The New Hotel Openings I’m Most Excited About for 2026

There are some amazing new hotels opening next year and while you may be tired of hearing ‘the best new hotels of 2026’ or the ‘hottest new hotel openings of 2026’ I make no apology for sharing the hotels I’m most excited about. In no particular order...

Ile de Bendor, France

Zannier Bendor is set to debut on the private French island of Île de Bendor in spring 2026, after five years of transformation. Facing the town of Bandol in Provence, the seven-hectare island was first brought to life in 1950 by Marseille-born pastis pioneer Paul Ricard. The Ricard family, guardians of Paul Ricard’s vision, joins forces with the excellence of Zannier Hotels to write this new chapter. With a joint commitment to restore and preserve its very essence, the Provençal-style village will reopen as an elegant 93-room hotel, set across three island locations, complete with a holistic wellbeing centre, beach cove and diving centre, and a choice of eight dining spaces – including the second outpost of Nonna Bazaar.

Bookings are now open for stays from May 1 2026.

Casa Bonavita, Malta

Casa Bonavita is a newly restored, luxurious 18th-century palazzo in Attard, Malta, being transformed into a 17-room boutique hotel by designer Suzanne Sharp. Set to open in May 2026 this luxury boutique hotel will combine historic charm with modern luxury and after extensive renovations, it promises a unique stay with antique furnishings, gardens and pool.  Situated in the heart of Attard, guests enjoy easy access to the historic Parish Church, the famed Hagar Qim and Mnajdra temples nearby, and the stylish cafés and local markets of neighbouring Mdina and Valletta, making Casa Bonavita an ideal base for cultural exploration, relaxation and refined island living.

Bookings are yet to open.

Chateau la Commaraine, France

Château La Commaraine, nestled in the heart of Burgundy, epitomises the region’s timeless elegance with its honey‑coloured stone façades, manicured gardens and sweeping views of undulating vineyards. One of Burgundy wine region’s most iconic estates dating back to 1112, will open its doors completely reimagined as a 5-star hotel. Perfectly set in the heart of the renowned Pommard village, just 2.5 miles from Burgundy’s wine capital of Beaune, Château la Commaraine’s meticulous renovations seamlessly blend its historic elements with elegant, contemporary interiors. The 37-room property is fully immersed within the vineyards on an impressive estate spanning 7.41 acres, complete with a spa, pool, two restaurants supervised by Christophe Raoux, and a winery open to visitors. Personalised service will ensure a tranquil, immersive experience for discerning travellers seeking both cultural authenticity and understated luxury.

Online bookings are now available for stays from March 20 2026

Vestige Namibia

From next Autumn the Vestige Collection are set to open four exclusive lodges across northern Namibia. Nestled amid Namibia’s rugged beauty, the Vestige Collection offers a curated selection of intimate, design-led retreats that celebrate place, history and the raw elegance of the landscape. Expect refined rooms and suites, immersive guiding led by knowledgeable local hosts, regionally inspired cuisine, and experiences that connect you to wildlife, culture and the land: guided nature walks, stargazing in astonishing clarity, and encounters with Namibia’s extraordinary flora and fauna. Designed for discerning travellers who value authenticity, understated luxury and conscientious stewardship, Vestige Collection Namibia transforms each stay into a quietly memorable exploration of one of Africa’s most evocative destinations.

Bookings are yet to open.

Airelles Venezia, Italy

Opening in Spring 2026, Airelles Venezia will be the brand’s ninth property and its first outside France, bringing the signature elegance and grandeur of Airelles to the heart of Venice, Italy. Airelles Venezia will offer a truly exceptional guest experience, with 45 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, three elevated culinary destinations, a cicchetti bar and main bar, a 1700m² Airelles Spa and gym complete with a dedicated wellness garden, three swimming pools, a Kids Club, and a dedicated event space for private functions.

Bookings are now available for stays from April 1 2026

Singita Elela, Botswana

Singita’s first camp in Botswana, Elela (meaning ‘to flow’ in Setswana) opens in December 2026. Inspired by the seasonality of the Okavango Delta, each of its eight camps is circular in design and set on stilts, meaning you can see the landscape from every angle, and the floods shifting around you. This seamless continuation of natural motion is constant, and always within reach, allowing you to watch wildlife roam, weather patterns shift, and the sun move across the Delta from wherever you are in the lodge. The Elela experience is guided by what’s happening around the lodge, creating a sense of complete freedom and possibility. Comprising five 1-bedroom camps, two 2-bedroom camps, and one 4-bedroom camp, its diversity and complexity are matched only by its beauty. Activities include game drives, bush walks, seasonal mokoro rides, boating and fishing, wine experiences, stargazing, yoga, wellness treatments, with helicopter rides additionally available.

Bookings are now available for stays from 11 December 2026.

Hope Lodge, Scotland

Opening May 2026 on Scotland’s northern coast, Hope is the hotel and exclusive use property by WildLand – set within the vast, coastal landscape of Sutherland, where nature is being carefully restored and protected for the long term.  More than a place to stay, Hope introduces a new kind of Highland hospitality. Immersive, conservation-led, and profoundly connected to nature.

Hope brings new life to a historic hunting lodge, now redesigned as an intimate hotel and exclusive-use retreat with a collection of restored cottages and, at its heart, a communal gathering point known as the Clachan. From the restored lodge, Hope offers an inclusive stay where every element is curated, from daily guided adventures and wellness rituals to food, drinks, facilities and equipment. Guests are invited to immerse themselves completely, to embrace the changing seasons and terrain, and to connect with the community who live and work here – all guided by a deep respect for the historical, cultural, and environmental context of the Scottish Highlands.

For more information, pricing and availability please contact hello@wildland.scot

Na Praia, Portugal

Na Praia is the visionary new project from José António Uva – the eighth-generation steward of São Lourenço do Barrocal – set on a secluded stretch of Portugal’s Atlantic coast just beyond Comporta. Opening in Spring 2026, this distinctive 113 room independent hotel is an ode to the untamed beauty of its surroundings and the result of more than a decade of careful design and lasting commitment to conservation. The development will feature cutting-edge architecture ingeniously adapted and guided by the land and its three distinct ecosystems – ocean, dunes and the estuary – working towards the shared goal of safeguarding the pristine wild landscapes and endemic species of the coastal dunes. Beyond its opening, Na Praia aspires to set a benchmark for architecture and hospitality in tune with nature and privacy. Its legacy will be one of presence and care, a timeless celebration of Portugal’s untamed beauty for generations to come.

Bookings are yet to open.

Nkasa Linyanti, Namibia

Nkasa Linyanti represents a groundbreaking partnership between Natural Selection and conservationists Chantelle and Brent Cook, who have decades of experience in safeguarding the wild corners of southern Africa. In the far north-eastern reaches of Namibia,set within a private concession, embraced by the Kwando River to the west and the Linyanti River to the south, Nkasa Linyanti is an understated luxury tented camp with sweeping views across the Linyanti floodplain. The camp’s six under-canvas tents are raised on wooden stilts, carefully designed to tread lightly on the delicate wetlands ecosystem while providing views across the floodplains. All have en-suite bathrooms, with indoor and outdoor showers. Communal areas include a contemporary lounge, bar area and swimming pool.

Opening May 2026, see website for availability and booking.

Luura Cliff Paros, Greece

Luura, a brand-new family-owned hospitality brand, will debut its inaugural resort, Luura Cliff in Paros, in May 2026 under the Ennismore portfolio. The brand’s first Mediterranean venture, Luura Cliff, will open as a 39 room all-suite oceanfront property, with views of Antiparos, designed by Elastic Architects, known for their sculptural approach, with interiors by Lambs and Lions studio. Drawing on the timeless purity of Cycladic architecture, the resort will feature a village-like constellation of iconic whitewashed buildings. The adults-only hotel will also feature a private chapel and event space for weddings and private buyouts. Situated on the island of Paros, the hotel represents a bold new chapter in contemporary Greek hospitality and the beginning of an ambitious Mediterranean expansion that will include additional properties in Paros, Athens, and beyond.

Bookings are now available for stays from May 28 2026

Introducing Aether, the Private Terminal at Manchester Airport

The irony is not lost on me that I am writing this on the day the results of a Which Survey revealed Manchester Terminal 3 to be the worst airport in the UK. Aether at Manchester Airport is a private terminal which opened its doors last year and provides a seamless experience from start to finish.

Situated conveniently close to Manchester Airport, contemporary interiors are complemented by attentive service. After a sleek check in, the dining experience by award-winning chef Adam Reid delivers a sophisticated culinary experience, the beef cheek gravy being a highlight. Enjoy a range of soft or alcoholic drinks to complement this delicious set menu. Floor to ceiling windows provide an interesting viewing experience and the sense of exclusivity created by a maximum number of 12 guests ensures a restful stay before or after flights. After enjoying a glass of wine or cup of tea, it’s time to proceed through private security, (this is every bit as blissful as it sounds), before being transported to the gate via a chauffeur driven BMW.

It is the perfect way to start any trip and is on a different level to entering the main terminal and paying for a lounge, which let’s be honest it needs to be in order to justify the price. I would also take advantage of the Aether parking service as the car is whisked away on arrival and returned to the terminal of your choice.

Overall, an excellent experience which I can highly recommend. Prices from £99.

Meet the new addition to Grantley Hall, Grantley Arms

I first made my acquaintance with Grantley Hall in the year following its opening. It opened in 2019. I have to be honest, it didn’t make a huge impression on me. Maybe it was the weather,(it snowed), maybe I chose the wrong restaurant, EightyEight or maybe it was just one of those days. Whatever the reason, I didn’t return until earlier this year, this time to sample Afternoon Tea in the elegant Drawing Room. It couldn’t have been a more different experience. This time I was impressed from the start. From beginning to end, the service was excellent, the food delicious and the surroundings supremely comfortable. To end the afternoon and to walk off the excesses of Afternoon Tea we managed to bump into the owner who was a very interesting lady.

Fast forward to August and Grantley Hall added a new relaxed dining option to their plethora of restaurants in the form of the Grantley Arms. A village pub located in the nearby village of Grantley, I was curious to see if it would live up to the hype. So off we went with a couple of friends in tow on a very rainy afternoon to try out the Sunday lunch menu. From the warm hello to the last goodbye it didn’t disappoint in any way. Cosy interiors, delightful staff and good food won me over instantly. We feasted on creamy burrata and succulent beef paired with a delicious glass of wine.

I imagine many of Grantley Hall’s residents will be making the trip for a proper country pub experience and I wouldn’t blame them at all.

Now all I need to do is stay the night. Watch this space!

Racing Royalty at Cashel Palace

Very occasionally a day comes along that you instantly know will stay with you for the rest of your days. To say that my husband had been eagerly anticipating the Racing Royalty Package provided by Cashel Palace would be the understatement of the century. He was like a child on Christmas Eve. It did not disappoint.

From pick up at the hotel reception by the wonderful Equine Concierge, Julie, we were driven about 15 minutes in a luxurious Mercedes to the gates of Ballydoyle where Polly, who has worked there for 20 years, took the driving seat and proved to be a fountain of knowledge on all aspects of probably the most successful flat racing stable in the world.

If horses are your thing, this is equine heaven! If not, it is a fascinating insight into the day to day running and organisation needed to be a world leader in your field. From the variety of gallops in terms of distance and surface, the quarantine requirements for racing horses around the world, to the original blueprint created by the legendary Vincent O’Brien seventy years ago, the attention to detail and logistical challenge was incredible. The views and vistas were equally impressive.

The piece de resistance was watching up close the majestic horses being put through their paces on the gallops. On this occasion we were so fortunate to do this alongside the watchful eye of the maestro himself, Aidan O’Brien, although this cannot be guaranteed due to his understandably busy schedule. His knowledge and insight made this an even more special occasion.

The next part of the trip was a short journey to the local town of Fethard where the Fethard Horse Country Experience provides a fascinating history of the horse’s development and contribution to Irish culture, from working animals to hunting and racing. A worthwhile stand alone trip for all of the family, housed in the recently refurbished 17th century building. Lunch was provided here showcasing an array of local food and beverages although normally this would be served at the highly acclaimed local eatery, Dooks Fine Foods.

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, the final part of this package was a guided tour of Coolmore, undoubtedly the best equine stud farm in the world. We were met by Maurice Maloney, who if he hadn’t been at Coolmore for the last forty years, surely would have made his living as a comedian and raconteur such was his wit, repartee and easy going nature. His knowledge and insight into the running of the stud was first class. The impeccable facilities, with rubber walkways, stables that I’d be happy to live in and individual paddocks, made you realise that stars such as Camelot, Australia, Wootton Bassett and Churchill to name but a few, really are treated like royalty. Seeing Wootton Bassett and Churchill in the flesh, being led out by their handlers was truly a sight to behold, their regal majesty on full display!

The driven tour of the 3,500 acre farm brought home the sheer scale and beauty of this project. Observing the mares watching over their stunning foals, crashed out in the sun, is an image that will stay with us forever.

Maurice emphasised the impressive green credentials of both Coolmore and Ballydoyle: the complete self sufficiency of the entire set up, with all feed and bedding processed on the farm and all water supplied from their own reservoirs. It is also an employer of large numbers of local people and a huge contributor to the local economy.

The legacy museum just takes this trip to another level. It is awash with racing memorabilia such as the tiny saddles and actual silks used by the racing gods such as Piggot, Eddery, Fallon, O’Brien et al. The content of this museum alone would fill an entire day for racing aficionados.

The Racing Royalty Package is aptly named as you encounter the noble bloodlines of the equine stars as well as the organisation that the racing world pays homage to. A glass of champagne ended what can only be described as a day of lifetime. Thank you Cashel Palace.