HERE are the twelve BIG luxury hotel openings in 2026 (including two from Ireland)

Bandol (Île de Bendor), France, Zannier Hotels Île de Bendor: A village-style retreat on a private Mediterranean island near Bandol, reviving Paul Ricard’s historic vision with 93 keys, multiple architectural styles, eight dining venues, and a substantial wellness center emphasizing slowness and immersion.
Charleston, South Carolina, USA, The Cooper: Charleston’s first true waterfront luxury hotel, opening in March with 191 rooms overlooking the harbor, a private marina, and a sizable spa, bringing a resort sensibility while complementing the city’s historic character.
Como, Italy, Edition Lake Como: Opening in March, this 148-room property reimagines a 19th-century palazzo with contemporary design, featuring a floating pool on the lake and a longevity-focused spa for experiential wellness in a storied destination.
Costa Palmas (East Cape, Baja California), Mexico, Amanvari: An ultra-private Aman property with just 18 villas overlooking the Sea of Cortés, offering a temazcal-centered spa, open-air yoga, and low-density design where space and silence are the ultimate luxuries.
Dallas, Texas, USA, The Knox, Auberge Collection: A 140-room urban-resort anchoring a luxury development near the Katy Trail, with theatrical interiors by Martin Brudnizki, reflecting the rise of U.S. secondary cities as luxury destinations.
Galway, Ireland, The Hawthorn by Galway Bay is a new five-star luxury hotel set to open in spring 2026 on a stunning coastal headland near Oranmore, overlooking Galway Bay in County Galway. This €60 million development by the Connacht Hospitality Group features 114 elegant guestrooms, including junior and penthouse suites, alongside a championship golf course, a soul-led spa offering holistic treatments and wellness rituals, and fine dining at The Skylark restaurant, which celebrates local produce through modern Irish cuisine, complemented by The Oyster Catcher Bar with panoramic views.
Kyoto, Japan, Capella Kyoto: Opening in spring in the historic Miyagawa-chō district, this 89-room property blends machiya-inspired architecture by Kengo Kuma with contemporary art, private onsen baths in select rooms, and curated cultural experiences.
Kyoto, Japan, The Imperial Kyoto: A 55-room boutique hotel in the restored Yasaka Kaikan theater, preserving cedar columns and traditional proportions while adding modern comforts, emphasizing historical continuity.
London, England, Cambridge House, Auberge Collection: Auberge’s first UK property in Mayfair, a Georgian landmark with 102 rooms designed by Jean-Louis Deniot and Laura Gonzalez, featuring a members’ club and restaurant by Major Food Group for private-club-style hospitality.
London, England, Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch: Opening in spring, this 100-room conversion of the Grade I-listed monument overlooking Trafalgar Square includes grand public spaces, an expansive spa, credible dining, and an underground bar inspired by historic figures.
Ranfushi (Raa Atoll), Maldives, Bulgari Resort Ranfushi: A private-island resort with 54 villas (including overwater and a separate Bulgari Villa), featuring Italian-inspired architecture by ACPV Architects, diverse dining (Italian, Japanese, Chinese), and Bulgari’s signature brand aesthetics in a pristine setting.
Westport, Ireland, The Grace, Westport Estate due to open March 2026 within the 430-acre historic Westport Estate in County Mayo along the Wild Atlantic Way. Inspired by the bold elegance of Granuaile (Gráinne Mhaol), the 16th-century Pirate Queen, and star of the Quiet Man Grace Kelly, this 129-room property built around the concept of “slow luxury” with thoughtfully designed interiors drawing from natural textures and the surrounding landscape, a serene spa and wellness centre, seasonal dining focused on west coast ingredients, and easy access to estate walks, nearby Westport House, and the dramatic scenery of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick.