As the world’s biggest hospitality conglomerates continue to expand internationally, we’ve become accustomed to seeing major brand-name hotels open in every major city. But there’s something exciting and gratifying about discovering an independently run hotel that does things its own way and stands successfully alongside such heavily resourced, globally recognised competition.
From a unique Omani hospitality concept that cleverly criss-crosses the country to a lakeside New Zealand lodge that’s a refuge for adrenaline-seekers, these 10 new one-of-a-kind hotels are all set to open in 2026 - and each one is doing things its own way to deliver an incomparable holiday experience for trendsetting travellers.
Fregate Island, Seychelles
Paradise awaits on Fregate, truly. First discovered 300 years ago and a private-island resort since 1999, Fregate Island closed for an unprecedented four-year rebuild in 2022. Its late-2026 reopening will reveal all-new glass-fronted villas (there are only 17 spread across a terrain the size of Monaco) alongside improved facilities including padel courts and a yacht club. But the real USP here is Fregate’s incredible ecological diversity (and spellbinding beaches, some of the best in the world): hundreds of thousands of birds, across more than 100 species, find sanctuary on the island, alongside fruit bats, over 2,000 Aldabra Giant Tortoises and, less adorably, countless millipedes that play a vital role in consuming organic forest waste and fertilising the lush island.
The Malkai, Oman
Nothing like this has ever been attempted in Oman before. Comprising three distinct camps opening around summertime and set respectively in a verdant date plantation, on the cusp of a clifftop and within silken dunes deep in the desert, The Malkai’s complementary lodges are spread across the sultanate’s most remarkable landscapes. Guests who book a stay are in fact committing to a week-long safari-style odyssey across the country, lodging at each location and with a guide and chauffeured Land Rover Defender at their exclusive disposal as they enjoy everything from snorkelling the pristine waters of the Ad-Dimaniyat archipelago to hot-air balloon rides or sunrise hikes with shepherds. Whatever camp they’re visiting, guests will reside in vast tented pavilions with impeccable levels of comfort, but the real USP here is the opportunity to seamlessly explore the diversity of Oman at a standard of luxury and in a way that simply hasn't been possible previously.
Maison Dada, Lebanon
Whatever challenges are thrown at the city, Beirut always seems to bounce back - a long-time truism that’s now deftly illustrated by Maison Dada. A 1930s French-Mandate building that was owned by their parents but lay in ruins after the 2020 explosion, the property has now been remodelled by architect and designer brothers Marc and Mario El Dada to become one of the most charming, colourful boutique hotels in the city. Flush with art the duo has acquired over decades of international travel and finished with playful furniture – think squidgy couches and banana-shaped fruit bowls - often made to their own designs, the maison’s three apartments are aesthetically arresting but the team promise the property won’t be all style, no substance. A chef will prepare fully personalised meals suitable for any occasion or dietary requirement and a clued-up concierge will help visitors discover the most exciting places in the city. Bookings are now being accepted, but the hotel won’t be fully up and running until spring, when the indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and French bistro restaurant will complete its offering.
@maisondada.lb
maisondada.com.lb
Eha, Estonia
On the little visited Estonian island of Hiiumaa, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Baltic Sea that lies over 20km from the mainland, the new wellness retreat Eha sits in one of those special, secret settings that feels immediately restorative. Opening this summer, it’s right on the coast and near ancient forests, passersby are few and the night skies here are some of the clearest, most star-studded in Europe. With guests spread across just eight suites and three cabins, the experience is intentionally intimate and exclusive. Inspired by the passing seasons, distinct retreat programmes will draw from nature and local healing traditions to focus on movement, rest and nutrition. Supplementing tailored treatments, Eha will serve nourishing organic, plant-centred and pescatarian menus, featuring line-caught fish and locally sourced and foraged ingredients such as wild seaweed and fermented forest berries.
Romègas, Malta
One of Europe’s dinkiest capitals, golden-stoned Valletta is remarkably picturesque despite its diminutive size. Following the recent launch of the Malta International Contemporary Art Space in a 17th-century waterfront fortress, there’s another compelling reason to visit from spring when Romègas opens. Occupying a converted 500-year-old palazzo, the 23-key hotel is entirely Maltese - everyone from the interior designer to the art curator to the head chef is local - and is flush with beautiful design details, from traditional terrazzo flooring to restored wooden balconies. More modern additions will include a rooftop pool overlooking the city’s many church domes and beyond to the glittering Mediterranean Sea.
Waimarino Lodge, New Zealand
On the edge of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island is already recognised as one of the world’s most exciting destinations for adventurists: paragliding, quad biking, bungee jumping, skydiving and white-water rafting are all hugely popular here. By the end of 2026, energy-depleted daredevils will be able to rest up in unparalleled comfort at the new waterfront Waimarino Lodge, overlooking the region’s snowcapped Southern Alps. Comprising just 15 villas, the retreat will celebrate the art of living well in all its guises, so expect lake-view yoga classes and serene spa treatments, alongside an elemental dining concept where local produce is charred over manuka wood and hot coals, and the occasional showstopper indulgence like private voyages across the lake by electric boat or a jaunt to a nearby mountain peak by helicopter for sundowners.
@waimarino_lodge
waimarinolodge.co.nz
St. Clement, United Kingdom
Having founded Soho House back in 1995, Nick Jones’ impact on hospitality is irrefutable. After stepping down as chief executive of the members’ club group in 2022, he’s now shared what’s been keeping him busy over the last three years. The flagship hotel within 180 Quarter, a new district that’s emerging Thames-side in London’s Temple district, his latest enterprise is St. Clement, a 90-key property opening in April. Surrounded by multiple in-demand restaurants and seconds from Somerset House, it’s set to be another convivial, colourful spot pitched at wealthier members of the creative classes. Look out for its French-New York-style restaurant Café Clement; health club with 25-metre pool and ice baths, and art-filled ninth-floor penthouse.
Palais Jamaï Fès, Morocco
Marrakesh may be their country’s most famed tourist city, but many Moroccans will tell you that Fez is its most magical. The nation’s cultural capital, with its UNESCO-listed medina and one of the world’s largest pedestrian districts, is tailor-made for a long-weekend break and the long-awaited return of Palais Jamai Fès this spring provides a strong incentive to visit. Closed since 2014, the hotel occupies a historic building that retains beautiful period details, but its extended closure has provided plenty of time to ensure the updated property includes every conceivable mod-con. Guests will encounter three restaurants overseen by Alain Ducasse, a sky bar overlooking the medina, and extensive wellness facilities including a hammam, two pools and a padel court.
Casa Caprile, Italy
In Anacapri, the elevated village that remains a touch more tranquil than Capri town on that same eponymous Italian island, Casa Caprile is a new hotel with a prestigious past. The 19th-century property was previously a private residence owned by Queen Victoria of Sweden and while the hotel will convey that regal spirit in subtle ways when it opens in April, this is a property that’s intended to be relaxed and homely. With just 12 individually styled rooms, some suites will include small private pools (to complement the outdoor pool set in the middle of lush gardens); the chef will consult directly with guests to craft tailored menus that make the best use of that day’s produce; and the hotel’s founder, herself local, has curated a spread of guided trekking routes and Capri sightseeing experiences to ensure every Casa Caprile resident can uncover the best of this celebrated island.
