As an architecture and design enthusiast and travel daydreamer, every tear I fall down the rabbit hole of "must-visit” hotel lists, especially the brand new openings. Always bookmarking, screenshotting, blogging, and mentally planning trips I haven’t booked, and probably won’t, yet. This list is the most fun of the bunch. These are the new hotel openings in 2026 that stopped me scrolling instantly and made me want to see more. Yes, I even clicked links to see more. That’s how you know it’s serious.

Some are in destinations that are already well known and on radars everywhere, others are places I’d happily build an entire trip around. From wellness-driven retreats to more design-forward stays, these hotels have the atmosphere, architecture, food, and experiences that actually make guests want to slow down and stay awhile. If I were planning my travel year based on where I’d really want to go, not just where everyone else is going, this is where I’d definitely start.

Luura Paros Cliff

Paros, Greece

Opening May 2026

Paros is the moment, and Luura Paros Cliff is intended to feel like a fresh, modern reason visitors fall in love with the Cyclades. Opening in May of 2026, this all-suite seafront property leans into classic Greek architecture with whitewashed, sculptural, and serene elements while still feeling current and confident. What sets Luura apart is its village-like layout and uninterrupted views over the Aegean, which makes it feel much more intimate rather than resort-like. It’s the type of place where I’d enjoy slow mornings, sunset swims, and dinners that stretch long into the evening. Luura Paros Cliff sounds timeless, unfussy, and deeply rooted in its setting in all the best ways. Greek hospitality done right.

Casa Renoir

Noosa, Australia

Casa Renoir feels like a Mediterranean daydream transplanted directly to Australia. Set among 40 acres of olive and citrus groves just outside Noosa, this boutique retreat leans into Southern Italian design while staying deeply connected to its environment. And that is what I personally love about it. What draws me in is its commitment to sustainability without sacrificing beauty. Everything about Casa Renoir feels intentional, from the architecture to the way they care for the land. They are committed to environmental stewardship with natural energy and a water conservation program, both of which are integrated into their daily operations. Casa Renoir is the type of place I’d choose to stay for a slower, grounded escape where every detail is quiet and considered.

Zannier Île de Bendor

France

Opening in spring 2026

A private seven-acre Mediterranean island reimagined as a Provençal village? Say less. Zannier’s revival of Île de Bendor feels equal parts glamorous and grounded. Blending Riviera nostalgia with modern, design-forward hospitality, it feels ambitious but without feeling overwhelming. This 93-key retreat has three design-forward areas: one dedicated to the midcentury heyday of the Riviera, one dedicated to well-being, and five two-story houses with private gardens. From the wellness spaces and beach club to the art gallery and chef-led dining with eight restaurants, the hotel feels like a destination in itself. It’s social, cultural, and indulgent without tipping too far towards excess. I’d choose this for a European escape that feels polished but playful, where days are spent swimming, eating well, and wandering around exploring with no real agenda.

The Vineta Hotel

Palm Beach, Florida

Palm Beach is synonymous with old-school glamour, and the Vineta feels like a love letter to the hotel’s history refreshed for today’s guests. Opening in 2026, Oetker Collection’s first U.S. property is bringing a distinct European sensibility to this iconic destination. Yes, the hoteliers behind Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc, Le Bristol Paris, and Hotel La Palma have restored the historic building with bright, breezy interiors that nod to coastal living. It’s the hotel I’d choose for a sun-drenched escape that is relaxed but still has an elegant vibe. Think poolside afternoons, crisp linens, and dinners that have effortless polish. It’s classic Palm Beach, but done with restraint and taste, which makes it all the more appealing.

The Newman

London, U.K.

Opening in February 2026

London hotels often skew grand or theatrical, but The Newman feels self-assured. Tucked into Fitzrovia, this boutique hotel opening leans into Art Deco design and neighborhood charm rather than spectacle. It’s stylish without trying too hard, which is exactly why it works so well. Between the wellness floor that feels like a true escape with hot and cold cabins, a salt therapy room, and a hydroptherapy pool, and the subterranean bar perfect for low-key nights out, this is the kind of hotel I’d book even if I already lived in the city. It feels like a local secret for travelers who want to experience London with a little more intimacy and a lot more character, and the place that is about to be the go-to spot for after-work cocktails away from the madding crowds.

Vestige Can Jordi

Formentera, Spain

Formentera has been Ibiza’s quieter, cooler sibling, and Vestige Can Jordi captures that understated allure perfectly. Set near one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, this hotel prioritizes privacy, natural beauty, and a sense of ease that feels increasingly rare. The design strikes a thoughtful balance between modern interiors and rustic architecture, blending seamlessly into the landscape. It’s the kind of place I’d choose when I want to feel “in the know” without the noise, sun-washed days, long swims, and evenings that feel unhurried and intimate. Don’t worry, Ibiza is just a short ferry ride away for when the mood strikes…

Amanvari

Baja California, Mexico

Opening spring 2026

Set along the eastern cape of the Baja on a pristine stretch of beach, this ultra-low-key, ultra-private retreat is designed for people who want space - physical, mental, and emotional. With just 18 keys, it’s the definition of discreet luxury. What I love about this one is how it offers everything Aman does best: serene design, exceptional dining, and a spa experience rooted in longevity and ritual. Dining options range from Italian to Japanese and, of course, the flavors of Baja. Meanwhile, the Aman Spa will be longevity-focused with a contemporary version of a sweat lodge, spa houses, and tranquil spaces designed for reflection. Being part of the 1,500-acre Costa Palmas community adds another layer with organic farms, a marina, and miles of untouched coastline, making it a place you can truly disappear into. Talk about a place to go when you want silence, sunlight, and zero decisions.

Miraval The Red Sea

Shura Island, Saudi Arabia

Opening in March 2026

Miraval's opening of its first property outside of the U.S. is a pretty big deal, but choosing Shura Island makes it even more intriguing and exciting. Known for its immersive, experience-led approach to wellness, Miraval is uniquely suited to this area where the landscape does a lot of the restorative work on its own. This is wellness travel on a larger scale, but still deeply personal. There are curated experiences, mindful movement, communal moments, and food designed to nourish rather than restrict. What makes this one a standout to me is how it represents a shift for the destination. Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism scene is fascinating, and Miraval’s calming, intentional philosophy feels like a grounding presence amid all that change. If I were looking for a wellness trip that also felt culturally and geographically significant, this would be high up on the list.

Mailena

Loreto, Mexico

Opening fall 2026

Loreto has quietly been positioning itself as Baja’s next standout destination, and Mailena feels like it will finally be the moment it truly arrives. This adults-only, wellness-focused resort sits on a secluded stretch of beach within a protected marine park, which puts it in a different category than a typical Baja luxury escape. It’s intimate, intentionally designed, and deeply tied to its surroundings. What draws me in most, other than that incredible design, is the balance. Thoughtful wellness programming without the pressure to optimize, paired with wild nature and a laid-back energy, Loreto does so well. Being able to wake up next to crystal clear water, knowing you’re surrounded by one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the world (the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), feels like luxury in the most meaningful sense of the word. It’s the kind of place that makes you fall in love with a destination you might have dismissed.

Six Senses at the Whiteley

London, UK

Opening in April 2026

Ah, another Six Senses. Six Senses, bringing its wellness-driven philosophy to London, feels exactly what the city needs. Set inside the historic Whiteley building, this hotel blends urban energy with the brand’s signature calm, creating a space that feels restorative rather than rushed. There are 110 guest rooms and suites, 14 residences, a lobby bar and lounge, all-day restaurants, and a courtyard. The spa space is designed to feel like an old-fashioned London underground station and has a 20-meter indoor pool, alchemy bar, and vaulted relaxation room. Beyond the impressive spa, there is everything from biohacking to cryotherapy. What is most exciting is how this iteration of Six Senses doubles as a wellness and social hub. A place to stay, work, rest, and connect all under one roof.

Kimpton Cascais

Cascais, Portugal

Opening Summer 2026

Cascais is an easy day trip from Lisbon, but Kimpton’s arrival makes it a destination in its own right. The design-forward hotel brand is setting up shop along the Portuguese Riviera and bringing its signature personality and local flair to one of Portugal’s most scenic coastal areas. With pools, a spa, and access to golf and coastline alike, it feels like the perfect balance of relaxed and refined. It feels like the optimal choice for a coastal stay that still feels connected to Lisbon, local culture, and the effortlessly chic Portuguese lifestyle.

This year’s list of hotel openings all have one thing in common: they are all places you actually want to linger. Places that slow your pace or plan an entire trip around the place where you’re staying. From under-the-radar costal towns to design-forward city hideaways to deeply restorative wellness retreats, these are the hotels that are worth the flight, the planning, and the anticipation. Will I make it to all of them? Probably not. But these are the ones I’d choose if I were mapping out a dream year of travel guided by vibes. And honestly, that’s how the best trips usually start.

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