In 2025, Sleeper reported on the landmark openings shaping the luxury hotel landscape. In some of the world’s most alluring capital cities, hospitality giants expanded their footprints, from The Chancery Rosewood in London to Fairmont Tokyo, while carefully crafted interiors enhanced the design landscape, as seen in the historic grandeur of Rosewood Amsterdam and the superyacht-inspired Jumeirah Marsa al Arab in Dubai.
Meanwhile, the anticipated reopening of Waldorf Astoria New York marked a return to opulent luxury and heritage hospitality, a trend that was only reinforced at the AHEAD Awards, with Orient Express La Minerva winning Hotel of the Year at AHEAD Europe before going on to pick up AHEAD Global’s Ultimate Accolade.
As 2026 gets underway, the statistics point to another busy year for the industry. According to THP, there are 8,557 projects in the global pipeline, 36% (2,699) of which are slated to debut in 2026; introducing a total of 466,848 new rooms worldwide.
With thousands of new openings on the horizon, we’ve sifted through the data to bring you our pick of the very best hotels stepping onto the scene over the next 12 months:
Delano, Miami Beach
Following a complete renovation, Delano Miami Beach will reopen its doors in early 2026, featuring a design that pays homage to its Art Deco roots and Mid-Century Miami style. The South Beach property has stood as a gold-coast icon since 1947 and will continue this legacy with a design that integrates heritage with modern elegance, from the iconic entrance curtains to the lobby’s restored hexagonal columns.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT • Developer: Cain International • Operator: Ennismore • Architecture and Interior Design: Elastic Architects, Ennismore in-house
The Knox, Dallas
Slated as the defining anchor in Dallas's Knox Street neighbourhood, The Knox from Auberge Resorts Collection will open as a new urban retreat in one of the city’s most dynamic destinations. With elevated dining and wellness offerings at its core, the hotel promotes exploration of the city's lauded retail and culinary scene, as well as the 3.5-mile Katy Trail.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT • Owner: BDT & MSD Partners • Developer: Trammell Crow Company, BDT & MSD Partners • Operator: Auberge Resorts Collection • Architecture: Martin Brudnizki Design Studio • Architect of Record: HKS Architects • Interior Design: Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, Chad Dorsey Design
Amanvari, Mexico
Aman’s newest coastal sanctuary will open in spring 2026, sitting at the meeting point of three distinct landscapes – beachfront, desert and estuary. With organic, contemporary aesthetics that blend indoors and out, Amanvari’s elevated Casitas offer open-air courtyards and framed views of the horizon and mountains, while bespoke ceramics and original artworks by Mexican artisans ground the resort in local spirit.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT • Owner: Aman Group • Developer: Martell Capital Group, Irongate • Operator: Aman Resorts, Hotels & Residences • Architecture: Heah & Co, Elastic Architects
Eha, Estonia
Born from a reverence for nature and holistic wellbeing, Eha will open in summer 2026 on the unspoilt island of Hiiumaa, with a programming that centres around the island's unique five-season rhythm. Accommodating just 22 guests across eight suites and three forest cabins, the resort embraces understated Nordic design and traditional Estonian forms through its use of natural materials and high-quality craftsmanship.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT • Owner: Eva Maran and Sonny Aswani• Concept Development: Think Hospitality Consulting • Architecture: Tiit Trummal Arhitektid • Interior Design: Studio Argus, Unt+Co, Vaikla Studio
Waldorf Astoria Admiralty Arch, London
Marking the brand’s debut in London, Waldorf Astoria is set to open in summer 2026 at one of the city’s most iconic historical landmarks. The property, slated to become a cornerstone of British luxury, offers its 100 guestrooms unparallelled views of Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, while serving up culinary excellence under the direction of globally celebrated chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT • Owner and Developer: Reuben Brothers • Operator: Hilton Worldwide • Architecture and Interior Design: Archer Humphryes Architects
Zannier Île de Bendor, France
Zannier Hotels and Société Paul Ricard have joined forces to transform Île de Bendor into a social, culinary and wellness destination on the French Riviera. Following a five-year renovation, the 93-key hotel will open its doors in May, welcoming guests to a Provençal-style village with three distinct settings that preserve the island’s legacy of refined 1960s glamour, wellbeing and reconnection, and authentic Provençal charm.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT • Owner: Société Paul Ricard • Operator: Zannier Hotels • Architecture: Hardel and Le Bihan Architects • Interior Design: Beyond Design
Vestige, Namibia
With four new properties opening across northern Namibia from autumn 2026, Vestige expands its offering with experiences to enjoy in isolation or combined with other destinations. Each architectural lodge harmonises with its setting and community, emphasising preservation while providing exceptional wildlife experiences and panoramic views.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT • Owner and Operator: Vestige Collection • Architecture and Interiro Design: Vestige Estudio
The Malkai, Oman
A decade in the making, The Malkai is a family-run hospitality concept situated across three destinations in Barka, Al Hajar and Shargiya Sands, each comprising 15 traditional Bedouin tents accompanied by a farm-to-fork dining experience and wellness facilities. During four- to ten-night expeditions, guests are hosted by a Murshid guide, travelling between the self-sustaining sites in an experiential escape designed to showcase the beauty of Oman.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT • Architecture: Unscripted Design • Landscaping: Marcus Barnett Studio
Kaia Koh Phangan, Thailand
Surrounded by protected national park, Kaia Koh Phangan is a beachfront tented resort located on the verdant northeastern coast of Thailand. With an ethos of conscientious luxury, the property presents an elevated modern take on traditional Thai textiles and weaving techniques, while sustainably sourced materials feature prominently, from the furniture to the floorboards.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT • Owner: Bound and Beyond and Cloud Collective • Operator: Kaia • Architecture: Cloud Collective • Interior Design: Dao Vichada
Hoshinoya Nara Prison, Japan
In a bid to preserve the only surviving structure of the Meiji government's ‘Five Great Prisons’, the former Hoshinoya Nara Prison is transforming its historic walls into a timelessly elegant stay. The hotel will open its doors in summer 2026 as the only hotel in Japan set within an Important Cultural Property, featuring 48 guestrooms including the ‘10-Cell Suite’ – comprising ten individual cells seamlessly integrated into one expansive, opulent space – as well as an adjoining museum.
EXPRESS CHECK-OUT • Owner: The Former Nara Prison Preservation and Utilization Co., Ltd. • Operator: Hoshino Resorts • Architecture and Interior Design: Azuma Architects & Associates • Landscape Design: Studio on Site
Photography: Hoshino Resorts
