With 2026 around the corner, here are three new exciting hotel and cruise openings slated for the new year.
The Oberoi, Wadi Safar - Saudi Arabia (pictured) - Opening October 2026: Perched atop a striking 70-meter escarpment, The Oberoi, Wadi Safar will feature 60 luxurious standalone villas, many with private pools and gardens, inspired by traditional Najdi architecture, celebrated for its geometric symmetry, earthy textures, and desert-born elegance. Dining highlights will include a signature Indian restaurant by Michelin-starred Chef Rohit Ghai, while the expansive spa will feature hammams, gender-separated indoor pools, and a 65-meter infinity pool overlooking the sunset-drenched valley. Spanning 150,000 square meters, the resort will also offer a gym, kids club, library, and ballroom. Designed by Aedas and Blink Design Group, the property will additionally comprise 10 exclusive branded residences set amid lush landscapes.
Songtsam Kunming Linka (Yunnan, China) - Opening Spring 2026: Songtsam Kunming Linka will be a tranquil hideaway in the heart of Yunnan’s capital designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Wang Shu. Blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, the 53-room lodge will serve as a “great retreat within the city,” merging high-end hospitality with deep cultural immersion. Guests will discover fine dining, a serene spa and wellness center, art and reading lounges, and curated spaces for Tibetan-inspired healing and exhibitions. More than a hotel, Songtsam Kunming Linka is envisioned as a holistic lifestyle destination featuring a private members’ club, boutique retail, and innovation hub that nurtures wellness programs, art courses, and local cultural collaborations.
The Oberoi Melouk and Malekat, Luxury Nile Dahabeya (Egypt) - Opening Q3 2026: The Oberoi Melouk and Malekat Luxury Nile Dahabeyas revive the elegance of 1920s regal Dahabeyas with modern luxury and personalized service. Designed by Karim Mekhtigian, these intimate vessels with just seven cabins offer exclusive itineraries between Luxor and Aswan, guided by expert Egyptologists. Highlights include a signature spa, plunge pool, dining with regional and international cuisine, and ancient cooking lessons—all with unobstructed Nile views and personalized butler service. Images here.
