New Hotel Openings In 2026 - CF Hot Hotels

This year is set to be a very good one for hotels (and their guests), with many exciting new openings across the globe. These are 40 of the new hotel openings in 2026 that have found their way straight to the top of the CF team’s must-book-immediately list.

Year on year, travellers are becoming ever more discerning about where they choose to stay, and experiential travel – the kind offering immersive, authentic experiences – continues to lead the way. Including rooms inside thoughtfully restored historic buildings, wellness experiences that actually make a difference, design-led details to reflect a destination, truly off-the-radar retreats, community-led getaways, ample opportunity for adventure, and a few altogether new concepts too, these 40 hotels step up to the task.

Spanning Greek islands, Ugandan forests, Italian palazzos, Saudi Arabian palaces, London landmarks, Omani deserts, Mexican beaches – and a whole lot more – these are 40 of the most exciting new hotel openings in 2026.

London and The UK

Opening within the beautifully restored Whiteley building (the iconic, former shopping centre) in Bayswater, Six Senses London marks the brand’s long-awaited UK debut. Expect 109 serene rooms and suites that feel like a true retreat from the city, alongside Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Cafe, a relaxed, all-day space rooted in seasonal, locally inspired cooking. The new Six Senses Spa within its walls comes complete with a 20-metre indoor pool, access to leading biohacking therapies and deeply restorative treatments. And, that’s not all. Adding a new dimension to London life is Six Senses Place, a new private members’ club based out of the hotel, conceived as a hub for community, creativity and conscious living. From tourists looking to rest their head, wellness seekers looking for some R&R and busy networkers, there’s going to be something for everyone at Six Senses London. Becki Murray

The London hotel scene just keeps getting better and better, and the St. Regis London, opening in Mayfair later this year, is testament to that. Emerging from a multi-million-pound makeover from its former guise as the Westbury Hotel Mayfair, the St. Regis will be home to 195 rooms, 66 of which are suites, as well as an enviable food and drink offering across its signature restaurant, jazz bar, and private dining space. Its location is enviable, too: located on the corner of Conduit Street and New Bond Street, guests will have access to some of the best restaurants, art galleries and boutiques that London has to offer. That’s if you can pull yourself away from the spa and signature St. Regis experiences. The Butler Service is set to be one of the best in town. Katie Silcox

Set to debut in summer 2026, the Waldorf Astoria London at Admiralty Arch reinvents one of the capital’s most iconic monuments. At the end of London’s The Mall, this restored Grade I-listed landmark (which has housed everyone from Sir Winston Churchill to Ian Fleming) blends timeless British heritage with contemporary elegance, and will offer 100 rooms and suites, plus residences and sweeping views from its rooftop terrace including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Nelson’s Column. Signature restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Clare Smyth and French culinary legend Daniel Boulud place the hotel firmly in London’s gastronomy scene. Expect this opening to reflect the refined glamour and cultural cachet of London’s luxury landscape. Sheena Bhattessa

Feeling like you’ve stepped inside another culture, or a creative’s residence is one of the true luxuries of travelling, so what a treat to have this offering right on our doorstep in London. The Zetter Bloomsbury is the third Zetter outpost in London, set to open this March. Styled as “a collector’s residence” the property is steeped in the historic creative charm this literary borough of London is known for. Each of the 68 bedrooms is bespoke in design, throwing out references to the historic guests the building has welcomed in its past lives – antique lamps, coffee table books, decorative objects, and artwork included. If you can peel yourself away from the fascinating interiors, you’re only a stone’s throw away from the British Museum to continue your cultural exploration. Ella Mansell

A new hotel from a new hotel group: London-based Oberland introduce their second UK opening, Arthouse Glasgow – with a Manchester hotel set to open later in the year. Drawing on the artistic and industrial essence of its location and the building’s original features, interiors by A-nrd celebrate exposed interiors, complemented by neutral tones, a mix of modern and vintage furnishings, and pieces by local artisans. Seventy-six bedrooms across four categories are joined by a restaurant-bar courtesy of Glaswegian Celentano’s, which is moving into the hotel from its current location to serve Italian favourites with an ethos that focusses on nose-to-tail dishes and fermentation. Katie Silcox

Europe

The Experimental Group have become known for boutique, design-led hotels that truly reflect their destination, which is what makes its forthcoming opening in Rome so exciting. Based on the city’s elegant Via Veneto, made famous by Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, Experimental Roma’s new home is world-class. Not far from Villa Medici and the Borghese Gardens, Rome’s cultural highlights are largely a walk away. If you’d rather not leave the hotel, there’s a lot to keep you entertained – a grand restaurant inspired by the glamour of storied Italian cinema Cinecittà; a bar serving the winning drinks that the group is famed for; and, last but not least, a rooftop pool offering spectacular views of the Colosseum. Ella Alexander

Paros is one of Greece’s most in-demand islands right now, and the adult-only Luura Cliff is set to increase the heat this summer. On the island’s west coast and designed by Elastic Architects, this 39-suite property reflects a traditional Cycladic-village layout with whitewashed exteriors, two restaurants, a wellness centre and a chapel, all set across its seafront location. And the authenticity doesn’t end here: experiences include immersive, insider access to local workshops and events, like marble-caving workshops, art tours and caper picking on nearby farms. The parent brand, Luura, has plans for two more hotels in Greece as well – one on Paros’ east coast (2028) and one in Athens. Katie Silcox

How did the wealthy elite live centuries ago on the European island of Malta? Casa Bonavita is a chance to find out. Over five years, this 18th-century family house in Attard (in the north of Malta) has been carefully restored by design duo and The Rug Company founders, Christopher and Suzanne Sharp. Modern luxuries have been added across the property, while frescoed ceilings, wide palazzo hallways, arched doorways, and antique light fixtures remain. The hotel is expansive feeling but boutique in size (with only 17 rooms), and a delightful spot to enjoy the historic island from. Ella Mansell

The first of two Nômade openings in Spain this year, Nômade Temple Madrid launches in the heart of the country’s capital in March 2026, followed by Nômade Temple Ibiza in June, marking the Mexican-owned brand’s European debut. In Madrid, the wellness-first concept (tried, tested and loved in both Tulum and Holbox) translates courtesy of the rooftop pool with skyline views and the holistic GÖN House of Healing – a wellness space blending modern amenities with age-old practices. But Nômade understands that wellness means fun, too, and there’s plenty of that to be had at its restaurant serving Uruguayan favourites with Italian flair, and at the speakeasy-style bar and nightclub inspired by the rebellious La Movida Madrileña movement across Spain in the late 70s and 1980s. Afterwards, the 93 rooms and suites (including two penthouses) are designed to ease you into a good night’s sleep. Katie Silcox

It’s a big year for luxury hotel collection Six Senses with four openings planned: new outposts in Milan, London, Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Its Milanese launch (the collection’s second Italian hotel, the other is in Rome) is already attracting buzz. Housed in the city’s artsy, bohemian Brera district, it will nod to historic Italian decor – think Arabescato marble, antique brass, handmade smoked glass, textured ceilings, and mosaic borders – while infusing a healthy dose of modernity. A state-of-the-art spa will offer guests a 15-meter indoor pool, two saunas, a steam room, a cold plunge pool, and also high-tech, high-touch therapies alongside long-held holistic healing practices. This is Italy, so we can expect great food which will come via its restaurant and two bars – one of which sits on top of the roof, the perfect spot to enjoy an aperitif as the sun goes down. Its pièce de résistance? A rooftop pool in which to cool off after a long day’s sightseeing. Milan never looked more enticing. Ella Alexander

Iceland is welcoming its first ever boutique beachside hotel: discover Black Sand Hotel on a peninsula in the Ölfus region, a one-hour drive south east from Reykjavík. The minimalist interiors across all 70 rooms and nine suites use natural materials to reflect an at-one-with-nature atmosphere across the hotel, but the star of each room is the view of the black volcanic sands and its surrounding landscape comprising mountains, the North Atlantic and the Ölfusá River. Days here are designed to be slow: perhaps you’ll start with breakfast at seasonally led ÓMUR before whiling away a few hours in the steam and sauna, the cold plunge or the geothermal hot tubs. Or maybe you’ll head out to hike a glacier, drive the Golden Circle, or visit the Gullfoss Waterfall. Then it’s back to the hotel for a hearty yet refined dinner of salmon and spruce or duck breast with cabbage. Either way, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and revitalised. Katie Silcox

Inside perhaps the city’s most-recognised-by-locals building (Parthenon aside), The Ilisian is giving life back to a popular Athenian landmark. First opened as The Hilton Athens in 1963 – the very first international chain hotel in Greece – this landmark of a building has been given new life and is set to reopen as a hotel, members’ club and residences with wellness, dining and social spaces. The building’s mid-century marble facade by Yiannis Moralis remains while, inside, Conrad Athens partnered with AvroKO on interior design that draws from the 1950s and 60s and spans 307 rooms and suites, some with Acropolis views. There’s also 2,000-square-metres of indoor wellness space including a Longevity Clinic; nine restaurants and bars serving Greek, French, Japanese, Peruvian, Levantine and Mediterranean dishes; a rooftop running track; and the largest outdoor hotel pool in the city. Katie Silcox

If you’re looking for the perfect place for your solo travel adventure, Cummari in Sicily is it. Having outgrown its original outpost in Catania, Michelle Titus’ female-only, co-living, co-working retreat has recently moved to the beautiful seaside town of Riposto. Cummari is the Sicilian word for women who are more like family than friends, and this is exactly what Titus aims to create – a global network of women who support and inspire each other. Think of it as a home-from-home with big feminine energy. The new, intimate space offers three unique bedrooms, some of which have private bathrooms and terraces, as well as shared indoor and outdoor areas. The house has been thoughtfully decorated by international female artists to create a feeling of belonging and creativity. You’ll find reliable wifi, unlimited coffee, access to Cummari’s international community, and a host who truly understands and knows Sicily. Whether you’re in need of a restorative break, a place to finally write that book or just to reflect on what you really want from life, Cummari provides a soulful, supportive environment to spend a short or long stay. Ella Alexander

The second Four Seasons resort in Greece – following the success of Four Seasons Astir Palace in Athens – the Mykonos property will open on Kalo Livadi Bay, on the island’s quieter south east coastline. Ninety-four rooms, villas and suites overlook the sea, and the hotel features traditional Cycladic design by Nicos Valsamakis who, with more than 70 years of experience, is one of the most influential and important Greek architects. Winding pathways dotted with small piazzas (plateias in Greek, and a key feature of city planning across the country) lead to cubic buildings, whitewashed courtyards, and restaurants and bars designed by Rockwell Group: a modern Mykonian café, an Italian poolside restaurant and beachside dining. Relaxation and fitness amenities comprise an infinity pool overlooking the Aegean Sea, plus a spa, wellness rooms and a fitness area. Katie Silcox

Puglia’s star power is set to grow even brighter in 2026 when Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento opens its doors in Lecce. The city, known as the ‘Florence of the South’ is often overlooked in favour of the region’s coastline (still only a 20-minute drive), but its new resident will doubtlessly change all that. Located in Lecce’s historic centre, on Via Imperatore Augusto, between Piazza Sant’Oronzo and Piazzetta Santa Chiara, it’s walking distance from cultural must-sees such as the Roman Amphitheatre in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and Lecce Cathedral. Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento will boast both a ground-floor restaurant and a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the cathedral bell tower, as well as a wellness area with a pool, treatment rooms, Turkish bath, and a fully equipped gym. For a hotel that delivers both beaches and culture, this is one to bookmark. Ella Alexander

Housed within a 15th-century blush-hued palazzo in the heart of Cannaregio, this long-awaited opening is poised dramatically at the meeting point of two canals and feels quietly cinematic from the outset. Guests can choose to arrive at Orient Express Venezia by private boat through a Gothic canal portal, slip in via a secret garden by Santa Fosca, or step in from the Strada Nova into the hotel’s serene courtyard. Inside, expect a sympathetic restoration, reviving frescoes, mosaic floors and original architectural features. A dramatic octagonal staircase draws guests upwards to the Piano Nobile, revealing a series of storied rooms once designed for celebration – including a gilded ballroom created for a 16th-century royal wedding and a library steeped in lapis and gold. Each of the hotel’s 47 guestrooms, suites and apartments, strike the balance between the building’s rich heritage and contemporary comfort. For those seeking a more residential feel, the brand’s first-ever Orient Express Apartments provide space for larger groups, or longer stays, with sweeping canal views. Rachel Story

Valamar’s new flagship destination, Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, is one of the most ambitious and significant projects in Croatian tourism. Located on a scenic waterfront peninsula near the historic town of Poreč in Istria, the €200 million resort will feature over 500 modern rooms and suites, multiple restaurants and bars, three themed beaches, extensive indoor and outdoor pool areas, and Croatia’s first ESPA spa – establishing the property as a year‑round luxury wellness and leisure destination. The resort is designed to boost the local economy by creating hundreds of jobs, enhancing regional infrastructure with promenades, cycling paths, and public beaches, and offering excellent facilities for both guests and the community. With a blend of upscale hospitality, sustainable design, and vibrant amenities, Pical Resort aims to redefine luxury tourism on the Adriatic coast when it opens its doors in spring 2026. Sheena Bhattessa

This 1830-built palazzo has been brought back to life as The Lake Como EDITION by De.Tales architects. Located in Cadenabbia, on Lake Como’s western coast, the lake is (rightly) the centrepiece here: the hotel’s waterside dining comes with views stretching across the lake towards Bellagio and is paired with a floating pool and a private dock. Inside, 148 rooms include 24 suites, two penthouses, and a nine-room villa – all comprising Calacatta marble, custom furnishings by Neri&Hu, and dotted with soft blue (lake-inspired) tones. Many have a French balcony too, making the ideal spot for a morning cup of coffee with a view over Europe’s most celebrated lake. Dining is at the forefront of the hotel’s offering, as three-Michelin-starred and green-star chef Mauro Colagreco marks his Italian debut providing culinary direction. Katie Silcox

Middle East

An exciting new concept is launching in Oman this year, and it’s spread across three of the country’s top locations: the farmlands of Barkaa; the desert of Sharqiyah; and the Al Hajar mountain range. Guests of The Malkai are greeted by a personal murshid (guide) before being chauffeured between the three locations in a Land Rover Defender, and immersed into Oman’s culture, heritage and beauty at all. Every location is home to just 15 high-spec tented pavilions crafted from local materials including limestone, marble and palm-leaf resin, and taking inspiration from traditional Bedouin tents. A personalised itinerary is drawn up for all guests – starting with the number of nights you choose to stay in each location – and might include activities such as stargazing, sailing and spa treatments. Landscaping is both self-sustaining and aids a farm-to-fork dining experience with herbs and fruits – dates, mango, lime, guava – making their way to dishes like shuwa (slow-cooked lamb or goat) and madrouba (rice porridge with vegetables). Katie Silcox

On Saudi Arabia’s ultra-luxury Red Sea coastline, Six Senses AMAALA is a place where luxury meets next-level wellness. Tucked away within the dramatic topography of Triple Bay, this immersive escape unfurls like a chic coastal village, where beachfront residences, hillside enclaves and private villas cascade toward a serene mangrove bay, each offering sweeping panoramas of Hijaz Cove and the shimmering Red Sea dotted with blue lagoons. Every detail invites holistic rejuvenation, from the locally sourced materials that echo traditional Arabian coastal architecture to the 3,000-square-metre Six Senses Spa which is a huge focus at the property: think cryotherapy chambers, a longevity clinic, Finnish and infrared saunas, herbal steam rooms, salt sanctuaries, vitality pools and ice baths, a Watsu pool, sound dome, an elevated yoga platform and programs for sleep, longevity, yoga and biohacking. Sheena Bhattessa

Diriyah is another of Saudi Arabia‘s ambitious architectural projects; rather than turning to futuristic design, this spot offers a modern town that looks back to the UNESCO-protected site of the region. The architecture takes reference from the nearby ancient buildings storying the lifestyles of Saudi Arabia’s past civilisations. The new Oberoi, Wadi Safar will also take inspiration from this Arabic design. Set within kilometres of untouched desert landscape, the hotel will boast 60 rooms and 10 private villas alongside an impressive spa and five restaurants, each overlooking the rolling natural surrounds. The 27-hole championship golf course is set to be a key draw to the property, as well as the Royal Equestrian and Polo Club that caters to the adventurous. Ella Mansell

Six Senses is posed to enter the UAE market with a real wellness bang in mid-2026, with Six Senses The Palm, Dubai offering a tranquil beachfront retreat (that’s still in touching distance of Dubai’s pulsating heart). Tucked away on the quieter West Crescent along a private stretch of beach, the LEED-certified (Leader In Energy and Environmental Design) retreat will blend a boutique 61-room hotel with 162 branded residences – all of which take their design cues from Dubai’s early relationship with coral reefs. Expect organic textures and soothing sea-inspired features that flow throughout the property. The true star though, is the sprawling 60,000-square-foot social and wellness club that delivers wellness for people who actually live busy lives, rather than blink-and-you-forget-them spa days. That means a full longevity clinic, IV lounge, biohacking room, squash court, a massage circuit pool, and tons of results-driven treatments at the luxurious Six Senses Spa. Becki Murray

There’s no doubt that more and more eyes turn to the Middle East every year as the region grows even more futuristic and luxurious day by day. This especially goes for Saudi Arabia, who with their 2019 tourist e-Visa made it simpler than ever for international travellers to visit. However, this 2026 hotel opening looks back. The Red Palace is one of the Kingdom’s most storied landmarks – originally built in 1943 as the home of Crown Prince Saud, it will reopen this year as a 87-suite property. The red Art Deco-facade gives way to an equally intriguing interior, where European influences meet Arabic royal salons when it comes to the gardens, rooms, and spa. An oasis amongst the bustling city of Riyadh. Ella Mansell

The Americas

The reopening of the Delano Miami Beach marks one of the most anticipated hotel relaunches in 2026. After decades at the epicentre of Miami’s social and cultural scene, the Delano closed in 2020 with an ambition to reimagine the hotel for a new generation of travellers, while preserving its unmistakable DNA. Opening this spring, the result is calm, understated luxury with 171 guestrooms and suites, including coveted Poolside Bungalows and Penthouse Suites that have sweeping views of both the Miami skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can expect a complete culinary and wellness transformation with four restaurants and bars that include: a reimagining of the beloved Rose Bar, once a legendary gathering place for Hollywood royalty and Miami’s inner circle; the return of the iconic pool deck with refreshed furnishings; and a second rooftop pool offering panoramic ocean views. Additionally a full-service spa and wellness centre will debut alongside a state-of-the-art fitness studio, curated retail experiences, and event spaces making Delano Miami Beach – once again – both a lifestyle destination and a cultural landmark. Courtney Griffiths

When Champalimaud Design has placed their stamp onto a hotel, you know it’s going to feel and look sleek and luxurious. Perched on Charleston’s waterfront, the group’s next project, The Cooper, is the first to open in this pretty city spot, and boasts 191 rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, a private marina, shopping spots, and a spa. Rooms offer private views over the harbour and city, with each welcoming in the natural light. High-low comes into play at the hotel’s dining options, helmed by chef Nick Dugan, where you’ll find everything from an excellent milkshake and juicy burgers at CurrentBurger to Mediterranean cuisine washed down by harbour views at The Crossing. Ella Mansell

Where is the cultural hub of Dallas, Texas? The Knox Hotel and Residences, Auberge Collection opening on the buzzy Knox Street is setting out to be just this when it opens late this year. Martin Brudnizki Design Studio is helming the interiors, meaning we can expect a considered maximalism to reign across the 140 rooms, with nods to opulent European salons. Across the luxury property, you’ll find outdoor lounges and a pool for locals and visitors alike to meet up around, a wellness sanctuary (to accompany the close proximity to the 3.5-mile Katy Trail) and plenty of al fresco dining options. Run by Auberge, you can expect to be properly looked after here, with just about anything tailored to your liking. Ella Mansell

Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club is set to be one of the most significant luxury resort debuts on Florida’s Gulf Coast in recent years. Situated on an expansive 125-acre beachfront site in Old Naples, the resort features 220 guest rooms and 57 suites, each designed with a refined coastal aesthetic. With an unmatched breadth of wellness and leisure experiences including a 30,000-square-foot Sanctuary Spa comprising treatment rooms, thermal experiences, a rooftop lap pool, a full fitness centre, two outdoor pools, paddleboarding and kayaking, and racquet sports to name a few. F&B offerings include everything from relaxed beachside fare to elevated fine dining and include the return of local favourite HB’s, the only true beachfront restaurant in Old Naples; the much adored and aptly named Sunset Bar reclaiming its position as the best place in the city to enjoy the sunset alongside Latin-inspired bites; and The Merchant Room, a new Gulf-view brasserie led by two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen. Courtney Griffiths

The Sunny will debut as a vibrant, design-forward resort for travellers who want both relaxation and coastal luxury along one of Miami’s most beloved stretches of sand. Formerly the Newport Beachside Hotel, The Sunny resort experience is built for relaxation and play with six F&B outlets, an oceanfront pool outfitted with a tiki bar and fire pits, a full-service fitness centre, a spa and salon offering treatments inspired by the sea, and its own private beach club. Featuring over 300 rooms, the hotel’s new look blends contemporary style with a welcoming beach town spirit and a curated private art collection will be displayed throughout the property, bringing personality and a sense of discovery to hallways. The ‘Sunny Day Concierge’ offers a variety of off-property excursions, from trips to Everglades National Park, the largest tropical wilderness reserve in the US, to water park visits, shopping excursions, bike rides and picnics in the park. With its modern design, elevated dining, impressive amenities, and unmatched beachside location this is a must visit South Florida destination. Courtney Griffiths

Chablé Valle de Guadalupe, set to open this winter, will be the latest addition to the highly-awarded Chablé Hotels collection, joining Chablé Yucatán and the beachfront Chablé Maroma in the Riviera Maya. Set in Mexico’s largest and fast-emerging wine region, Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California Norte, the 70-key retreat with 10 private residences merges sustainable luxury, world-class gastronomy and local culture. Sustainability is central to the project, with 10 hectares of vineyards, conservation trails, low-impact internal transport and EDGE certification ensuring minimal environmental impact. The culinary programme will be led exclusively by acclaimed Mexican chef Jorge Vallejo of Quintonil, whose menu celebrates the valley’s ingredients through innovative, globally inspired dishes. Wellness offerings draw on traditional Mexican healing rituals alongside modern techniques, reinforcing Chablé’s holistic approach to wellbeing. Rachel Story

Slated to open in December 2026, Voaara Grenadines is the Caribbean’s next barefoot-luxury escape, set against the turquoise waters of Palm Island in St Vincent and the Grenadines. This understated but elegant property will debut with just 25 breezy beach bungalows and a signature villa, where Wabi-Sabi-inspired design meets Caribbean soul. La Plage by Sarrion, led by Spanish chef Aleixandre Sarrion, will pair Mediterranean and Asian accents with vibrant local flavours, and guests will drift between open-air lounges, private infinity pools, and sunset bars attuned to golden-hour magic, all while immersed in the lush rhythm of island life and embarking on effortless island-hopping to places like the Tobago Cays and Mustique. Sheena Bhattessa

Building on its 35-year legacy of nature-led design, Aman will open Amanvari in spring 2026 – its first resort on Mexico’s East Cape of Baja California. This secluded 18-key coastal retreat, alongside a limited collection of branded residences, sits at the intersection of beachfront, desert and estuary, with elevated casitas and villas offering sweeping views of the Sea of Cortéz and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. Architecture and interiors blend seamlessly with the environment, using sand-toned materials, natural stone, tropical hardwoods and bespoke works by local Mexican artisans. Distinctive dining venues will range from Italian to Japanese, alongside the vibrant flavours and seasonal bounty of Baja. The Aman Spa will reflect the brand’s longevity-focused approach, featuring a contemporary interpretation of a temazcal (sweat lodge), Aman’s signature Spa Houses, an open-air yoga pavilion and tranquil spaces designed for calm reflection. Rachel Story

Asia

The eighth hotel from Sri Lankan Uga Resorts, Uga Ghiri is opening within Ella’s Sutherland Estate in the country’s central highlands this June. An all-inclusive hotel, fifteen villas are set within 10-acres of space and surrounded by the region’s tea plantations, with views stretching towards the 1919-built Nine Arch Bridge (that Sri Lankan bridge that you’ve probably seen on Instagram). Each villa is spread across 1,200 square feet and comes with a bedroom with en-suite bathroom, living area, outdoor decking and a private hot tub, while communal areas comprise an indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar, a 15-metre infinity pool, a spa and a library. Activities are, unsurprisingly, tea-centred and include tea-leaf picking, artisanal tea-tasting experiences and cycle rides through the plantations. Katie Silcox

We are gradually turning back to a “health is wealth” wellness mindset, and in travel, nature – and the peaceful, slow-paced living, and quality time it can bring – is gradually becoming recognised as the greatest luxury of all. KAIA is a new brand of luxury resorts putting nature at the forefront of their properties, with their first resort, KAIA Koh Phangan, Thailand set to open this summer. Indoor-outdoor living takes precedence here, as 31 tented suites staggered up a hillside each boast ocean views – a few with private pools too. The interiors are crafted from recycled local materials, the resort will use solar energy, while local ingredients, the resort’s own organic farm, and fire cooking lead the way in the restaurants. Ella Mansell

For the brand’s launch in Japan, 1Hotels have chosen Tokyo’s Akasaka district. Set within Mori Trust’s Tokyo World Gate Akasaka – a new hub for tourism, work, and lifestyle (think restaurants, cafes, shops, wellness spaces and lots of greenery) – 1Hotel Tokyo will takeover the 38th to 43rd floors of the Akasaka Trust Tower and, as expected from the brand, feature plenty of sustainable design. With a biophilic mindset, natural materials like stone and wood are softened via plants throughout the hotel space, including within all 211 bedrooms that open with a moss-wall entrance. In addition to the gym, wellness facilities include a zen-garden inspired spa, an indoor pool and an outdoor terrace. The hotel is anchored in sustainability, and key initiatives like the rainwater and greywater recycling systems, energy and water conservation systems and sustainable sourcing of fixtures have seen it achieve the Rank S certification from CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Built Environment Efficiency). Katie Silcox

Just when you think the Maldives has it all: Six & Six Private Islands is a unique concept debuting in the island atoll this year. Its uniqueness comes via its long-term ambition; over the next six years, the brand will unveil a portfolio of six individually designed islands, each paying homage in a different way to the cultures where they are built. Rah Gili Maldives, opening this February, is setting the standard for the brand with 74 villas (of which 37 are perched overwater), six dining venues and four bars, a luxury spa, fitness centre, dive hub, kids’ club, and social spaces. ‘Rayyithun’ means ‘people of the islands’ in Dhivehi and paves the way for the project, which will be community-first, both culturally (via various initiatives) and environmentally (via solar power and natural building materials). Instead of butlers, guests will be accompanied by “mentors” who will share local knowledge and cultural insights about where they are staying (as well as be on hand to assist where needed) to enforce the property’s grounding focus. Don Maaga Maldives, the second of the six properties, will debut later this year and is set to boast some of the largest villas available to book in the Maldives. Ella Mansell

Africa

Exploring the wide-ranging and wildlife-packed national parks of Africa is set to take on a new vibe with the Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp in Zambia’s Kafue National Park. Rather than stretched over safari planes, this tented adventure sits 3.5 metres over the banks of the Kafue River and two river islands. An intimate space, with just 12 spacious tents to book (including the signature presidential villa), this is set to be an exclusive stay in many ways, and comes complete with a plunge pool, as well as a boat and skipper. Importantly, the camp has been built and designed with the help of local businesses and staff, helping ensure it remains in harmony with the natural surrounds. Ella Mansell

Set within a malaria-free conservation area just a few hours from Durban and Johannesburg, The Homestead in South Africa’s Nambiti Reserve offers an ultra-luxury, nature-first escape. With just 12 suites, The Homestead is the final lodge permitted within Nambiti for conservation reasons and wildlife encounters are carefully managed, with sightings limited to just two vehicles at a time, allowing for respectful, unhurried experiences with the Big Five and more than 50 other species that call the reserve home. Modern structures are softened with green roofs and orchard gardens, and sit alongside restored 19th-century buildings, all designed to blend seamlessly within the landscape while embracing state-of-the-art sustainability. Beyond traditional game drives, guests can take wildlife photography classes, hike the Drakensberg foothills, explore historic battlefields, stargaze under the vast African skies or join conservation initiatives on the reserve. There’s yoga, wine and tea tastings, cooking with local ingredients and even bush sleep-outs, all designed to deepen your connection with nature. Rachel Story

Set among 45,000 acres of savannah and 19,000 acres of rhino-rich conservancy, JW Marriott Mount Kenya promises to deliver a transformative escape in the untamed beauty of the Masai Mara. Twenty tented suites – including two spacious two-bedroom sanctuaries with private plunge pools – meet four dining experiences and a spa that will be welcomed by all after days spent out in the wilderness. Night drives, horseback safaris and a chance to encounter endangered black and white rhinos, along with other wildlife including leopards and cheetahs, awaits. The conservancy is recognised for its successful rhino breeding programme. Sheena Bhattessa

Within 45 acres of reforested land in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – home to more than half the world’s mountain gorilla population – Asilia Africa Erebero Hills Lodge is (truly) rooted in nature. There are just eight suites here, designed by Pablo Luna Studios to reflect the curves of the nearby mountains and the tree forest canopy, and each has a private viewing deck with unobstructed panoramas of it all. The outdoors comes in, too, via floor-to-ceiling glass-fronted facades for front-row seats of the scenery and outdoor showers (indoor showers are available too). Constructed using natural, local materials like bamboo, stone and rammed earth, and celebrating local craftmanship, the hotel supports the local landscape with an initiative to create a forest buffer zone, helping to increase local wildlife, and it supports local livelihoods by collaborating with the local Batwa and Bakiga people. Gorilla trekking might be top of the agenda, but other activities include walking, photo and conservation safaris. Katie Silcox

The Arctic

Selar is the world’s first fully sustainable polar expedition company, founded by the first female Arctic captain, Sophie Galvagnon. Its pioneering vessel, Captain Arctic – set to sail on its maiden voyage this winter – has been purpose-built for polar exploration, operating at close-to-zero emissions. Powered primarily by wind and sun, the sailing ship features five solid sails fitted with 20,000-square-feet of solar panels, with only minimal sustainably sourced biofuel used as backup. The result is a near-silent voyage with no vibration or fumes, reducing CO₂ emissions by around 90 per cent compared to conventional cruise ships. Expeditions are intentionally small and low-impact, hosting just 36 guests and led by expert polar navigators, scientists and resident adventurers. Experiences range from kayaking alongside glaciers and hiking ice edges, to silent polar bear observation and bespoke, immersive encounters. Onboard, guests will find a rooftop deck, green-powered sauna, polar cold tub and a dedicated science lab supporting ongoing Arctic research. Rachel Story

Lead image: The Malkai, Sharqiyah, Oman

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40 Of The Most Exciting New Hotel Openings In 2026

By: Katie Silcox, Sheena Bhattessa, Rachel Story, Ella Alexander, Ella Mansell, Becki Murray, Courtney Griffiths

London and The UK

April 2026: Six Senses London

Mid 2026: St. Regis London

Summer 2026: Waldorf Astoria London, Admiralty Arch

Early 2026: The Zetter Bloomsbury, London

April 2026: Arthouse Glasgow

Europe

Summer 2026: Experimental Roma, Rome, Italy

May 2026: Luura Cliff, Paros, Greece

May 2026: Casa Bonavita, Attard, Malta

March 2026: Nômade Temple Madrid

Winter 2026: Six Senses Milan, Italy

Spring 2026: Black Sand Hotel, Iceland

Spring 2026: Conrad Athens The Ilisian, Athens, Greece

Open Now: Cummari Sicily, Italy

Mid 2026: Four Seasons Resort Mykonos, Greece

April 2026: Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce, Italy

April 2026: Orient Express Venezia, Venice, Italy

Spring 2026: Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Croatia

March 2026: The Lake Como EDITION, Italy

Middle East

Autumn 2026: The Malkai, Oman

Spring/Summer 2026: Six Senses AMAALA, Saudi Arabia

Spring/Summer 2026: The Oberoi, Wadi Safar, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia

Mid 2026: Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, UAE

Spring/Summer 2026: The Red Palace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Americas

Spring 2026: Delano Miami Beach, Florida, USA

March 2026: The Cooper, Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Winter 2026: The Knox Hotel And Residences, Dallas, Texas, USA

February 2026: Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Florida, USA

February 2026: The Sunny, Florida, USA

Late 2026: Chablé Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

December 2026: Voaara Grenadines, The Caribbean

Spring: 2026: Amanvari, East Cape, Mexico

Asia

June 2026: Uga Ghiri, Sri Lanka

Summer 2026: KAIA Koh Phangan, Thailand

Spring 2026: 1Hotel Tokyo, Japan

February 2026: Rah Gili Maldives by Six & Six Private Islands, Maldives

Africa

April 2026: Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp, Zambia

Mid 2026: The Homestead, South Africa

Early 2026: JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, Kenya

August 2026: Asilia Africa Erebero Hills Lodge, Uganda

The Arctic

Winter 2026: Captain Arctic, Selar Expeditions, The Arctic

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