Jack Ezon, founder of Virtuoso luxury travel agency EmbarkBeyond, guides us through the most anticipated luxury hotel reopenings and renovations in 2026. This year’s standout projects breathe new life into grand dames and beloved classics, from meticulous restorations of historic icons to sweeping overhauls that blend timeless elegance with modern luxury—building on his expert selections from The Top New U.S. Luxury Hotel Openings for 2025 and regional highlights like The Top New Northern & Central Europe Hotels for 2025. Spanning the U.S., Europe, Africa, Bermuda, and beyond, these top luxury hotel reopenings promise elevated experiences for discerning travelers—scroll down for Jack’s curated list of the best.
By Jack Ezon
1. Villa San Michelle, Florence, Italy
Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence – A beloved property in Fiesole above Florence (but slightly dark and cold before–it is, after all, originally a 15th-century monastery), Villa San Michele is finally almost back after a meticulous, warm refresh: 38 suites reimagined, more beautiful gardens, and the first Guerlain Spa in Italy. There is nothing like a summer afternoon on the terrace overlooking Florence.
2. Rosewood Blue Palace, Crete, Greece
Rosewood Blue Palace, Crete, Greec – Bringing new energy and elegance to Crete, this 154-room Rosewood is adjacent to the already opened Phaea Blue, both of which were part of the former Blue Palace hotel, for those who want to explore the ruins and beauty of Crete (and Greece) without compromise.
3. Le Relais d’Auboise, Loire Valley, France
Le Relais d’Amboise, Loire Valley, France – Set at the foot of the Château d’Amboise on the Loire River, this is poised to be the first true luxury resort in the valley. The 63-room retreat is a reinvention and merger of two existing hotels, the Choiseul and the Minimes. It will be the latest project from Marugal, operator of Cap Rocat, Vermelho, and nearby Relais Chambord.
4. The Vineta Hotel, Palm Beach, USA
The Vineta Hotel, Palm Beach – Oetker Hotels’ first foray into the United States opens in Q1 2026 in the heart of Palm Beach, just two blocks off Worth Avenue in the former Chesterfield Hotel. The landmark property is about three blocks from the beach and will have just 41 rooms. It will revive the famous Leopard Lounge and an American Bar, plus a newly created Mediterranean-inspired indoor–outdoor poolside restaurant.
5. Freegate Island, Seychelles
Fregate Island, Seychelles – After a four-year closure, each of the 17 multi-level villas will be expanded entirely and reimagined with glass, stone, and light wood. It will also have expanded public spaces, an elaborate owner’s estate, and an enlarged spa. Fregate Island is home to a unique assortment of precious and fascinating flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Magpie Robin, the Fregate Beetle, and the famed Giant Aldabra tortoises.
6. Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda
Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda – Scheduled to reopen in spring 2026 after a six-year, $550 million renovation, the grande dame of Bermuda will be reimagined with updated guestrooms (the smallest will now be 450 square feet), a redesigned Beach Club with new dining options and a resort-style pool, and a sprawling new Fairmont Gold floor and club lounge.
7. The Florentin, Frankfurt, Germany
The Florentin, Frankfurt, Germany – Is Frankfurt shedding its nickname of “Bankfurt” and getting cooler? The former Villa Kennedy reopens as a new 147-room luxury hotel in the former Speyer family villa close to Frankfurt’s museum district and the city center.
8. Baccarat Hotel Rome, Italy
Baccarat Hotel Rome – Set in the former Hotel Majestic on the Via Veneron this summer, the new Baccarat will have just 87 rooms and suites and a rooftop bar promising the same glamour as its flagship New York property.
9. Hotel Danieli, Venice, Italy
Hotel Danieli, Venezia, A Four Seasons Hotel – This completely restored icon of Venice will emerge with 200 rooms set in one of the city’s most coveted locations. Though the rooms have been entirely renovated, the impressive palace reception remains, along with its antiques and preserved Murano glass chandeliers.
10. Mandarin Oriental Cristallo, Cortina, Italy
Mandarin Oriental Cristallo, Cortina – By taking over the historic Hotel Cristallo in mountainous Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, this new Mandarin Oriental becomes the brand’s first alpine getaway. As if that weren’t enticing enough, the amenity-filled property (83 rooms, extensive dining options, an indoor–outdoor pool) will open just ahead of the 2026 Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, with several events taking place less than 20 miles from the hotel.
11. Palazzo Venezia, Como, Italy
Palazzo Venezia, Como – A new five-star boutique hotel in the historic center of Como, overlooking the lake, and steps from the town’s best shops and restaurants, operated by the acclaimed Villa d’Este group.
12. Wilderness Mara Camp, Kenya
Wilderness Mara Camp – The legendary Little Governors’ Camp will be reborn as Wilderness Mara, and we are super excited that a brand like Wilderness is launching its presence in the Mara for the first time, particularly in the under-appreciated Mara Triangle with full access to the Mara River, forests, grasslands, marshes, the salt lick, and the border of the Serengeti.
13. Dukes London, England
Dukes London – This hotel will reopen in spring 2026 with 88 reimagined rooms and suites and transformed public spaces, blending modern sophistication with its townhouse heritage and classic British elegance. The project, led by Russell Sage Studio, will also incorporate findings from a historian to weave the hotel’s and the area’s history into its new identity.
14. Hotel Le Palme, Porto Cervo, Italy
Hotel Le Palme, Porto Cervo – Rocco Forte debuts in Sardinia with a completely renovated Le Palme with just 64 rooms (down from the original 92), featuring a private beach, lagoon, and extensive gardens in the heart of the Costa Smeralda.
