From the lush biodiversity of the Amazon to the powdery white sands of Saint Lucia and Grand Cayman, 2026 promises to be an extraordinary year for luxury accommodations in South America and the Caribbean. New hotel openings are poised to transform the travel experience in these breathtaking regions, appealing to those on the hunt for adventure blended with indulgence.
Think stunning eco-friendly retreats on Playa Esmeralda, chic getaways in Cartagena, or boutique resorts above the shimmering waters of St. Thomas. These upcoming properties marry top-notch amenities with authentic local experiences. Let’s dive into 12 remarkable hotel openings in 2026 that are set to enthrall travelers in both regions.
Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana – Projected Opening: Early 2026
Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana will deliver a sophisticated adults-only haven along the Dominican Republic’s stunning coastline. Adjacent to its family-friendly counterpart, Dreams Macao Beach, this upscale retreat features 406 suites, including 111 with direct swim-out access and 13 panoramic high-level swim-out suites showcasing unparalleled ocean vistas. Guests will have full access to the offerings of the Dreams resort, creating a blended experience ideal for couples and luxury-seeking travelers in Punta Cana.
Sapphire Sands Villas – Projected Opening: Early 2026
Bay Gardens Resorts will introduce Sapphire Sands Villas, a luxurious beachfront escape on Reduit Beach in Rodney Bay Village, Saint Lucia. This resort offers nine modern Caribbean villas, configurable as one- to three-bedroom accommodations, embodying a tenet of relaxed, elegant living. Each villa includes a full kitchen, private balcony, stunning ocean views, and select plunge pools. On-site amenities feature a beachfront Asian-Caribbean fusion restaurant, spa, kids’ club, and access to Splash Island Waterpark. There will also be a “Stay at 1, Play at 5” program. Wellness and recreational activities are abundant, paired with round-the-clock butler service for seamless relaxing. Early bookings before January 31, 2026, can enjoy discounts of up to 25% on stays from February 1 through May 7.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia – Projected Opening Early 2026
This new resort will spotlight sustainable luxury and tropical modernism on 60 pristine acres of Playa Esmeralda along Samaná Bay. Architect Isay Weinfeld beautifully designs the 95-room resort and 25 private residences, harmonizing elegance with the natural environment. Guests will have access to a spa, yoga pavilion, racquet sports, kids’ club, and diverse dining choices. Activities include whale watching, sea turtle conservation, and exploration of Los Haitises National Park. Future developments include a Tom Doak golf course and thoughtfully curated landscaping designed to enhance the eco-friendly ethos. Indoor-outdoor architecture and captivating beachfront views create opportunities for guests to engage with the surrounding natural beauty.
ONE | GT – Projected Opening: Q1 2026
ONE | GT is on track to elevate the definition of luxury in George Town, Grand Cayman. Rising 11 stories from the Caribbean Sea, the hotel features 95 stylish condo-like suites and top-tier amenities. Designed by Trio Architecture with interiors by Carolina Hane, it seamlessly integrates modern sophistication and island vibrancy. Expect rooftop and poolside dining, a fine-dining French-Mediterranean restaurant, an upscale café, and personalized services including in-room check-in and private dining. With award-winning architectural design and an affiliation with Small Luxury Hotels of the World™, ONE | GT stands as a striking new landmark for Grand Cayman.
Treasure Beach Village – Projected Opening: Spring 2026
Treasure Beach at Beaches Turks and Caicos is introducing its newest and most exclusive village, designed for elevated all-inclusive family retreats. This new area features 11 categories of villas and suites that prioritize family-friendly layouts, tropical aesthetics, and breathtaking ocean views. Guests can indulge in seven new dining venues or unwind by the zero-entry infinity lagoon pool. With new waterslides, a cinema, and unlimited access to the beach, Treasure Beach merges leisure and adventure perfectly.
The Cormorant at 55 South – Projected Opening: Q1 2026
Luxury expedition travel leader Silversea is proud to announce the long-anticipated opening of the southernmost hotel in Puerto Williams, Chile. This new 150-room property will pave the way for effortless journeys to Antarctica, ensuring guests enjoy Silversea’s world-class service on the White Continent. Overlooking the Beagle Channel and set amid pristine forests, the hotel will feature a large restaurant ideal for gatherings, a bar and lounge, and a fitness center. Inspired by local traditional art and architecture, the hotel blends effortlessly with its surrounding environment while providing spectacular views of the water and majestic Patagonian mountains.
Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena – Projected Opening Mid 2026
Situated in the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood of Cartagena, just a stone’s throw from the Walled City, Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena combines historical charm with modern luxury. Set within beautifully restored colonial and Beaux-Arts landmarks, the hotel boasts 131 accommodations, eight dining options, a rooftop pool, and the Umari spa alongside 635 m² of event space. Guests will partake in unique activities such as salsa lessons, street art workshops, island cruises, and guided nature treks to see rare cotton-top tamarins. From enjoying rooftop relaxation to engaging in immersive cultural experiences, the hotel invites travelers to explore Colombia’s vibrant heritage and scenic beauty.
The Meliá Collection Lima – Projected Opening: July 2026Meliá Hotels International is set to make a grand entrance into Peru with The Meliá Collection Lima, located in Lima’s UNESCO-listed historic city center. Launching in two phases, the first arrives in July 2026 with 61 rooms, followed by a second phase in July 2027 adding an additional 46 rooms. Surrounded by Lima’s rich cultural and architectural backdrop, this hotel signifies one of the brand’s most iconic projects in the region, managed by the Bernui-Tarazona and Ramos-Bernui family partnership.
The Botany – Projected Opening: Summer 2026
Perched along the secluded western tip of St. Thomas, The Botany is an intimate new luxury resort that plans to open in the summer of 2026. Situated within a private enclave, this property promises 23 one- to three-bedroom villas that offer both barefoot elegance and mesmerizing ocean views where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic. Guests will find a tranquil spa, two pools, a beach bar, elegant dining options, and scenic hiking trails. Perfect for those in search of privacy and sophistication, The Botany will also accommodate full-property buyouts for weddings and retreats, offering boutique luxury in a pristine setting.
andBeyond Amazon Explorer – Projected Opening: September 2026
Debuting in 2026, the andBeyond Amazon Explorer will serve as a luxurious river expedition yacht, delivering immersive experiences through the Peruvian Amazon. With just 15 suites designed for 32 guests, this yacht fuses contemporary comfort with a cultural touch, showcasing interiors inspired by Shipibo-Conibo traditions and Kené art. Guests can access wellness facilities, refined dining, and an Explorer Center for expert-guided briefings. Sailing from Iquitos into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, itineraries range from 3 to 7 nights, featuring activities like rainforest walks, kayaking, birdwatching, and night safaris, all led by specialists and in alignment with andBeyond’s conservation initiatives.
InterContinental Grenada Resort – Projected Opening: Winter 2026
Nestled on the unspoiled shores of La Sagesse Beach in Grenada, the forthcoming InterContinental Grenada Resort by Range Developments is slated to offer a premier luxury retreat. Set against the stunning Caribbean backdrop, the resort will house 150 rooms, including over 30 exclusive suites, multiple dining options, a spa, fitness center, a pool with a bar and grill, alongside 6,000 square feet of meeting space and a business center. Designed by Simeon Halsted, with interiors crafted by Rana Nasr from Bleu Design Consultants, the resort seeks to harmonize luxury with Grenada’s natural beauty and charm.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Caye Chapel, Belize – Projected Opening: 2026
Four Seasons is establishing plans to turn Caye Chapel, a 280-acre private island in Belize, into a premier luxury destination. Stretching along six miles of pristine beaches neighboring the Belize Barrier Reef, the resort will feature 50 Private Estate lots, 35 Private Residences, and 100 guest rooms that include sensational overwater bungalows. Highlights will encompass a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course, a marina, a private airstrip, beach clubs, wellness centers, dining, and the Fabien Cousteau Nature and Conservation Institute. Designed for accessibility by both boat and plane, this ambitious project is spearheaded alongside Thor Urbana, Inmobilia Desarrollos, and GFA Grupo Inmobiliario.
