Four escapes worth dreaming about in 2026

Some places are not just destinations, they are invitations. And 2026 is already shaping up to be an extraordinary year, with a wave of new hotel openings across Portugal and Spain ready to redefine the way we travel and the way each journey feels. Yet, amid so many promising projects, there are a few that make us count down the months, the days – and, for some members of our team, even the hours – until they finally open their doors. These are the hotels that genuinely excite us. A personal selection shaped by our experience, our curiosity, and the many late-night conversations about where we would love to stay next year. Curious to see which ones made our list? Then keep reading.

On Avenida da Liberdade, a 19th-century palace is being transformed into JNcQUOI House, a boutique retreat shaped by architect Vincent Van Duysen’s clean, timeless design. It is the kind of project that balances history and modernity with rare precision, honoring the soul of Lisbon while introducing a new layer of intimacy and elegance. With 17 Grand Suites, two restaurants, and a discreet speakeasy bar, this townhouse-style hotel promises an experience that feels exclusive, warm, and unmistakably personal.

We were fortunate to be invited for a private lunch to see the hotel firsthand, and the atmosphere alone – polished yet comfortable, confident yet understated – left our team genuinely excited for what is to come. Opening in the first half of 2026, JNcQUOI House will offer far more than a refined stay, it will give the feeling of being exactly where you want to be.

Vermelho Lagoa is Christian Louboutin’s second love letter to Melides, a small, tranquil village surrounded by dunes, pine forests, and an unspoiled coastline. The French designer fell for this area years ago and has invested deeply, always careful to preserve its authenticity. One of the things that has us curious is seeing how the new hotel will manage to be close to the original Vermelho while standing apart as a quietly intimate retreat, connected in spirit yet fully its own. To bring his vision to life, Louboutin enlisted the help of French architect Olivia Putman, whose touch adds understated elegance and a contemplative calm perfectly in tune with Melides.

Set to open in spring 2026, Vermelho Lagoa, with just 10 rooms each featuring a terrace or balcony and stunning sea views, embodies serene exclusivity. Guests can spend leisurely afternoons at the infinity pool or indulge in the spa, “HELOMA” – named after Louboutin’s children – with two treatment rooms, hammam, sauna, and ice bucket. Dining is equally effortless: a rooftop pizzeria and poolside service offer casual options, while the guest-only bar and restaurant provide a more refined experience. For a touch of variety, a dinner at “Xtian” in the nearby Vermelho Melides hotel is also an option.

This was not designed with families in mind. Vermelho Lagoa invites us to slow down, reflect, and fully immerse ourselves in the tranquil flow of Melides.

Na Praia, the second hotel by José António Uva (who created the renowned São Lourenço do Barrocal), sits within 340 hectares of preserved wilderness, just over an hour from Lisbon. The property offers 113 minimalist accommodations, many with private pools, all quietly tucked among pine trees and dunes. Guests can enjoy five restaurants celebrating the flavors of southern Portugal and a nature-inspired spa, both designed to complement the calm and natural rhythm of the surroundings.

What we love about Na Praia is how it manages to combine simplicity, elegance, and a deep connection to the landscape. Another detail that stands out for us is that it is the only hotel in Comporta with direct access to two kilometers of pristine, untouched beach, a rare advantage that naturally elevates expectations. Opening in spring 2026, it is a place to pause, unwind, and savor each sunlit moment.

Perched on a cliffside overlooking Puerto Portals, the glamorous marina on Mallorca’s southwestern coast, Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra arrives in summer 2026 as one of the island’s most anticipated openings. Following the recent arrival of Four Seasons, this new chapter marks Mallorca’s quiet evolution into a destination of discreet, world-class hospitality. Punta Negra itself remains a little-explored enclave, a stretch of pine-dotted cliffs and crystalline coves that feels cinematic yet wonderfully reserved.

We include Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra in our selection for its combination of an extraordinary location, understated luxury, and meticulous design. With 131 rooms, including 44 suites and nine waterfront bungalows, many with terraces or private plunge pools, guests can enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean at almost every turn. Five dining and drinking venues invite you to explore a world of flavors, while a holistic wellness program encourages a slower pace and to fully embrace the soft rhythm of island life.