Next year ushers in a new era of thoughtful travel. A fresh wave of hotel openings and exciting relaunches stretches across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Each property offers its own perspective on escape — from quiet coastlines to alpine peaks and wild savannahs. These nine openings promise elevated journeys shaped by design, nature and a strong sense of place.
Borneo Begins Here: Avani Kota Kinabalu Hotel
Photo: Avani
Avani brings its lively spirit to Malaysia with a debut in Kota Kinabalu. The hotel acts as a gateway to Borneo’s coastlines, jungles and legendary sunsets. Rooftop dining reveals sweeping views of Mount Kinabalu. The location offers instant access to waterfront markets and cultural sites. Curated island tours make adventure feel effortless, whether guests seek wildlife encounters or long days by the sea.
Phuket in Soft Focus: Chatrium Rawai Resort
Photo: Dolce
The southern edge of Phuket gains a serene newcomer. Chatrium Rawai Resort settles into the coastline with quiet confidence. Its fishbone-style layout lets most rooms face the Andaman, creating an instant sense of calm. Interiors favour light, ease and long afternoons. Days drift between the spa, a beach hut made for water sports and a wide pool deck that frames the sea like a living mural.
Nature, Elevated: 1 Hotel Tokyo
Photo: 1 Hotel Tokyo
In Akasaka, a different kind of urban retreat rises. 1 Hotel Tokyo blends biophilic design with the pulse of the city. Moss-covered stones soften entrances. Plant-lined walls turn corridors into green passages. The property already holds CASBEE’s top sustainability certification, long before doors open. As part of the Tokyo World Gate Akasaka project, the hotel will anchor a pedestrian-friendly hub that feels both modern and deeply rooted in nature.
A Bangkok Icon Reborn: Anantara Siam Bangkok
Photo: Anantara Siam Bangkok
Bangkok’s grande dame returns with renewed glamour. Anantara Siam is preparing for a landmark relaunch in Q2 2026. New Garden Suites will include private plunge pools, offering discreet luxury in the heart of the city. A Jim Thompson Suite, created with the legendary silk house, adds cultural richness to the redesign. The hotel’s dining legacy continues to shine, especially during its World Gourmet Festival, now entering its 26th year.
Vietnam Meets the Mediterranean: Meliá Aurea Nha Trang
Photo: Meliá
Nha Trang welcomes a fresh breeze from the Mediterranean. Meliá Aurea blends European refinement with Vietnam’s coastal energy. The integrated resort connects guests to theatres, casinos, water sports and a lively seaside boardwalk. Landscaped gardens and a full-service spa soften the pace, creating a gentle rhythm between activity and repose. The result feels international yet unmistakably Vietnamese at heart.
Alpine Dreams in Sichuan: Anantara Xiling Snow Mountain Resort
Photo: Anantara
Just one hour from Chengdu, a refined alpine retreat comes to life. Anantara Xiling Snow Mountain Resort offers direct access to winter slopes, hot springs and panda trails. Guest rooms feature piped spring water, a detail designed for wellness-focused travellers. Dining ranges from regional specialities to refined Chinese cuisine. With skiing, healing waters and the world-famous Giant Panda Reserve nearby, the resort sets a new standard for mountain escapes in China.
Maldives, Renewed: NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort
Photo: NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort
The beloved Reethi Resort enters a bold new chapter. Its redesign celebrates easy island living and seamless family escapes. Villas feel brighter. Spaces feel more intuitive. Kids’ facilities now anchor multi-generational stays, giving families room to relax. Hanifaru Bay remains the star, drawing snorkellers eager to meet manta rays. Back at the resort, seven dining venues and the calming REVIVE Spa restore balance after sun-filled days.
Slow Living in Vientiane: Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane
Photo: Mein Garten
Vientiane’s gentle rhythm inspires the newest Avani+ property. The riverside hotel blends modern ease with Lao warmth. A fine-dining restaurant, Avani Spa and a serene outdoor pool create a slow, soothing environment. The Mekong glimmers just steps away. Nearby, temples scented with incense, French-colonial buildings and a rising creative scene offer moments of quiet discovery.
Wild Luxury in Zambia: Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp
Photo: Anantara
In Kafue National Park, Africa’s raw beauty takes centre stage. Anantara’s first tented camp rises above the ground on timber platforms, letting wildlife wander freely below. The camp sits between two islands, wrapped in a hush found only in deep wilderness. Interiors by South Africa’s MRS studio mix modern elegance with organic materials. Ten villas, including a vast Presidential Villa, offer cinematic views of the river. Days unfold with river safaris, guided drives and wellness rituals shaped by local traditions.
