2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for luxury hospitality, with powerhouse brands like Aman, Orient Express, Waldorf Astoria, and Rosewood opening new doors across the globe. From reimagined palazzi in Venice to wild island retreats in the Maldives, here are the most anticipated openings that luxury travelers need on their radar.
Amanvari, Baja California, Mexico – Opening spring 2026, this 18-room beachfront sanctuary blends into Baja’s desert landscape with white concrete, natural stone, and tropical wood. The spa features a temazcal sweat lodge and open-air yoga pavilion, while the 1,500-acre Costa Palmas community offers access to a superyacht marina and a Robert Trent Jones II golf course.
Baccarat Hotel Rome – The French crystal house expands into Rome’s historic 1889 Hotel Majestic—the first hotel built on Via Veneto and a backdrop in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. The 87-room property, opening late 2026, restores heritage details while adding the brand’s signature lavish finishes and gleaming crystal pieces.
Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi, Maldives – Italian glamour meets nearly 50 acres in the Maldives’ Raa Atoll. The resort features 54 accommodations including 33 beach villas with private pools, 20 overwater villas, and a villa on its own island. Dining options include Italian favorite Il Ristorante-Niko Romito and Japanese spot Hōseki.
Waldorf Astoria Sydney – Making its long-awaited Australian debut in Circular Quay late 2026, this 220-room property offers stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Designed by legendary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma & Associates, the hotel features a rooftop bar, two signature restaurants, and indoor and outdoor pools.
Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, Venice – Opening April 2026, this marks exciting news for luxury train enthusiasts and hotel lovers alike.
Kunda Himalayan Resort & Spa, Nepal – Perched at 3,100 meters opposite the Himalayas, this March 2026 opening delivers spectacular views from eight thermal and geodesic domes, each with a private hot tub. A 24/7 private butler service and 12-minute helicopter rides to Mount Everest base camp add to the exclusivity.
The Uncovered Angle: A recurring theme across these openings is the “renaissance of glamour”—legendary landmarks are being meticulously restored and reborn under luxury brands. But beyond the aesthetics, these properties reflect deeper trends: wellness as a design principle, flexibility as a luxury, and storytelling as a core offering. As JPA Design’s trend report notes, by 2026, luxury will be measured not by what is offered, but by how uniquely it feels crafted for each guest.