Ytri, Norway
Ytri, Norway

The best new luxury hotels opening in 2026

24 Dec 2025 | | By Annie Lewis

The hotels every traveller will want to book in 2026

In the world of luxury hotels, a new year traditionally heralds a slate of new openings – and 2026 is no exception. With many properties emerging from multi-year restorations or decades-long construction projects, it’s safe to say some of these hotels have been a long-time coming. Plus, with the international market getting more and more crowded, the fight to be the crème de la crème is only getting more fierce. In a bid to meet every discerning traveller’s needs, and win over new guests, you can count on these new hotels ensuring their debut is nothing short of exceptional.

So, where will everyone be booking? Those who prefer to stay loyal to one brand, such as JW Marriott, Auberge and The Oberoi, will have new destinations on their bucket list this year thanks to openings in Kenya, Texas and Saudi Arabia. Elsewhere, it would seem hotels over the pond are gearing up for the FIFA World Cup and all its tourists with a flurry of new boutique hotels launching in Mexico City, California, Canada and beyond.

But that doesn’t mean Europe is missing out on all the action; closer to home, enjoy Corinthia’s debut in one of Italy’s most historic cities, The Dean’s move into Germany and The Standard’s first Portuguese hotel. Passports at the ready – here are the best luxury hotels opening in 2026.

Europe

Corinthia Rome, Italy

Corinthia Rome, set within the former headquarters of the Bank of Italy on Piazza del Parlamento which dates back to 1914, is now taking reservations from February 2026. Marking the company’s debut in Italy and following recent openings in New York and Brussels, the hotel positions itself as an artful enclave in the heart of the city and nods to storied location in the historic Campo Marzio neighbourhood. The 60-key property has been transformed following a multi-year restoration of its seven floors, where original features such as marble panelling, frescoes and carved wood have been carefully preserved. A bar overlooking an internal courtyard, a spa located in the former bank’s vault, and restaurants under the guise of lauded Italian chef Carlo Cracco complete the luxurious offering. 

Opening: February 2026
Room rate: £1,220 per night
Visit corinthia.com

The Dean Berlin, Germany

Opening in February 2026, The Dean Berlin marks the first launch outside of Ireland for the Irish-born hotel brand. In Charlottenburg, a district renowned for its blend of historical charm and contemporary vibrancy, the 81-room hotel – designed by Rachael Gowdridge – layers a rebellious yet refined aesthetic that reflects Berlin’s creative spirit. At its heart is Benedict, a bakery, restaurant and bar serving an international menu with a focus on breakfast and brunch favourites. Open from early morning to late evening, it’s a lively social hub for both guests and locals.

Opening: February 2026
Room rate: From £120 per night
Visit thedeanberlin.ie

Borgo Pignano Florence, Italy

Sister property to the renowned Borgo Pignano in Tuscany, this 15th-century Florentine villa has been meticulously restored to offer a refined retreat just moments from the city. Located on 12 acres of grounds in the northern slopes of Montughi Hill, making it the largest of any hotel in Florence, the estate comprises 11 historic buildings with 32 rooms and suites, each impeccably curated with bespoke furnishings, Venetian fabrics and marble bathrooms. Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef, Stefano Cavallini, the two restaurants and two bars will be serviced by dishes rooted in Italian tradition and shaped by organic produce from the Borgo Pignano estate in Tuscany. Under the Tuscan sun, while away the hours at the 30m heated outdoor pool (one of the largest in Florence), spa, fitness area, solarium deck and a peaceful jogging path. Bellissimo. 

Opening: Spring 2026
Room rate: £615 per night
Visit borgopignano.com

Ytri, Træna Island, Norway

Located off the Helgeland coast in northern Norway, the Træna archipelago is centred by Husøy, one of Norway’s oldest fishing communities, where around 400 residents live in close connection with nature and tradition. This deep-rooted cultural heritage is the foundation for Relais & Châteaux’s Ytri, a unique retreat set to open in 2026. Named after the Old Norse word ‘ytri’ – meaning ‘outermost’ – the 38-key hotel has been designed by architects Vardehaugen in collaboration with Bonaparte Interiør to seamlessly blend into the landscape, with expansive windows that frame panoramic views of the rugged archipelago. The Scandinavian experience continues with the culinary offerings, where each meal is shaped by the day’s catch and the availability of fresh, locally sourced ingredients that fuel  nature-based and wellness activities, from hiking and whale watching to relaxing in the sauna, overlooking the ocean.

Opening: April 2026
Room rate: From £398 per night
Visit ytri.no

Casa Góngora, Spain

Nestled in southern Spain’s Aljarafe region, Casa Góngora stands among some of the country’s most beautiful wine estates. Behind its whitewashed walls, the hotel – where the Góngora family legacy continues to inspire its winemaking that dates back to the 17th century– features traditional Andalusian architecture centered around a 16th-century wine press and ancient vaulted cellars. Located less than a 30-minute drive from Seville, the Relais & Châteaux estate will open 13 rooms and three independent villas, all featuring terracotta floors, hand-crafted ceramic tiles and locally made decorative pieces to create an authentic immersion into Andalusian culture. Guests will enjoy a refined culinary journey at Góngora restaurant, where regional cuisine is paired with the estate’s finest wines and don’t miss the dedicated wellness area, complementing its swimming pool and shady, palm-filled gardens.

Opening: April 2026
Room rate: From £442 per night
Visit hotelcasagongora.com

Conrad Corfu, Greece

Set on a secluded stretch in southern Corfu, Conrad Corfu will be Hilton’s first luxury resort in Greece, blending refined indulgence with a deep connection to nature and culture. The 136-room beachfront retreat features private-pool accommodations, a Conrad Spa, three restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Alexandros Tsiotinis, and art that celebrates Corfu’s layered heritage. Watch this space. 

Opening: May 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit hilton.com

Gran Hotel Margalida, Mallorca, Spain

Set in the cliffside village of Banyalbufar, where the Serra de Tramuntana meets the sea, Gran Hotel Margalida’s historic building has been transformed into an intimate retreat. With just 29 ocean-facing rooms, the Annua hotel will house the brand’s first first fully integrated wellness concept featuring independent treatment rooms and advanced therapies, a Technogym-equipped movement space including Pilates reformer machines, and an outdoor yoga platform. On the gastronomic front, kitchens offer a contemporary interpretation of Mallorcan cuisine; expect a French-inspired oyster and raw bar serving freshly shucked oysters, raw seafood and citrus-led pairings, while the poolside restaurant evokes a relaxed Mediterranean lounge shaped by light, sea and unhurried afternoons.

Opening: May 2026
Room rate: £835 per night
Visit granhotelmargalida.com

La Darbia, Chianti, Italy

An avenue of ancient pine trees leads to La Darbia in Chianti, a new 17-suite hilltop hotel by Italian architect brothers Gian Carlo and Matteo Primatesta. The 15-hectare estate combines olive groves, meadows, Mediterranean woodland, and lavender fields in Chianti, just 25 minutes from Florence. The estate is split into two levels; the Pine Alley gathers suites around a courtyard and tower house, while the Hilltop offers spacious suites with private spa facilities and gardens. Inside, designers Studio Primatesta have used natural materials – pietra serena, terracotta, travertine, and wood – alongside an earthy colour palette to bring the outside in. The flagship restaurant is led by executive chef Matteo Monfrinotti and will serve traditional Tuscan dishes while overlooking lavender fields toward Panzano. Fancy getting out and about? Discover nearby wine estates such as Antinori and Rampolla, the terracotta workshops of Impruneta, and the famed butcher Dario Cecchini.

Opening: May 2026
Room rate: £310 per night
Visit ladarbia.com

Casa Bonavita, Malta

Once a centuries-old family house, this 17-bedroom home has been meticulously restored over the past five years to form a gorgeous hotel framed by Mediterranean gardens. Created by Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, founders of The Rug Company, this marks their first foray into hospitality. Its location in Attard, one of Malta’s historic Three Villages, is just 20 minutes from the baroque grandeur of Valletta and near the ancient walled city of Mdina, benefiting more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Escape to the restored gardens, convivial ‘house kitchen’, and wellness sanctuary, which all creates a restorative setting that feels more like a family home than a hotel. 

Opening: May 2026
Room rate: From £342 per night
Visit casabonavita.com

Oku Bodrum, Turkey

Oku will open its adults only retreat in one of Europe’s most sought after destinations this spring: Bodrum peninsula’s northern coast. The boutique hotel will house just 58 rooms offering private pools, all thoughtfully designed to incorporate Turkish flair such as local marble and walls crafted from reclaimed stone. The small but perfectly formed spa is the ideal place to escape to, boasting a hammam, sauna, and open-air beachside treatment cabanas, while the three restaurants include Oku’s signature Japanese fusion cuisine, poolside To Kima Restaurant and The Round Bar perched on the jetty next to the glittering cove. The hotel’s location not only offers direct access to a protected bay for swimming, but is perfectly positioned for exploring the region by both land and sea, with the private jetty providing boat access so you can easily take to the waters. 

Opening: May 2026
Room rate: From £400 per night
Visit okuhotels.com

The Standard Lisbon, Portugal

Marking The Standard’s highly anticipated arrival in one of Europe’s most happening cities, its Lisbon outpost will rise above the colorful alleyways of Alfama to offer front-row views of the river. Located at Palácio Santa Clara and built atop the ancient College of St Francis Xavier, which served as the Portuguese Royal Navy Hospital for over 200 years, the property is being reimagined by acclaimed architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho. Anchored in food, music, art, and culture, The Standard Lisbon will feature 170 guestrooms and 24 long stay apartments, as well as a pharmacy bar, all-day dining restaurant, and upstairs the rooftop bar and terrace are poised to become a neighborhood destination. 

Opening: Autumn 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit standardhotels.com

Africa

Great Plains’ Zamara Private, Kenya

Great Plains’ Zamara Private, Kenya

Great Plains will add yet another property to its Kenyan portfolio in January with Zamara Private. Perched on the edge of the iconic Maasai Mara Reserve, this exclusive Réserve-Collection residence will redefine the Kenyan safari experience with a six-suite, family-friendly villa featuring overhead fans, air conditioning, a private outdoor deck, and the rare luxury of a shower beneath the stars. With a design rooted in Wabi Sabi principles, elevated wooden walkways weave through the property, while the dedicated wine room, spa and infinity pool alongside a private wellness space including a gym, sauna and steam room will keep all ages thoroughly entertained. Offering exclusive access to one of Africa’s most celebrated ecosystems, endless adventure awaits beyond the camp, with private daily safari drives and bucket-list breakfasts in the bush.

Opening: April 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit greatplainsconservation.com

The Homestead, South Africa 

The Homestead, South Africa 

Nestled in South Africa’s Nambiti Reserve, The Homestead is an ultra-luxury, eco-conscious lodge featuring 12 suites that harmoniously blend contemporary design with nature. Located just two and a half hours from Durban, the Nambiti Reserve is celebrated as a premier conservation project, offering malaria-free encounters with the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino) and over 50 other wildlife species. As the final lodge permitted in Nambiti for conservation reasons, The Homestead fuses modern buildings with 19th-century structures while embracing state-of-the-art sustainability. Beyond traditional safaris, guests can enjoy an array of activities: wildlife photography classes, battlefield tours, Drakensberg hikes, stargazing, cooking with local ingredients, mountain camping, the on site museum talks, wine tasting, yoga, tea tastings, bush sleep outs and participating in conservation initiatives.

Opening: Spring 2026
Room rate: From £5,000 per night
Visit homesteadlodge.com

Palais Jamaï Fès, Morocco

Palais Jamaï Fès, Morocco

Set within a 19th-century mansion in Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, this former residence of a Grand Vizir during the Alaoui dynasty was converted into a luxury hotel in 1930 and remained a cherished icon until 2014. Reopening in early 2026, the restored Palais Jamaï Fès, now part of Preferred Hotels and Resorts portfolio, will once again welcome guests with its striking architecture and opulent Moroccan hospitality. The hotel will feature 94 rooms, refined culinary offerings by Alain Ducasse across three restaurants and four bars, including a sky bar with stunning views of the Medina of Fès, and state-of-the-art wellness and fitness facilities including traditional hammams, two swimming pools, and a padel court. Additional highlights include a kids club, curated boutiques such as a florist and art gallery, and a lush vegetable garden.

Opening: Spring 2026
Room rate: From £368 per night
Visit palaisjamai.com

JW Marriott Mount Kenya, Kenya

JW Marriott Mount Kenya, Kenya

Opening in May 2026, JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve will be the brand's newest property in the Kenya region. Nestled between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains on the 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve, the camp will feature 20 luxury tents with private plunge pools and several two-bedroom suites. Activities on offer include horse-riding safaris, night game drives, nature walks and quad biking and guests will have the opportunity to learn about the Solio Ranch Conservancy’s famed rhino breeding, rehabilitation programs, and visit the reserve’s orphanage. The camp, crafted with the conservation of the land and its inhabitants in mind, uses sustainable materials and prioritises energy efficiency throughout.

Opening: June 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit marriott.com

Americas

Public West Hollywood, California, USA

Public West Hollywood, California

Hotelier Ian Schrager will bring his cult-favorite hotel brand to the West Coast with the debut of Public West Hollywood next Spring. The launch will mark Schrager’s return to the city for the third time, with a 137-key property on the iconic Sunset Strip designed in collaboration with British architect John Pawson. Standout amenities will include a pool and a social hub lobby, in addition to three restaurants and the lushly landscaped open-air rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Los Angeles. Reservations will be live in early January 2026.

Opening: March 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit publichotels.com

The Cooper, South Carolina, USA

This Lowcountry haven situated along South Carolina’s Cooper River offers 191 airy, sun-drenched suites and is the only luxury waterfront hotel in the heart of the Charleston peninsula. Drawing inspiration from its French Quarter surroundings, the hotel features a full-service urban wellness centre where guests can indulge in luxurious skincare treatments, body rituals, and fitness programmes, and an outdoor infinity-edge resort pool with views of the harbour and the historic downtown skyline. Don’t miss four distinctive dining experiences, including exclusive poolside hangout Bar Marti, or book a selection of curated activities that embody coastal living, from yacht cruises to leisurely walks by the river.

Opening: March 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit thecooper.com

El Cortés, Mexico

El Cortés, Mexico

Set in a restored 1915 presidential residence, El Cortés is an intimate 15 room sanctuary in Mexico City’s Roma Norte neighbourhood, also known as the epicentre of the city’s cultural and artistic scene. The property has undergone a full restoration by Mexican architectural firm Comal to blend elements of neoclassical and art nouveau design with contemporary furnishings to create a graceful hideaway amid the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Opening: March 2026
Room rate: £335 per night
Visit elcortes.mx

Rimrock Banff, Canada

Perched high above the Bow Valley, Rimrock Banff is set to redefine mountain luxury as the Emblem Collection’s first property in North America. Following a full renovation, and just minutes from downtown Banff, the Gondola and the historic Upper Hot Springs, Rimrock balances seclusion with accessibility to the region’s most iconic landscapes. Designed by Studio Collective, highlights include a dramatic mountainside infinity pool, vitality pools, panoramic saunas, meditation rooms, movement studios, and an expedition centre that connects guests to year-round adventures in Banff National Park. 

Opening: Summer 2026
Room rate: From £900 per night
Visit rimrockresort.com

Pendry Mexico City, Mexico

Pendry Mexico City, Mexico

Perched in the Roma Norte District, The Pendry latest outpost will feature 114 thoughtfully-appointed rooms alongside 20 exclusive residences, featuring interiors by award-winning, New York-based design studio Avroko. Indulge in a variety of signature dining experiences, including an all-day café, the timeless Bar Pendry, and a chef-led rooftop restaurant and lounge before making the most of the rooftop pool and sundeck, the luxurious Spa Pendry, and a cutting-edge fitness centre.

Opening: Autumn 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit pendry.com

Chablé Guadalupe, Mexico

The newest addition to the Chablé Hotels portfolio, with world-ranking hotels already in Riviera Maya and the Yucatán, Chablé Guadalupe is situated in Mexico’s largest wine region, Baja California Norte. Offering 70 keys alongside 10 standalone residences, guests will have access to 10 hectares of vineyards, conservation trails and a spa founded on traditional Mexican healing practices. As at all Chablé properties, Mexico’s acclaimed chef Jorge Vallejo will head up the culinary offering, celebrating the bounty of local Baja California ingredients and products. Ecological commitment is at the heart of this hotel, which holds Edge certification and has been designed by Cuaik CDS to incorporate native materials while using regional techniques throughout. For those not into wine, don’t miss the range of wellness activities including yoga classes and sound baths. 

Opening: Winter 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit chablehotels.com

The Selvedge, California, USA

The Selvedge, California, USA

From the team behind Sonoma's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, SingleThread Farms, is a new 10-key hotel in the Californian city of Healdsburg. Formerly the River Belle Inn – which dates back to 1895 and was the home of American wine industry pioneer Isabelle Simi Haigh, before being transformed into a luxury bed and breakfast – the property will reopen as The Selvedge in late 2026. Interiors will blend curated vintage pieces and floral motifs juxtaposed with bold patterns and textures resplendent across the library, parlour, communal breakfast room and barista-staffed coffee bar. Each of the garden-view and riverside guest rooms – including a third-floor suite complete with a fully appointed Miele kitchen – will be individually designed, featuring cosy fireplaces and patios. Harnessing the meditative calm of the nearby flowing river, the new fitness centre will also invite guests to nourish body, mind and soul with intentional rituals and offerings sourced directly from SingleThread Farm.

Opening: Winter 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit singlethreadfarms.com

The Stelle, Utah, USA

This boutique mountain lodge located in Utah’s Park City, at the heart of the SkyRidge Mountain Resort on the Jordanelle Reservoir, will be a huge draw for adventure enthusiasts. The lodge will feature 67 rooms all with mountain or lake views, and will also house three distinct dining venues, including a fine dining restaurant, a rooftop bar, and a grab-and-go delicatessen. Guests will have access to various amenities within SkyRidge, including an equestrian centre, golf amenities, easy lake access, shuttles to Deer Valley Resort for skiing, and numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. The lodge will also boast an expansive spa that will offer seven treatment rooms, private outdoor saunas and a dedicated spa terrace.

Opening: Winter 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit coraltreehospitality.com

The Knox Hotel, Texas, USA

Situated in Dallas' vibrant Knox Street neighborhood, Auberge’s 140-key Knox Hotel is set to be an interiors masterpiece designed by the internationally acclaimed Martin Brudnizki Design Studio. Aiming to introduce a new level of contemporary luxury to Dallas’s cultural heart while graciously highlighting the area's historic roots, expect a fashion-forward hotel, multiple food and beverage offerings and luxurious fitness and wellness – all in a vibrant urban setting in one of the most coveted destinations in Dallas.

Opening: Winter 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit auberge.com

Middle East

The Oberoi Wadi Safar, Saudi Arabia 

The Oberoi Wadi Safar, Saudi Arabia 

Located adjacent to Diriyah and occupying a huge stretch of Saudi’s untouched and natural landscape, The Oberoi, Wadi Safar, is set to become one of the country’s most exclusive getaways. Home to 60 rooms and 10 private villas, the resort will overlook the Royal Equestrian and Polo Club with a Greg Norman designed 27-hole championship golf course on the horizon. Among its luxury amenities, the resort will offer a spa, a pool area, a kids club, yoga studio, and five restaurants, each featuring an outdoor seating with spectacular views to al fresco dinners up a notch. 

Opening: Spring 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit oberoihotels.com

The Red Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Red Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

One of Saudi Arabia’s most storied landmarks, The Red Palace in Riyadh, is set to begin a new chapter when it reopens as a 87-key luxury hotel, blending its regal legacy with contemporary elegance. Built in 1943 as the home of Crown Prince Saud, later King Saud, the palace became a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s evolving modern identity, with its red façade, Art Deco details, and architecture and gardens inspired by Spain’s Alhambra Palace marking a striking departure from tradition. The restoration pays homage to King Saud’s cosmopolitan outlook and royal hospitality through refined gastronomy celebrating Saudi flavours and a spa offering self-contained wellness suites infused with perfume, incense, and flowers, echoing his traditional welcome.

Opening: Spring 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit boutiquegroup.com

Tivoli La Vie Muscat, Oman

Tivoli La Vie Muscat, Oman

Tivoli La Vie Muscat marks the brand’s anticipated debut in Oman bringing timeless European elegance and warm Arabian hospitality to the capital. Rising above the fairways of the 18-hole La Vie Club Golf Course, the new-build property blends contemporary sophistication with Tivoli’s century-old tradition and design, with 79 elegant hotel rooms and 100 serviced residences. Expect a collection of dining experiences, from an elegant all-day restaurant to a signature Seen rooftop lounge with panoramic city views; a Tivoli Spa offering holistic treatments and Omani-inspired wellness rituals; and a rooftop infinity pool and vibrant social areas. 

Opening: Spring 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit tivolihotels.com

Raffles Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Raffles Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Raffles will further expand its Middle Eastern portfolio with its highly anticipated opening in Jeddah in Spring 2026. Fringing the Red Sea, this sophisticated new address offers a fresh alternative for those who’ve already experienced the Middle Eastern allure of Dubai and Oman, with 182 luxurious guestrooms and 120 branded residences, each boasting private terraces and uninterrupted sea views. Inside, discover three distinctive restaurants and bars offering world-class alcohol-free mixology, an expansive Raffles Spa with seven treatment rooms, a VIP ladies couple suite, and separate male and female thermal suites, as well as pool areas – and, integral to it all, the renowned Raffles Butler service.

Opening: Spring 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit raffles.com

Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, UAE

Crafted between sand and sea, Six Senses The Palm, Dubai will mark the brand’s highly anticipated debut in the UAE market with 61-room hotel and 162 branded residences along a private stretch of beach on Jumeirah’s West Crescent. The architecture speaks to the rich cultural and historical links between Dubai and one of its most precious natural resources: coral reefs and the ecosystems they support. A highlight will be the huge social and wellness club, offering a longevity clinic, IV lounge, biohacking room, massage circuit pool, squash court and, of course, a Six Senses Spa which is also inspired by the textured coral reefs under the sea. 

Opening: Summer 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit sixsenses.com

Asia

Uga Ghiri, Sri Lanka

Uga Resorts – one of Sri Lanka’s most luxurious hoteliers with outposts already in the likes of Tangalle, Yala and Trincomalee – will open a new hotel in the mist-kissed hills of Ella next Spring. Embodying the collection's signature philosophy of creating serene sanctuaries in Sri Lanka's most breathtaking locations, Uga Ghiri is located on the historic grounds of the Sutherland Estate and will be home to 14 standalone villas each with their own jacuzzi overlooking Sri Lanka’s emerald tea plantations and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. This all-inclusive hospitality will include a curated restaurant and bar celebrating native flavours. 

Opening: April 2026
Room rate: From £900 per night
Visit ugaresorts.com

Vikasa Phuket, Thailand 

Vikasa Phuket will be an exclusive, beachfront retreat on the private island of Ko Lon just off Phuket’s coast. Offering a plethora of yoga retreats, the sanctuary will expand into a holistic wellness destination offering four open-air yoga salas, a state-of-the-art spa, an outdoor gym, fire-pit lounge areas, an infinity pool gazing over the Andaman Sea, and a diverse, locally inspired wellness menu at the Life Cafe. With 50 elegant rooms, rich Thai cultural programming, and a schedule of workshops and immersive experiences, Vikasa Phuket will invite seekers to unplug and be inspired on a new level of tropical wellness. 

Opening: Summer 2026
Room rate: From £970 for six nights
Visit vikasa.com

Kaia, Thailand

Kaia on Koh Phangan will mark the hotel brand’s debut in Summer 2026, with a string of new hotels to follow. Preparing to make their mark on the international hotel scene, the 31 ocean-facing tented suites and four two-bedroom pool villas, crafted from upcycled teak and recycled materials, feature open-air living, panoramic sea views, and locally inspired design elements. Elsewhere, a seasonal culinary programme is centred around fire cooking and grounded in ingredients from Kaia’s organic farm, beehives and partnerships with ethical local producers. Sustainable practices can be felt throughout the hotel, from harnessing passive cooling and solar energy, to using biodegradable materials and a no single-use plastic policy. Plus, there’s plenty to do, from forest foraging and ceramicist workshops to longtail boat ice bathing and squid safaris. The world is your oyster at Kaia. 

Opening: Summer 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit kaiaresorts.com

Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi, Maldives

Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi, Maldives

2026 will mark a new chapter for the Maldives as it welcomes the arrival of Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi. Set on a private island in the Raa Atoll, this 20-hectare sanctuary brings Italian elegance to the Indian Ocean, with 54 villas – including a magnificent Bvlgari Villa on its own private island – designed by the renowned Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. True to the brand’s heritage, Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi promises more than just striking design: expect four signature dining experiences, including Il Ristorante – Niko Romito and the Japanese omakase-style Hōseki. Whether you're a Maldives devotee or planning your first visit, Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi is one to watch for 2026.

Opening: Winter 2026
Room rate: TBC
Visit bulgarihotels.com

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