New Openings For 2026

Nestled in the heart of the iconic Winelands, The Lodge at Brookdale Estate is an exclusive, private-use lodge on the prestigious Brookdale Wine Estate. Created for travellers who value privacy, perspective and a deeper sense of place, this remarkable retreat is offered on an exclusive-use basis. It is perfectly suited to families or close friends of up to eight guests seeking time together in an unspoilt natural setting.

We're most excited about...panoramic views of the Cape Winelands.

Quay 7 introduces a new level of luxury to Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. This contemporary development brings together 142 elegantly designed rooms and suites, complemented by a small collection of six serviced private residences.

A rooftop bar offers sweeping views over the city’s most recognisable landmarks, from Table Mountain and Lion’s Head to Signal Hill and Table Bay. The hotel is further enhanced by a spa, pool and considered dining experiences, creating a well-rounded retreat within the heart of the city.

We're most excited about...the stunning architectural design and top class restaurants.

The Taj Hotel Group’s arrival in the Greater Kruger National Park marks a notable addition to South Africa’s luxury safari landscape. Launching in 2026, three new lodges will introduce Taj’s signature hospitality to one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich regions.

Each property is planned with guest comfort in mind, featuring all-day dining, spa facilities, a swimming pool and dedicated leisure areas, while remaining closely connected to the rhythms and atmosphere of the surrounding wilderness.

We're most excited about...experiencing the blend of luxury and conservation the hospitality group is known for.

Positioned between two islands, this intimate camp is rooted in its landscape and community, with a strong focus on cultural continuity and sensitive design.

Experiences are deliberately unhurried, from sunrise yoga on the deck to afternoon river cruises and evenings around an open-air boma. Accommodation comprises nine Pool Villas, three Horizon Terrace Suites and a Presidential Villa. Each Pool Villa is designed as a private sanctuary, offering understated luxury and a close connection to the surrounding wilderness.

We're most excited about...marveling at exquisite architecture in the heart of the Zambian bush.

Hoanib Elephant Camp is set in one of the most remote regions of north-west Namibia, offering an immersive desert safari experience defined by sustainability and comfort. Designed for adventurous travellers, the camp balances exploration with a strong sense of ease.

Powered entirely by solar energy, the camp features rammed-earth walls and insulated canvas roofs for natural temperature regulation. Activities include tracking desert-adapted wildlife, cultural encounters with the Himba community and guided excursions towards the Skeleton Coast, all framed by vast desert horizons and exceptional sunsets.

We're most excited about...exploring ancient river beds and marvelling at desert-adapted wildlife.

In 2026, Singita introduces Elela, its first property in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Named after the Setswana word meaning “to flow”, the camp is designed to operate year-round, offering a restorative base from which to experience the Delta’s shifting waterways and remarkable wildlife. The camp features a selection of refined accommodation options, including a four-bedroom exclusive-use camp with a private guide, host and chef, plus two dedicated safari vehicles. This setup offers an exceptional level of privacy and flexibility for families or friends seeking a luxury Okavango Delta safari.

We're most excited about...the activities on offer which include stargazing, mokoro, yoga and fishing.

Set within the unspoilt wilderness of Ruaha National Park, Ubuyu is an intimate safari retreat that offers a deeply immersive experience in one of Tanzania’s most remote regions. Expansive, artisan-crafted villas overlook the Great Ruaha River, with open views across the surrounding savannah where wildlife moves freely.

Drawing inspiration from traditional Maasai dwellings and the rhythms of the river, the villas are designed to feel both rooted and timeless. The result is a considered balance of privacy, connection and understated luxury within a truly wild landscape.

We're most excited about...having an Escape Host who crafts your journey to your pace and curiosities.

Formerly known as Little Governors’ Camp, Wilderness Mara has been entirely reimagined to create a more intimate, low-impact safari experience. Rebuilt with a strong focus on space and privacy, the camp features just 12 tented suites overlooking a wildlife-rich marsh, each with a private deck and outdoor shower.

Located in the heart of the Mara Triangle, one of the most wildlife-rich areas within the Maasai Mara, the camp offers a highly personalised safari in a setting renowned for exceptional game viewing.

We're most excited about...hot air balloon rides over the Maasai Mara at sunrise.

Zamara Private is a six-suite, exclusive-use safari villa located on the edge of the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya. Designed for families and small groups, it offers private access to one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife regions. Each stay includes a dedicated guide, chef and concierge, ensuring a seamless and tailored safari experience. All suites are self-contained, with the option to combine a Master Suite with a neighbouring suite to create a spacious two-bedroom family setup.

We're most excited about...cooling off in the15-metre infinity swimming pool.

Set above Rwanda’s capital, The Pinnacle offers an elevated city stay defined by space, light and far-reaching views across Kigali. The property accommodates up to 18 guests in nine individually designed rooms, each characterised by generous proportions, high ceilings and expansive outlooks.

Beyond the rooms, guests have access to a considered range of facilities, including a private fleet of electric SUVs, a home cinema, games arcade, spa, salon and gym, as well as full-sized basketball, padel and tennis courts. The experience is shaped by a refined expression of East African hospitality, where warmth and attention to detail guide every stay.

We're most excited about...expertly curated city tours, exploring the vibrant art and culture scene of Kigali.

Set on the northern edge of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda, Erebero Hills offers seclusion and close proximity to the region’s most sought-after gorilla trekking locations. Eight forest-facing suites are discreetly woven into the hillside, each opening onto a private deck with sweeping, uninterrupted views across the valley canopy.

Designed with a refined sense of style and comfort, the lodge invites unhurried moments between treks. A relaxed main lounge and swimming pool provide space to unwind, while in-room spa treatments offer a restorative way to soothe tired muscles after time spent in the forest.

We're most excited about...outdoor showers which overlook the incredible Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The Malkai is a luxury tented retreat shaped by a multi-generational vision and a deep connection to Oman’s land and heritage. Conceived as an immersive journey rather than a single stay, the experience invites travellers to move slowly through the country’s culture, history and striking natural landscapes.

A seven-night itinerary unfolds across three distinct settings. The journey begins at Barkaa, a hidden garden oasis offering a gentle introduction to Oman. From here, guests travel to Hajaar, dramatically positioned on a cliff edge with expansive views across the rugged terrain. The experience concludes in Sharqiyah, a serene sanctuary set deep within the desert dunes, where vast landscapes and stillness define the final chapter.

The Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience marks a thoughtful evolution in luxury travel along Africa’s longest river. Guests travel between Luxor and Aswan on four- or six-night itineraries, calling at historic sites along the way, from the temples of Upper Egypt to the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Kings. The vessel features five decks and 29 suites, each designed as a private retreat with river-facing views, alongside amenities including a spa, fitness centre and a selection of refined dining spaces.

We're most excited about...enjoying a fine dining experience on the rooftop deck while you sail past ancient temples.

The properties listed below are set to open in 2026; however, no firm dates have been confirmed yet. Be sure to check this page for updates..

- Addo Private Reserve

- Shompole Camp & Shompole Suite, Kenya

- Nkasa Linyanti Camp

- The Palm Dubai

- Sanctuary Amboseli, Kenya

- Sanctuary Nile Cruise, Egypt

- Sanctuary River Camp, Namibia

- Zamara Private Villa in the Mara, Kenya

Set within Bhutan’s serene Phobjikha Valley, Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa is an intimate retreat, with just 35 rooms oriented towards uninterrupted valley views. The experience here is defined by a deep connection to place. Guests can trace ancient walking trails across the wetlands, visit the revered Gangtey Monastery, and, in season, witness the Black-necked Crane Festival—one of Bhutan’s most evocative and seldom-seen cultural moments.

We're most excited about...waking up to the stillness of the Phobjikha Valley.

Set in Pokhara’s Gharipatan district, a well-established residential area, Hotel Indigo Pokhara offers a refined base in one of Nepal’s most scenic cities. Pokhara is widely regarded as the gateway to the Annapurna region, framed by Himalayan peaks and centred around the tranquil waters of Phewa Lake.

The 100-room hotel will feature a considered range of facilities including a spa, health club, club lounge, swimming pool, retail space, and indoor and outdoor recreation areas. It is well suited to travellers looking to explore Pokhara’s lakeside setting, nearby waterfalls, and the walking trails of the Annapurna foothills.

We're most excited about...the hotel decor and design which draws inspiration from the beauty of local traditions, indigenous materials and textures.

The properties listed below are set to open in 2026; however, no firm dates have been confirmed yet. Be sure to check this page for updates...

- Uga Ghiri in Ella, Sri Lanka. Perched above one of Sri Lanka’s most evocative landscapes, Uga Ghiri will introduce just 15 exquisitely designed villas. Each is positioned to frame either the iconic Nine Arch Bridge or the soft, undulating greens of Ella’s tea-covered hills, creating a sense of immersion in the highlands. Opening in June 2026

- The Leela Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India. Set to rise from the desert sands, The Leela Jaisalmer marks the group’s long-anticipated arrival in Jaisalmer, the legendary Golden City. This forthcoming retreat promises a refined interpretation of desert living, where palatial architecture and Rajasthan’s timeless atmosphere come together in an unforgettable setting. Opening date TBC