Imagine if the year 2026 had a personality. It would likely be considered as being beyond the norm, or extraordinary. That would include being very private, or secluded, and even very luxurious. Next year, the world’s newest and most anticipated hotels will have absolutely no shortage of luxury, from the ultimate level of privacy found within the luxurious resort on a private island in the Maldives to a hotel that sits at the edge of the earth’s rim in Chilean Patagonia, as you will see.
Not only is travel booming once again; people are also looking to have experiences while traveling. Over the last several years, the global hotel industry understands that, instead of simply building more rooms in existing hotels, they should be developing more destination-based hotels that will provide for their guests a unique atmosphere defined by privacy, intimacy, and creativity far away from the noise of many vacation destinations; and at the same time, creating a unique experience for each hotel guest during their stay and taking advantage of natural surroundings.
Many of these hotels were under development for many years; they are finally ready to be opened as of 2026.
For example, the new Bvlgari Resort Ranfushi in the Raa Atoll of the Maldives is designed to be the height of sophistication in island-style living from its location of approximately 20 hectares and has 54 small villa-style guest accommodations which consist of 33 beach-front villa-style guest accommodations, 20 water villa-style guest accommodations and one Bvlgari Villa located on its own small private island.
From a design perspective, this hotel combines both a modern look with the trademark Bvlgari elegance. It will also provide foodies a welcoming environment. Three existing restaurants associated with other Bvlgari properties are planned for this hotel: Il Ristorante – Niko Romito; Bao Li Xuan; and Hōseki. There will be a treatment room, yoga space, and a quiet library overlooking the Indian Ocean, creating a chic getaway among the turquoise waters of the ocean.
For those who do not find themselves drawn to the idea of being isolated on a tropical island, but prefer urban wellness, there is good news.
Six Senses London is set to open in March 2026 in The Whiteley, a former department store in Bayswater that has been restored by Foster + Partners and combines historic details with contemporary design. This hotel will include 109 guest rooms, and as is typical of all Six Senses properties, an enormous spa (over 2,000 square meters) occupying one entire floor.
The interesting thing about this hotel is the contrast between extreme peacefulness and the noise of a major city. This is wellness reimagined urban style.
On the other hand, there is also something else taking shape in Malaysia that will have a much smaller and, in some opinions, more intimate vibe.
The Soori Penang is opening January 2026. They will operate out of restored 19th Century Shophouses located within George Town, Malaysia which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The project’s design is initiated by Soo K Chan of SCDA Architects. It has features of heritage/property from Malaysia. For example, there are reflective pools located in the inner courtyards of the property; there are stone fountains modeled after traditional rice grinding stones; as well as numerous design elements reflecting temple and clan houses that are nearby.
Not only is history preserved through the building and site itself, but it is also incorporated as part of your stay experience.
Then there’s something different altogether.
Ever Bloomfield in Northern Queensland, Australia is scheduled to open late 2026. Situated between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef (also both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), this resort consists of 14 bungalows.
While at Ever Bloomfield, you won’t just be sitting around a pool – you will have opportunities to take helicopter tours to Quinkan Rock Art Sites; go out and snorkel Coral Reefs; and go on treks through restricted rainforests such as Hope Island Reef or Weary Bay with an experienced guide. Remote, natural and designed for low occupancy. Luxury adventure.
After a recent move between hemispheres — and consequently energy levels — we arrive in Texas.
Newly opened in January, Hideaway Round Top occupies 21 acres of farmland near Round Top, Texas. This town is known for its large-scale antique shows. For many years, visitors have had very few accommodations while attending these events and, with the opening of this new property, all that will soon change.
Although rustic, the main building has been tastefully updated. There are three bedrooms, and two self-contained cabins are also available to rent. Each unit can accommodate 19 people. Guests have access to the entire estate and don’t have to feel as if they’re staying at a hotel; instead, they can enjoy a chic country estate for the weekend.
The final frontier for those travelers who think they’ve gone as far as they can go into “remote” will begin construction in November 2026 when The Cormorant at 55 South becomes the southernmost hotel on the planet. This hotel will be located in Puerto Williams, Chilean Patagonia and will be developed by Silversea, the world’s leading luxury cruise line. The hotel will be comprised of 150 luxury rooms.
Its objective? To provide an entry point to either pre- or post-voyage for passengers travelling to Antarctica. Rather than jumping straight on board a voyage by means of the vessel itself (or waiting for their connecting flight), passengers will now have the opportunity to transition more slowly into their voyages aboard Silversea. Silversea’s chartered air service from Santiago to Puerto Williams will allow passengers to avoid having to endure the very rough conditions of the Drake Passage by travelling there by air. For many travelers, this is a major enhancement to their travel experience.
They all provide privacy, intentionally designed spaces, and a feeling of being very exclusive. Whether it is a private island in the Maldives, a bungalow located on the edge of a rainforest in Australia, or a property located on the literal edge of the world in Chile, the most exciting new properties in 2026 are now designed for a new generation of travellers who expect more from their accommodations than just a place to lay their heads at night.
They are all looking to create a story.
And it appears that all six properties will be more than capable of delivering on that expectation.
