New to 2026

The most impressive hotels and attractions arriving this year

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant cityscapes of Sydney, Dubai, and Athens, or eager to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of destinations like South Africa, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, travellers today have more ways than ever to experience unforgettable stays and unique adventures. From groundbreaking immersive experiences, such as London’s Amazement Park, to culturally-rich accommodations like Capello Kyoto, impressive hotels and expansive resorts are being introduced to the world every year – with each one aiming to infuse the best elements of their region’s culture into the guest experience. Here, we look at 10 hotels and attractions to look forward to this year. 

10. SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep

Florida, USA

SeaWorld Orlando is set to make waves with SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep – a groundbreaking suspended dark ride opening in the park this year. Described as the first of its kind, this innovative attraction will take guests on a remarkable journey beneath the ocean’s surface, where dazzling ecosystems and mythical sea creatures await discovery. Travellers will board a high-tech submersible for an immersive exploration of the deep, guided by the SEA Collective’s Adventure Team and brought to life through advanced effects, rich storytelling, and breathtaking undersea vistas.

Building on the success of 2025’s Expedition Odyssey, this bold new addition reinforces SeaWorld’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of family entertainment. SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep also signals the park’s return to dark ride experiences – the first since Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, which closed in 2020. The attraction continues the SEA Collective narrative first introduced at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and later expanded in San Diego, blending science, imagination and spectacle into a celebration of the ocean’s beauty and resilience. Annual Pass Members will enjoy exclusive early access when the ride surfaces some time in 2026, promising an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves.

9.  Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari

Dolphin Coast, South Africa

Set between the Bushveld and the Indian Ocean, Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari will offer an all-inclusive adventure unlike any other when it opens in July. Located on KwaZulu-Natal’s spectacular Dolphin Coast, the resort promises the ultimate blend of coastal relaxation and wilderness exploration. Guests can ride the waves at the surf school, unwind by one of four pools, or venture inland to the Mpilo Safari Lodge, where 18,000 hectares of private reserve await. Home to the Big Five, this safari experience offers an intimate encounter with South Africa’s untamed beauty – all within a seamless Club Med escape.

As the brand’s first resort in South Africa, the development underscores Club Med’s pioneering spirit and its commitment to discovering extraordinary destinations. Designed for couples, families and groups alike, it will embody the company’s signature balance of indulgence, conviviality and discovery, while supporting local communities and sustainable tourism in the region. Combining beachside bliss with safari adventure, Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari will redefine the all-inclusive experience – inviting travellers to explore one of the world’s most biodiverse regions through the lens of comfort, connection and natural wonder.

8. InterContinental Resort Portofino

The World Islands, Dubai

Dubai is set to welcome its first InterContinental Resort with the opening of the Portofino-themed InterContinental Resort, The Heart of Europe, on the World Islands. Part of the famous Heart of Europe development, the resort will blend contemporary Mediterranean design with the charm of Italy’s famed Riviera when it opens early this year. Its colourful facades, balconies, and thoughtful touches inspired by ancient Feng Shui create a serene, inviting atmosphere, while floor-to-ceiling aquariums across six levels showcase marine life in partnership with the Coral Institute, promoting environmental sustainability and coral reef regeneration.

The resort will feature 466 rooms and suites, each with full sea views, along with a rustic roof garden offering panoramic vistas of the Dubai skyline. Guests will enjoy authentic Italian dining experiences, luxurious leisure facilities, and an exclusive Kingdom of Portofino area with a kids’ club, theatre, and water play zones, ensuring a family-friendly escape. Strategically located at the heart of this self-contained European-inspired archipelago, InterContinental Resort Portofino combines beachfront tranquillity with cultural elegance and world-class amenities. This landmark property strengthens IHG Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio in the Middle East, reinforcing its commitment to lavish hospitality and making Dubai a new centre for Mediterranean-inspired resort living.

7. Mailena by Danzante Bay

Loreto, Mexico

Rising along the tranquil shores of the Sea of Cortez, Mailena is set to become Baja California Sur’s first luxury wellness resort. When it opens in summer, this adults-only retreat will focus on mind, body, and sensory wellbeing, offering yoga, hydrothermal experiences, sensory-deprivation tanks, and holistic treatments in a setting that harmonises with the desert-sea landscape. The resort’s 96 accommodations – comprising suites, casitas and one-bedroom penthouses – maximise ocean views and connect guests to nature, with architecture by Broissin and David Suárez inspired by the region’s topography, desert textures, and mystical energy. Signature elements include a living olive tree in the lobby, a cenote-inspired wellness hub, and a pool-to-sea restaurant that blends indoor and outdoor dining.

As part of the Danzante Bay development, Mailena will complement the existing Villa del Palmar Resort and Mantarraya residences, offering guests and homeowners alike an integrated experience of wellness and luxury. Situated within the protected Loreto Bay National Marine Park, the resort provides direct access to some of the world’s richest marine biodiversity, with activities ranging from snorkelling and paddleboarding to canyon hikes and cultural excursions in historic Loreto. Mailena offers science-backed wellness, holistic dining, and engaging experiences, making Loreto a premier destination for intentional travel and a transformative retreat that seamlessly blends indulgence, nature, and heritage.

6. Amazement Park

London, UK

Prepare to step into another world – an extraordinary new attraction is set to transform West London into a gateway to imagination. Wake The Tiger, the visionary team behind Bristol’s acclaimed Amazement Park®, has revealed plans for Europe’s largest immersive art experience, opening at Westfield London in summer. Occupying an immense 80,000 square feet, the venue will reinvent the former KidZania site into a labyrinth of interactive spaces, dreamlike installations, and secret passages inspired by the surreal world of Meridia. The concept has already captivated more than half a million visitors in Bristol, and its London debut promises an even more ambitious adventure.

Sustainability and community creativity will shape every corner of the project, with hundreds of artists, builders and technologists collaborating to bring this parallel universe to life. Supported by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, the attraction marks a bold step in blending culture and commerce at Europe’s largest shopping destination. With a target of 600,000 visitors a year by 2027, Amazement Park aims to become one of the capital’s most inspiring experiences – an ever-evolving realm where art, storytelling, and environmental awareness collide to ignite curiosity and celebrate the limitless power of collective imagination.

5. BON Luxury Theme Park

Neuvo Vallarta, Mexico

Tucked between the lush jungles and golden coastline of Nuevo Vallarta, VidantaWorld’s BON Luxury Theme Park is taking shape as one of the most imaginative destinations ever built in Latin America. The $1.3 billion project will span more than 150 acres when it opens in autumn, combining the sophistication of a five-star resort with the creativity of a world-class theme park. Guests can look forward to 23 attractions, 25 restaurants and lounges, and 16 boutique shops, all designed to offer a seamless mix of adventure, indulgence and artistry. The park will also be home to several elegant hotels, including the BON Park Hotel, which has already opened its doors.

Developed by Grupo Vidanta in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil and renowned ride manufacturers Vekoma, Mack Rides, and Intamin, BON aims to reimagine what a theme park can be. Designed to blend storytelling, spectacle and relaxation, VidantaWorld’s BON Luxury Theme Park promises a world where imagination and luxury meet in perfect harmony. Signature experiences include Tecuani Beast – Latin America’s only double-launch coaster, and Cirque du Soleil LUDÕ, an immersive water-themed dinner show performed in a custom 360-degree theatre surrounded by a living aquarium.

4. Mogadishu Rotana 

Mogadishu, Somalia

Rotana is set to introduce Somalia’s first luxury hotel with the launch of Mogadishu Rotana, scheduled to open later this year. Developed in partnership with Riverside Holding, this five-star property will feature 321 keys, including 261 guest rooms and 60 serviced hotel apartments. The design will blend contemporary design with local cultural influences, creating a unique and sophisticated ambience. Guests will enjoy a full suite of amenities, including a fitness centre, spa, multiple dining venues, retail spaces, and versatile event and conference facilities, offering a complete premium experience in the heart of the capital.

Strategically located near Aden Adde International Airport, Mogadishu Rotana forms part of a broader urban revitalisation initiative, including a convention centre, healthcare facilities, residential communities, schools, and business parks. Managed by Aleph Hospitality, a Dubai-based leader in luxury hotel operations, the property will combine exceptional service, cultural authenticity, and contemporary elegance to create a unique guest experience. As Rotana’s 118th property and part of its expanding African portfolio, Mogadishu Rotana sets a new benchmark for high-end hospitality in Somalia, supporting economic growth and offering a symbol of progress in the region.

3. Dream of the Desert

Saudi Arabia, Middle East

 Saudi Arabia is preparing to redefine luxury rail travel with Dream of the Desert – the Middle East’s first five-star train experience. A collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and Italian hospitality specialists Arsenale Group, the opulent new service is set to make its maiden journey by the end of 2026. The 14-carriage train will feature 34 lavish suites, combining traditional Saudi design with contemporary elegance. Interiors crafted by Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d’Amman draw inspiration from the Kingdom’s desert landscapes and heritage architecture, blending warm earthy tones, rich textiles, and intricate decorative details. Majlis-style lounges, gold-accented ceilings, and curated art pieces will further immerse travellers in the beauty of Saudi craftsmanship.

With global demand for “slow travel” on the rise, Dream of the Desert positions Saudi Arabia as a new frontier for captivating, sustainable luxury exploration. Covering 1,300 kilometres from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, near the Jordanian border, Dream of the Desert will offer a one- to two-day journey through Al Qassim, Hail and Al Jouf, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s breathtaking natural and cultural landmarks. Each voyage will feature curated cultural programmes developed with the Ministry of Culture, as well as bespoke itineraries from the Saudi Tourism Authority, providing guests with an authentic insight into the Kingdom’s heritage. 

2. The Ellinikon

Athens, Greece

A new world-class destination is emerging on the radiant Athens Riviera, set to transform Greece’s capital into a model of contemporary living and sustainability. The Ellinikon, Europe’s largest urban regeneration project, will rise on the site of Athens’ former international airport, spanning an impressive 6,200 acres of coastal terrain. With sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, this visionary development blends smart technology, green design, and Mediterranean charm to create an exceptional year-round destination.

Conceived as a 15-minute paradigm city, The Ellinikon represents a new benchmark for urban innovation, where homes, offices, parks and cultural landmarks exist in perfect proximity. Visitors and residents will enjoy luxury residences, exclusive shopping and dining, cutting-edge entertainment, and a bustling marina, all interwoven through lush landscapes and sustainable architecture. The project’s first sections will open in 2026, marking a defining moment in Athens’ evolution – one that reimagines how people live, connect and thrive by the sea.

Innovative design

The Ellinikon has been envisioned as a city that listens to its surroundings – one that flows effortlessly between sea, sky and urban life. At its heart, The Ellinikon Park will unfold across 600 acres, offering one of Europe’s largest coastal green spaces, complete with amphitheatres, botanical gardens, and outdoor art installations. A one-kilometre public beach and 50 kilometres of scenic cycling and walking routes will link the coastline to the city’s residential and cultural zones, encouraging movement, wellbeing, and connection with nature.

Supported by a €14 billion investment, The Ellinikon will generate 85,000 jobs and draw over a million visitors annually, cementing its place as a global symbol of forward-thinking luxury and a new chapter in Greece’s architectural legacy. Architecture throughout the development embraces refined Mediterranean modernism, with residences, hotels and retail spaces shaped to echo the contours of the landscape. Natural materials, open plan designs and panoramic glazing frame uninterrupted views of the Aegean, while smart systems manage light, temperature and energy use. Every element, from the marina and branded residences to the premium hotels and cultural venues, reflects a design ethos that prioritises harmony, sustainability and understated elegance. 

1.     Capella Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

Set to open in Spring 2026 in Kyoto’s historic Miyagawa-cho district, Capella Kyoto transforms the former Shinmichi Elementary School into a refined sanctuary of culture, design, and discovery. The 89-room hotel, steps from Kenninji Temple and the Kaburenjo Theatre, offers guests a rare opportunity to engage with the city’s 1200-year legacy through contemporary design and curated cultural experiences. Reservations are available for the Gion Whisper and Capella Sojourn packages, each designed to reveal Kyoto’s artistry, heritage, and enduring traditions.

Designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates and Brewin Design Office, Capella Kyoto embraces the spatial storytelling of Kyoto’s traditional machiya townhouses. Guests move through layered thresholds, intimate courtyards, and quiet interludes that blend the ceremonial with the everyday. Six exclusive suites feature private onsens, offering a contemporary take on the centuries-old Japanese bathing ritual. Courtyards, moss gardens, and a central hall with a karahafu roof provide spaces for contemplation and performance, while interiors celebrate craftsmanship with muted hues, textured materials, and carefully curated artworks.

Culinary and wellness journeys

Culinary experiences at Capella Kyoto emphasise local ingredients, artistry, and heritage across three venues. The Japanese restaurant honours Kyoto’s teahouse traditions, while a contemporary brasserie preserves elements of the former school’s architecture, creating a dialogue between past and present. Dining at Capella is complemented by wellness offerings at Auriga Spa, featuring private onsens, four treatment suites, and wet and dry saunas, where traditional rituals and modern techniques combine to restore balance and calm.

Capella Kyoto’s immersive cultural programming, Capella Curates, connects guests with master artisans in exclusive workshops and private performances. Visitors can experience geiko and maiko dances, craft traditional geta sandals, and engage with the art of urushi lacquerware and kintsugi pottery. Each encounter fosters a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s living traditions, creating keepsakes imbued with history and artistry. By honouring the city’s heritage while offering contemporary comforts, Capella Kyoto establishes itself as a serene, elegant retreat at the heart of Gion, where timeless culture and modern hospitality coexist in perfect harmony.