A New Wave of Global Luxury Travel
Luxury travel is entering a bold new chapter in 2026, with a collection of breathtaking new hotels and resorts opening across the globe. From the tranquil deserts of Baja California to the timeless beauty of Venice, these upcoming destinations promise unforgettable experiences blending design, culture, and exclusivity.
Each of these hotels redefines what it means to travel in style — combining sustainability, architecture, wellness, and impeccable service. Here’s a closer look at the most anticipated luxury hotel openings of 2026, each set to inspire the next generation of travelers.
Amanvari – Baja California, Mexico
Hidden along the unspoiled coastline of Costa Palmas, Amanvari brings serenity to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. The intimate resort will feature only 18 guest pavilions, each designed with a mix of white concrete, tropical wood, and natural stone to merge with the surrounding desert and sea.
Guests will enjoy a world-class spa complete with a temazcal-inspired sauna and open-air yoga pavilion. With access to a private marina and a Robert Trent Jones II golf course, Amanvari is where desert calm meets ocean luxury.
Why it stands out: Privacy, harmony with nature, and understated elegance.
Baccarat Hotel Rome – Italy
After captivating travelers in New York, the legendary crystal brand Baccarat is bringing its signature glamour to Rome. The hotel, housed in a 19th-century palazzo on Via Veneto, once played a role in Italy’s golden cinematic era.
Restored with exquisite craftsmanship, the new 87-room property combines historical architecture with Baccarat’s signature brilliance — think sparkling chandeliers, velvet accents, and timeless sophistication. Every corner feels like an art piece designed for modern-day royalty.
Perfect for: Those who crave classic European luxury wrapped in cinematic charm.
Capella Kyoto – Japan
In the heart of Kyoto’s historical Miyagawa-chō district, Capella Kyoto represents Japanese refinement at its finest. Designed in harmony with traditional machiya townhouses, the 89-room property seamlessly blends minimalism and modern elegance.
Upper suites offer panoramic views of Mount Higashiyama and Yasaka Pagoda, while the spa invites guests to unwind in private onsen baths and an underground waterfall chamber. This opening marks Capella’s first property in Japan — and one of the most culturally immersive luxury hotels to arrive in 2026.
Best for: Travelers seeking a deep connection to Japanese culture with a touch of indulgence.
Bulgari Resort Ranfushi – Maldives
In the shimmering waters of the Maldives, Bulgari Resort Ranfushi will redefine tropical elegance. Set across 50 acres of pristine paradise, the resort will feature 54 exclusive villas — including 33 beachfront sanctuaries, 20 overwater retreats, and one private island residence.
The resort’s culinary lineup includes an Italian fine-dining restaurant, a contemporary Chinese venue, and a Japanese omakase experience. Each villa will offer direct ocean access, infinity pools, and bespoke interiors reflecting Bulgari’s Italian sophistication.
Why travelers love it: A seamless blend of fashion, nature, and privacy — the ultimate island escape.
Four Seasons Resort Mykonos – Greece
Overlooking the turquoise waters of Kalo Livadi Bay, this new Four Seasons resort brings modern luxury to Greece’s most famous island. The 94 sea-view rooms and more than 30 private-pool suites will create a lavish yet peaceful retreat away from the bustling Mykonos nightlife.
With two infinity pools, four restaurants, a full-service spa, and a kids’ club, this resort promises both romance and family-friendly indulgence. Designed with whitewashed stone and ocean-blue accents, it captures the essence of the Aegean lifestyle.
Why it’s special: A perfect balance between elegance, relaxation, and Greek island culture.
Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra – Mallorca, Spain
Set along Mallorca’s sun-drenched Puerto Portals, Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra embodies the Mediterranean dream. The hotel’s architecture plays with shades of white, beige, and soft blue, creating a calming atmosphere inspired by the island’s coastal beauty.
Guests can indulge in five signature dining venues, including a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant by Nobu Matsuhisa and a Spanish steakhouse by Michelin-starred chef Dani Garcia. The hotel’s private coves, serene pools, and luxury spa make it one of Europe’s most anticipated openings.
Highlight: A refined seaside sanctuary merging culinary excellence with Mediterranean charm.
Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli – Venice, Italy
One of Venice’s most iconic palaces will reopen as a 47-room luxury hotel under the Orient Express brand. Originally built in the 15th century, the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli will offer guests a journey through time — where Renaissance artistry meets modern comfort.
Guests can expect frescoed ceilings, handcrafted Venetian glass details, and garden-view dining that celebrates the city’s romantic allure. The property captures the essence of Venice: timeless, mysterious, and endlessly beautiful.
Perfect for: History lovers, romantics, and those who want to experience Venice beyond the postcards.
Rocco Forte Costa Smeralda – Sardinia, Italy
On the glamorous Emerald Coast of Sardinia, Rocco Forte Hotels will unveil an intimate 64-room property focused on sustainable luxury. Locally sourced stone, Sardinian fabrics, and artisanal details define the design, creating a warm connection to the island’s heritage.
Guests will enjoy a spa, three elegant restaurants, and a panoramic rooftop bar with views of the turquoise Mediterranean. The property’s philosophy centers on comfort with conscience — an eco-friendly retreat without compromising sophistication.
Ideal for: Conscious travelers seeking authenticity and coastal beauty.
Other Noteworthy 2026 Openings
- Park Hyatt Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Rosewood Hangzhou, China
- St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, Mexico
- The Lake Como EDITION, Italy
- Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch, UK
- The Knox, Auberge Resorts, Dallas, USA
- Six Senses London, UK
- The Park Gstaad, Four Seasons, Switzerland
- Palazzo Castelluccio, Sicily
- The Langham, Bangkok
Each of these destinations expands the meaning of luxury hospitality — where culture, sustainability, and design merge to create experiences that linger long after checkout.
Luxury Travel Trends for 2026
- Sustainability Meets Elegance: Eco-conscious design and local sourcing are becoming essential parts of luxury travel.
- Cultural Immersion: Hotels like Capella Kyoto and Palazzo Donà Giovannelli prove that storytelling is the new luxury.
- Wellness Focus: Expect spas, meditation pavilions, and natural healing to take center stage.
- Limited Exclusivity: Smaller, high-end properties offer more privacy and personalized experiences.
- Architectural Revival: Many 2026 openings breathe new life into historic buildings, celebrating heritage through restoration.
Planning Your 2026 Getaway
If you’re already dreaming about your next escape, 2026 is shaping up to be the year to travel in style. Whether you seek a desert sanctuary, a seaside escape, or a cultural immersion, the new generation of luxury hotels offers something for every discerning traveler.
From Mexico’s sun-soaked coastlines to Japan’s ancient streets, these destinations aren’t just places to stay — they’re experiences crafted for the senses. Start planning early, as many of these openings are expected to sell out fast once reservations begin.
Conclusion
The luxury landscape of 2026 promises more than opulence — it celebrates connection, authenticity, and design excellence. These visionary hotels reflect how modern travelers seek meaning alongside comfort. As the travel world evolves, these openings redefine what true indulgence looks like.
Whether you’re drawn to a private island in the Maldives or a restored palace in Venice, one thing is certain: 2026 will be a landmark year for global luxury travel.
