The Most Anticipated New 5-Star Luxury Hotels & Resorts Opening in 2026 – Inspirations & Celebrations

From private islands and remote safaris to landmark city icons and storied European resorts, 2026 is emerging as a standout year for ultra-luxury travel.

As recent news reports have indicated (via The Economist, RETAILBOSS, and others), affluent consumers are increasingly channeling their resources into extraordinary vacations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences rather than solely acquiring luxury goods. This growing trend toward exploration and discovery is rapidly on the rise, as people are seeking deeper fulfillment that feels distinctly personal, immersive, and enduring. Travel, perhaps more than any other indulgence, delivers that return: broadening perspective, deepening cultural understanding, and creating meaningful memories that linger long after the journey ends.

To inspire you to expand your horizons this year, spanning from North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean to Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond, discover the most luxurious new 5-star hotels, resorts, and immersive experiences that are slated to open their doors in 2026.

Amanvari

Set along the dramatic coastline of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, Amanvari will introduce Aman’s signature minimalist luxury to an untouched desert-meets-sea landscape overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Designed as a low-density sanctuary of private pavilions and villas, the resort emphasizes privacy, architectural restraint, and deep connection to nature. With expansive ocean views, refined wellness offerings, and curated cultural immersion, Amanvari is poised to become one of Mexico’s most exclusive new resort destinations.

Six Senses London

Six Senses London will mark the brand’s highly anticipated debut in the UK, bringing its wellness-driven philosophy to the iconic Whiteley redevelopment in Bayswater. The urban sanctuary will feature elegantly designed guest rooms, a vast Six Senses Spa, longevity programs, and thoughtfully curated dining rooted in sustainability. Designed as a restorative retreat within one of the world’s busiest capitals, the hotel is set to become one of London’s most distinctive luxury openings.

Orient Express Venezia

Orient Express Venezia will revive the legendary romance of the brand in one of Europe’s most storied cities, blending historic grandeur with modern refinement. Set within a meticulously restored Venetian palazzo, the hotel will offer richly appointed suites, refined dining experiences, and immersive cultural programming inspired by the golden age of travel. The opening signals a bold new chapter for Orient Express as it expands into ultra-luxury hospitality beyond rail.

The Lake Como EDITION

The Lake Como EDITION will bring design-forward hospitality to one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations. Set along the shores of Lake Como, the 148-room hotel will fuse contemporary aesthetics with timeless Italian elegance through refined accommodations, vibrant social spaces, and elevated dining. The opening marks a significant expansion of the EDITION brand into Europe’s ultra-luxury resort market.

Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca

Set on a dramatic cliffside peninsula, Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra will introduce the brand’s refined beachfront luxury to the Balearic Islands. The resort will feature 131 contemporary rooms, suites, and bungalows, multiple destination dining venues, and an expansive spa overlooking the Mediterranean. Designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, the property is set to become one of Mallorca’s most sought-after luxury resorts.

Rosewood Blue Palace

Rosewood Blue Palace will reimagine the former Blue Palace resort into an ultra-luxury Mediterranean retreat on Crete’s coastline. The property will feature expansive suites and villas with private pools, destination dining, and a world-class wellness sanctuary overlooking the Aegean Sea. With Rosewood’s emphasis on residential-style living and sense-of-place design, the resort is set to elevate Crete’s luxury hospitality landscape.

Four Seasons Resort Mykonos

Four Seasons Resort Mykonos will introduce the brand’s signature refinement to one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic islands. Designed as a serene counterpoint to Mykonos’ vibrant social scene, the resort will offer elegant accommodations, private pools, destination dining, and a full-service spa overlooking the Aegean. The opening is expected to set a new benchmark for understated luxury on the island.

Imperial Hotel, Kyoto

Imperial Hotel, Kyoto will bring the storied Japanese luxury brand to the cultural heart of Kyoto in 2026. Set within a meticulously restored historic property near the Kamo River, the boutique hotel will offer just 55 rooms and suites, blending refined Japanese aesthetics with Imperial Hotel’s century-long tradition of impeccable service. Designed for discerning travelers seeking discretion and cultural immersion, the property will stand among Kyoto’s most prestigious new openings.

Four Seasons Hotel Madinah

Opening in 2026, Four Seasons Hotel Madinah will introduce the brand’s legendary service to one of the most historically and spiritually significant cities in the world. Located steps from Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque), the new-build hotel will feature 246 refined rooms and suites, destination dining, expansive event spaces, and a serene spa designed to reflect Madinah’s cultural and spiritual identity. Blending contemporary design with deep reverence for place, the hotel is set to redefine luxury hospitality in the Kingdom while welcoming a new generation of global travelers.

Bulgari Resort Ranfushi

Bulgari Resort Ranfushi will introduce the Italian luxury house’s refined aesthetic to the Maldives for the first time. Set on a private island, the resort will feature expansive beachfront and overwater villas, bespoke dining, and a serene spa infused with Bulgari’s unmistakable design language. Combining Maldivian natural beauty with Italian craftsmanship, the property is poised to become one of the region’s most exclusive new resorts.

Singita Elela

Opening in late 2026, Singita Elela will introduce a new era of ultra-luxury safari experiences in Botswana’s iconic Okavango Delta. Designed with Singita’s signature balance of refined minimalism and ecological sensitivity, the lodge will offer an intimate collection of elevated suites overlooking pristine floodplains. World-class conservation, exceptional guiding, and residential-style comfort position Elela among Africa’s most exclusive safari lodges.

Hoanib Elephant Camp

Hoanib Elephant Camp will offer an extraordinary luxury safari experience in Namibia’s remote Kunene region upon its opening in 2026. Designed to immerse guests in a dramatic desert ecosystem, the camp will feature elegantly appointed tented suites overlooking rugged landscapes frequented by desert-adapted elephants. With conservation and low-impact design at its core, the camp promises a deeply intimate and transformative wilderness experience.

Together, these highly anticipated openings signal more than a strong year for luxury hospitality; they reflect a broader shift in how the world’s most discerning travelers choose to invest their time and resources. As luxury continues to evolve beyond material acquisition, these incredible travel destinations stand poised to deliver the kind of memorable, soul-stirring experiences that linger long after the journey ends.

To discover more inspiring destinations, exceptional hotels, and noteworthy restaurants around the world, explore the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations.