Travelers planning ahead will find a strong lineup of new properties entering the market next year. Openings range from urban landmarks in established capitals to remote retreats in wildlife reserves and beach destinations. These additions reflect ongoing demand for distinctive design, strong local connections, and varied amenities that go beyond standard luxury offerings.
European Properties Emphasize Location and Heritage
Lisbon welcomes the Andaz brand to its historic Baixa district this year. The 170-room hotel sits near the grand Praça do Comércio and incorporates local materials such as cork accents alongside rich velvet furnishings. Its main restaurant focuses on contemporary Portuguese dishes with an emphasis on seafood and small plates. Athens gains the Conrad The Ilisian, which redevelops a 1960s landmark into a 278-room property with views toward the Acropolis. Interiors take a minimalist approach, while the wellness facilities include indoor and outdoor pools plus a longevity clinic. Dining options feature a French-Greek brasserie and a Japanese restaurant with an extensive sake list.
African Openings Target Wildlife and Waterfront Settings
Kenya’s Solio Game Reserve hosts the JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve, scheduled for July. The camp offers 20 large tented suites, each with a private plunge pool, and includes four restaurants and bars – one dedicated to vegetarian cuisine. Guests can expect rhino sightings along with opportunities to observe leopards and cheetahs. Cape Town adds the Edition hotel on the V&A Waterfront in September. The 142-room property, designed in collaboration with local architects, features the brand’s signature light aesthetic with blond wood elements. Plans include a rooftop bar with Table Mountain views, a spa, and a pool.
Resorts Expand Options in Asia and the Caribbean
Kuala Lumpur prepares for the Waldorf Astoria, with reservations opening in early 2027. The 272-suite hotel will occupy space in the Golden Triangle and include three restaurants by Jean-Georges Vongerichten plus additional concepts focused on Indian and royal Malaysian cuisine. Suites start at 860 square feet and feature freestanding bathtubs. Turks and Caicos sees the Hotel Indigo Grace Bay open near the famous beach. The 56-room boutique property uses beach-inspired pastels and seashell motifs, with an Italian-Caribbean restaurant and a courtyard infinity pool. It provides easy access to Grace Bay for guests seeking a smaller-scale stay. Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region gains the JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort and Spa in the fall. The 415-room property includes a high-end Griffin Club section with dedicated pools and beach access, plus a large spa and eleven dining venues covering local, Japanese, Italian, and seafood options.
What Sets These Openings Apart
These hotels share a focus on scale and setting that suits different traveler preferences. Some emphasize intimate boutique sizes, while others deliver extensive facilities and multiple dining choices. Several occupy former landmark buildings or prime natural locations, creating immediate interest among those tracking new developments. The variety also highlights continued investment in regions with strong tourism fundamentals. From city centers to game reserves and coastlines, the 2026 slate offers concrete reasons to revisit familiar destinations or explore new ones.
