The most exciting new hotels of this year are more than places to sleep—they’re experiences shaped by their surroundings. Whether set on untouched coastlines, tucked into dramatic landscapes, or revived within historic architectural icons, these openings promise immersion into their distinctive settings. Here are 15 new hotels we’re watching:
DREAMY BEACH RESORTS
Of the resorts opening in 2026 on relatively undeveloped coastlines around the globe, these are five new sanctuary-style havens that you may want to keep on your radar. Even a short stay in a serene beach hideaway—perhaps added to an itinerary with a very different location or vibe—can transform a trip and bring it in for a relaxed landing.
* Zannier Île de Bendor, French Riviera
A short boat ride from the Provençal shore, this private Mediterranean islet aims to revitalize a 1950s playground for Riviera jet-setters. The new iteration will include a holistic spa and hammam, a beach club and diving center, and a crêperie.
Off the coast of Bandol, the renovation of the Riviera resort is nearly complete. Rendering: Zannier Île de Bendor
* Amanvari, Baja California
Mexico is getting its first Aman resort. It will be an adults-only refuge with just 18 casitas, a spa pavilion overlooking the Sea of Cortez, and a stretch of white-sand beach—all on the Baja peninsula’s less-trodden East Cape, which is a 45-minute drive from the Cabo airport.
* Luura Paros Cliff, Greek Islands
This adults-only haven on the island of Paros will reflect traditional Cycladic village architecture but with modern creature comforts, including your own whitewashed suite, terrace, and plunge pool on a cliff above the Aegean.
* Inkaterra Cabo Blanco, Peru
Recognized by the UN as the world’s first “Climate Positive” hotel brand, Inkaterra builds on that reputation with its latest property, which aims to restore a coastline that once attracted Ernest Hemingway and Marilyn Monroe but was later overfished. The resort opened in March on Peru’s northern coast with 13 ocean-view suites that have private terraces and plunge pools.
Peru’s northern coast is known for tropical currents and biodiversity. Photo: Inkaterra Cabo Blanco
* Na Praia, Portugal
Set between unspoiled coastline and a wild nature reserve, this resort belonging to Leading Hotels of the World promises remoteness and tranquility, only 90 minutes from Lisbon.
HISTORIC LANDMARKS
If you like to wake up in a piece of history, this year sees many historic landmarks being turned into hotels, each a beautifully wrapped package for a storied past. History mavens and architectural buffs will appreciate the stylistic details retained and enhanced in some of this year’s magnificent restorations.
The renovated spa at Les Bains de Spa reflects its historic role in wellness culture. Photo: Régine Mahaux
* Les Bains de Spa, Belgium
The town of Spa in the Belgian Ardennes is known for its historic thermal baths, and this 1868 hotel was once its epicenter. The restoration of the aristocratic Belle Époque thermal bathing complex—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—has transformed it into a modern wellness retreat with 97 rooms and a Clarins wellness center.
* The Orient Express Venezia, Italy
This restored 15th-century palazzo was once home to the Duke of Urbino, a patron of the Italian Renaissance. Here, Venetian luxury means the intimate grandeur of silk walls and frescoes, as well as direct boat access, a “hidden” garden, and dining from Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck.
* The Four Seasons Cartagena, Colombia
The graceful lobby curves downward from a skylit ceiling. Photo: Four Seasons Cartagena
This new Four Seasons became the brand’s third hotel in Colombia. It transforms the former Club Cartagena, a 1920s Beaux-Arts social club, and a cluster of colonial-era landmarks, including a 16th-century cloister and a neoclassical theater. The 131-room hotel sits in a historic, art-filled neighborhood of Getsemaní, just outside the Walled City.
* The St. Regis Budapest, Hungary
Opening this summer, the new St. Regis will occupy half of the Neo-Baroque Klotild Palaces, the monumental twin Austro-Hungarian-era buildings on the Danube. The UNESCO-listed landmark will have a spa with a hammam, a glass-roofed exercise gallery, and afternoon tea in the soaring glass atrium.
* The Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch
Anticipated for summer, this landmark hotel will inhabit much of the massive ceremonial gateway curving over the heart of London, with views of Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. There will be a restaurant by Daniel Boulud and a subterranean bar that pays homage to the building’s past as a meeting spot for the likes of Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming.
IMMERSION IN NATURAL SURROUNDINGS
If your idea of a dream vacation involves less crowding and traffic and more greenery, mountain views, coastline, and their therapeutic benefits, you’re in luck: A new wave of luxury resorts is opening in places where nature does most of the talking—whether that’s a cliffside in Mallorca, an ancient château in Burgundy’s wine country, or a remote Maldivian atoll. Here are some new openings where the setting shapes the experience, offering an escape with a deeply immersive sense of environment.
The pool at Lake Como EDITION creates the effect of floating over the lake. Photo: Lake Como EDITION
*The Lake Como EDITION, ITALY
A 19th-century palazzo has transformed into a lakefront resort with four restaurants from Michelin-three-star chef Mauro Colagreco, a pool with views of Bellagio, and a contemporary vibe.
The 19th-century palazzo’s new lobby and bar has a contemporary style. Photo: Lake Como EDITION
*The Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca, Spain
This hotel takes the high ground on a clifftop on this Mediterranean island, surrounded by pine forests, landscaped gardens, and views of azure waters. Guests of the 131 suites and casitas will have access to two private coves when the resort opens in June.
*Les Sources de Vougeot, Burgundy, France
A former residence of the Cîteaux abbots dating to the 14th century, this restored estate is immersed in the winemaking heritage of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or.
Les Sources de Vougeot sits near Burgundy’s famed Côte de Nuits vineyards. Photo: Jules Focone
The latest of Les Sources’ collection of eco-responsible vineyard hotels in France opened with 49 rooms and suites within the Château de Gilly and a spa set in the arched wine cellar used by Cistercian monks.
A spa is a new identity for the wine cellar in the restored historic château. Photo: Jules Focone
* Rimrock Banff, Canada
Set to open this summer, this hotel sits amid the iconic peaks and turquoise lakes of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage wilderness. Rimrock Banff will be located near the mountain gondola and historic Upper Hot Springs and feature an infinity pool.
* Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi, the Maldives
The tenth hotel in Bvlgari’s collection is expected to open in late 2026 on Raa Atoll and promises to follow the strictest sustainability standards. The secluded, lagoon-centered retreat on a previously uninhabited island will have both overwater and beach villas, as well as a Bvlgari Villa on its own islet.
You’ll find more places to stay in dream settings in our Insider’s Guides, where you can check out the country or region where you’re headed next. The guides below share intel on stunning historic, immersive, and dreamy hotels—including new openings that may not yet be widely known—recommended by our WOW List experts for countries and regions around the world.
