From sun-drenched Andalusian rooftops to Baltic forest retreats, Europe’s most anticipated openings for 2026 promise destination-led design and serious architectural pedigree. Here, we share our top five, before the rest of the world catches on
Eha, Estonia
Odds are you haven’t heard of Hiiumaa Island, and that’s precisely the point. Set adrift in the West Estonian Archipelago Biosphere Reserve, this remote Baltic outpost remains blissfully under the radar: vast skies unblemished by light pollution, uninterrupted silence and winding forests. Long self-styled as a spa for the soul, Hiiumaa has quietly cultivated a reputation for those in the know. Which makes it all the more surprising that only this spring has a dedicated wellness retreat chosen to put its roots down here. Enter Eha.
The retreat’s programme is built around five seasons, attuned to nature’s cycles. Yes, five. At Eha, springrise – the time between winter and spring – is an often-overlooked time of renewal and recalibration. Days are spent foraging through forests, making languid circuits of thermal suites and spending time face down for herbal-powder massages. In the retreat’s organic kitchen, Estonian local Peeter Pihel has been awarded a Michelin Green Star for his island-grown ingredients and commitment to sustainability.
Pikaranna, Õngu, 92059 Hiiu maakond, Estonia; eharetreat.com
Opens: Summer 2026
Casa Bonavita, Malta
The crowds may flock to Valletta, Mdina and the crystalline coves of the Blue Lagoon, but Attard remains Malta’s best-kept secret. Leafy, with an abundance of citrus orchards, and far from the tour-bus circuit, this historic location offers a quiet alternative to island life in this part of the Mediterranean.
Hidden within the town’s most romantic quarter, Casa Bonavita is a restored 18th-century palazzo, once the family home of Suzanne and Christopher Sharp, whose first hotel venture this is. Previously the co-founders of The Rug Company, the husband-and-wife duo have turned to their neighbours to dress the boutique hotel for an authentic Maltese and southern Mediterranean experience. Hand-painted de Gournay wallpapers, Sicilian tiles and Murano-glass chandeliers are put together with a flair only Casa Bonavita’s creative owners could muster.
147 Triq San Anton, Attard, ATD, 1285, Malta; casabonavita.com
Opens: May 2026
Serras Sevilla, Spain
Serras has been making quite a name for itself on the boutique-hotel front. As The Telegraph’s Sally Davies observes, ‘The Serras was at the vanguard of the new trend for stylish and unstuffy five-stars.’ Its next property, which opens this month, promises to be just as sleek and laidback as its Barcelona and Andorra locations.
The only thing more impressive than the Serras Sevilla’s Andalusian regionalist architecture and lofty ceilings are the views of the Gothic masterpiece Seville Cathedral from its spectacular Catedral rooms and rooftop terrace, amidst a swirl of tapas, cocktails and a chic alfresco pool.
Avenida de la Constitución 12, 41001 Seville, Spain; serrassevilla.com
Opens: March 2026
Orient Express Venezia, Italy
Aline Asmar d’Amman is the Miranda Priestly of the architecture world, thanks to her commanding aesthetic authority and collaboration with some of the finest fashion designers in the world. Her latest project is the Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, a Venetian palace built in 1436 and now the Orient Express Venezia hotel.
Original frescoes have been restored, along with the property’s Baroque elegance, which extends throughout the 47 rooms and suites. And the experience begins long before you set eyes on its mosaic floors as you arrive by private boat through a Gothic portal on the canal into Santa Fosca’s secret garden.
Strada Nova 2292, 30121 Venice, Italy; orient-express.com
Opens: April 2026
Na Praia, Portugal
Lisbon may have claimed World Travel Awards’ title of Europe’s best City Break Destination last year, but just over an hour’s drive away on a concealed portion of the Atlantic coast lies Na Praia. Moments away from A-list celebrity haunt Comporta, this hotel is the culmination of a decade-long vision by hotelier José António Uva. The design of its rooms, suites and villas mirror the white-sand dunes which surround it, and many come with their own heated private pool.
While the opening of Na Praia has been delayed until spring 2027, it’s only a matter of time before Na Praia becomes the address of choice for the who’s who of the world.
We’ve waited a decade, what’s a little longer?
7570-788 Comporta, Portugal; napraia.com
Opens: Spring 2027
