2026 is shaping up to be a headline year for luxury hotel openings and not just because they’re new. Think iconic European hotels reborn, next-generation wellness resorts, design-led beach escapes in Mexico and the Maldives, plus intimate boutique hideaways in Japan and safari-style luxury lodges in Tanzania. This guide spotlights the most anticipated new luxury hotels opening in 2026, from legendary brands entering new destinations to historic properties reopening with five-star upgrades. Save this as your shortlist of where to stay in 2026, whether you’re planning a European grand tour, a barefoot beach week, or a once-in-a-lifetime safari.
And for those who prefer their accommodations to move with the tides, 2026 is equally exciting on the water, here are the year's most anticipated super yacht launches.
Quick Take:
2026 new luxury hotels are arriving across Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Asia, with top brands like: Aman, Four Seasons, Belmond, Bvlgari, Rosewood, and St. Regis, introducing fresh addresses that prioritize high-design interiors, elevated wellness, and access to standout destinations. This roundup highlights the best luxury hotel openings of 2026 to bookmark now, whether you want a city-and-countryside itinerary, a refined beach escape, or a safari-forward adventure.
EUROPE
COMO LE BEAUVALLON
COMO Le Beauvallon will reopen on 24 April 2026, reviving a Belle Époque Riviera landmark on the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Set within a private ten-acre estate in Grimaud, the hotel will offer 42 individually designed rooms and suites, a glittering mosaic-tiled pool, direct beach access via Beauvallon Sur Mer beach club, and a private pontoon/jetty for yacht tenders. From the jetty, a complimentary speedboat reaches Saint-Tropez in about eight minutes, and boat services are also available to Pampelonne Beach. Wellness includes a refreshed fitness centre, yoga studio, and restorative treatments by COMO Shambhala, alongside healthy COMO Shambhala Kitchen options.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL PUNTA NEGRA, MALLORCA
Big news for Mallorca lovers: Mandarin Oriental is bringing its signature elegance to the island this spring! Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra is set against the stunning backdrop of Puerto Portals, blending subtle luxury with Mallorca's natural beauty. Located in Calvià, one of the island's most exclusive areas, the property is close to the vibrant Portals port and just a short drive from Palma de Mallorca. Each space is thoughtfully crafted to offer serenity, privacy, and a seamless connection to nature, capturing the effortless charm of coastal living. With a wellness area that promises to be a true haven for rejuvenation of mind and body.
CORINTHIA ROME
Rome is getting a spectacular new luxury address in February 2026! Corinthia Rome, marking the brand's first hotel in Italy, is housed in the former headquarters of the Bank of Italy on Piazza del Parlamento, just steps from the Pantheon and Spanish Steps. This 1914 landmark has been thoughtfully restored to blend historic character with contemporary elegance. With 60 beautifully designed rooms, including 21 suites, the hotel offers an intimate and sophisticated sanctuary in the historic Campo Marzio district. The culinary scene is exceptional, featuring two restaurants and a bar overseen by Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco, bringing his distinctive perspective to Rome for the first time. Plus, the spa is located in the original bank's vaults, talk about a unique wellness experience!
ORIENT EXPRESS VENEZIA
Venice is always a good idea, and it's about to get even better. Opening in April 2026, Orient Express Venezia occupies a meticulously restored 15th-century Venetian palazzo in the Cannaregio district, a place that retains the charm of old Venice. The hotel features 47 opulent accommodations, including 29 rooms, 16 suites, six Signature Suites, and two Orient Apartments. The Piano Nobile showcases period frescoes and mosaic flooring, with spaces like the Baroque ballroom, a library with lapis lazuli pigments, and a Music Room that evokes Venice's golden age. Culinary experiences include an intimate fine dining restaurant with boat access, an all-day venue overlooking the courtyard garden (a rare find in Venice), and the iconic Wagon Bar—a homage to the golden era of rail travel.
AIRELLES VENEZIA
Marking Airelles' first venture beyond France, Airelles Venezia is set to debut on April 1, 2026, on the serene island of Giudecca, a tranquil escape just steps from the energy of Piazza San Marco. The property's crown jewel is Venice's largest spa and wellness center at 18,300 square feet, featuring three swimming pools (a true rarity in a city where such luxury is virtually unheard of and perfect for summer) Among them, an impressive 82-foot outdoor pool anchors nearly one hectare of private gardens, complemented by an indoor pool at the spa and a dedicated children's pool. The 45 rooms and suites showcase French elegance woven with Venetian artistry. The 4,800-square-foot Presidential Suite with four bedrooms offers sweeping panoramic views of Venice's most iconic landmarks. Culinary excellence takes center stage with three elevated restaurants, a cicchetti bar honoring Venetian tradition, and three distinct bars including the exclusive Palladio Club for jazz. Complimentary roundtrip boat shuttle service to St. Mark's Square, a dedicated Kids' Club, and the consecrated church available for intimate ceremonies complete this unprecedented Venetian sanctuary.
ROCCO FORTE HOTEL, COSTA SMERALDA, SARDINIA
Rocco Forte Hotels is making its Sardinian debut with a stunning resort in Costa Smeralda. Located in the picturesque bay of Liscia di Vacca near Porto Cervo, this two-acre seafront resort has been designed to honor the nature that surrounds it, created with sustainable principles and Sardinian design at heart. The property will feature 64 rooms and suites, with lush, landscaped gardens. Guests will love the state-of-the-art spa, three restaurants championing fresh local ingredients, and a rooftop bar overlooking Sardinia's breathtaking east coast. Positioned just steps from one of the island's best beaches, this resort occupies an enviable spot for anyone seeking la dolce vita by the Mediterranean.
DANIELI, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, VENICE
Venice's legendary Hotel Danieli is undergoing a complete transformation and will reopen as a Four Seasons Hotel in mid-2026. Set to bring new levels of luxury to the Grand Canal, this property unites three historic buildings: the 14th-century Palazzo Dandolo and two 19th-century additions linked by bridges. Following a €30 million renovation led by renowned designer Pierre-Yves Rochon (who also worked on Four Seasons Florence and George V Paris - one of the 12 palace hotels in Paris), the hotel will feature 176 luminous accommodations by 2027. Guests can look forward to exceptional Four Seasons service, the rooftop Restaurant and Bar Terrazza Danieli with views across the lagoon, and the new Danieli Spa opening late 2026. The hotel also promises signature experiences like private tours of Venetian palazzos and hidden gardens, plus adventures across the Venetian lagoon aboard a vintage fishing vessel. Steps from Piazza San Marco, this is a great addition to round out a Four Seasons Italy itinerary with Florence and Sicily properties.
ROSEWOOD ROME
Opening in 2026 overlooking Rome’s iconic Via Veneto, Rosewood Rome will reimagine the former headquarters of Italy’s Banca Nazionale del Lavoro across three early-1900s buildings. This opening will mark the brand’s fourth property in Italy and eleventh in Europe.
The hotel is currently listed as offering 155 accommodations, including 50 suites, with design influenced by Via Veneto’s La Dolce Vita legacy, pairing traditional architectural elements with contemporary detailing. Three dining venues are planned: a contemporary Italian bistro, a lobby bar and café, and a rooftop bar with a terrace and sweeping city views. Wellness highlights include a modern Roman Bathhouse set within the bank’s original vault and a rooftop Asaya Spa with four treatment rooms, a wellness terrace with reflecting pool, and a dynamic fitness center. Dedicated event spaces are set to include three meeting rooms and a grand ballroom.
PALAZZO CASTELLUCCIO, NOTO, SICILY
Sicily holds a special place in Rocco Forte's portfolio, and the beautiful town of Noto is about to become a destination in itself with the 2026 opening of Palazzo Castelluccio. This magnificent 18th-century palace, spanning 50,000 square feet, is one of the largest noble residences in the Val di Noto region. Originally built in 1782 by the Marquis di Lorenzo del Castelluccio, the palazzo's neoclassical design lends unique charm to Noto's predominantly Baroque landscape. The transformation will preserve 31 rooms of inherited charm (walls draped in shimmering silk, ornately painted ceilings, and original ceramic floors from Caltagirone) while introducing contemporary luxury. The hotel will feature a restaurant, bar, garden lounge, spa, gym, and event spaces. The lush garden provides the perfect setting for unwinding on Sicilian summer afternoons.
LAKE COMO EDITION
Lake Como is getting a bold new vision of lakeside luxury when The Lake Como EDITION opens in March 2026. Set along the western shore in Cadenabbia with sweeping views of Bellagio, the hotel reimagines a historic 19th-century palazzo (originally built in 1830) with refined contemporary design. The property features 148 rooms including 25 suites, two penthouses, and one private villa. Three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco will lead the culinary program across four distinct dining venues, with the signature restaurant Cetino featuring a jardin d'hiver terrace overlooking the water. The floating pool on the lake is pure magic, while The Longevity Spa (the second in Italy) offers biohacking treatments alongside an indoor thermal pool with floor-to-ceiling windows oriented toward the lake. With a private dock providing access to Lake Como's ferry service.
ZANNIER BENDOR
Opening May 1, 2026, Zannier Bendor reimagines the legendary Île de Bendor (Bendor Island)—a storied private Mediterranean island just a seven-minute boat ride from the Provençal coastal town of Bandol— Following a meticulous five-year transformation led jointly by the Ricard family and Zannier Hotels, the island boasts 93 elegantly appointed rooms and suites. It counts with a sprawling 1200-square-metre holistic wellness centre (one of the region's largest spas) anchored by both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, plus hammam, cold baths, mud baths, and an Iyashi dome, alongside yoga, reformer Pilates, and a high-tech fitness centre. Culinary excellence shines through eight distinct dining and drinking venues, including the celebrated Le Grand Large fine-dining restaurant with panoramic Mediterranean views, casual Delos poolside bistro, traditional Café Paul Ricard, and the energetic Nonna Bazaar—a Mediterranean family-style concept. The island also features an art gallery, three artisan ateliers, a concept store honoring Ricard's cultural legacy, a dedicated kids' club, exclusive beach coves, and a diving centre, all set within seven rewilded hectares offering effortless Provençal charm and authentic leisure.
WALDORF ASTORIA LONDON ADMIRALTY ARCH
London is gaining one of its most iconic luxury hotels in 2026! The Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch occupies one of the city's most celebrated landmarks—the historic Admiralty Arch at the end of The Mall, opposite Buckingham Palace. Originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, this building has housed everyone from Sir Winston Churchill to Ian Fleming (author of the James Bond novels). Now, following extensive restoration, it will feature 100 elegantly designed rooms and suites, 17,500 square feet of residences, a spa and wellness area, and a sixth-floor rooftop terrace with spectacular views. The culinary offerings are exceptional: acclaimed chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud will each oversee signature restaurants—Coreus (fine dining focused on UK coastal waters and regional farms) and Café Boulud (French-influenced all-day dining with rooftop terrace). With views of Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Nelson's Column.
SIX SENSES LONDON
Six Senses is finally making its UK debut in early 2026! Located within The Whiteley in Bayswater, this hotel features 109 guest rooms and suites (many with private terraces), plus 14 branded residences. The standout is the 25,000-square-foot Six Senses Spa (one of the largest in the city) featuring London's first hotel magnesium pool, a flotation pod, cryotherapy chamber, movement studios, and a longevity medical clinic. Inspired by London's layers and energy, the spa mirrors the different energies of city life in spaces reminiscent of an old-fashioned London underground station. The property will also debut Six Senses Place, the brand's first private members' club. Just moments from Hyde Park and Notting Hill.
THE PARK GSTAAD, A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, SWITZERLAND
The Swiss Alps are getting an extraordinary Four Seasons experience. Opening in time for the 2026-2027 winter season, The Park Gstaad, A Four Seasons Hotel represents the transformation of Gstaad's first five-star hotel, which originally opened in 1910. Following a full-scale refurbishment, the property will feature 75 rooms and suites, including luxury penthouse residences available for purchase. The hotel will offer modern touches while paying homage to its historic alpine setting, with an array of unique restaurant and bar concepts, a destination spa and fitness center, and both indoor and outdoor pools. Additional amenities include a tennis court, ski and bike services, a Kids For All Seasons program, and an ice rink in winter. Located roughly two hours from Geneva and within walking distance of Gstaad's gourmet restaurants and designer boutiques, this property offers access to 220 kilometers of slopes in winter and stunning hiking, mountain biking, and golf in summer.
MEXICO
AMANVARI, BAJA CALIFORNIA
Aman's long-awaited debut in Mexico is finally happening, and it looks absolutely spectacular. Opening in spring 2026, Amanvari is set to arrive on the wild and wonderful East Cape of Baja California. This sanctuary will feature just 18 elevated casitas offering knockout views of the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Laguna mountains. The design draws inspiration from the region's elemental beauty (sand-hued materials, white concrete, natural stone, tropical hardwoods, and bespoke Mexican ceramics). The Aman Spa will include a contemporary interpretation of a temazcal sweat lodge (celebrating Mexico's ancestral wellness traditions), open-air yoga pavilion, and signature Spa Houses. Part of the 1,500-acre Costa Palmas estate, Amanvari also provides access to a Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course, yacht club with deep-water marina, and three miles of swimmable beach.
UNITED STATES
WHITE ELEPHANT ASPEN
Known for iconic properties in Nantucket and Palm Beach, White Elephant Resorts is bringing its inimitable mix of service, style, and hospitality to the American West. Slated to debut on February 3, 2026, White Elephant Aspen will be located on the corner of Main Street and Garmisch Street, in the beating heart of the West End neighborhood. The 54-room hotel is designed to inject a dose of modernity into Aspen's Victorian-inspired aesthetic. Exclusive winter experiences include before-opening ski runs on Aspen Mountain, private snowcat backcountry experiences, winter fly fishing on Roaring Fork River, and snowmobile tours to Maroon Bells. Come summer, guests can enjoy gondola picnics and yoga at 11,000 feet, tours of the Smuggler Mine, and priority tee times at three local golf courses.
CANYON RANCH AUSTIN WELLNESS RESORT
Texas is getting its largest spa! Opening in fall 2026, Canyon Ranch Austin Wellness Resort is bringing its legendary wellness expertise to 600 acres along Lake Travis in Spicewood, about 30 miles from downtown Austin. The approximately 224,000-square-foot resort will feature state-of-the-art facilities for health, fitness, performance, dining, lodging, and outdoor adventures. What makes this opening particularly exciting is its primary focus on women's wellness, a significant evolution for the wellness industry. With Canyon Ranch's 40+ years of expertise in integrative wellness, this property promises to offer personalized, all-inclusive stays with unlimited dining, daily mind-body activities, expert-led integrative care, and transformative experiences. Fort Worth-based Canyon Ranch also has locations in Tucson, Lenox, and Las Vegas, making this expansion a major addition to their award-winning portfolio.
THE KNOX HOTEL, AUBERGE COLLECTION, DALLAS
On the other hand, Dallas is about to get its most exciting new address! Opening in 2026, The Knox, Auberge Collection is located in the vibrant Knox Street neighborhood along the Katy Trail. This boutique hotel will anchor a four-acre luxury lifestyle development that includes curated retail, restaurants, and a new park. The property will feature 140 hotel rooms and suites, plus 48 private luxury residences with exclusive access to a residential club. The hotel will offer a lively second-floor restaurant, spacious living rooms and outdoor lounges, expansive event spaces, a vibrant outdoor pool bar, fitness center, spa, and movement studio. Located in a district that promotes walkability, cultivated greenspace, and a highly social atmosphere, The Knox is perfectly positioned as a gateway to Highland Park and as a springboard for exploring Dallas's best shopping and culinary destinations. This marks Auberge's expansion to three locations in Texas!
CARIBBEAN
THE ST. REGIS COSTA MUJERES RESORT, CANCUN
The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort is opening in early 2026, bringing an unmatched luxury resort to Quintana Roo. The resort will feature 160 elegantly designed rooms and 80 private residences, all enhanced by the legendary St. Regis Butler service available 24/7. Surrounded by nature, the property captures the spirit of Quintana Roo with serene ocean views and thoughtful touches like a Beach Club, multiple infinity pools, Drawing Room, Library, Water Park, Kids Club, Spa & Fitness facilities, and a Rooftop Pool & Lounge. Three restaurants will offer exceptional dining experiences, while the resort's embarcadero and helipad provide exclusive arrival options. With easy access to nearby reefs for snorkeling, proximity to Isla Mujeres, and a tranquil climate perfect for year-round exploration. Often called the "New Cancun," Costa Mujeres offers a calmer, more exclusive alternative to the traditional hotel zone.
ASIA
ROSEWOOD HANGZHOU, CHINA
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is expanding its impressive China portfolio. Located in Wangjiang New City, an emerging hub of innovation, technology, and financial services, this new-build luxury hotel will occupy prime real estate within a progressive mixed-use development. Hangzhou, one of China's most storied destinations and the starting point of the historic Silk Road, provides a spectacular backdrop. The hotel will feature 180 rooms and suites, plus four food and beverage outlets including a casual bistro, Chinese restaurant, specialty restaurant, and bar. Guests will also enjoy The Manor Club (Rosewood's exclusive executive lounge), Asaya spa with eight treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, and a Rosewood Explorer's Club with activities for children. This opening highlights Rosewood's dedication to offering guests the unique opportunity to genuinely connect with and celebrate local cultures and communities.
CAPELLA KYOTO
Capella Hotels and Resorts is making its highly anticipated Japan debut. Opening March 23, 2026, Capella Kyoto is set in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama District on the former site of Shindo Elementary School, a local landmark for over a century. Just a 4-minute walk from Keihan Main Line's Gion-Shijo Station, the hotel neighbors famous attractions like Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, Kenninji Temple, and Miyagawa-cho, one of Kyoto's five geisha districts. The property will feature 92 rooms and suites surrounding a central Japanese garden courtyard. Beneath the bamboo courtyard lies Capella's signature Auriga Spa with treatment rooms offering private onsen experiences. Dining options include a signature modern brasserie with adjoining pâtisserie, a Japanese restaurant nestled in a sunken garden, and Carte Blanche, an omakase-style immersive dining experience. The hotel will also collaborate with the newly refurbished Miyagawa Maiko Performance School, introducing exclusive and authentic cultural experiences for guests.
MALDIVES
BVLGARI RESORT RANFUSHI
Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi is on a 20-hectare private island in Raa Atoll, accessible by a 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé. This marks Bvlgari's 10th hotel globally and brings the brand's unmistakable Italian elegance to the Indian Ocean. The resort will feature 54 villas (33 beachfront sanctuaries and 20 overwater retreats) plus a standalone Bvlgari Villa set on its own exclusive island for the most discerning guests. At the heart of the island, the Bvlgari Spa will embody serenity with oceanfront treatment pavilions, a hydrotherapy area, yoga pavilion, and fitness center. Every detail reflects Bvlgari's signature attention to form and function, creating a seamless blend of Italian artistry and Maldivian soul. With pristine lagoons, vibrant coral reefs for snorkeling, and sunset cruises in pure style, this is "barefoot luxury" reimagined with unmistakable Italian touch.
GREECE
FOUR SEASONS RESORT MYKONOS
Big news for Greek island lovers: Four Seasons is finally landing on Mykonos, and it's going to be spectacular! Opening in summer 2026, this new resort sits dramatically on a cliffside above Kalo Livadi Bay, one of Mykonos' most stunning beaches. Designed in classic Cycladic style with whitewashed buildings, winding paths, and blue-and-white views, the property will feature 94 spacious rooms, suites, and villas, over 30 with private plunge pools. All accommodations offer sea views and blend indoors and outdoors seamlessly, connecting guests to panoramic Aegean vistas. Two infinity pools (one for families, one for adults only) are framed by private cabanas and lounge chairs. The hillside spa and 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment offer inspiring Aegean views, while the Kids For All Seasons center (complimentary for ages 5-12) brings history and Greek mythology to life. With direct beach access to two pristine beaches, yacht excursions, water sports, and proximity to Mykonos' vibrant nightlife and culture.
AFRICA
UBUYU, A BANYAN TREE ESCAPE, TANZANIA
For travelers seeking an intimate eco-luxury safari experience, Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape is opening in Ruaha National Park in May 2026. This is Tanzania's best-kept secret: a vast convergence of ecosystems where East Africa's sweeping savannahs meet the miombo woodlands of the south. Unlike the more frequented northern parks, Ruaha offers a quieter, more intimate experience with one of Africa's largest elephant populations, the world's highest concentration of lions, and one of the last refuges for the endangered African wild dog. Ubuyu (named after the Swahili word for baobab fruit) features just six artisan-crafted villas, each inspired by traditional Maasai circular dwellings. The villas feature open-air showers, private plunge pools, expansive decks, and are solar-powered using natural materials including timber, thatch, clay, and locally carved Mninga wood furniture. At the heart of the retreat lies the Living Room (inspired by Maasai enkangs), the Open Kitchen presenting a plant-forward, zero-waste menu, and the rooftop Mganga Bar serving elixirs infused with native botanicals. The riverside Maji Spa invites restoration through rituals grounded in indigenous healing. Every stay is guided by a dedicated Escape Host who arranges walking safaris, cultural exchanges in nearby villages, and riverside dining experiences.
Choosing which of these new luxury hotels opening in 2026 to book first is a great dilemma to have. Whether you’re drawn to Italian palazzo hotels, new luxury resorts in Greece’s islands, design-forward stays in Japan, or Baja California beach resorts, 2026 is stacked with must-visit luxury hotel debuts.
Which 2026 opening is first on your list? Share your dream trip and talk to a KJ Travel advisor about dates, hotels, and VIP perks.
