completion early next year the Burj Dubai tower will be the tallest building in the world, with its antenna peaking at 818m (2,684ft). Fortunately for vertigo sufferers, the hotel will not be at the top. Instead it is over the first 37 floors with 180 bedrooms - all designed by Georgio Armani. There will be a spa, two gourmet restaurants and a nightclub.

The Armani Hotel, Burj Tower, Dubai. Rates not set

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
Rocco Forte is known for his urban hotels, but this May he will make his first foray into a beach resort with three golf courses and a spa. The 230ha estate is close to Agrigento and has an infinity pool, a private beach, tennis courts, a Turkish bath, six restaurants and a pizzeria. Another Forte hotel is due to open in Prague this year.

Verdura, Agrigento, Sicily. Rates not set

Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast
This Belfast boutique hotel opens next to the Grand Opera House in March. Decor is smart and stylish with lime-green bedcovers, designer sofas and modern art. All 130 rooms have flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations. The website says that there will be “warm American walnut walkways” throughout. Guests may also want to pop round the corner to the famous Crown Liquor Saloon.

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