The luxury travel landscape is evolving fast, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a standout year for hotel launches. From remote island hideaways created by celebrated architects to city properties shaped around culture, design, and character, this new generation of openings brings a fresh, thoughtful take on high-end hospitality. Each one has its own sense of place and a clear vision, offering beautifully considered spaces and experiences designed to feel genuinely memorable.

For travellers planning a tailor-made escape next year, keeping an eye on early openings can make all the difference. Many of the most interesting launches are boutique in scale or concept-driven, and the anticipation around them is already building within the industry. Expect next-generation wellness retreats rooted in local tradition, private-island resorts with sustainability woven into their foundations, and contemporary city addresses poised to become the go-to spots for design-focused travellers.

This curated preview highlights the hotel openings that stand out for all the right reasons – properties that will set the tone for 2026, spark conversation, and offer something fresh for travellers who value creativity, comfort, and authenticity. We’ve packed it with options for families, couples looking for something special, and travellers chasing a little adventure. Whether your plans lean towards island calm, a culture-rich city break, or a wilderness escape, these are the hotels worth having on your radar for the year ahead.

White Elephant, Aspen – February 2026

White Elephant reimagines Aspen luxury for 2026, combining the warmth of a mountain lodge with contemporary design touches that feel surprisingly fresh for the Rockies. Our team is especially excited about its signature ski-in, ski-out suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the snow-dusted peaks – we’ve sent countless families on ski holidays, but this feels like something entirely new. Multi-generational families can anticipate bespoke ski programs and curated après-ski activities for kids, while couples will find private dining experiences beside the fire or guided heli-skiing excursions. The resort also promises a wellness focus rarely seen in mountain properties, from on-site thermal suites to tailored yoga sessions. As our travel specialists note, White Elephant balances activity and relaxation, making it a top pick for winter escapes that appeal across generations.

Ikos Kissamos, Crete – April 2026

Our friends at Ikos have done it again. Synonymous with world-class all-inclusive luxury, Ikos consistently sets the standard – and with Ikos Kissamos, we can pretty much guarantee the same exceptional experience. Set along Crete’s untouched northwest coastline, this Mediterranean retreat combines effortless convenience with thoughtfully designed spaces: spacious suites open onto private terraces, and a beachfront infinity pool frames the island’s turquoise waters. Families will love the children’s program, designed to immerse little ones in Greek culture through cooking lessons, local crafts, and engaging activities, while couples can enjoy private wine tastings at nearby boutique vineyards. We’ve all got our eyes on Ikos Kissamos’ commitment to wellbeing: holistic spa treatments, guided yoga sessions, and curated local excursions make it a resort that feels both luxuriously indulgent and authentically Cretan.

Six Senses The Palm, Dubai – 2026

On the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Six Senses brings its holistic luxury philosophy to Dubai, promising a blend of wellness, design, and elevated service. Overwater villas and ocean-view suites offer a sanctuary from the city’s bustle, while the resort’s wellness programs – from curated spa rituals to mindfulness workshops – invite longer, restorative stays. Families can enjoy a seemingly never-ending list of experiences, from kids’ culinary classes to beachside treasure hunts, while couples may gravitate towards private pools and sunset yoga sessions. Here, Dubai’s high-energy glamour meets Six Senses’ signature calm, making it ideal for travellers seeking both sophistication and wellbeing.

Corinthia, Rome – Q1 2026

Steeped in history yet unapologetically modern, Corinthia Rome occupies a coveted spot near the city’s cultural heartbeat. The brand’s Maltese roots are evident in its meticulous attention to detail, warm hospitality, and the seamless blend of tradition and innovation that defines every property. Interiors merge classic Italian elegance with contemporary design, creating spaces that are both luxurious and approachable. For families, suites offer flexibility and comfort, while couples can indulge in private guided tours of Rome’s iconic landmarks, returning to cocktails on a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views. Corinthia strikes the balance between cosmopolitan energy and tranquil escape – a perfect base for travellers who want to explore the Eternal City without compromising on style, service, or the signature warmth that comes from its Maltese heritage.

Mandarin Oriental, Mallorca – Spring 2026

At Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, the sea is always in view – from private villa terraces to the cliffside spa perched above the shoreline. Each villa features a plunge pool, direct access to hidden coves, and interiors that blend Mallorcan materials with contemporary design – it’s the perfect place for totally unwinding. The resort’s culinary program is a standout: guests can join chefs for hands-on tastings, exploring local cheeses, citrus orchards, and wines from nearby boutique estates. The spa incorporates native herbs and minerals in signature treatments, while guided excursions reveal the island’s quieter corners – secret beaches, limestone caves, and historic fincas rarely open to the public.

&Beyond Amazon Explorer, Peru – September 2026

Anticipation is high for the &Beyond Amazon Explorer, a luxury expedition yacht set to navigate the Peruvian Amazon. Designed for intimacy with just 15 suites – including four that connect for families or friends – the Explorer promises a rare sense of calm and connection to the rainforest. Guests can expect floor-to-ceiling windows framing the shifting canopy, wide decks for quiet reflection, and interiors inspired by local Shipibo patterns that ground the experience in place. The highlights are in the details: expert guides will lead river excursions along hidden tributaries, while wildlife spotting – from pink dolphins to elusive jaguars – is expected to be a constant thrill. Onboard spaces, including the River Retreat and sundeck, are designed for privacy and stillness, making it easy to pause and absorb the rainforest’s rhythms. The Explorer is poised to offer a luxury measured not by excess but by freedom, space, and the opportunity to connect deeply with one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems.

Amanvari, Baja California – Spring 2026

Amanvari immediately captures attention with its stark, minimalist architecture set against dramatic desert cliffs – unmistakably Aman in its quiet, refined approach. The brand’s signature philosophy of understated luxury and deep connection to place is evident in every detail: the villas are spacious and meditative, letting the Pacific and desert cliffs frame the experience rather than overwhelming it with ornamentation. It’s the way Amanvari orchestrates moments that makes it compelling – sunrise hikes along jagged ridges, private boat trips to empty beaches, and tasting sessions that highlight Baja’s finest local ingredients. The spa incorporates desert botanicals and marine minerals, offering treatments that feel rooted in the landscape rather than applied generically. Here, every element – from light-filled villas to curated outdoor experiences – reflects Aman’s hallmark balance of serenity, design, and purposeful exploration, rewarding curiosity as much as indulgence.

Bulgari Resort Ranfushi, Maldives – 2026

What makes Ranfushi so fascinating is how it fuses Bulgari’s precision with the spontaneity of the Maldives. The villas are sharply proportioned, but the surrounding reef brings an untamed, playful energy. Our team can’t wait for the guided marine experiences – snorkelling alongside manta rays, diving through coral gardens – paired with quiet moments in private pools or on sun decks. The dining plans to be deliberately understated yet refined: fresh tuna from local waters, vegetables grown on-site, and Italian-inspired touches that feel precise rather than fussy. It’s a resort that rewards attention to detail; every design choice, every viewpoint, every activity feels intentional, yet it never calls attention to itself. For honeymooners or design-focused travellers, it promises a sense of intimacy and discovery you rarely get in the Maldives.

Want to be one of the first to visit?

These eight openings signal more than new hotel names – they showcase a shift in luxury travel. From Aspen’s mountain innovation to the secluded shores of Baja, the cultural depth of Rome, and the immersive natural experiences of the Amazon and Maldives, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by thoughtful design, curated experiences, and authentic engagement with place.

For those planning early, this curated selection offers opportunities to book the most anticipated rooms, suites, and villas before they become industry legends. Whether you’re chasing adventure, wellness, family-friendly escapes, or romantic seclusion, these properties promise to define luxury travel in the year ahead. Now is the time to explore, plan, and secure your place in these extraordinary new destinations.

To start planning your 2026 escape, get in touch with our team of travel specialists – they can tailor every detail to your needs, from exclusive experiences to early access at these extraordinary new destinations.

photo credit: White Elephant, Ikos Resorts, Six Senses, Corinthia, Mandarin Oriental, &Beyond, Aman, Bulgari Resorts