This seasonal roundup examines the latest openings, market expansions, and regional campaigns currently shaping the luxury travel map
The mid-year landscape is marked by a significant momentum across the global hospitality sector as major brands and independent properties ramp up their portfolios for the peak 2026 summer season. From the expansion of luxury footprints in the UK and Saudi Arabia to the launch of immersive, nature-led concepts in India and Kenya, these recent developments underscore a strategic pivot toward experiential and wellness-driven tourism.
As the industry navigates evolving guest demands - ranging from multi-generational family programmes to the high-stakes requirements of Palace-level distinction - this roundup examines the latest openings, market expansions, and regional campaigns currently shaping the luxury travel map.
Fairmont Cheshire opens
Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere has opened reservations ahead of its official launch on July 10, 2026, becoming the fourth Fairmont property in the UK.
Set within 157 acres of Cheshire countryside overlooking The Mere Lake, the luxury resort features 116 guestrooms, including 23 suites, alongside a championship golf course, Fairmont Spa and multiple dining venues, including Gordon Ramsay at The Mere.
The opening follows a £35 million acquisition and a further £90 million transformation by Select Group. The property also offers extensive event facilities, including a 1,000-square-metre Grand Ballroom accommodating up to 1,000 guests.
Radisson expands in Cambridge
Radisson Hotel Group has added The Gonville Hotel to its portfolio as a member of Radisson Individuals, strengthening its presence in the UK.
Opened on May 27, 2026, the historic property dates back to 1830 and features 92 individually designed rooms and suites. Located in central Cambridge overlooking Parker’s Piece, the hotel is within walking distance of major attractions, including the University of Cambridge colleges.
Facilities include the AA Two Rosette Gonville Kitchen restaurant, The Long Bar, Gresham House Wellness Spa and event spaces for up to 100 guests. The hotel has also earned the Green Tourism Gold Award and offers distinctive guest experiences, including complimentary chauffeur-driven Bentley tours and bicycle hire to explore the city.
Hong Kong targets GCC visitors
The Hong Kong Tourism Board had launched its Hong Kong Summer Fun campaign, inviting travellers from the GCC and Middle East to explore the city through festivals, cultural experiences, family attractions and exclusive travel offers. The campaign runs until August 31, 2026.
Visitors can enjoy cultural workshops, live entertainment and waterfront activities. The campaign includes discounts of up to 50 per cent on attractions, transport, shopping and dining through partnerships with travel and retail operators.
Summer events include the Chinese Culture Festival, Hong Kong Football Festival, Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong and FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships.
Hôtel Martinez earns Palace distinction
Hôtel Martinez has been awarded the prestigious Palace de France distinction, becoming the first and only hotel in Cannes to receive France’s highest hospitality designation.
The government-recognised accolade, which has not been granted to a new property in seven years, is reserved for hotels that demonstrate exceptional service, heritage and luxury standards.
An iconic landmark on La Croisette since 1929, Hôtel Martinez combines Art Deco heritage with contemporary luxury. The award recognises the hotel’s ongoing transformation and commitment to excellence across its guest experience, including its Michelin-starred restaurant, La Palme d'Or, spa and hospitality offerings. The distinction places Hôtel Martinez among a select group of France’s most prestigious luxury hotels and further strengthens Cannes’ position on the global luxury tourism map.
JW Marriott opens Safari product
JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp has opened reservations ahead of its debut this month (July). Located within Kenya’s Solio Game Reserve, the luxury safari retreat will feature 19 tented accommodations, including a two-bedroom suite, with views of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges.
The camp will offer wellness facilities such as the Spa by JW, a fitness centre, swimming pool and the brand’s signature garden. Guests can enjoy locally inspired dining, bush dining experiences, guided cycling safaris, game drives and nature walks to observe rhinos, lions, leopards and other wildlife.
The property also emphasises sustainability through waste recycling, composting and local sourcing, while supporting nearby community initiatives. Most construction materials, furnishings and artwork have been sourced from Kenyan suppliers, and the workforce is expected to be predominantly Kenyan.
CROSSROADS Maldives summer fun
CROSSROADS Maldives has launched two family-focused summer camp programmes running until September 2026 across Hard Rock Hotel Maldives and SAii Lagoon Maldives.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives’ Camp-Cation 6.0 (until August 31) features music, sports, arts, DJ classes, yoga, Kids’ Zumba, family competitions and weekly talent shows for children. Meanwhile, SAii Lagoon Maldives’ SAiiKIDS Summer Camp Series (July 1–September 15) offers sports clinics, snorkelling, swimming, arts and crafts, coral-planting, marine discovery sessions and English communication classes.
All SAiiKIDS activities are complimentary for guests, while both programmes conclude with certificate ceremonies recognising participants’ achievements.
Discover Japan’s mountain retreats
Japan’s central highlands, including the Yatsugatake Highlands and Southern Japanese Alps, are promoting a range of nature, culture and wellness experiences for summer travellers. Located within two hours of Tokyo, the region offers cooler temperatures, scenic mountain landscapes and family-friendly outdoor activities.
Highlights include guided e-bike tours through the Yatsugatake Highlands, panoramic mountain views and outdoor recreation at Fujimi Kogen Resort, and seasonal fruit-picking experiences at Miharashi Farm in Shinshu.
Visitors can also enjoy a boutique cultural stay at Hotel Keyforest Hokuto, an art-inspired property connected to the Keith Haring Collection museum. Combining nature, local culture, outdoor activities and thoughtfully designed accommodation, the region offers an appealing alternative to traditional city-focused travel in Japan.
Adults-only escape opens in Bodrum
OKU Bodrum has officially opened on Türkiye’s Aegean coast, marking the debut of the OKU Hotels brand in the country. The adults-only (16+) boutique retreat features 58 sea-facing rooms and suites, many with private or shared pools, and is located on Bodrum’s northern peninsula with direct access to a protected bay.
The property combines OKU’s signature design-led luxury with destination dining, including the Nikkei-inspired Teyo restaurant, Mediterranean-focused To Kima Restaurant and The Round Bar.
Guests can enjoy activities such as paddleboarding, snorkelling, guided hikes and cultural experiences, alongside wellness facilities including a hammam, sauna, sea-view fitness area and spa. OKU Bodrum joins the brand’s growing portfolio of lifestyle hotels in Ibiza, Kos and Andalusia, expanding its presence in key Mediterranean destinations.
Raffles Jeddah opens
Raffles Jeddah has debuted becoming the second Raffles property in Saudi Arabia.
Located on Jeddah’s Corniche, the luxury hotel features 182 guestrooms and suites, all offering Red Sea views, and combines contemporary design with traditional Hejazi influences. Amenities include multiple dining venues, the Raffles Spa and Wellness, swimming pools, fitness facilities and extensive event spaces, including the Pearl and Crystal Ballrooms.
Amoh brings luxury to Rhodes
Amoh, a Luxury Collection Resort, Rhodes has opened as the first Luxury Collection property on the Greek island of Rhodes, expanding the brand’s presence in Greece.
Located on a secluded peninsula at Kavos Beach near Lindos, the resort features 197 rooms and suites, including private-pool accommodations with Mediterranean Sea views.
Inspired by Rhodes’ stonework heritage and coastal landscape, the property offers eight restaurants and bars, two private beaches and the Elispa wellness centre. Guests can enjoy immersive cultural and culinary experiences, including olive grove tastings and sunset aperitivos.
Gran Hotel Margalida opens in Mallorca
Gran Hotel Margalida opened last month as the fifth property from ANNUA Signature Hotels and its first large-scale luxury retreat.
Perched above the cliffside village of Banyalbufar on Mallorca’s western coast, the oceanfront hotel features 29 Mediterranean-facing suites, a spa, infinity pool and wellness facilities.
Inspired by Mallorca’s 1960s golden era and the island’s stonework heritage, the property blends contemporary design with local craftsmanship.
Dining is led by chef Joan Escalas Rosselló, showcasing seasonal local produce, seafood and regional specialties across multiple venues.
Guests can also enjoy grape tastings, culinary experiences, hiking excursions and private boat charters.
The Leela unveils forest sanctuary
The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary will open later in 2026, following The Leela’s acquisition of a 71-villa ultra-luxury resort in Coorg. Marking the brand’s first sanctuary concept, the 76-acre property is set amid coffee and spice plantations in the Western Ghats and focuses on nature-led, wellness-driven luxury.
The IGBC Platinum-certified resort features four dining venues, a 27,000 sq. ft. wellness centre, a seven-acre lake, private helipad and immersive experiences rooted in local culture and nature.
A planned expansion will increase inventory to 90 villas. The acquisition coincides with The Leela’s 40th anniversary and strengthens its presence in South India. It also supports the brand’s expansion into high-value leisure destinations focused on wellness, sustainability and authentic regional experiences.
St. Regis debuts in Budapest
The St. Regis Budapest has opened in the historic Klotild Palace, marking the debut of the St. Regis brand in Hungary.
Located in central Budapest near the Danube River, the luxury hotel features 102 guestrooms and suites, including the Klotild Tower Suite and Presidential Suite, complemented by the signature St. Regis Butler Service.
Housed within a UNESCO-listed Neo-Baroque landmark, the property blends historic architecture with contemporary design inspired by the Danube and Budapest’s artistic heritage. Amenities include the St. Regis Bar, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Klotild Patisserie, the St. Regis Spa, and elegant event spaces.