Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced it has signed The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa in Qatar. The planned opening of the 372 room Westin Doha Hotel & Spa in 2015 marks the growth of the Westin brand in the Middle East, with two properties in the UAE already, there are four further hotels planned in the region.

In keeping with its aggressive expansion plan, leading Asian hospitality group Dusit International ushers in the New Year with the announcement of a new resort to its growing dusitD2 brand, the dusitD2 Phuket Resort in Thailand. Located only one block from the island’s popular Patong Beach and within walking distance from the Jungceylon shopping and leisure complex, the vibrant dusitD2 Phuket Resort aims to become a destination in its own right, boasting 390 stylish guest rooms and suites and an array of iconic lifestyle and entertainment outlets including a Hard Rock Café.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has opened its fifth property in Abu Dhabi – Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort – offering an unrivalled blend of rustic luxury, natural tranquillity and breathtaking wildlife encounters. Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort joins Anantara’s two existing properties on the ruggedly beautiful Sir Bani Yas Island – Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara overlooking the glittering Arabian Gulf, and Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort on the island’s eastern shore, culminating in a trio of unique resorts that reveal all of the desert island’s intriguing natural contrasts.

As we kick-off the New Year Design Hotels™ welcomes nine new member hotel into the fold. These properties epitomize the ethos and values that Design Hotels™ hold dear – from sustainable smart architecture, the regeneration of treasured buildings to effortless living paired with mindful design. The new additions reach across three continents and introduce new destinations from the tranquil setting of Belize to the picturesque island of Sicily and the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia.

The luxurious 289-room Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa is set to open its doors on April 17th, 2014, set in the administrative capital of Tibet, circled by the Himalayan Mountains. Among the hotel’s contemporary guestrooms are ten long stay apartments.

Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa has received rave review since it opened its doors at the event in December last year. The world class resort, which boasts 225 rooms and opulent suites, has taken the Luxury Included concept to higher levels of sophistication.