2026 is shaping up to be another big year and while we all can look forward to a new government, there are other more exciting things happening in Thailand and the rest of the world. Guru By Bangkok Post compiles a list.
Thailand
Lea Salonga Live In One Bangkok
Bangkok is set to welcome back one of the world’s most iconic voices. Lea Salonga, the legendary Broadway star and Disney Legend, whose voice has shaped generations, returns to Thailand after 15 years for a one-night-only full-scale concert.
"Lea Salonga Live In One Bangkok", taking place on March 7 at One Bangkok Forum. Tickets are already on sale via Thai Ticket Major, with only 3,000 available. Under the theme “Stage, Screen & Everything in Between”, the evening will revisit her award-winning roles like Kim in Miss Saigon.
Lisa joins The Extraction universe
The Extraction universe’s next mission's location has been chosen. Don Lee, Lee Jin-uk and Lalisa "Lisa" Manobal of Blackpink are headed to South Korea to star in Tygo, an upcoming spin-off film on Netflix.
Lisa, who made her acting debut in The White Lotus: Season 3, takes on her first major film role in Tygo. “I’m so honoured to be a part of this project and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such incredible actors,” she says. “Being in an action movie has always been a dream of mine, so for my film debut to be such an exciting project feels very special.” Based on an original graphic novel by Anthony and Joe Russo and Ande Parks, the South Korean film follows Tygo, a former child soldier turned mercenary who embarks on a revenge mission through Korea’s underworld after a mission gone wrong. Available to watch on Netflix in 2026.
Amanpuri
Situated on a private headland along Phuket’s west coast, Amanpuri, Aman’s flagship property and the original "place of peace", has introduced two new padel courts and two refreshed tennis courts.
The season also marks the return of Amanpuri’s seasonal tennis and padel professionals, offering guests of all levels the opportunity to refine their technique through private lessons, tailored programmes, and one-to-one coaching informed by ATP and WTA experts. Amanpuri also welcomed the Aman Tennis Club, the latest ready-to-wear and accessories collection from Aman Essentials, available at the resort’s Retail Pavilion.
Amanpuri will launch the Aman Tennis Club Pop-Up at The Gallery until mid-May and it will present the collection within a curated environment showcasing key pieces alongside visual storytelling and refined display elements.
Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit
The Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit captures the heritage charm of the city with 419 elegantly designed rooms and opens mid-2026.
Woven between extensive facilities of speciality restaurants, a rooftop bar, wellness and spa centres and meeting rooms are a curated selection of artistic decor and handcrafted furniture that add to the property’s design story of, “The Fantastic Journey Of Travel to the Bygone Era”.
Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit
Making its brand debut in Thailand, Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit is on Sukhumvit 12. The 174-room hotel will offer a locally-inspired stay, a variety of dining and social experiences, including a lively café that transitions from day to night and a rooftop bar featuring movie nights and unique lifestyle pop-ups, all while taking in stunning views of the Bangkok skyline.
Gardens Of Eden, Phuket
Gardens Of Eden, the residential project on Phuket’s west coast, has unveiled its third and final phase of development: the idyllic Lake Residences. The Lake Residences are set around a lake with fish, just 50m from Bangtao Beach on Phuket’s sunset coast and is an aquatic paradise with 11,000m² of glistening pools. The immersive water features include a central long pool that stretches 150m through the complex plus a beach pool, family areas, kids’ pools with sliders and an infinity pool with views of the ocean.
The Gardens Of Eden project, project will have jogging, walking and cycling tracks wind through 122,000m² of lakes, parks and gardens with more than 1,000 native trees. The Wellness Centre spans 5,000m² of treatment areas, spa gardens, hydrotherapy and cryotherapy zones, state-of-the-art IV therapy and oxygen pods, a 1,000m² gym, yoga and Pilates studios, and a kids’ zone. It also has eight restaurants and bars, a beach café and sky bar. Construction of the Lake Residences is expected to be completed in Q2 of 2029, complementing the Eden Residences and Park Residences, including a selection of premium Etro Residences.
Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket
Set where Kamala's emerald hills meet the sparkling Andaman Sea, Kamaliss MontAzure Phuket offers a rare sanctuary between the energy of the coastline and the stillness of the hills. The 150-room resort offers seamless access to Phuket's most dynamic experiences, while preserving a sense of tranquility. Rooted in contemporary design and framed by its signature lagoon, the resort moves to the quiet rhythm of nature. Opening in April.
Navera Phuket
Perched on the hilltops of Surin Beach, Navera Phuket opens in June. The 19 villas are designed to provide guests with an intimate and personalised retreat that blends contemporary Thai culture with charm. The hotel speaks in a design language inspired by maritime themes, enriched with touches of storied Sino-Portuguese heritage.
Asia
V Villas Maldives
MGallery Collection within Accor Group’s luxury division has announced V Villas Maldives at Mirihi, a distinctive all-villa resort scheduled to open by Q1 in the Maldives on the South Ari Atoll.
The property, formerly known as Mirihi Island Resort, will undergo an extensive renovation and expansion before reopening under the MGallery Collection. V Villas Maldives at Mirihi will feature 42 luxurious villas, including a mix of beach villas, overwater villas and expansive multi-bedroom suites with private pools.
The renovation project will include new interior concepts, the addition of a signature spa and wellness sanctuary, a new indoor and outdoor gym and yoga pavilion, upgraded F&B venues including an overwater restaurant, a brand new bar concept and the introduction of a main pool area.
Imperial Hotel, Kyoto
The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto opens on March 5 in Gion district, with reservations already open. Located within the historic Yasaka Kaikan, a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property, the hotel offers a rare blend of cultural immersion and contemporary elegance.
The 90-year-old landmark will have three distinct atmospheres: The Main Building – Heritage preserves original elements of the Yasaka Kaikan; the Main Building features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of the city; and the North Wing introduces tatami flooring for the first time under the Imperial Hotel brand. The hotel features 55 guest rooms across five categories: Signature Suite, Suite, Junior Suite, Grand Premier and Premier. The hotel also offers restaurants, a bar and wellness facilities including a spa, swimming pool and gym.
JW Marriott Bali Ubud Resort & Spa
Opening in March in Ubud, Bali, JW Marriott Bali Ubud Resort & Spa will have 79 luxurious suites and 22 villas, with jungle views. The resort will have Ubud's very first Sunset Jungle Club, four gourmet restaurants and a chapel fit for 100 guests.
Ayana Cruises
From April to October, Ayana Lako di’a will explore the Unesco World Heritage-listed Komodo National Park in Indonesia with a new season of two- and three-day journeys. The Ayana Lako di’a is a 54-meter state-of-the-art phinisi that pays homage to the traditional wooden sailing ships of South Sulawesi.
Featuring nine cabins, the vessel offers a world-class sailing experience. Onboard facilities include a lounge, bar, indoor dining area, and spacious daybeds across the main deck. The two-day, one-night journey highlights Kalong Island; a guided trek on Komodo Island for encounters with the legendary Komodo dragons; snorkeling at the stunning Pink Beach; and a sunset hike to Padar Island’s iconic panoramic lookout.
South Palms Panglao, the Philippines
South Palms Resort & Spa Panglao has unveiled Lola’s Sanctuary, marking the arrival of Bohol's first international luxury resort spa. Set within the grounds of the island’s only luxury resort, the new space draws on the region’s deep-rooted healing traditions. At Lola’s Sanctuary, every treatment reflects the knowledge passed through generations of Filipino healers, blending botanicals grown at South Farm. At the heart of the sanctuary lies Hilod Dalisay, an ancestral body-purifying ritual inspired by ancient Filipino cleansing practices. The 90-minute treatment features Asin Tibuok, one of the world’s rarest salts, handcrafted in Bohol through a 400-year-old tradition. Combined with lemongrass and virgin coconut oil, the ritual brings a renewed sense of clarity and calm, embodying the quiet discipline and grace of traditional Filipino wellness.
Nhaan Resort & Spa Hoi An
Nestled along the banks of the serene Coco River in Hoi An’s picturesque Cam Thanh Village, the 174-room all-villa retreat marks the debut of the Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam.
Designed as a tranquil retreat, the hotel connects guests to its natural and cultural surroundings, offering a curated blend of local heritage with contemporary design. Guests can relax and socialize in inviting dining and gathering areas, including a poolside bar, or enjoy rejuvenating amenities such as a spa, outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre.
DoubleTree Singapore Robertson Quay
Set to open along the Singapore River, the property featuring 344 rooms and marks the brand’s debut in Singapore.
A comprehensive transformation of the former Hotel Miramar, it is in Robertson Quay district. The extensive renovation unveils refreshed guest rooms and enhanced amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, a refreshed pool deck, a kids’ club and pickleball courts.
Hoshino Resorts
Hoshino Resorts will open seven properties in Japan under the Omo, Kai and Hoshinoya brands: Omo5 Yokohama Bashamichi will open on Jan 15; Kai Matsumoto in Nagano prefecture will reopen in the summer; Omo7 Yokohama opens on April 21; Hoshinoya Nara Prison a Meiji-era prison complex reimagined as museum opens sometime next year; Kai Kusatsu opens in the spring; Kai Zao in the autumn; and Kai Miyajima opens in the summer.
The PuLi Shanghai
With renovations completing in the summer, The PuLi Shanghai, is set to elevate its signature serenity with a reimagined, contemporary wellness experience. The renewed wellness floor will serve as a restorative sanctuary, integrating movement, nutrition, community programming and practices designed to support deep, restorative sleep.
Enhancements include a dedicated Hair Up Bar offering complimentary daily styling, a nail studio in partnership with renowned podiatrist, Bastien Gonzalez, and an expanded wellness membership programme granting exclusive access and privileges.
Regent Bali Canggu
Regent Bali Canggu will debut the world’s first Regent Spa offering a transformative path where the mind resets and the senses are elevated. The concept, set to feature at Regent Jeddah Corniche and Regent Kuala Lumpur, weaves vibrating crystal energy, soothing aromas and restoring light frequency to heal and uplift wellbeing.
At Regent Bali Canggu, the experience taps into Indonesia’s wellness legacy through Balinese-inspired scrubs, wraps, massages and advanced skincare. Signature treatments unfold within seven restorative rooms, while The Massage Revolution, performed on a warm quartz sand bed, cocoons the body as deep pressure and neroli essence calm the senses and enhance natural healing. The journey continues through revitalising hydro-wellness facilities, including a vitality pool, ice baths and saunas, and are complemented by a 24/7 Health Club.
Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara
Centara Hotels & Resorts will open its first property in Nepal. The Himalayan Hideaway Resort Pokhara, The Centara Collection, set to welcome guests from January. Perched atop tranquil Kaskikot, 35 minutes from Pokhara, the sanctuary combines modern comforts with authentic Nepali charm, offering breathtaking views of the Fishtail Mountain massif and an immersive experience in one of the world’s most remarkable regions. The resort features 42 spacious rooms, suites, and villas, each designed with warm wooden accents, private gardens or expansive balconies.
Enjoy a wide range of experiences, from yoga and spa rituals at Cense by Spa Cenvaree to guided village walks along the Sarangkot Loop Trail, Annapurna Base Camp trekking, paragliding and ultralight flights over the mountains. Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant, bar and lounge, outdoor swimming pool, library and rooftop terrace, a speciality Pan-Asian restaurant, an intimate tea house and meeting venues.
UK
The Zetter Bloomsbury
Opening in Q1, The Zetter Bloomsbury is set across six interconnecting Georgian townhouses near Russell Square and opposite the British Museum. The 68-bedroom property offers Cosy Rooms to the Grand Terrace Suite, Verden amenities, The Parlour for light refreshments and cocktails, and The Orangery, which opens onto a landscaped garden for breakfast, aperitifs and small plates.
The Newman London
Launching in February in London’s Fitzrovia, The Newman takes its design cues from the Victorian-meets-Art Deco. Its 81 guest rooms and suites pay homage to Fitzrovia and the rooftop floor boasts a Penthouse Suite with a private terrace and spaces for dining, relaxation and wellness, including a sauna.
Other amenities include a modern European brasserie, Gambit Bar and two private dining rooms. The Newman is also set to be a wellness haven, with an entire floor dedicated to rejuvenating treatments from hot and cold experience cabins, an active salt therapy room, a hydrotherapy pool, a meditation studio and a gym.
Middle East
Rosewood Red Sea
Rosewood Red Sea on Saudi Arabia’s Shura Island will house 149 rooms and suites and will showcase local heritage and natural beauty, creating meaningful connections to the region’s culture and environment.
Africa
Amura By Ángel León
Where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet at the foot of Table Mountain, a new culinary chapter unfolds at Mount Nelson, Cape Town with the opening of Amura by Ángel León.
For the first time outside of his home country Spain, chef Ángel León brings his pioneering culinary philosophy across hemispheres to Cape Town, as culinary director. “To cook in Cape Town is to feel the ocean from another angle, another culture, another heartbeat,” says chef León. “Here the sea speaks with a different salt, a different light. Amura is born from the desire to celebrate those nuances… We didn’t come to impose; we came to learn.”
At his core a humble fisherman, chef León has revolutionised global gastronomy through his profound commitment to understanding and preserving the ocean’s ecosystems. Together with his brother Carlos, he brings that vision to life at Amura. Amura’s menu is a dialogue between Andalusia and the Cape.
JW Marriott Mount Kenya
Opening in May, JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will be the brand's newest property in the Kenya region. Nestled between the slopes of Mount Kenya and the peaks of the Aberdare Mountains, the camp will feature 20 luxury tents with private plunge pools and several two-bedroom suites.
Activities on offer include horse-riding safaris, night game drives, nature walks and quad biking and guests will have the opportunity to learn about the Solio Ranch Conservancy’s famed rhino breeding, rehabilitation programmes and visit the reserve’s orphanage.
Europe
World's 50 Best
2026 will see the launch of Europe’s 50 Best Bars, a new ranking and awards programme celebrating the continent’s most outstanding drinking destinations. The inaugural list of Europe’s Best Bars 2026 will be unveiled at a live awards, the date and location of which will be announced in the coming months.
A voting rule adjustment will come into effect for all rankings published in 2026 and beyond: establishments must receive votes from a minimum of two countries to qualify for inclusion. For North America’s 50 Best Restaurants and North America’s 50 Best Bars, the requirement is adapted to a minimum of two states or provinces.
Alexander Lamont
From Jan 14-17, Alexander Lamont brings the "Modern Scholar" collection to Paris at the newly-renovated gallery in 35 rue Guénégaud. Echoing the scholar's studio of the Ming and Edo periods, the new collection is a meditation on the dance between the mind and the space it occupies, with surfaces that invite touch, kindling space and room for thought.
The Lake Como Edition
Opening in March, The Lake Como Edition features 148 guest rooms, including 25 suites and two penthouse suites, along with dining experiences under the culinary direction of chef Mauro Colagreco in his first Italian venture.
Located in a restored 19th century palazzo on Lake Como's western shore in Cadenabbia, the property will offer a lively lobby bar, floating pool and several restaurants and bars with views of the Bellagio hills. This marks Edition's second hotel in Italy.
Gran Hotel MargalidaOpening in May 2026, Gran Hotel Margalida is in the picturesque coastal village of Bañalbufar at Calle Major 49, the restored Mallorcan finca. With only 29 ocean-facing rooms, the hotel offers an intimate experience complemented by a holistic spa and wellness area, gym, lounge and an infinity pool. The hotel also offers three restaurants (two al fresco and one indoor), an oyster and French-style seafood bar and a pool bar inspired by the elegance of a Mediterranean beach club.
The Standard, Lisbon
The Standard, Lisbon will be at Palácio Santa Clara. Built atop the ancient College of St. Francis Xavier, which served as the Portuguese Royal Navy Hospital for more than 200 years, the property will have 170 guestrooms and 24 long stay apartments. There will also be a lobby lounge, pharmacy bar, all-day dining restaurant and a rooftop bar and terrace.
Rosewood Blue Palace, Crete, Greece
Rosewood Blue Palace is set between a fishing village and a picturesque port, and will feature 154 rooms and suites, with interiors that honour Crete’s rich culture and history.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises is setting sail on its first-ever full winter season of Mediterranean sailings aboard Oceania Allura, in winter 2027-28.
Ranging from nine to 26 days, the journeys offer the chance to enjoy crisp air, fresh skies and festive delights. Shop artisan and Christmas markets in Rome’s world-renowned Piazza Navona, wander the evocative bazaars of Turkey and Morocco or take in the heady spices of North African souks. Spanning from Barcelona in the western Mediterranean to the cultural crossroads of Istanbul in the east, Oceania Cruises presents a tapestry of destinations steeped in history and character.
Romègas Hotel Malta
Launching in Q1 in the heart of Malta’s capital, the Romègas Hotel is housed in a 500-year-old palazzo originally built for the Knight of Malta, Mathurin Romègas.
The architectural icon will feature 23 designed rooms and suites, with interiors inspired by Valletta’s rich history and crafted by renowned Maltese designers Camilleri Paris Mode. Traditional terrazzo floors, wood paneling and a hand-carved stone façade create an authentic yet contemporary atmosphere. Enjoy views of the sepia city streets from traditional Maltese balconies, while the rooftop pool offers vistas of Valletta, the bay and Manoel Island. A destination restaurant by chef Marvin Gauci, along with a chic bar, completes the retreat.
Villa Timeo
Villa Timeo, exclusive 21 room residence, reopens in May, following a sumptuous redesign by acclaimed interior designer Laura Gonzalez.
Steps away from the Grand Hotel Timeo, Taormina, Villa Timeo offers views over the Mediterranean, Taormina and its ancient Greek amphitheatre. Complete with private infinity pool, opulent indoor bar, pool terrace bar and lounge, Villa Timeo also gives access to the Michelin-starred Otto Geleng restaurant, terraced gardens and a brand-new Dior spa.
US
Public West Hollywood
In March legendary hotelier Ian Schrager will bring his cult-favourite hotel brand to the West Coast with the debut of Public West Hollywood. A 137-key property on Sunset Strip, the hotel will be situated in a landmark building with amenities that include a pool and a social hub lobby. In addition to three destination food, beverage and entertainment outlets, the crowning glory will see a lushly landscaped 1,486m² open-air rooftop terrace with 360° views of Los Angeles. Reservations go live in January.
Delano Miami Beach
Delano Miami Beach is set to reopen its doors in Q1, offering an enchanting and reimagined experience complete with the most iconic feature: the Delano Pool. Guests will enjoy reimagined Delano brand signatures, including a fresh new take on the classic "Apple A Day" amenity.
The 171 guestrooms and suites include Poolside Bungalow Suites and Penthouse Suites. The hotel will be home to a new state-of-the-art wellness studio with a holistic social spa experience and will also introduce four restaurant and bar concepts, including a recreation of the iconic Rose Bar, which once played host to Hollywood royalty and the who’s who of Miami society.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises recently launched the Seven Seas Prestige, the first new ship in its 10-year ultra-luxury cruising history. Set to debut in December 2026, with its maiden voyage from Barcelona to Miami, Regent's seventh ship and the first of three new Prestige-class ships, she will be joined by a second Prestige-class ship in 2030 and a third vessel announced in 2033.
At 76,550 tonnes and accommodating just 822 guests with 630 dedicated crew members, Seven Seas Prestige will offer one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry. She will embark on 13 voyages across Europe and the Caribbean, including two transatlantic crossings. The itineraries range from 10-15 nights and will showcase Regent's private island paradise, Harvest Caye, Belize, to two transits of the Panama Canal, and overnight stays in London, Lisbon and Bordeaux.
The Cooper
Opening in March in Charleston, South Carolina, The Cooper offers 191 airy, sun-drenched guest rooms and suites and is the only luxury waterfront hotel of the Charleston peninsula.
Drawing inspiration from its French Quarter surroundings, the hotel features a full-service urban wellness center where guests can indulge in luxurious skin care treatments, body rituals and fitness programme, and an outdoor infinity-edge resort pool with views of the harbour. Guests will savour four distinctive dining experiences, including Bar Marti and a private marina.
Latin America
The Standard, Mexico City
Opening in Q3, The Standard, Mexico City’s 208 rooms and suites (as well as 27 branded residences) will rise above a modern, inviting entrance. On the ground floor, a sun-lit café and late-night diner concept create laidback destinations to eat, drink and meet up. Upstairs, a rooftop pool, signature restaurant and outdoor bar frame views of The Monumento a la Revolución.
JW Marriott Costa Elena, Costa Rica
Opening in Q2 in Guanacaste, JW Marriott Costa Elena, Costa Rica will be the brand's first all-inclusive resort. The resort-residential community will feature 415 refreshed rooms, 11 bars and restaurants, a 1,486m² space and 17 swimming pools.
Amanvari
Amanvari is set to open in the spring on the East Cape of Baja California, Mexico. The 18-key resort and its exclusive collection of branded residences will bring the Aman lifestyle to the destination for the first time.
Resting at the meeting point of three distinct landscapes, beachfront, desert and estuary, Amanvari’s Casitas at an elevated height command sweeping views of the Sea of Cortéz, the Sierra de la Laguna mountains and the ever-changing skies of the East Cape. Aman Residences will follow suit with views across the Sea of Cortés or overlooking the estate’s Robert Trent Jones II-designed golf course.
Amanvari will become Aman’s sixth in the Americas and Caribbean, joining a pipeline of future developments, including Aman Beverly Hills, Aman Miami Beach and Amancaya, Bahamas.
