23 amazing hotels that opened in 2014

If you needed a reason to travel, some of the new landmark arrivals on the world's hospitality landscape are worthy destinations.

Here are 23 of the hottest places to open (or re-open following extensive renovations) in 2014.

Hacienda Na Xamena (Ibiza, Spain)

Draped over the side of a 180-meter cliff overlooking the glorious Mediterranean, the island's oldest luxury hotel re-opened this year following one of the biggest revamps in its 40-plus-year history.

The boho-chic resort has come a long way since its rustic beginnings with no running water or electricity, but retains a back-to-nature appeal despite being just 20 minutes from Ibiza's famed club scene.

Outdoor cascading seawater lagoons offer relief from dance-floor stomping or island hiking.

Hacienda Na Xamena, Urbanizacion Na Xamena, San Miguel, Ibiza, Islas Baleares, Spain; +34 971 33 45 00

Iniala Beach House (Phang Nga, Thailand)

Iniala's 10 rooms are housed in three beachfront villas and one penthouse suite (with more planned).

The latter was, of course, where Mrs. Kim West slept when the Kardashians dropped by for a beach break.

"Eclectic" is an overwhelming understatement here, with 10 designers given free rein over the hotel's varied spaces.

What this translates into is a collectable $20,000 Joseph Walsh canopy bed here, a private spa room housed in a gold leaf-covered dome there, plus a fully themed "kids" hotel" wing complete with mini-bathrobes and slippers.

Iniala Beach House, 40/14 Moo 6 Baan Natai, T. Khokkloi A. Takuathung, Phang-Nga, Thailand; +66 (0) 76 451 456

Soho House Chicago

The fourth U.S. outpost of the London-based members club is easily as cool as the creative and media types its aimed at.

Housed in a historic industrial building, the hotel features throwback furnishings including vintage radiators and antique chandeliers.

There's a rooftop pool and bar, a private screening room, plus a spa offering scotch 'n' shave for gents, which wouldn't look out of place in an episode of "Mad Men."

Commoners (i.e. neither guests nor members) can only access two restaurants, a lounge and the spa.

Soho House Chicago, 113-125 N. Green St., Chicago; +1 312 521 8000

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard (London)

A number of notable new hotels popped up in London this year, but the one that literally towers above the competition has to be Shangri-La's debut hotel in the UK.

Spread through the 34th to 52nd floors of the tallest building in western Europe, guests are treated to an eagle's eye view of the city's iconic landmarks, including St. Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge.

Naturally, the hotel also has the highest bar in London on the top floor, which spills over to the poolside lounge area from 9 p.m. onward.

Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, 31 St. Thomas St., London; +44 20 7234 8000

The Brando (Tetiaroa, French Polynesia)

Tahitian and silver screen royalty have already been here, but now it's your chance to call this private atoll home while staying in one of its 35 beachfront villas.

Marlon, The Brando's former eponymous owner and resident, was big on conservation and sustainability, so the all-inclusive resort pays respect with renewable energy sources, an organic garden and an on-site "ecostation" staffed by resident research scientists.

The Brando, Tetiaroa Private Island, Arue Tahiti, French Polynesia; +689 40 866 366

Alila Jabal Akhdar (Oman)

Oman might not have the global hospitality presence of its neighbor, the UAE, but with the newly opened Alila, you don't have to look much further.

The eco-friendly resort is perched on the edge of a cliff 2,000 meters above sea level -- needless to say, the sweeping panoramas across the dramatic gorge and neighboring Al Hajar mountains are stunning.

For those who prefer to spend most of their time outdoors with the view instead of staring at it from the stylish interiors, the Jabal Terrace is worth booking.

Alila Jabal Akhdar, Plot No.4 Al Roose, Jabal Al Akhdar, Nizwa, Sultanate Of Oman; +968 2534 4200

(CNN)