A considered selection of the hotels redefining luxury travel in 2026, where design, destination, and point of view matter more than excess.
Chapter Chianti, Tuscany
Opening: June 2026
Why it’s No.1:
Chapter Chianti takes a bold yet intelligent stance in one of Europe’s most mythologised destinations. Set within a meticulously restored 16th-century medieval village just outside Florence, the hotel resists Tuscany’s predictable visual language and instead offers a modern interpretation of place, one that feels culturally fluent rather than nostalgic.
Designer Tristan Du Plessis introduces clean architectural lines, sculptural lighting, exposed stone, and contemporary Italian design, creating spaces that feel more aligned with an urban lifestyle hotel than a countryside escape. Yet nothing feels imposed. The historic fabric of the village remains central, grounding the design in authenticity rather than trend.
The experience extends beyond aesthetics. Three restaurants and three bars blend Tuscan traditions with international influences, while a 500-square-metre spa reframes wellness as social and inclusive rather than secluded. Curated activities; truffle hunting, olive oil harvesting, mountain biking, hiking, and stargazing, offer genuine access to local life.
The Lake Como EDITION, Italy
Opening: March 2026
Why it ranks high:
Lake Como is timeless, but EDITION brings tempo. Housed in a restored 19th-century palazzo, this opening introduces a sharper, more social energy to the destination, anchored by Mauro Colagreco’s first Italian hotel collaboration.
The floating pool, lively lobby culture, and layered dining experiences signal a shift: this is Como for a new generation, still elegant, but far less predictable.
Hiliwatu, Bali Ubud – A Tribute Portfolio Resort
Opening: NOW
Why it stands out:
Hiliwatu arrives in Ubud with a welcome sense of calm. Located in the hillside village of Bresela, Gianyar, the resort draws its name from the land itself, Hili (hill) and Watu (stone), and that grounding philosophy shapes the entire experience.
Spanning 26,000 square metres of lush landscape, Hiliwatu positions itself as a place of reconnection rather than retreat-from-the-world luxury. It celebrates Ubud’s artistic heritage and spiritual depth without leaning into excess or trend-driven wellness tropes. True to Tribute Portfolio’s ethos, the resort foregrounds individuality, creativity, and local character, creating spaces that feel personal rather than prescriptive.
Rather than attempting to redefine Ubud, Hiliwatu listens to it, offering a thoughtful, design-led stay that feels rooted, respectful, and quietly confident.
Gran Hotel Margalida, Mallorca
Opening: May 2026
Why it earns its place:
With just 29 ocean-facing rooms, Gran Hotel Margalida embraces a slower, more deliberate vision of luxury. Set within a restored finca in the coastal village of Bañalbufar, the hotel reflects a deeply Mediterranean sense of place.
Architecture by local studio ClapésPizá and interiors by Virginia Nieto allow heritage and modern design to coexist seamlessly. The atmosphere is residential and refined, avoiding overt statements in favour of authenticity.
Skýra Retreat, Finnish Lapland
Opening: December 2025
Why it’s quietly powerful:
Skýra Retreat redefines Arctic luxury by stripping it back. Set discreetly between Lake Norvajärvi and the ancient forests of Finnish Lapland, the retreat is just 20 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport, yet feels profoundly removed from everyday life.
At its heart is the Old Schoolhouse, a transformed 1950s village landmark now serving as a warm, communal gathering place. Here, guests enjoy table-served breakfasts, daily pullakahvit, traditional Finnish coffee and pastries and Nordic-driven à la carte dining for lunch and dinner.
