Not every hotel opening is worth your attention. But 2026 has a few that stand out: established brands entering new markets and several well-judged city openings. These are the ones we are watching.

Airelles Venice

Airelles is opening its first city hotel in Venice, a boutique property with just 45 rooms and suites. Known for expansive country estates and highly personalised service, this move into a smaller urban setting marks a real shift for the brand. The idea is to bring Airelles' distinctive art of living into conversation with Venetian craftsmanship and detail. The brand has never done a city hotel before, which makes this one of the more genuinely interesting openings to watch this year. 

Amanvari, Baja Peninsula

Aman's first Mexican property has been years in the making, originally slated to open in 2020 before a series of delays pushed it to now. Baja was always a compelling choice. The peninsula's stark desert interior meeting the Pacific coastline gives the property a landscape that anchors the stay, and Aman tends to work best when the surroundings do the talking. As one of the most influential names in luxury hospitality, their openings always carry anticipation. This one has the added weight of a long wait behind it.

Singita Elela, Botswana

Singita is expanding into Botswana with Elela, its first property in the country. Given Singita’s reputation as one of the leading names in luxury safari, expectations will be high. Botswana’s landscapes are vast and uncompromising, and Singita’s strength has always been pairing conservation with quietly precise service.

Capella Kyoto

Capella continues to get the fundamentals right. Guests know the level of service they will receive, but each property reflects its location rather than copying a template. Kyoto calls for cultural sensitivity and restraint, and there is not much in Capella's portfolio to suggest they will get it wrong.

2026 is not about volume. It is about brands expanding deliberately and properties refining their position.

If any of these has caught your eye, get in touch and we’d be delighted to help plan your trip.