From Siena to Kyoto – the hotel openings worth arranging your year of travel around
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Words: Rhonda Bannister
Featured image: Chapter Chianti by Tristan Du Plessis
From Siena’s Renaissance hush to Nashville’s rhinestone revival, from Finland’s Arctic stillness to the sun-bleached cliffs of Mallorca, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of bold contrasts. Heritage hotels are being reborn with sharper design intelligence; beach resorts are refining excess into elegance; cities are welcoming newcomers who feel both culturally grounded and globally fluent. What follows is a fraction of what’s opening this year – the full slate is vast. The only real question is not whether to book, but how soon.
AUSTRALIA
Avani Mooloolaba Beach
On the Sunshine Coast, Avani claims a prime beachfront position only 100 metres to the surf. This 12-storey premium property is the Sunshine Coast’s first internationally-branded new-build hotel to open in four decades, and we can’t wait to stay there! With spacious, light-filled rooms and suites, a rooftop pool and bar, and three restaurants, Avani will be the top choice for travellers arriving to enjoy all the delights of this hip and happening area. It’s easy, sun-drenched luxury, the sort that doesn’t overcomplicate coastal living.
avanihotels.com/en/mooloolaba-beach-hotel
Elysium Noosa Resort – MGallery Collection
Noosa’s unhurried grace meets MGallery’s boutique gloss. Set between river and sea, Elysium Noosa feels both coastal and cocooned. Interiors in the rooms, suites and villas nod to sand tones and native textures; the spa majors in Australian botanicals. Culinary offerings include the piazza-style setting of Cibaria restaurant and Bar Capri, the perfect spot for an afternoon aperitif by the pool. Barefoot luxury, but with real architectural intention behind it.
Adina Hobart
Hobart continues its quiet ascent, with TFE Hotels debuting its first Adina Hotel, which blends apartment-style ease with boutique polish, positioned perfectly for Salamanca markets and MONA-bound mornings. Interiors are warm and textural, reflecting Tasmania’s raw landscape. It’s practical luxury with generous space, understated design, and proximity to some of Australia’s most compelling wilderness.
Ardour Milton Park, Bowral
Set among sweeping lawns and cool-climate gardens in the Southern Highlands, Milton Park has long been a treasured retreat for Sydneysiders – and now it returns with a new identity. The historic property has relaunched as the flagship of Ardour Hotels & Estates, a new luxury brand from Salter Brothers Hospitality, following a $10 million transformation led by Sydney-based MAC Design Studio. Original heritage details have been carefully preserved while interiors have been refreshed with understated elegance. It remains the definitive Southern Highlands escape – timeless in character, quietly elevated in ambition.
ASIA
Soori Penang
Minimalist maestro Soo K. Chan brings his signature serenity to the site of his childhood home in Malaysia’s cultural capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town, Penang. Set in 15 meticulously restored shophouses, Soori Penang offers expansive suites blending the spirit of old Penang with modern-day conveniences and luxurious space. Days begin with curated experiences of discovery and end with heritage-led dining that nods to Penang’s Peranakan soul. This is a unique retreat; architectural, elemental and luxurious. The spa, like other Soori properties, is a destination in itself.
Hyde Suites Seminyak
Hyde Hotels are known the world over for their stay and play ethos and hedonistic energy, which softens for Bali – but only slightly! Opening mid-2026, expect to stay in beautiful Balinese-inspired suites, listen to DJs soundtrack sunset sessions at the high-energy beach club, and dine on fabulous Balinese and international food at the rooftop restaurant while enjoying the views. Sharp enough for long lunches, loose enough for late nights. Consider it the grown-up evolution of Bali’s beach-club era.
Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket – MGallery Collection
On Phuket’s beautiful Kamala Beach, set within the vibrant MontAzure community, the 150-room resort rises as a sleek sanctuary carved into the lush hillside, featuring a waterfall, lagoon, and infinity pool. Architecture is angular and modern, softened by tropical landscaping and open-air living, while rooms and suites are generous and sharply designed, with some offering a private pool.
all.accor.com/hotel/B653/index.en.shtml
Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi, Maldives
The Maldives gets a shot of Milanese gloss. Bvlgari’s first foray into the archipelago trades rustic barefoot for high-lacquer glamour: sleek overwater villas in pale timber and stone, private infinity pools with uninterrupted Indian Ocean horizons, and a jewellery-box aesthetic that feels unmistakably Italian. Dining will be serious (Il Ristorante, naturally), the spa vast, the privacy absolute. Expect a clientele that arrives by seaplane in linen and leaves with sun-kissed nonchalance.
bulgarihotels.com/en_US/ranfushi
Paradisus by Melia Bali
Paradisus arrives in Bali with its signature all-inclusive sophistication. Set on the shores of Nusa Dua, expect layered landscaping, expansive lagoon pools, and dining that leans into both Indonesian and international flavours. Wellness programming is substantial, with curated retreats and immersive spa rituals. Stay in the adults-only The Reserve, and enjoy a world of peaceful luxury with unique privileges and benefits.
melia.com/en/hotels/indonesia/bali/hotel-bali-5701
Avani Kota Kinabalu
Sabah’s capital gains a sleek waterfront base. Avani brings clean-lined Asian design, rooftop dining with sunset views over the South China Sea, and easy access to Borneo’s diving, jungle trekking, and island escapes. Urban convenience meets tropical adventure – ideal for travellers toggling between rainforest and infinity pool.
avanihotels.com/en/kota-kinabalu
Imperial Hotel Kyoto
Few openings carry this much reverence. Long one of Japan’s most storied addresses, the Imperial returns reimagined, preserving its Meiji-era elegance while introducing a new quietness. Tatami-lined suites meet hushed modernism; gardens are manicured with almost spiritual precision. Service remains intuitive, anticipatory, and very Japanese. Positioned near Gion yet removed from the crowds, it offers rare access to Kyoto’s layered traditions of tea ceremonies, temple walks, and kaiseki dining, all anchored by a legacy name that still commands respect.
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel
In Singapore’s civic district, this heritage-meets-modern landmark reopens with sharpened precision. Guests will experience restored colonial facades, high-ceilinged suites, and a dining line-up that mirrors the city’s culinary confidence. Service is, naturally, meticulous. Positioned between Marina Bay polish and cultural quarters, it’s an address for travellers who appreciate quiet efficiency with their 5* luxury.
kempinski.com/en/the-capitol-singapore
SPAIN
Serras Sevilla
The Serras brand brings its Barcelona polish south to Seville, where we find crisp interiors within a restored Andalusian residence; a rooftop terrace gazing toward cathedral spires, and a restaurant doing serious things with tapas. Chic but unfussy, and perfectly pitched for flamenco nights and slow river walks.
serrascollection.com/en/hotels/serras-sevilla
Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra
Carved into Mallorca’s southwest cliffs, this reimagined icon reopens under Mandarin Oriental’s serene stewardship. Terraced gardens cascade toward crystalline coves; rooms frame uninterrupted Mediterranean blues. Wellness is elevated with a hydromassage pool, a steam room, a cold plunge, and two outdoor pools, and holistic spa rituals infused with island botanicals. It’s discreet luxury with cinematic views.
mandarinoriental.com/en/mallorca/punta-negra
The Hoxton Madrid
The Hoxton lands in Madrid with its usual formula of industrial bones, lively communal spaces, and a crowd that blurs business and pleasure – but adds Spanish flair. Guests can look forward to tiled floors, bold colour palettes, and a rooftop bar, Cayo Coco, that rivals the city’s best terraces. Location is key: central enough for gallery-hopping, cool enough to feel discovered.
Gran Hotel Claridge Granada
Granada gains a glossy counterpoint to its Moorish mystique. Steps from the Alhambra’s shadow and facing the Cathedral, this reimagined grande dame pairs Andalusian detailing with a very modern sense of occasion. Courtyards bloom with orange trees, suites channel Old World elegance, and evenings are made for rooftop cocktails as the Sierra Nevada blushes pink.
ITALY
Corinthia Rome
Housed in what was once a prominent banking institution steps from the Pantheon, this is maximalism with discipline where the design integrates original architectural features with Italian craftsmanship: frescoed ceilings, marble panelling and works by living Roman artists. Rooms and suites are immaculate, with layered textures, tailored furnishings, king-size beds and marble bathrooms. Book a Junior Suite with a terrace and relax with a glass of wine after a day of sightseeing while absorbing the city’s energy. Famed Michelin-starred chef Carlo Cracco brings his distinctive culinary perspective to Rome for the first time, establishing the hotel as a gastronomic destination in its own right.
Palazzo Sozzini Malavolti, Emblems Collection
In Siena’s medieval heart, a Renaissance palazzo becomes an intimate art-led retreat as the only luxury hotel in the historic centre. Original 19th-century frescoes and original stonework are preserved, while the interiors have been handled with the kind of restraint that lets the bones speak. With only 38 rooms, hidden gardens, ancient caves and a serene spa, it feels private, almost secretive. This is Siena at its most distilled.
emblemscollection.com/hotel/palazzo-sozzini-malavolti
Mama Shelter Lake Como
Lake Como loosens its collar with a sassy newcomer in mid-2026. Mama Shelter brings irreverence to Italy’s most manicured shoreline with playful interiors, bold textiles, and a rooftop scene designed for long spritz-fuelled afternoons. Expect DJs rather than discreet pianists, design statements rather than damask. Como for a younger, fashion-forward crowd – the glamour is non-negotiable, the formality very much not.
all.accor.com/a/en/brands/mamashelter.html
Chapter Chianti
In the Tuscan hills, set within a restored 16th-century village, Chapter Chianti will welcome guests seeking a unique blend of Tuscan hospitality in luxurious surroundings. Stone farmhouses are reimagined with clean lines, vineyard views, and a culinary programme rooted in hyperlocal produce. Afternoons drift between olive groves and infinity pools; evenings centre on Brunello and candlelight. The rustic trappings are all there – but so is a very exacting standard of comfort.
chapter-italia.com/chapter-chianti
LAPLAND
Skyra Retreat
Above the Arctic Circle, tucked beside the icy waters of Lake Norvajärvi, Skyra Retreat promises front-row seats to the aurora without sacrificing warmth. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted northern lights viewing; interiors are layered in pale woods, wool throws, crackling fires and quiet luxury. Winter brings husky sledding and ice-dining experiences; summer swaps snow for endless golden light. Wellness offerings include saunas, jacuzzis, and an icy plunge pond and for deep relaxation, there’s nightly sound baths designed to reduce stress and promote emotional healing. As Lapland’s first member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio, it’s elemental, immersive, and entirely unplugged in the most indulgent way.
UNITED KINGDOM
The Newman
Fitzrovia gains a sharp new address. The Newman channels London’s creative class: layered textures, art-forward interiors, and a dining room likely to attract both fashion editors and discreet financiers. Rooms balance moody palettes with plush comfort, while the bar feels destined for late-night industry murmurs. It’s urbane without being uptight and a clever addition to central London’s boutique circuit.
The St. Regis London
St. Regis finally claims a London flagship in the heart of fashionable Mayfair. Butler service arrives with British tailoring: discreet, intuitive, unpretentious. Interiors layer heritage references with frank opulence – marble baths, jewel-toned lounges, and a bar primed for champagne rituals. Its arrival adds another heavyweight to London’s crowded luxury five-star hotel scene.
The Webster Covent Garden
Blending thoughtful design of warmth and texture with dynamic social spaces and a vibrant food and beverage scene will cultivate a sense of belonging for guests when the hotel opens in July 2026. Stepping back to a gentler, analogue time, guests will relish the Jacob Jensen phones, classic alarm clocks, hand-selected books, and mid-century-style furniture in the rooms. Morning coffee, a leisurely lunch and evening cocktails can be enjoyed in the outdoor lounge, while meals will be enjoyed at Carmelina’s, an Italian-inspired restaurant and speakeasy.
AUSTRIA
The Companion Vienna
Vienna softens its imperial edge with this design-driven newcomer. The Companion brings a distinctly Austrian craft sensibility into conversation with the city’s classical bones – parquet floors, sculptural lighting, and a café culture ethos woven through communal spaces. Positioned for museum-hopping and opera evenings, it’s intimate, cultured, and refreshingly un-grand.
MALTA
Romègas Hotel
Within Valletta’s honey-hued fortifications, Romègas transforms a historic, 500-year-old palazzo into a discreet Mediterranean hideaway. Limestone walls meet works by living artists; rooftop terraces frame harbour views. Malta’s layered history is palpable here, yet the mood remains modern and indulgent. Heritage worn lightly, luxury worn well.
MOROCCO
Palais Jamaï
An icon reborn. Overlooking Fès’s ancient Medina, Palais Jamaï reclaims its status as Morocco’s most storied palace hotel. Zellige tiles, carved cedarwood, and sweeping terraces set the scene; updated suites introduce modern indulgence without diluting heritage. Sunset over the Medina from the garden bar feels almost cinematic.
UNITED STATES
Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel
Nashville gets a dose of rhinestone storytelling. Inspired by Dolly’s lyrical legacy, SongTeller balances theatrical flair with Southern hospitality. Think velvet banquettes, vintage guitars, and suites that nod to country glamour without tipping into kitsch. Playful, warm, and utterly Nashville – Dolly would approve.
Delano Miami Beach
The icon returns. After a transformative renovation, Delano reclaims its position as South Beach royalty. Philippe Starck’s ghost lingers in the all-white drama, but updates introduce warmer textures and a culinary programme with real ambition. The pool remains the stage; the lobby, still a catwalk. It’s nostalgic yet renewed. Miami glamour recalibrated for 2026.
GREECE
Luura Cliff Paros
On a wind-swept cliff above the Aegean, Luura Cliff distils Cycladic minimalism into its purest form. Cubist villas in chalky white cascade toward impossibly blue water, each with a horizon-grazing infinity pool. Interiors are tactile with linen, stone and pale timber, allowing sea and sky to dominate. Days revolve around barefoot breakfasts, boat charters to Antiparos, and sunset aperitifs that feel suspended in time. Understated, elemental, and oh so photogenic.
Rhonda Bannister
Rhonda co-founded Holidays for Couples more than 30 years ago, establishing it as Australia’s leading voice in romance travel. Now retired from day-to-day operations, she continues as our editor-at-large, travelling widely and reporting with a special focus on experiences that resonate with couples over 60.
