No matter how many places you’ve been to, the beauty of travel is that there’s always something new to experience. As we head into the last stretch of 2026 (we can’t believe we’re saying this, as it just went by so fast), the year of the fire horse still has a slew of new hotels on the horizon.
We did the digging for you. These are the newest hotels opening this November and December. Whether you want to be the first of your friends to stay somewhere new, plan a standout trip with family, or give your work colleagues something to talk about, here’s everything you need to know.
Hotel: San Sonnea Lodge
Location: Dolomites
Opening: Autumn 2026
Opening later this fall, San Sonnea Lodge is an adults-only luxury retreat to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors, whether you’re on your honeymoon or simply need a break from the kids. It sits at the foot of the Geisler peaks, where ancient forests meet the vastness of the Dolomites, giving you and your travel companion plenty of room to reflect and soak in the scenery. Every suite pairs natural materials with elemental design and serene mountain views. The kitchen cooks with ingredients from the property’s own gardens and local producers, so meals follow the rhythm of the seasons. Guests can step straight onto surrounding mountain paths for quiet exploration and join wellness programs rooted in nature.
Hotel: Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila
Location: Manila, Philippines
Opening: November 2026
Set in the heart of Manila’s financial center, the Mandarin Oriental Makati brings together urban sophistication and energy. For many guests, the highlight is the spa, which contains ancient Philippine healing treatments. After a massage, indulge in memorable food and drink. For example, Bì Luò is inspired from the legendary Peach Banquet and serves an elevated take on Cantonese cuisine built around craft, abundance and harmony. Once dinner is over, make your way to Alambik, a hidden whisky and cigar bar full of rare spirits and bespoke cocktails. End your evening with a swim in the 25-meter outdoor pool overlooking the lush canopy of Ayala Triangle Gardens and the ever-changing Makati skyline. And of course, your serene day ends with you sleeping in one the 275 guest rooms and suites that have panoramic skyline views.
Hotel: Singita Elela
Location: Okavango Delta, Botswana
Opening: December 2026
Opening on December 11, 2026, Elela is Singita’s first property in Botswana, and it’s built for privacy. There are five one-bedroom camps that sleep two, two two-bedroom camps that sleep four, and one four-bedroom camp that sleeps eight. Every camp is completely private. Still, you will have a dedicated vehicle, guide, tracker, arrival point and camp manager. Days here are full of variety. Glide through the waterways on a mokoro or boat trip depending on the season you’re traveling in. Take to the skies on a helicopter flight, fish, or spend the evening stargazing. Children of all ages are welcome, although a guide will decide whether it’s safe for them to join wilderness experiences. Don’t forget to pack accordingly, because the Okavango Delta changes weather through the year.
Hotel: The Langham, Custom House, Bangkok
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Opening: December 2026
Right on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s historic Bang Rak District, this luxury heritage hotel is scheduled to open in December 2026. Remarkably, the 75-key retreat pairs restored heritage architecture with contemporary design. Start your visit with food. For instance, a big draw is the Bangkok outpost of Hong Kong’s three-Michelin-starred T’ang Court restaurant, as well as other distinctive dining and drinking spots. Further, you’re also close to the cultural hub (Asiatique The Riverfront), the expansive ICONSIAM shopping mall, the city’s famed Chinatown and the galleries, cafés and creative spaces of Charoen Krung. For a grand arrival, the hotel offers private river journeys and chauffeured Bentley transfers.
Hotel: Explora El Calafate
Location: Patagonia, Argentina
Opening: December 2026
Opening in December 2026, Explora El Calafate is where ice, wind and memory meet. The lodge sits on the remote Chorrillo Malo estancia and is surrounded by the silent vastness of the Patagonian steppe. Although it’s an intimate property with just 20 rooms, the architecture is marvelous and designed by Chilean architect José Cruz Ovalle. Food is closely tied to the land too, with Patagonian lamb, trout, native herbs and seasonal produce prepared simply. The all-inclusive experience features expert-led excursions that are custom made for your skill level. Therefore, choose from more than 30 explorations on foot, on horseback or by overland vehicle. Check Explora’s travel tips on how to dress and layer before you go.
Hotel: Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve
Location: Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena, Chile
Opening: December 2026
Also opening in December 2026, this exclusive Patagonian sanctuary sits on the edge of Torres del Paine National Park. The lodge is two hours from Puerto Natales, in the center of the Explora Conservation Reserve. With just 10 intimate rooms, it offers views of the Torres del Paine peaks or the native forest. After exploring, indulge in Patagonian-inspired cuisine and traditional asados prepared by the reserve’s gauchos, paired with Chilean wines.
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FAQs
Q: When do these hotels open?
A: Mandarin Oriental Makati opens in November 2026. Singita Elela opens on December 11, 2026. The Langham Custom House Bangkok and both Explora lodges open in December 2026, though exact days haven’t been announced for those three.
Q: Are the Explora lodges all inclusive?
A: Yes. At Explora Torres del Paine Conservation Reserve, your stay covers your room, guided excursions, all meals and drinks, spa facilities, national park entrance fees and round-trip transfers from Puerto Natales. Explora El Calafate is also all inclusive, with more than 30 explorations to choose from.
Q: Can I travel with children to Singita Elela?
A: Yes, children of all ages are welcome. For safety, a guide decides whether a child joins wilderness activities.
