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As we round the corner on the final quarter of 2026, there are many exciting hotel and resort openings to celebrate. From fresh all-inclusive options in travelers’ favorite sun and sand locales to intriguing accommodations across the pond and more, here are a handful of recent openings helmed by beloved brands that vacationers — and their travel advisors — will want to have on their radar.  

Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton

Where: Lihue, Hawaii

When: Opened October 2026

Curio Collection by Hilton is making headlines in Hawaii as the recent opening of Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton, represents the brand’s first property in the Aloha State. Featuring 210 guest rooms, including 23 suites, the family-friendly lifestyle resort will “serve as a welcoming home base for guests to explore and connect with Kaua‘i on their own terms,” said Jon Itoga, general manager for Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi. Neighboring the picturesque Pacific Ocean, Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi offers guests incredible views of the water and surrounding island landscape, of which travelers can happily observe from the comfort of their very own lānai (in-room balcony) or the from the comfort of a sun-lounger pulled up alongside the hotel’s alluring outdoor pool. The Ocean Course at Hōkūala, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, will make Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi an instant favorite among golfers, while a signature Portuguese-and-Hawaiian-inspired restaurant will put it on the map for foodies.

Double Queen Room with Lagoon View at Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi (Courtesy of Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi, Curio Collection by Hilton)

Hotel Riu Palace Phuket

Where: Mai Khao, Thailand

When: Opened September 2026

RIU Hotels & Resorts recently celebrated its debut in Thailand with the grand opening of Hotel Riu Palace Phuket. Nestled along Mai Khao’s stunning north-west shore, the new 5-star property overlooks Sirinat National Park and features 504 spacious rooms across several buildings up to four floors. Of those rooms, 49 are listed under “Elite Club by RIU,” the brand’s premium service category where guests will enjoy a private reception area and personalized check-in experience; exclusive access to a dedicated restaurant and pool; premium drinks; an upgraded minibar; welcome amenities and more. Perhaps best of all is the option for Elite Club guests to book Swim Up room categories complete with a private pool on the terrace. On the topic of amenities, Hotel Riu Palace Phuket has six swimming pools, six distinct dining venues and seven bars, a dedicated wellness center and a comprehensive Renova Spa and more.

Kimpton Tres Rios - All Inclusive

Where: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

When: Opened September 2026

Situated in Mexico’s beloved Riviera Maya, Kimpton Tres Rios - All Inclusive is a luxury, 355-room resort that represents the first all-inclusive property from best-in-class hospitality operator and development firm, Hotel Equities. The property boasts panoramic ocean views; various room categories ranging from mangrove-view rooms to multi-bedroom suites and a presidential suite with direct pool access; seven onsite restaurants and five bars with more to come soon; a 10,000-square-foot spa; a two-story fitness center and more. Kimpton Tres Rios - All Inclusive is a family-friendly option for travelers with kids’ programming and dedicated children’s areas across the resort.

A look inside MIMARU Osaka Sinsaibashi CENTRAL (Courtesy of MIMARU)

MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi CENTRAL

Where: Osaka, Japan

When: Opened September 2026

Keeping up with demand from American guests, MIMARU, Japan’s leading apartment hotel brand for families, operated by Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd., recently debuted MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi CENTRAL, an Osaka-based property with 66 rooms, spanning 1.5-square-miles. Designed to accommodate up to six guests, each room features a kitchen, dining area and washer-dryers. “For guests from the United States, Tokyo is often an important starting point for a trip to Japan. But extending the journey to Osaka can make their impression of Japan even richer,” said Mao Mochizuki, international public relations contact for Cosmos Hotel Management Co., Ltd. “Just beyond its lively streets, Osaka offers experiences that bring visitors closer to everyday local life. We hope MIMARU can be a base for families and friends to explore a side of Japan different from Tokyo.”

Moxy Niseko Village

Where: Niseko, Japan

When: Opened September 2026

Marriott Bonvoy has thrown its hat into Japan’s Niseko ring with the recent opening of Moxy Niseko Village, a 310-room hotel with hopes of bringing “Moxy’s bold, social spirit to the mountains,” according to Moxy Hotels. The fresh property touts ski-in/ski-out access in addition to what the brand calls “dynamic social spaces for connection and play” in the form of Moxy Bar, Moxy Niseko Village’s metaphorical heart where guests can settle in with a drink, connect with others or simply unwind after a long day spent exploring. Breakfast is easy at Moxy Bar & Cafe where travelers can kick things off with filling bites and sips, while Moxy Grab & Go is perfect for those in search of something fast with crowd-pleasing snacks and drinks.

A room at Moxy Niseko Village (Courtesy of Moxy Hotels)

Nômade Temple Madrid

Where: Madrid, Spain

When: Opened June 2026

Nômade is celebrating the opening of its first Spain-based hotel with the launch of Nômade Temple Madrid, a “cultural sanctuary and social refuge,” according to the brand. Situated in Madrid’s historic Las Letras district, the new property is housed in a 20th-century building on the city’s famed Gran Vía and features 93 guestrooms, three impressive penthouses, chic amenities and spaces created to “foster connection and serve as a stage for emotional awakening,” according to Nômade. An intriguing mix of old and new, Nômade Temple Madrid was designed to preserve structural elements of the original building while bringing in contemporary additions — think natural hardwood flooring, handwoven textiles and an array of artisanal ceramic finishes used throughout the building. By way of food, onsite culinary experiences influenced by Italy, Uruguay and Madrid are on deck, offering guests a tasty array of offerings to choose from. Meanwhile, the hotel’s Rooftop Bar is the place to be at sunset, while Say No More, the property’s secret speakeasy, is a memorable spot to spend the evening.

The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, Cancún

Where: Cancun, Mexico

When: Opened June 2026

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts says it’s connecting “ancient Maya heritage with the rhythm of the Caribbean” thanks to the recent opening of The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, Cancún, a beautiful beachfront retreat located just north of Cancun International Airport. Situated near El Meco archaeological site, design for the property was deeply inspired by Mexico’s rich Maya heritage, something guests will notice in the form of locally sourced materials, celestial-inspired lighting, hand-painted murals and abstract tilework that “[celebrates] the artistry of the Yucatan Peninsula,” according to St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, Cancún, touts 163 comfortable guestrooms and 50 suites, each of which features a private balcony overlooking either the Caribbean Sea or the region’s stunning natural landscapes. On the dining front, the property has nine food and beverage offerings, including a dedicated Mexican restaurant, a Caribbean-inspired seafood restaurant, a Japanese-Mexican-Caribbean fusion restaurant and more.


About the Author

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Jenna Buege is a Milwaukee-based writer and editor who loves exploring the great outdoors, spending time with her two black cats and jetting off on exciting, sometimes strange, adventures. She joined the VAX VacationAccess team in 2018 and takes pride in being a reliable source for travel advisors as they navigate an ever-changing industry. Her favorite destination so far is Iceland, although Alaska and Germany are close seconds. She’s always adding new places to her ever-growing travel wish list.


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