The global hospitality industry is entering a new golden era and 2026 hotel openings are leading the charge. After years of design reinvention, sustainability innovation and experiential evolution, the next wave of new hotels in 2026 is less about simple luxury and more about immersive storytelling.
Across continents, brands are pushing boundaries: historic palaces are being reborn, architectural icons are rising on new skylines and wellness-forward amenities are redefining travel rituals. For stylish travellers and hospitality professionals alike, 2026 promises a portfolio of openings that reflect cultural depth, sustainable ambition and bold design leadership.
Below, we’ve curated the most exciting hotels opening in 2026 worldwide, organised by region – each one worth adding to your travel radar.
EUROPE
Six Senses London
Opening: Early 2026
Lead Architecture: Reimagined historic Whiteleys building
Concept: Urban wellness escape in the heart of the city
Six Senses brings its signature wellness philosophy to central London, transforming the iconic Whiteleys department store into a serene retreat. The adaptive reuse preserves the building’s Edwardian façade while introducing biophilic interiors, organic textures and tranquil spa zones.
Design Highlights:
- Vaulted ceilings and restored period details;
- Integrated urban spa and longevity programming;
- Rooftop gardens and sustainability-driven systems.
Why It Stands Out: It represents the growing shift toward “city escapes”, where luxury meets holistic wellbeing in dense urban environments.
Images Source: Six Senses London
The Lake Como EDITION
Opening: March 2026
Brand: EDITION Hotels
Design Focus: Contemporary glamour meets Italian heritage
EDITION expands its footprint into Italy’s most cinematic lake destination. Expect sleek interiors layered with Italian marble, warm metallic accents and panoramic water views.
What Makes It Worth the Hype:
- Boutique scale with high-impact social spaces;
- Destination-driven dining;
- Elevated nightlife atmosphere.
This opening reflects the growing appetite for social-luxury hybrids.
Images Source: Edition Hotels
NORTH AMERICA
Faena New York
Opening: 2026
Creative Visionary: Alan Faena
Design Identity: Theatrical luxury and bold artistry
Faena’s signature maximalism – dramatic red accents, curated art installations and immersive public spaces – arrives in New York with unapologetic flair.
What to Expect:
- Grand cultural programming;
- High-design suites;
- Statement-making gastronomy concepts;
Trend Alert: Hotels are becoming cultural stages, not just accommodation.
Images Source: Faena New York
Amanvari
Opening: Spring 2026
Architect: Heah & Co. | Elastic Architects
Concept: Ultra-private beachfront minimalism
While Aman has mastered remote serenity, Amanvari marks its first Mexican property. Located on the East Cape of Baja, the architecture embraces desert-meets-ocean contrasts with low-profile pavilions in stone and timber.
Key Features:
- Cliffside infinity pools;
- Open-air living spaces;
- Landscape-driven master planning.
Design Angle: The minimalist structures dissolve into the arid terrain – a lesson in contextual architecture.
Images Source: Aman
SOUTH AMERICA
The St. Regis Papagayo Resort
Opening: End of 2026
Brand: St. Regis (Marriott International)
Concept: Elevated eco-luxury in the rainforest
Perched on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, this highly anticipated resort combines the brand’s heritage glamour with regenerative environmental practices.
Signature Elements:
- Elevated villas designed to protect surrounding ecosystems;
- Local timber and volcanic stone finishes;
- Holistic spa inspired by indigenous healing traditions.
Trend Signal: High-end hospitality is now inseparable from environmental stewardship.
Images Source: The St. Regis Papagayo Resort
MIDDLE EAST
Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Opening: 2026
Architect: Shaun Killa
Concept: Futuristic superyacht-inspired landmark
Designed to resemble a sleek yacht docked beside the iconic Burj Al Arab, this property redefines Dubai’s skyline once again.
Architectural Signature:
- Sweeping curves and cantilevered decks;
- Dramatic ocean-facing terraces;
- High-tech interiors with sculptural forms.
Industry Insight: The Middle East continues to lead in architectural spectacle as experiential branding.
Images Source: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Opening: 2026
Concept: Ultra-exclusive island retreat
Design Approach: Low-impact desert-island luxury
Part of Saudi Arabia’s transformative Red Sea Project, this Reserve property focuses on privacy, coral reef conservation and minimal visual intrusion.
Design & Sustainability:
- Overwater and beachfront villas;
- Renewable energy infrastructure;
- Indigenous materials and craftsmanship.
Trend Watch: Ultra-luxury is shifting toward seclusion and ecological accountability.
Images Source: The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Red Sea
ASIA
Capella Kyoto
Opening: Spring 2026
Design Studio: Brewin Design Office
Concept: A refined tribute to traditional Japanese architecture
Located in the historic Miyagawa-chō district, Capella Kyoto blends machiya townhouse inspiration with contemporary restraint.
Signature Features:
- Tatami-infused suites;
- Garden courtyards inspired by Zen philosophy;
- Locally crafted wood detailing.
Cultural Reflection: Hospitality is increasingly rooted in hyper-local storytelling rather than global sameness.
Images Source: Brewin Design Office
Bulgari Resort Ranfushi
Opening: Expected 2026
Brand: Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
Architectural Firm: ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel
Concept: Italian contemporary elegance meets Maldivian seclusion
Bulgari continues its tightly curated global expansion with its first Maldives property and expectations are naturally sky-high. Set in the pristine Raa Atoll, Bulgari Resort Ranfushi promises to merge the brand’s signature Roman sophistication with the raw, crystalline beauty of the Indian Ocean.
Signature Design Elements:
- Low-density master planning for maximum privacy;
- Overwater and beachfront villas with restrained, sculptural forms;
- Italian marble and bespoke furnishings juxtaposed with local timber;
- Expansive glazing to dissolve boundaries between architecture and lagoon.
Rather than leaning into tropical clichés, Bulgari introduces a refined Mediterranean minimalism, reinterpreted through Maldivian textures and craftsmanship.
Images Source: Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
OCEANIA
1 Hotel Melbourne
Opening: 2026
Brand: 1 Hotels
Concept: Sustainable urban luxury
Set along the Yarra River, the hotel embraces reclaimed timber, living walls and expansive glazing to frame waterfront views.
Sustainability Credentials:
- Adaptive reuse of heritage elements;
- Carbon-conscious operations;
- Nature-integrated interior design.
Industry Insight: Eco-conscious design is no longer niche – it’s foundational.
Images Source: 1 Hotels
Trends to Watch in 2026 Hospitality
The wave of upcoming luxury hotels reveals powerful macro-shifts shaping the industry:
1. Hyper-Local Storytelling
Design rooted in place: materials, artisans and cultural narratives are central.
2. Regenerative Sustainability
Beyond eco-friendly: many properties aim to leave environments better than they found them.
3. Wellness as Architecture
Spa programming is influencing master planning from the outset.
4. Social-Luxury Hybrids
Hotels are doubling as lifestyle hubs with vibrant dining and event spaces.
5. Adaptive Reuse
Historic buildings are being reborn into experiential destinations.
The hotels opening in 2026 worldwide signal a bold redefinition of luxury – one grounded in authenticity, sustainability and architectural innovation. Whether you’re a design devotee, hospitality insider or planning your next unforgettable escape, these 2026 hotel openings deserve a spot on your radar.
Bookmark them. Track their launch dates. And start mapping your 2026 travels – because the future of global hospitality is already taking shape.
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