The sheer range of destinations leading the most anticipated new luxury hotels opening in 2026 reflects the challenge of picking only the best of the lot. Italy stands out, with important openings in Venice, Milan, Lake Como and other storied locations. In the grater Middle East, Saudi Arabia continues to expand its tourism footprint with high-profile developments along the Red Sea and in urban centres. We continue to monitor the new openings throughout the year; as new luxury hotels opening in 2026 are confirmed and more details emerge, we update it so you can plan ahead, explore emerging destinations, and discover the hotels shaping 2026’s luxury travel landscape.
*Opening dates are subject to change. Images include photos or renderings, as available at the time of publication. We may earn a commission from affiliate links in this post, at no extra cost to you.
Named for the Sanskrit words “peace” and “water,” Amanvari is Aman’s first luxury resort in Mexico. This exquisite retreat is located within the 1000-acre Costa Palmas development, on the picturesque East Cape of the Baja Peninsula. It features 20 two-level pavilions with outdoor terraces, private pools, and fantastic sea views; the leading building houses three restaurants, a library, a dedicated Aman Spa, a private beach, and a spectacular infinity pool. Amanvari shapes the experience with excellent cuisine, wellness programs led by expert instructors, activities (from snorkeling and diving to experiences with the local culture)—but most of all, by the legendary Aman service and attention to detail.
Alternatively, book Amanvari via
Classic Travel, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Aman Group
The top luxury and boutique stays
A 15th-century noble residence that once hosted the Duke of Urbino is today home to the Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli. Looking over the Grand Canal in the quiet Cannaregio district, this magnificently restored palace awes guests with its marbled facade, neo-Gothic octagonal staircase, vaulted ceilings, exquisite statues, and colorful frescos.
The 45 elegantly detailed rooms and suites overlook gardens and the canals; the hotel also has hidden rooftop terraces, permitting beautiful views over Venice’s lagoon. The highlight of the stay is fine Italian dining in the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Insider’s tip: Try a Venetian spritz at the bar.
Alternatively, book Orient Express Venezia via
Booking.com, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Orient Express
Private Bendor Island becomes a new Riviera landmark thanks to the Zannier Group. Envisioned by pastis pioneer Paul Ricard, the seven-hectare property has undergone a five-year reinvention, emerging as a refined hub for culture, wellness, and dining. The project debuts a 93-room hotel with three areas (Delos, Soukana, and Madrague), each with its own character: from 1960s Riviera glamour to family-friendly Provençal charm. The resort features eight dining venues, including the island’s signature gastronomic restaurant Le Grand Large and the lively Nonna Bazaar. Other facilities include a diving centre, beach cove, and a central 1,200 sqm wellness sanctuary featuring extensive spa, fitness, and mindfulness facilities.
Alternatively, book Zannier Île de Bendor via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Mr & Mrs Smith, or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Zannier Hotels
This new arrival from EDITION Hotels, located on the western shore of the celebrated Lake Como, is just a short drive from Milan. The Lake Como EDITION defines modern luxury through the historic charm of a 19th-century property and an experience designed to create a sophisticated lifestyle destination. The hotel features 145 thoughtfully designed guestrooms, including two bespoke penthouse suites; other highlights include a vibrant lobby bar, a one-of-a-kind floating pool, and dining venues showcasing breathtaking views of Lake Como and the Bellagio mountains.
Alternatively, book The Lake Como EDITION via
Booking.com | Tablet Hotels, or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © EDITION Hotels
“[…] Designed by renowned architect APCV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the inspiration behind the property’s design aims to go beyond enhancing to implementing a spectacular landscape for guests to enjoy.” — Rosewood AMAALA
Rosewood AMAALA introduces an “ultra-luxury, regenerative escape” to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region, between the Hijazi mountains and the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef. The resort is part of the expansive AMAALA destination within the Prince Mohammad bin Salman Nature Reserve, and it’s focused on zero-carbon operations, zero landfill waste, and renewable energy.
AMAALA emphasizes wellness, sustainability, and environmental harmony, and its design blends thoughtful architecture with natural landscapes to create a serene, restorative environment. The resort offers diverse dining options, meditation and wellness at the Asaya Spa, and, for younger visitors, the Rosewood Explorer’s Club offers curated experiences.
Alternatively, book Rosewood AMAALA via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Rosewood Hotels
The original Six Senses resorts typically would stand in remote, tropical locations. Lately, the brand has broken away from that model and expanded into city resorts. One such property is Six Senses London, located in Bayswater, in the former Whiteley’s department store, recreated as a mixed-use development by the celebrated architects Foster+Partners. The hotel features 110 guest rooms and suites, plus 14 branded residences with access to the hotel facilities. It also features a spa and wellness club, ample fitness space, and an indoor swimming pool. The hotel’s lobby features a cozy bar and lounge, an all-day dining restaurant with an open kitchen, and a courtyard seating area.
Alternatively, book Six Senses London via
Booking.com | Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith, or check Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Six Senses
Standing along the coastline of Kalo Livadi Bay, Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos features 94 elegant rooms, villas, and suites. All are designed by renowned Greek architect Nicos Valsamakis with interiors by Wimberly Interiors, and all embrace the timeless Cycladic style of whitewashed walls, picturesque courtyards, and traditional pathways. The dining options at Four Seasons Mykonos include a poolside Italian venue and a modern take on a Mykonian “kafeneio” (traditionally where men would gather to socialize). The hotel has a lovely infinity pool overlooking the Aegean, a spa with multiple treatment rooms, fitness facilities, and indoor and outdoor relaxing spaces. Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos complements the nearby Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, offering an expanded gateway to Greek luxury and culture.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos via
Booking.com, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Capella Kyoto is a luxurious hotel in the historic Miyagawa-chō district, renowned for the geiko and maiko performing arts. Designed by Kengo Kuma and Associates, this 92-room hotel reflects Kyoto’s heritage and featuring local craft and art. Its Japanese garden embodies the concept of ichigo-ichie (meaning “one life, one moment”); the Auriga Spa offers an authentic Japanese bathing experience with private ofuro rooms. Dining options include a main restaurant overlooking the garden, a dedicated Japanese restaurant, a patisserie, and a lobby bar. The design embraces a serene atmosphere.
Alternatively, book Capella Kyoto via
Booking.com | Tablet Hotels | Mr & Mrs Smith, or check Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Capella Hotels and Resorts
“With the name deriving from the Arabic word for hope and the Sanskrit word for purity, Amaala spans 1,600 square miles (4,155 square kilometers) of coastline, mountains, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs.”
— Six Senses Amaala
This year, Saudi Arabia’s developments in Amaala, on the Red Sea coast, are among the most interesting luxury destinations in the world. Six Senses resort, located within one of the most dramatic landforms along Amaala’s Triple Bay area, features 70 suites and pool suites, 30 pool villas, and 25 beachfront residences.
At the heart of the experience is a large wellness center. It focuses on a holistic approach to well-being, blending advanced therapies with traditional practices to create an immersive experience. The wellness complex features a longevity clinic, a full-service spa, and a range of personalized wellness programs tailored to individual needs. Six Senses Amaala features a range of accommodation types, including beachfront villas and residences designed with privacy and natural beauty in mind. The resort’s three family pools are woven among natural rock pools and a mangrove boardwalk. The region’s flavors and aromas can be sampled in three restaurants, a bakery, a coffee roastery, a shisha tea house, and a water bar.
Alternatively, book Six Senses Amaala via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
La Réserve enters the Florentine market with a boutique-size property of just six units in the Oltrarno district. Housed in a 15th-century palazzo on Via Santo Spirito, La Réserve Firenze operates as a serviced residence rather than a traditional hotel. It consists of one-to-three-bedroom apartments, all equipped with full kitchens to support long-stay usage. The renovation retained the building’s original ceiling frescoes, using the historic architecture to frame views of the Arno River. While the units function as private homes, the operation includes full hospitality staffing, from concierges to private chefs.
Alternatively, book La Reserve Firenze via Expedia.
Official Website. Photos © La Réserve
Greek island escape
On Crete’s remote southwestern coast, near the pink sands of Elafonisi, The Revery offers two distinct ways to experience the landscape. The Revery Wild comprises safari-inspired canvas pavilions nestled among native vegetation, while The Revery Suites are set into the cliffs above the Libyan Sea. Designed by Cretan architect Eirini Apostolaki of Archtify, with interiors by Sophia Vantaraki of ThingK, the retreat pairs natural textures with private pools or hydrotherapy pools and open sea views. At Fílema, seasonal cooking draws on Cretan ingredients and family recipes, while ROÉE Spa offers botanical treatments, a sea-facing sauna and outdoor yoga terraces. With Elafonisi nearby, the hotel makes a secluded base for exploring Crete’s wilder coastline.
Alternatively, book The Revery Crete via
Mr & Mrs Smith, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Revery
“AMAALA is creating a new category of coastal lifestyle […] designed to allow guests and residents to get back to nature, recharging their mind, body, and soul.” — John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global
The Four Seasons Resort in AMAALA is one of the most luxurious additions to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, offering stunning bay views and a focus on well-being and sustainability. The resort is anchored around a lush spa and organic garden, with state-of-the-art fitness facilities and diverse dining options. Two hundred twenty elegant suites and villas, each featuring a private pool, are accompanied by 26 exclusive residences and a 27-hole golf course in a spectacular oceanfront setting. A host of attractions and destination activities await adventure-seekers, too—from guided canyoning and hiking to discovering pristine wadis and beaches—and from mountain biking to horseback riding.
Alternatively, book The Four Seasons Resort AMAALA via
Booking.com | Tablet Hotels, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Punta Negra is surrounded by three hectares of sea-fronting cliffs and landscaped gardens on Mallorca’s picturesque Costa d’en Blanes peninsula. Thanks to its seaside location, the resort offers exclusive access to two sea coves. Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra offers various accommodation options, including 137 rooms, suites, and bungalows with sea views, some with private panoramic pools. Guests staying here benefit from three swimming pools, a spa, a restaurant with scenic views, a lounge bar, and a chill-out cocktail bar. The resort’s architecture and design were created by HKS and Estudio Lamelawhile, with Laura Gonzalez overseeing the interior design.
Alternatively, book Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra via
Mandarin Oriental | Booking.com, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Mandarin Oriental
Travel+Style's favorite places to stay in the Eternal City
JK Place expands its Roman portfolio with Casa JK Place, a residence concept located between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. The project converted an 18th-century palazzo into just 15 units, shifting away from the traditional hotel model to offer one- and two-bedroom apartments. The renovation preserved the structural heritage (specifically the original stucco work and coffered ceilings), but also incorporated modern wellness and fitness facilities into the historic context.
Casa JK Place could be described as a private home with hotel infrastructure: unlike a rental apartment, it has full hotel staffing, including a dedicated concierge and housekeeping. The street-level restaurant provides the social interface, openings the otherwise restricted property to the neighborhood.
Alternatively, book Casa J.K. Place Roma via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Casa J.K. Place Roma
Set on the southeastern coast of Milos, Eréma is a 41-suite retreat shaped by the island’s volcanic landscape. The architecture by Aristides Dallas Architects and Micromega Architecture & Strategies draws on natural stone and sculptural forms, while interiors by ID Laboratorium keep the focus on earthy textures and the surrounding Aegean. Every suite has a private pool, and the hotel’s facilities include an infinity pool, Elios Spa and Halaka restaurant.
Alternatively, book Eréma via
Design Hotels & Marriott, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Eréma
“Soak up uninterrupted views of Venice from rooms wreathed in the past and perfected by every modern luxury. […] From the ultimate romantic escape to the family holiday of a lifetime – at Airelles Venezia, all the extraordinary magic of Venice will be yours to discover.” — Airelles Venezia
Airelles Venezia is located on Venice’s Giudecca, reachable by a brief boat ride from Piazza San Marco. The new hotel occupies the former Bauer Palladio complex. Rather than overhaul the site, the project works within the existing buildings and their history. The interiors rely on local materials and older pieces such as Murano glass and Rubelli textiles, offset by modern fittings rather than heavy-handed decoration.
There are 45 rooms and suites in total, along with three places to eat, two bars, and a spa spread across several levels, with pools and a small enclosed garden. The wider estate includes a separate villa with a Presidential Suite overlooking Piazza San Marco, as well as a three-bedroom villa with its own pool. The on-site church serves as a space for weddings and private events.
Official Website. Photos © Airelles
In Agios Stefanos, away from the busiest parts of Mykonos, Omeon is a five-star, adults-only hotel with 38 rooms and suites. Designed by Greek studio Urban Soul Project, the property takes a contemporary approach to Cycladic architecture, with curved white forms, natural stone and timber, and terraces overlooking the Aegean. Some rooms have private pools or rooftop hot tubs. Ora Mare serves Mediterranean cuisine, while the spa, outdoor gym and sunset yoga offer a quieter counterpoint to the island’s nightlife.
Alternatively, book Omeon Mykonos via
Tablet Hotels, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Omeon Mykonos
Alila Mayakoba replaces the former Andaz Mayakoba on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, as Alila’s first property in Latin America and the Caribbean. The resort features 182 guest rooms (64 suites of which are suites with private pools); there is also a beach club, and the spa offers hydrotherapy areas and a temazcal, a kind of sweat lodge invented by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica. Dining centers on regional ingredients and benefits from an on-site organic garden. The hotel’s interiors draw inspiration from Mayan traditions and feature local materials for a “restrained luxury” aesthetic.
Alternatively, book Alila Mayakoba via
Booking.com, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Rendering © Hyatt Corporation
Raffles The Red Sea occupies the northwestern edge of Shura Island, part of Saudi Arabia’s new coral island development. The setting is deliberately quiet, with the resort arranged low to the land and oriented toward the water. Accommodation includes 121 rooms, 14 suites, and 33 villas, all with private terraces facing either the lagoon or the beach. Food and drink are spread across several venues, ranging from Singaporean and Eastern Mediterranean cooking to a pan-Arab Long Bar with a shisha lounge, a waterfront patisserie, and an informal grill by the pool. The hotel also has a spa and Raffles’ round-the-clock butler service, both integrated in a low-key way rather than presented as headline features.
Official Website. Renderings © Raffles Hotels & Resorts
“[…] Soori Penang is more than a luxury boutique hotel. It is a deeply personal homecoming and tribute to heritage, memory, and place.” — Soori Penang
Set within George Town’s UNESCO-listed heritage district, Soori Penang transforms historic shophouses beside the ornate Khoo Kongsi clan temple into an intimate, design-led hotel. Architect Soo K. Chan, founder of SCDA Architects, grew up in this very compound, and the project carries a personal connection to the neighbourhood. Its 15 spacious suites pair restored timber doors and traditional architectural details with granite, carved screens and tranquil reflecting pools. A discreet lounge, wine bar and library provide places to unwind, while curated local experiences introduce guests to Penang’s architecture, food and living cultural traditions.
Alternatively, book Soori Penang via
Tablet Hotels, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Soori Hotel and Resorts
Four Seasons Resort Red Sea is located on Shura Island and was designed by Foster + Partners. The property has 149 rooms and suites, all facing the water and the surrounding beaches. Facilities include six dining venues, meeting and event spaces, a marine discovery center, and a Kids For All Seasons club. The resort also offers a spa with a hammam, tennis courts, and three outdoor pools with cabanas. The resort has set aside two separate beaches, one for families, another for adults.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Resort Red Sea at Shura Island via
Booking.com, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Where to stay in Lisbon? Check out our unique collection!
Andaz Lisbon occupies a prominent position on Praça do Comércio, at the centre of the city. The hotel draws on Lisbon’s layered history, referencing Moorish influences alongside Pombaline architecture. Guest rooms and suites are designed with an emphasis on comfort and restraint. Dining spans Luzzi, the Signature Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace Lounge, and the Andaz Lounge. Additional facilities include a fitness centre and spa.
Alternatively, book Andaz Lisbon, by Hyatt via
Booking.com | Expedia, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Hyatt Corporation
Located on the breathtaking southern Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc, Park Hyatt Phu Quoc Resort evokes the charm of a Vietnamese village, with bamboo-lined paths and terraced rice fields. The hotel highlights Vietnam’s rich traditions and artisanal craftsmanship through locally sourced materials (e.g., rattan) and custom-made lacquerware. Set against the local styles are modern art and the concept of guest accommodation with a luxurious home vibe. The hotel has excellent amenities, including two dining venues, two swimming pools, a serene lakeside spa, a fully equipped gym, and an organic farm.
Official Website. Opening Q4 2026. Renderings © Hyatt Corporation
The Ilisian is positioning itself as Athens’ primary hub for luxury hospitality and social life. Anchored by the Conrad Athens, Waldorf Astoria Residences, and a private members’ club, the complex houses 280 rooms and suites overlooking the Acropolis, with residences occupying the upper floors. We love its semi-Olympic pool, rooftop garden, and 700m running track, but for many guests, the real highlight is the dining lineup. The hotel has as many as nine bars and restaurants, including the reinvented Galaxy Dispensary and Byzantino. Curated retail spaces round out the precinct.
Alternatively, book Conrad Athens The Ilisian via
Booking.com | Hilton, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Hilton
Miraval The Red Sea is a wellness-focused resort located on Shura Island along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The property is built around Miraval’s core emphasis on wellbeing, with accommodations, spa programs, and daily activities designed to encourage rest and physical balance rather than sightseeing. The resort includes 180 rooms, suites, and villas, 20 of them standalone villas. A large spa forms the center of the resort and is described as the largest of its kind in the region. Dining is organized around a main restaurant and the Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen, which follows Miraval’s established nutritional approach. Architecture by Foster + Partners responds closely to the site, using low forms and open layouts to keep buildings connected to the surrounding landscape.
Alternatively, book Miraval The Red Sea via
Classic Travel, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Miraval The Red Sea
The Experimental Group converts a former office block on Via Ludovisi, bringing its nightlife-led hospitality to the Via Veneto district. Designer Rodolphe Parente led the overhaul of the 83-room property, stripping back the corporate shell to install a highly theatrical interior. The aesthetic utilizes high-gloss surfaces and distinct geometries rather than classical Roman tropes. The building orients inward around a glass-roofed atrium restaurant, while the basement houses the brand’s signature Experimental Cocktail Club, anchoring the hotel in Rome’s evening circuit.
Alternatively, book Experimental Roma via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Experimental Roma
Our guide to the top accommodation in Malta
The Romègas Hotel reclaims the 16th-century residence of Mathurin Romegas, a prominent naval commander for the Knights of Malta. Located on Republic Street, the 500-year-old palazzo undergoes a structural restoration by EM Architects, preserving the original hand-carved stone façade. The interiors, led by local studio Camilleri Paris Mode, reject generic modernization in favor of traditional materials: terrazzo flooring and heavy timber paneling define the common areas. The 23 rooms fit within the irregular historic footprint, many featuring the enclosed wooden balconies characteristic of Valletta. A rooftop pool deck faces Manoel Island, while chef Marvin Gauci anchors the ground-floor dining.
Alternatively, book Romègas Hotel via
Expedia, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Romègas Hotel
The Newman is an 81-room hotel in the heart of Fitzrovia, with a brasserie, cocktail bar, and a dedicated wellness floor. Interiors by Lind+Almond draw on a modern take on Art Deco, with references to the area’s cultural past, including bohemian figure Nancy Cunard. Rooms, suites, and apartments are designed with comfort and restraint in mind, some opening onto private balconies. At the top of the building, a signature rooftop suite includes a private terrace and can be reconfigured as a four-bedroom residence. The brasserie serves modern European dishes built around seasonal British produce and benefits from generous natural light, its own street entrance, and an outdoor terrace. Below ground, a cocktail bar and two private dining rooms offer more intimate spaces for smaller gatherings.
Alternatively, book The Newman via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Newman
Luura positions itself as a quiet architectural sanctuary on the Paros coastline. It’s the first resort on Paros by the company; the project is led by a father-and-daughter team and operates as an adults-only property with 39 suites. Set above the strait facing Antiparos, the resort is designed by Elastic Architects, with interiors by Lambs and Lions. Architecture and interiors focus on sculptural forms and a restrained, quiet atmosphere rather than overt decoration.
Alternatively, book Luura – Cliff, Paros via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Luura Hotels
In a green valley in northern Menorca, Vestige Binidufà occupies an 18th-century finca built from the island’s distinctive red earth-toned stone. The 11-room hideaway has a rustic, collected feel, with reclaimed wood, locally crafted furniture and contemporary art. At Mesura, the restaurant centres on seasonal produce from the estate and surrounding farms, with a largely plant-based menu. Guests can also wander the 800-hectare private estate, follow paths through ancient woodland to wild coves, or head uphill to sister property Son Ermità to make use of its facilities.
Alternatively, book Vestige Binidufà via
Mr & Mrs Smith, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Vestige Collection
Planning your next beach vacation? Pick the best island resort!
.HERE Maldives is a hyper-low-density model in the Baa Atoll, within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, spreading just nine residences across two natural islands (branded ‘Somewhere’ and ‘Nowhere’). This unique resort operates without the typical ‘hub’ island; instead, it decentralizes the services—dining, wellness, and administration—directly into the villas, relying on ‘Roohu’ hosts, who function as single-point contacts for all logistics, removing the need for communal reception areas. The architecture, by KulörGroup, focuses on isolating the guest accommodation, creating a footprint where the guest-to-land ratio is significantly higher than other five-star competitors. Given the location in the Baa Atoll, the marine program focuses on the high-value biodiversity of the surrounding waters, specifically the Hanifaru Bay feeding grounds. The resort is located 30 minutes by air from Malé.
Official Website. Photos ©.Here Baa Atoll
Fairmont Hanoi draws on a mix of Vietnamese lacquer work, bold color, and references to the city’s colonial-era architecture. The hotel has 241 rooms, along with six restaurants and bars, including one on the roof. Facilities also include a spa, fitness center, bathhouse, and two swimming pools. The property operates as a full-service hotel within the city rather than a destination resort.
Alternatively, book Fairmont Hanoi via
Tablet Hotels, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Accor
Vacation ideas: the island of Mallorca
Gran Hotel Margalida opens in the coastal village of Banyalbufar, in a restored Mallorcan finca positioned between the sea and the Tramuntana mountains. The hotel comprises 29 ocean-facing rooms overlooking the Mediterranean, and it includes a spa and wellness area, gym, infinity pool, and a number of informal shared spaces. Dining is spread across three venues, including an oyster and seafood bar, alongside a pool bar influenced by traditional beach clubs. The hotel is shaped by its landscape and scale, with an emphasis on simplicity and quiet design rather than overt resort features. This is Annua Signature Hotels’ second property in Mallorca.
Alternatively, book Gran Hotel Margalida via
Expedia, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Gran Hotel Margalida
For years, Uganda’s gorilla-tracking region has relied on simple safari camps more than sophisticated luxury. The launch of Erebero Hills, Asilia Africa’s first lodge in Uganda, marks a design-forward change. The lodge sits along a restored escarpment on the northern edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, with views across the forest canopy and direct access to nearby gorilla-tracking trailheads. It has eight suites, built largely from bamboo and designed by Pablo Luna Studio, with curved forms and rooflines shaped to follow the slope of the land. The interiors are built to handle the mist and chill of the forest, anchored by fireplaces and expansive decks. The gradient allows the lodge to cascade down, to a heated pool and an open-air bar.
Alternatively, book Erebero Hills via
Mr & Mrs Smith, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Asilia Africa
Set on Shura Island, SLS The Red Sea brings a more playful, theatrical edge to Saudi Arabia’s luxury hotel scene. The 150-room resort occupies coral-inspired buildings designed by Foster + Partners, with bold interiors and unexpected details throughout. Fifteen private pool villas offer a more secluded stay, while five restaurants and bars, Ciel Spa and an open-air cinema give the resort a distinctly social feel. The white-sand beach and surrounding coral reefs provide a natural counterpoint to its high-energy style.
Alternatively, book SLS The Red Sea via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Ennismore
The best places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district is known for its restless pace, but Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit takes its design cues from a quieter source: Thailand’s native flowers. The hotel’s botanical theme runs through interiors by Thai design studio PIA, with architecture by A49 and floral details that bring a distinctly local perspective to contemporary luxury. Its 416 rooms and 58 suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, while dining ranges from the all-day North American brasserie HARPER’S to cocktails at AELA Social Bar. Fairmont Spa and dedicated fitness facilities offer space to slow down between outings, and the hotel’s location in Sukhumvit puts Bangkok’s shopping, dining and nightlife within easy reach.
Alternatively, book Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Fairmont
Taking its name from the local baobab fruit, Ubuyu marks Banyan Group’s first move into the safari sector, planting a small footprint in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park. The design logic is strictly low-impact: the entire property runs on solar power, and the structures are built from timber, thatch, and clay to mimic the region’s traditional Maasai dwellings.
The inventory is deliberately restricted to just six villas. The social hub is the ‘Living Room,’ a free-flowing space modelled on a Maasai enkang, while the Mganga Bar focuses on river views. Dining at Ubuyu takes a turn from the usual safari menus (focused on game meat) to a plant-forward, zero-waste kitchen. Wellness is handled by the Maji Spa on the riverbank, and the operational flow is managed by ‘Escape Hosts’ rather than traditional butlers.
Alternatively, book Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape via
Go2Africa, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts
With this newest city hotel, W Hotels brings 210 rooms and suites to the capital, and injects its high-energy brand ethos into the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The property is designed to break the mold of the traditional business hotel, positioning itself as the social counterpoint to Riyadh’s corporate center. The layout is heavy on shared infrastructure. Seven restaurants and retail spaces turn the lobby into a public square, and the brand’s staples (the Wet Deck pool, Away Spa, and Fit gym) anchor the leisure offering. It is a calculated entry into a district that embodies the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Alternatively, book W Riyadh – KAFD via
Booking.com | Marriott International, or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Marriott International
Casa Bonavita occupies an 18th-century Maltese residence in the village of Attard, where Christopher and Suzanne Sharp have spent years restoring the house and its gardens. The interiors mix antique furniture, frescoed walls, Murano glass and bespoke textiles, giving each of the 17 rooms its own character. Outside, orange trees and mature palms surround two swimming pools. Sirocco, the hotel’s restaurant, serves seasonal Mediterranean cooking in a frescoed dining room that opens onto a courtyard.
Official Website. Photos © Casa Bonavita
This all-suite property attempts to balance the heavy expectations of the Waldorf name with its Kuala Lumpur setting. Architects have integrated local heritage without being kitsch, using Kufic script and native textile patterns to ground the lobby’s famous clock. The guestrooms follow a similar logic, using Green Verde Alpi marble to break up the neutral palettes found in the 279 suites. On the roof, the Presidential Suite functions more like a private residence with its own courtyard. The dining is just as ambitious. Among the eight venues, the main restaurant relies on mashrabiya screens for atmosphere, but the real draw is the kitchen, employing chefs trained by the royal household.
Alternatively, book Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur via
Booking.com | Hilton, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Hilton
Amoh occupies a secluded peninsula on Rhodes, repurposing a former quarry site into a self-contained “village” where guests can access four restaurants, two bars, and a patisserie without leaving the resort. With 197 rooms and suites, this is not a boutique hotel, but the layout aims for intimacy by giving every room its own outdoor space. The design avoids the standard white-washed island tropes, favoring heavy masonry that reflects the ground beneath it. The extensive amenities also include the ‘Elispa’ wellness facility.
Alternatively, book Amoh, a Luxury Collection Resort via
Booking.com | Marriott International or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Marriott International
“[…] Venice has always inspired the world’s imagination. At the Danieli, we open the door to authentic cultural connections – collaborating with local craftspeople and celebrating the beauty of everyday life in the city.”
— Christian Zandonella, General Manager
Danieli, a Four Seasons Hotel, reopens in Venice following a $34 million renovation led by Pierre-Yves Rochon. The hotel spans three historic palazzos, including the 14th-century Palazzo Dandolo, and offers 197 rooms and 79 suites furnished with Venetian art, antiques, Murano glass, and Oriental rugs. Amenities include the rooftop Terrazza Danieli restaurant overlooking the lagoon and a spa. The property sits steps from Piazza San Marco.
Alternatively, book Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel via
Booking.com, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Situated on Montughi Hill, this opening converts a historic estate into a low-density urban resort. The project distinguishes itself through sheer scale: spanning 12 acres, it holds the largest private hotel grounds within the city limits. The layout mimics a hamlet rather than a standard hotel, dispersing 32 rooms across 11 historic outbuildings to ensure low guest density. Among the accommodation options is also a standalone villa with independent access and a plunge pool, targeting the privacy-focused market. The culinary program creates a farm-to-city supply line: the two restaurants, led by Michelin-starred chef Stefano Cavallini, source their ingredients from the original Borgo Pignano agricultural estate, differentiating the F&B offering from standard city sourcing.
Alternatively, book Borgo Pignano Florence via
Booking.com | Tablet Hotels, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Borgo Pignano
From five-star icons to fashionable boutiques
This hotel launches in London following an eye-popping $122 million investment that has transformed the old Westbury Mayfair Hotel into a luxury destination with the coveted address on the corner of Bond Street and Conduit Street. Featuring 196 elegantly designed rooms and suites, St. Regis London symbolizes timeless glamour and modern luxury, largely thanks to the contributions of the designer Peter Newman-Earp and Richmond International. The designers kept the iconic Polo Bar as an integral part of the building’s heritage; its menu now lists a local twist on St. Regis’ signature cocktail, the Bloody Mary. The hotel experience encompasses everything from signature dining to a jazz bar, a fitness center, and a spa.
Alternatively, book The St. Regis London via
Classic Travel | Expedia, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Rendering © Marriott International
Six Senses arrives in the UAE with a LEED-certified hotel and branded residences on Palm Jumeirah. The 61 rooms and 162 residences are designed for privacy, offering clear sightlines of the Gulf and Dubai skyline. The operation is built around sustainability, from the restaurants to the sports facilities. A massive 60,000 sq ft social and wellness club anchors the property, housing a longevity clinic, biohacking room, and squash court. A central garden with native planting connects these spaces to the beach.
Official Website. Renderings © Six Senses
Raffles Jeddah is a hotel and residence complex on the Jeddah Corniche, with two towers that rise above the waterfront and face the Red Sea. One tower houses 182 rooms and suites; the other 120 branded residences, all with private terraces and sea views. The property includes several restaurants and lounges, event spaces including a large ballroom, and offers 24-hour butler service. The expansive spa features thermal suites and a VIP couple’s retreat, complemented by fitness centres and pools. The hotel is about a 25-minute drive from King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Alternatively, book Raffles Jeddah via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Discover Loire Valley
Relais d’Amboise is the first (and only) five-star hotel in Amboise, in the heart of France’s Loire Valley. It consolidates two adjacent riverfront structures to create a 63-room hotel. The design exploits the region’s specific geology: the spa occupies the site’s existing limestone caves, while the wine tasting rooms utilize the original underground cellars. The hotel stands out thanks to its rooftop bar, a rarity in the Loire Valley. A converted stone farm building handles events.
Relais d’Amboise is developed by Marugal, the boutique hotel group behind Cap Rocat and Dunas de Formentera—and, in the Loire Vallye itself—Relais de Chambord.
Alternatively, book Relais d’Amboise via
Expedia, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Relais d’Amboise
The Langham, Custom House is located in Bang Rak on the Chao Phraya River and occupies the former 1888 Customs House alongside the adjacent post office building. The project restores the original structures and adapts them for hotel use, combining preserved architectural details with contemporary Thai interiors. The hotel will offer rooms and suites, T’ang Court’s Cantonese restaurant, a pastry shop and bar, and a Chuan Spa. Positioned in one of Bangkok’s oldest riverfront districts, it serves as a base for exploring the city’s historic side rather than a self-contained resort.
Official Website. Photos © Langham Hotels International
Set near Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa pairs a safari setting with the comforts of a luxury resort. Its 127 accommodations include tented suites, family villas with private pools and rooms with garden or lake views. Earthy tones, natural materials and open courtyards reflect the surrounding landscape, while Skyloft, a restaurant inspired by traditional elevated wildlife-watching platforms, serves contemporary interpretations of the region’s royal Mewar and Marwar cuisines. Guests can also unwind at Spa by JW or explore the resort’s family-friendly facilities between excursions into tiger country.
Alternatively, book JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa via
Marriott International, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Marriott International
Top hotels in Asia's must-visit city
Set on Orchard Road, NoMad Singapore brings the brand’s layered, eclectic style to its first hotel in Asia Pacific. Designed by Singapore-based WOHA, the building pairs a striking, nature-inspired exterior with Art Deco-influenced interiors by Kevin Klein Design. Inside, more than 1,860 artworks — around 90% by Singapore-based artists — give the 173-room hotel a strong local identity. Dining and drinks range from NoMad Grill’s New York-style steakhouse to the cabaret-inspired Tropicana Club, with Sticky Fingers adding a playful take on soft-serve desserts
Alternatively, book NoMad Singapore via
Hilton, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Hilton
Inspired by an ancient inscription chronicling Greek history and mythology, Parian Chronicle Hotel Paros brings a strong sense of place to the Cyclades. Located in Kampos, near Parikia, the 50-room retreat pairs whitewashed architecture with natural stone, wood and linen, in a design by Makridis Associates. Private pools feature in 39 rooms and suites, while the remaining accommodation offers outdoor hot tubs. Dining ranges from Cycladic-inspired cuisine at NAAO to relaxed local dishes at ANIYO, while Nipson Spa draws on ancient Greek wellness traditions. Welcoming guests aged 13 and above, the hotel offers a peaceful base for exploring Paros, from its traditional villages to its local food and craft traditions.
Alternatively, book Parian Chronicle Hotel Paros via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Hyatt
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Located in the business-heavy Akasaka district, 1 Hotel Tokyo functions as a soft counterpoint to the surrounding concrete city.
The hotel anchors the Tokyo World Gate complex, offering 211 rooms that prioritize organic textures and muted palettes over high-gloss luxury. The culinary program takes advantage of the altitude, positioning the main restaurant to overlook the Imperial Palace gardens.
Wellness is central to the hotel experience. The facility includes a fitness center, indoor pool, and hammams, all extending onto an outdoor terrace that attempts to pull a bit of nature up into the skyline.
Alternatively, book 1 Hotel Tokyo via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © 1 Hotels
This 10-acre waterfront plot marks COMO’s first French coastal venture, repurposing a historic mansion into a 42-room hotel. Once the private hideaway of figures like Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn, the property sits on ten acres facing the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. The design breaks the period architecture with a heavy rotation of contemporary art. The infrastructure is designed to keep guests on the water: the grounds include a private beach and a jetty for direct arrivals. While Saint-Tropez’s nightlife is a short speedboat ride away, the hotel itself remains a quiet enclave, anchored by the COMO Shambhala wellness center.
Alternatively, book COMO Le Beauvallon via
Como Hotels and Resorts, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Como Hotels and Resorts
Taking over one of the Sunset Strip’s most recognizable footprints, this project sees the Public brand replacing the Standard. The 137-room property uses a stark, minimalist design language to cleanse the palate of the site’s previous incarnation. The lobby is designed to operate as a neighborhood thoroughfare rather than a gatekeeper, merging seamlessly with the nightlife venues. However, the center of gravity is the roof: a 16,000-square-foot plateau overlooking the Los Angeles basin that functions as an open-air clubhouse.
Official Website. Opening Oct 2026. Rendering © Public Hotels
Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River sits within Zambia’s sprawling Kafue National Park. The property houses 12 private tents, including a 600-square-metre Presidential Villa with plunge pools and exclusive boat access. The camp balances high-end comfort with the wild in its guest quarters and facilities, including a restaurant, bar, traditional African boma, and wellness pool. These elements serve a distinct safari experience in the park, driven by a commitment to sustainability and the local community.
Alternatively, book Anantara Tented Camp Kafue River via
Booking.com | Go2Africa, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Anantara Hotels & Resorts
Our 2025 list of the best hotels, villas, and apartments on Milos
On Milos, where volcanic rock shapes the coastline and the Aegean stretches towards the horizon, Onero takes a hillside approach to island living. Set in Parasporos, the five-star boutique hotel unfolds across three terraced levels, with 31 rooms and suites positioned to make the most of the sea views. Accommodation ranges from suites with private terraces to options with whirlpools or private pools, while two larger villas offer three- and four-bedroom layouts for families or groups travelling together. At Spóros, the restaurant draws on the flavours of Milos and the wider Cyclades, using ingredients such as local capers, freshly caught fish and Melian honey. An outdoor pool, relaxed poolside dining and curated experiences — from boat trips to the island’s sea caves to visits around historic Plaka — make Onero a comfortable base for discovering the island beyond its beaches.
Alternatively, book Onero Milos via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Onero Milos
AMAALA Triple Bay is The Red Sea Global’s destination for exclusive luxury wellness and sports retreats, and Jayasom Wellness Resort is one of them. Curiously, the resort attempts to bridge the gap between a medical facility and a luxury hotel. Alongside 153 tastefully furnished rooms (and 24 branded private residences), the resort features 7000 square meters of wellness treatments and facilities designed around “six pillars of wellness wisdom” (holistic health, fitness, physiotherapy, nutrition, aesthetic beauty, and spa). The resort is pitched explicitly at families (a rarity in the high-end wellness sector). Still, it has an adult-only area, offering a peaceful retreat for guests seeking tranquility.
Official Website. Rendering © Jayasom Wellness Resort
Four Seasons completes a major restoration project in Getsemaní, fusing several historic landmarks into a single 131-room property. The site integrates the 16th-century Cloister of Saint Francis with the 1920s Beaux-Arts Club Cartagena, using the latter’s main hall as a central atrium lounge. The hotel connects these heritage structures with a new residential wing. Unlike smaller boutique conversions in the area, the hotel supports a heavy F&B program with six distinct venues, including terrace dining and a pool bar. The rooftop level serves as a social anchor, providing a swimming deck with direct views of the ancient city fortifications. The accommodations include a high proportion of suites, topped by the Royal and Presidential units.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena via
Booking.com, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
Our 2026 guide to the top hotels on the island
On the southern coast of Mykonos, between Paraga and Paradise Beach, Fouquet’s brings a distinctly French hotel name to the Cyclades. The architecture by Kydoniatis Architects and interiors by Divercity Architects & Variation Studio take their cues from Cycladic forms, with pale stone, clean lines and terraces facing the Aegean. Many of the suites have private pools or panoramic terraces, while the Rock Spa includes an indoor pool set into the rock. At the water’s edge, ROKA serves Japanese cuisine, giving the resort a livelier side beyond its quieter, sea-facing rooms.
Alternatively, book Fouquet’s Mykonos via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Hôtels Barrière
A former residence of the Cîteaux abbots, Les Sources de Vougeot offers a distinctly Burgundian take on the château hotel. Set within Château de Gilly, close to the celebrated Clos de Vougeot, the property combines centuries-old stonework and formal gardens with 49 rooms and suites shaped by the region’s colours, materials and wine-making heritage. Original terracotta floors, timber details and locally sourced antiques give the interiors a residential feel rather than the formality of a traditional grand hotel. Food and wine are central to the experience: Le Clos de la Tour serves refined, seasonal cuisine, while L’Auberge des Cîteaux takes a more relaxed approach to Burgundian cooking. In a former 14th-century wine cellar, Spa Caudalie places indoor pools beneath historic stone vaults, creating an unusual setting for a wellness retreat in the heart of France’s celebrated Côte de Nuits wine country.
Alternatively, book Les Sources de Vougeot via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Les Sources de Vougeot
SIX & SIX Private Islands expands its portfolio with Rah Gili, located in the North Malé Atoll, 40 minutes from Velana International Airport by a speedboat—which means that the resort is not dependent on seaplane schedules or limitations, allowing for 24-hour guest arrivals. Rah Gili is a modernist alternative to the traditional rustic Maldivian resort. The property creates a strictly contemporary environment, with 75 pool villas that prioritize indoor-outdoor flow over ornamental luxury. All villas are equipped with private pools; select overwater units feature direct-to-ocean slides. The island’s specific geography places it in a high-traffic zone for spinner dolphins, which anchors the resort’s marine excursion program.
Alternatively, book Rah Gili Maldives via
Expedia, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Rah Gili Maldives
St. Regis has taken custody of the Klotild Palace, one of the twin Neo-Baroque structures guarding the Elizabeth Bridge. The project inserts 102 rooms into the UNESCO World Heritage site, navigating the complex floor plan of the historic shell. The preservation work is most visible in the ground-floor patisserie, where the original period furnishings have been retained, and in the accommodation mix: the ‘Klotild Tower Suite’ physically occupies one of the palace’s iconic spires. The interiors act as a modern foil to the heavy stone facade, stripping back the ornamentation in the private quarters while maintaining the brand’s traditional social infrastructure, including the St. Regis Bar.
Alternatively, book The St Regis Budapest via
Booking.com | Marriott International, or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Marriott International
Set directly on the crescent of Mazzarò Bay, Mazzarò Sea Palace makes the Ionian Sea the focus of the stay, from its sea-facing terraces to its private beach below. The VRetreats property has been reimagined by Milan-based studio De.Tales, whose redesign brings curved forms, locally sourced materials and Sicilian craft into its rooms and public spaces. Guest accommodation includes suites with private pools, while dining ranges from Sicilian-inspired cooking at Armònia and Blum to evening drinks at Almarè and gourmet pizza on the panoramic Velvet terrace. A wellness area and the nearby cable car to Taormina’s historic centre make it easy to balance time by the water with exploring the town above the bay.
Alternatively, book Mazzarò Sea Palace via
Expedia, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Mazzarò Sea Palace
Corinthia has claimed the former seat of the Central Bank of Italy for its Roman debut. Located on Piazza del Parlamento, the 1914 Neoclassical palazzo has been stripped of its bureaucratic function and converted into a 60-suite luxury hotel. The renovation preserves the imposing scale of the bank architecture—likely defined by high ceilings and thick masonry—while softening the core around a central courtyard. The layout creates an enclosed sanctuary in the middle of the Campo Marzio district, featuring a spa and rooftop spaces that offer a vantage point over the neighboring Pantheon and Parliament buildings.
Alternatively, book Corinthia Rome via
Booking.com | Tablet Hotels, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Corinthia Hotels
This property is part of a unique development on a private island that includes Four Seasons Resort and Residences and Four Seasons Private Estates. It’s the first Four Seasons resort in Belize, located 30 minutes by boat from the mainland and close to the Belize Barrier Reef (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country’s largest marine sanctuary). The hotel’s 280-acre island houses 100 rooms and suites, 35 residences, and 50 private estates. Among other facilities are a conservation institute founded by the explorer Fabien Cousteau, an 18-hole golf course, and a private airfield and heliport. The resort offers off-island adventures, including visits to mainland Mayan ruins and excursions to the eye-popping Great Blue Hole.
Official Website. Opening 2026. (Editor’s Note: Debut delayed until 2027)
Renderings (including the leading shot) © Four Seasons Hotels
“The Cape Town EDITION will offer guests a plethora of destination-led experiences and direct access to the world’s leading luxury retail brands, top-class restaurants, charter cruises and other incredible experiences.”
— David Green, CEO of V&A Waterfront
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront adds a final piece to its hospitality grid: a purpose-built hotel operated by EDITION. Developed in partnership with Kerzner International, the hotel relies on a design collaboration between Shanghai’s Neri&Hu and local architects StudioMAS. It avoids the trend of repurposing dockside silos or warehouses, opting instead for a new concept, offering a purpose-built design rather than a heritage restoration. The hotel features 142 rooms and six residences. The layout orients the rooftop bar and pool deck towards the Atlantic, securing clear sightlines of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head.
Alternatively, book The Cape Town EDITION via
Marriott International, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © EDITION Hotels
Mandarin Oriental’s fourth Italian venture takes to the hills of the Costa Smeralda, claiming a forested slope overlooking the Gulf of Pevero. The project, a collaboration with real estate heavyweight Gruppo Statuto, avoids the immediate waterfront crush; instead, the 83 rooms sit back in the trees, linked to a private beach via a 350-meter walking trail. For a more direct sand-between-toes experience, the hotel manages a separate beach club at Porto Paglia. Back up the hill, the complex includes five dining venues and a spa that moves the wellness routine indoors and outdoors, into the gardens.
Official Website. Opening 2026. (Editor’s Note: Debut delayed until 2027).
Rendering © Mandarin Oriental
The St Regis Costa Mujeres Resort is distancing itself from the vertical density of the Hotel Zone, standing on the quieter Costa Mujeres strip. Designed by Sordo Madaleno, the architecture deliberately keeps a low profile; instead of a tower, the structure utilizes low-slung, curved volumes that defer to the coastline.
Rooms and suites are contemporary and pared back, and public spaces are designed to stay open to the beach and surrounding vegetation. The Costa Mujeres Resort features several dining venues, a beach club, and a spa focused on wellness. St. Regis butler service is offered throughout.
Alternatively, book The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort via
Booking.com | Marriott International, or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Marriott International
Located directly in the Gion preservation district, this opening centers on the adaptive reuse of the Yasaka Kaikan, a registered Tangible Cultural Property originally built as a theater in 1936. The development navigates strict heritage protections, retaining the external 1930s architecture while remaking the interiors. The historic shell od the property dictates the design, utilizing the theater’s high ceilings and original framework. The guest accommodation follows the theatrical scale as well, creating spaces that exceed the typical size for the neighborhood. The material palette is strictly regional, employing local cedar and tatami to align with the surrounding preservation district.
Alternatively, book Imperial Hotel Kyoto via
Tablet Hotels, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Imperial Hotel
Planning a five-star holiday in Seychelles? Start here!
La Réserve is known for refined resorts in France, Italy, and Switzerland, so this is a breakout from the European containment. The beach destination debut on Praslin avoids the typical resort structure, offering a limited collection of villas that mirror the discretion of its sister properties in Geneva and Ramatuelle. It is a calculated export of the Michel Reybier aesthetic—defined by a heritage of high-end design and low-volume inventory—to the Indian Ocean, amid the Praslin’s tropical landscape.
Official Website. Rendering © La Réserve
Fairmont’s addition to the Red Sea development sits on a coastline with dormant volcanoes and a scattered archipelago of 90 islands. It’s a destination hotel, with a comprehensive leisure hub and an adjacent 18-hole championship golf course. Their accommodation lists 193 rooms; facilities include a spa complex and facilities for teens and children. The design nudges the guest experience towards the water, most notably with a restaurant built directly over the sea (where the culinary program takes advantage of the marine setting). The location serves as a staging ground for accessing the area’s archaeological sites and underwater ecosystems.
Official Website. Opening Nov 2026. Renderings © Fairmont
Kulu Ora becomes WildPlaces Africa’s seventh lodge and its second in Murchison Falls National Park. Kulu Ora is located in a restricted low-impact zone, where vehicle density is limited, differentiating the game-viewing experience from the busier sectors of the park. The lodge consists of 11 canvas suites and a family unit, all positioned to face the Nile River. Unlike smaller bush camps, Kulu Ora carries significant infrastructure: a lap pool, an elevated library, and a spa facility built directly on the riverbank. The location serves as a base for tracking Uganda’s ‘Big Seven,’ placing a specific emphasis on the area’s high lion population rather than just general game viewing.
Official Website. Opening Q2 2026. Renderings © Wildplaces Africa
The best stays in Bodrum
Perched on the stunning northern shore of the Bodrum peninsula, OKU Bodrum is an intimate boutique retreat with just 58 rooms and suites, some featuring swim-up access or private pools.
The design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with ocean views, large terraces, and thoughtful, sustainable touches. Some of the highlights of OKU Bodrum are the tranquil spa, breathtaking cliffside views from the hotel’s main pool, and dining options, ranging from Mediterranean dishes to a beach bar and a Japanese fusion restaurant. The hotel also has a private jetty from which guests can embark on journeys to explore nearby lagoons and islands.
Alternatively, book OKU Bodrum via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © OKU Hotels
Located steps from the British Museum, The Zetter Bloomsbury repurposes a row of six red-brick townhouses into a single hotel entity. The conversion preserves the residential scale of the original Grade II-listed structures, resulting in a layout defined by bay windows and original fireplaces. The 68-room hotel recruited designer James Thurstan Waterworth to handle the interiors. He explicitly referenced the neighboring British Museum, styling the spaces to resemble the private home of a collector. Thus the rooms are filled with Georgian antiques, Persian rugs, and clawfoot tubs. The ground floor eliminated the reception desk in favor of a central cocktail bar, flanked by a Drawing Room and ‘The Orangery,’ a garden-facing dining venue.
Alternatively, book The Zetter Bloomsbury via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Photo © The Zetter
Following the success of the Nihi Sumba resort in Indonesia, its creators expand into Nihi Rote on West Timor’s remote Rote Island. The project required a decade-long development timeline, largely due to the lack of local infrastructure: the developers established a vocational school on the island specifically to train the workforce prior to opening. The wait was worth it.
Located on Rote Island—West Timor’s remote southern outpost—the resort offers only a handful of thatched pool villas to create an exclusive resort in one of the southernmost islands in southeast Asia, a two-hour flight from Bali. The site serves as a base for the Bo’a surfing breaks, replicating the ‘surf-and-luxury’ formula that defined the brand’s original Sumba property.
Alternatively, book Nihi Rote via
Tablet Hotels, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Nihi Rote
Bringing Nobu’s distinctive blend of Japanese-Peruvian dining and contemporary hospitality to the Spanish capital, Nobu Hotel Madrid occupies a prime address on Calle Alcalá, between Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta del Sol. The 50-room property pairs warm wood tones, organic textiles and subtle Japanese influences with views across the city, creating a calm urban retreat in the heart of the Las Cortes district. At its centre is a three-level Nobu restaurant, bar and lounge, complemented by a rooftop terrace overlooking Madrid. Guest facilities also include a wellness area and Technogym fitness centre, while the signature Nobu Suite features a private terrace and 105 square metres of living space. The hotel marks the brand’s fifth Spanish property and its first in Madrid.
Alternatively, book Nobu Hotel Madrid via
Booking.com, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Nobu Hotels
Santa Lucía Jungle Hacienda acts as a gateway to the Central Pacific coast, positioned just outside the Carara National Park, 90 minutes from San José. The design creates a self-contained environment, adopting a ‘constructed village’ layout, centering its social infrastructure around a colonial-style plaza. The hotel’s 87-rooms lean towards the waterfront: the premium units line the banks of the Tárcoles River, featuring private terraces equipped with outdoor fireplaces. Unlike deep-jungle lodges that require bush planes, Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda is accessible by road from San José, allowing guests to combine high-end amenities (such as a full spa and riverside pools) with nature programming, from crocodile safaris to forest trekking.
Alternatively, book Santa Lucia Jungle Hacienda via
Marriott International, or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Rendering © Marriott International
Our insider guide to the best hotels in Phuket
Kaia sits on Koh Phangan’s quieter northeastern coast and marks the debut of an outdoor-focused hospitality brand founded by Bound and Beyond with Cloud Collective. The resort comprises 31 ocean-facing tented suites and four two-bedroom pool villas, built using reclaimed and upcycled materials and designed for open-air living.
Sustainability informs the project’s operations, with passive cooling, solar power, on-site water filtration, and a no single-use plastics policy. Dining focuses on seasonal produce, much of it sourced from Kaia’s own organic farm, with an emphasis on fire-based cooking. Experiences centre on the surrounding landscape, including foraging walks, ceramics workshops, and low-impact wellness programmes.
Official Website. Opening Nov- Dec 2026. Renderings © KAIA
The Oetker Collection marks its entry into the US market by acquiring the lease of the historic Chesterfield Hotel in Palm Beach. Rebranded as The Vineta, the renovation reduced the numer of rooms from 53 to 41, prioritizing larger suite footprint over capacity—and creating a residential sense of scale. Paris-based designer Tino Zervudachi leads the interior overhaul, stripping back the previous heavy decor to highlight the building’s original Mediterranean Revival architecture. The redesign extends to the former Leopard Lounge, converting the famous nightlife venue into a new evening restaurant, located two blocks north of Worth Avenue.
Alternatively, book The Vineta Hotel via
Tablet Hotels, or see what others think on Tripadvisor.
Official Website. Renderings © Oetker Collection
Tulåh in Northern Kerala is a “clinical wellness” facility rather than a standard retreat, differentiates itself through its heavy reliance on ‘hard’ science (rather than vibes). The concept is driven by advanced diagnostics, as the property is a specialized satellite to the nearby Meitra Hospital, granting guests access to a network of 200 medical specialists. The resort pairs luxury hospitality (with 65 guest suites) with medical hardware, even an on-site MRI scanning and microbiome mapping. The treatment protocol creates a data-led feedback loop: clinical test results dictate the guest’s nutritional plan. Founded by entrepreneur Faizal Kottikollon, tulåh blends farm-to-table nutrition, regenerative therapies, and personalised programmes to restore balance to body, mind, and soul—all surrounded by 30 acres of gardens and rewilded forest.
Official Website. Photos © Tulåh
Our annual list of the most exciting luxury hotel openings worldwide
What else is happening around the world of luxury travel? Here are dozens of more hotels and resorts that are more than promising. We are looking forward to discovering them all.
The top Boutique and Beach Resorts of Sri Lanka
Epitome of Luxury in The City That Never Sleeps
The best five-star hotels in Paris
*Note: All opening dates in this article are subject to changes as hotels experience delays.
Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 30/10/2026
Unwind in Style: Bali’s Most Exclusive Coastal Escapes
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