As many of you begin shaping your “Where to Go in 2026” features, Andria has put together a short list of destinations and openings to keep on your radar.
In Africa, Gabon is quietly stepping into the spotlight as one of the continent’s most intriguing eco-adventure destinations—wild, biodiverse, and remarkably untouched. South Africa continues to evolve as a gateway to the continent, with a new wave of openings offering refined, small-scale experiences in both Greater Kruger and Cape Town’s coastal villages, along with a renovation of one of the country’s best tables. Dakar also marks its rise as a cultural and culinary hub, where tradition and modern creativity live side by side.
Over in Asia, Sri Lanka is having a confident resurgence—a country Andria has long loved for its depth, rhythm, and raw beauty. In the Nordics, a design-led opening just 30 minutes from Copenhagen is creating quiet buzz, while the Scandinavian Alps in Norway are drawing a mix of nature seekers and design-savvy travelers.
And of course, there’s Greece, Andria’s home base, where a series of under-the-radar projects continue to shape the story around food, craft, and hospitality in meaningful ways.
SCANDINAVIA
Aerial view of Rox Resort. Image credit: Spik Studios for Rox Resort
Denmark
Nordic cool lands on the coast of Køge.
Opening November 1, 2025, Rox Resort introduces a new expression of Nordic coastal luxury in Køge, just 30 minutes south of Copenhagen. Designed by Stockholm-based Spik Studios (the in-house design team at ESS Group, the region’s leading hospitality brand), the 154-room retreat blends Danish minimalism with cinematic flair—mirrored textures, chalk-washed walls, rattan, and brass create an atmosphere that’s both moody and magnetic. Just in time for hygge season.
Dining takes center stage with five distinct venues, including an edgy Dirty Sichuan steakhouse, a relaxed Dumpling Bar, and a rooftop poolside cocktail club. Wellness is equally robust, with three heated pools (including one indoors), a full spa, padel courts, and a next-gen fitness club.
Rox will be a destination designed around immersive interiors, chef-led gastronomy, and holistic leisure, all set against Denmark’s rugged coast, and opens a new chapter in experiential Nordic travel: where marina-edge living, sustainability, and forest-meets-sea adventure converge in signature Scandinavian style.
Fýri Resort. Image credit: Fýri Resort
Norway
A fresh wave of design-forward ski culture
Hemsedal, often called the “Scandinavian Alps”—offers world-class slopes, crisp Nordic air, and a scene that’s both elevated and unpretentious.
Fýri Resort, is a year-round retreat redefining the mountain experience with its seamless blend of skiing, wellness, and Scandinavian design. Located just three hours from Oslo, Fýri offers immediate access to Hemsedal’s slopes, an expansive Pool Club with views of the mountains, and a lively après-ski scene that feels both social and slow-paced. Expect roaring fireplaces, thoughtful Nordic gastronomy, and interiors that capture the essence of modern mountain living.
As travellers in 2026 seek winter experiences that balance adventure with design and local culture, Norway—and Fýri in Hemsedal—offer a compelling reason to revisit the slopes.
AFRICA
Aerial view of Gabon. Image credit: Anderson Expeditions
Gabon
Africa’s Last Eden, Unspoiled and Untamed
Where rainforest meets ocean, elephants roam the beach, and conservation leads the way.
Poised to be one of 2026’s most compelling eco-adventure destinations, Gabon offers a rare glimpse of Africa in its rawest, most untouched form. With 13 national parks covering nearly 11% of the country, this Central African nation is a biodiversity haven where rainforest, savanna, mangrove, and coastline converge.
In Loango National Park, often called “Africa’s Last Eden,” sightings of forest elephants on the beach, hippos in the surf, and monkeys in the canopy are not uncommon. Western lowland gorilla trekking—led by park rangers and supported by researchers from the Max Planck Institute—offers a deeply intimate, conservation-focused alternative to East Africa’s busier circuits.
Gabon’s coastline comes alive with humpback whales (June–September) and leatherback turtles (nesting from November–March), while inland, Akanda National Park draws migratory birds and birdwatchers alike. The Ogooué River winds past historic towns like Lambaréné, blending cultural exploration with natural wonder.
A new wave of sustainable lodges—like N’dola and Akaka—are making these remote regions more accessible, without sacrificing ecological integrity. Add Libreville’s vibrant markets and Afro-chic art scene, and Gabon emerges as a crowd-free, conservation-forward alternative to traditional safaris.
For a deeper, regenerative experience, travel with AMPR Global client, Anderson Expeditions, whose low-impact journeys are designed to protect ecosystems, support communities, and foster meaningful connection with one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Aerial view of Terrou-Bi. Image credit: Terrou-Bi
Dakar
Terrou-Bi Hotel Ushers in a Bold New Era of West African Luxury
Why now? Dakar is fast becoming one of West Africa’s most dynamic cultural capitals—and Terrou-Bi is at the center of its renaissance, leading with a bold expansion and a redefined vision of contemporary luxury.
In 2026, the city’s iconic five-star resort unveils a transformative new chapter: a sleek business center, newly built ocean-view suites, and three immersive hospitality concepts. Le Diamono, a sultry music and mixology lounge, draws inspiration from Japan’s Kissa listening bars. Le Jàmm offers a tranquil space for rest and renewal, while Ebene Café bridges African and Californian influences through a vibrant, ingredient-driven culinary dialogue.
Located just 5.5 hours from Paris with no time difference, Dakar is a heady mix of energy and soul—home to the UNESCO-listed Gorée Island, the towering African Renaissance Monument, and a flourishing contemporary art scene. After a day exploring the city, guests at Terrou-Bi can unwind on a private beach, dine on refined local-meets-global cuisine, or visit the on-site casino.
The resort also hosts Africa’s only Renata França spa, features Technogym training equipment, and offers destination dining at La Terrasse, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Anthony Jéhanno.
With its blend of cultural depth, world-class amenities, and future-facing design, Terrou-Bi is more than a hotel—it’s a statement of where West African hospitality is headed.
Opening September 1, 2025, Tintswalo Scops Rest offers an intimate escape in the Klaserie Nature Reserve. Image credit: Tintswalo Scops Rest
Greater Kruger
Tintswalo Scops Rest Offers an Intimate Escape Into the Wild
South Africa’s Greater Kruger region continues to define the frontier of personalized safari travel—and Tintswalo Scops Rest is its newest, most exclusive address.
Opening on September 1, 2025 in the Klaserie Nature Reserve, Tintswalo Scops Rest introduces a new level of seclusion within the Tintswalo Safari portfolio. This four-bedroom, private-use manor house offers a bespoke experience designed for families or small groups in search of connection, luxury, and authenticity. Guests have full access to their own safari vehicle, guide, and chef—ensuring every detail is tailored to their pace and preferences.
Days unfold in sync with the rhythms of the bush, from morning game drives and sundowners in the veld to firelit dinners under starry skies. Whether you seek solitude, wildlife, or celebration, Tintswalo Scops Rest offers a rare kind of privacy in one of the continent’s most treasured ecosystems.
Cape Town
Tintswalo Summer House Brings Boutique Charm to Glencairn’s Seaside
Why now? Cape Town’s coastal villages are having a moment—and Tintswalo Summer House is arriving just in time to catch the wave of interest in intimate, experiential travel.
Opening 1 December 2025 in the seaside enclave of Glencairn, this thoughtfully restored retreat will breathe new life into the historic Glencairn Southern Right Hotel, a former landmark of coastal elegance dating back to 1904. Once a host to dignitaries and notable figures, the property had long fallen into disrepair—until Tintswalo acquired it in 2014, quietly operating a restaurant while carefully planning a full restoration. Now, following a meticulous renovation, the hotel is being reimagined as a boutique 12-suite escape.
Blending heritage architecture with modern design, Tintswalo Summer House will channel barefoot luxury with local flair. Guests can expect elegant high teas, curated beach picnics, and experiential dining at the Summer House Eatery—all inspired by the surrounding landscape. A soulful expression of Cape Town’s laid-back rhythm and culinary spirit, this intimate hotel invites guests to slow down, savor, and reconnect—with the sea, the land, and each other.
Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic: Cliffside Dining on the Edge of the Atlantic
Newly renovated and recently reopened, Chefs Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic is a boulder-hugging sanctuary tucked between mountain and sea at the base of Chapman’s Peak Drive.
This intimate collaboration between boutique hotel Tintswalo Atlantic and Liam Tomlin’s acclaimed Chefs Warehouse concept celebrates a strong sense of place, drawing inspiration from the elemental beauty surrounding it. Executive Chef Cameron Smith and his team craft a five-course tasting menu of small plates meant to be shared—showcasing the Cape’s rich bounty with sustainably sourced seafood, foraged coastal plants, heirloom vegetables, and ethically raised game.
The result? A soulful, layered dining experience that captures the wild spirit of the Cape—oysters served with unexpected flair, risottos reimagined, and a wine list as vibrant and surprising as the view.
ASIA
Aerial view of Kurulu Bay. Image credit: Kurulu Bay
Sri Lanka
Where conscious design meets cultural reinvention.
After years of political and environmental setbacks, Sri Lanka is emerging anew—this time as a destination where low-impact luxury and cultural depth converge. In 2026, the country is set to draw a new wave of design-savvy travelers, thanks in part to a pair of refined, independently owned hotels that frame both coasts and cities in a new light.
On the south coast, Kurulu Bay opened late in 2024, and sits quietly along Koggala Lake. It’s a 14-suite eco-retreat that’s already earned a spot on AD Middle East’s list of best hotels in the world. Expect sculptural modernist architecture softened by vernacular textures, plant-based Sri Lankan cuisine, and daily rituals rooted in Ayurveda and local craft. The retreat feels like a design studio disguised as a sanctuary.
In the fortified city of Galle, sister property Fort Printers has undergone a full restoration of its main heritage building. Alongside its refreshed granite-clad rooms and contemporary-meets-classic furnishings, the hotel now houses 39 Bistro and Bar, a new restaurant wrapped in antique Ceylon prints and anchored by a marble-and-copper bar. A newly added Writers Room doubles as a reading lounge and private dining space for 10—its walls lined with books on fashion, art, and architecture.
Together, the properties signal a fresh vision for Sri Lanka: thoughtful, textured, and unmistakably back on the map.
GREECE
In summer 2026, Milos will welcome a new boutique retreat from Empiria Group
Milos – Empiria Group – new opening!
For lunar landscapes, elemental luxury, and a sense of hush.
The Greek island of Milos has long been the insider’s alternative to its flashier Cycladic siblings—where whitewashed villages still feel lived in, and the coastline offers some of the most surreal swimming spots in the Mediterranean. In summer 2026, the island will welcome a new boutique retreat from Empiria Group—the hospitality brand behind Parīlio and Cosme in Paros, and Vedema, Istoria and Mystique in Santorini—known for its thoughtful approach to design and sense of cultural depth.
The Empiria Group property will feature suites and private villas subtly carved into the island’s volcanic terrain, with a design palette inspired by Kleftiko’s chalk-white cliffs, sulfur-tinted stones, and the mineral hues found in Milos’s dormant quarries. The retreat promises serenity over scene, with a focus on privacy, architecture that disappears into the landscape, and a return to the slower rituals of island life.
This project is one to watch—offering the kind of elemental beauty and editorial polish that defines what Greek hospitality is evolving into.
View of Spinalonga from Phāea Blue in Crete. Image credit: Phāea Blue.
Crete
Where heritage meets modern hospitality—and a new Rosewood is on the horizon.
Editor’s note: AMPR Global represents Phāea, the owner of the forthcoming Rosewood Blue Palace, opening in 2026. We are not the agency of record for Rosewood.
Founded by Cretan sisters Agapi and Constantza Sbokou, Phāea invites travelers to experience a more authentic Greece—where timeless island life meets thoughtful design, conscious hospitality, and a deep connection to place. Each property is shaped not only by architecture, but by emotion, intention, and community.
In 2024, Phāea Blue opened as a boutique hotel in Elounda, transforming part of the original Blue Palace into a 47-key retreat defined by warm minimalism and local craft. An ongoing art collaboration with the Benaki Museum anchors the interiors, while the iconic Blue Door taverna, set along the water’s edge, offers a quintessentially Greek dining experience—simple, soulful, unforgettable.
Ideal for families, Phāea Cretan Malia offers a design-forward take on village life. Rooted in sustainability and seasonal rhythms, the resort blends low-impact architecture with curated family experiences, farm-to-table menus, and moments of mindful retreat.
Two-thirds of the former Blue Palace will soon become Rosewood Blue Palace, opening in 2026 as one of the most anticipated hotel launches in Europe. With it, Crete’s reputation as a cultural and luxury destination only deepens—and Phāea continues to lead the way.
View of the Acropolis from Michelin-star restaurant Tudor Hall at King George Hotel. Image credit: King George Hotel.
Athens
Where legacy hospitality meets a new creative wave.
In 2026, Athens continues its transformation into a capital of culture, cuisine, and world-class hospitality. At its heart, two iconic hotels—Hotel Grande Bretagne, A Luxury Collection Hotel and King George Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel—remain essential to the Athenian experience, while a new creative chapter unfolds just beyond Syntagma Square.
For over 150 years, Hotel Grande Bretagne has reigned as Athens’ grand dame, and the landmark hotel remains a symbol of old-world elegance in a city constantly reinventing itself. Don’t miss a perfectly stirred martini at Alexander’s Bar, an elegant afternoon tea in the Winter Garden, or the seasonal menus at the recently renovated GB Roof Garden Restaurant, still among the city’s most coveted tables.
Directly next door, King George Hotel—the GB’s more discreet sister property—continues to charm with 102 refined rooms and suites, including its Penthouse Suite with a rooftop pool and panoramic city views. In 2026, the hotel debuts a refreshed lobby lounge, and its Michelin-starred Tudor Hall holds its place as a culinary favorite for contemporary Greek cuisine.
Nearby, a new era in design retail is quietly taking shape. While I can’t reveal everything just yet, Anthologist—my design studio and retail concept launched in 2020—is curating what will soon become the newest retail destination in Athens, set within the country’s most ambitious hospitality development to date. Until then, our original by-appointment showroom remains a soulful trove of handcrafted pieces, and 2026 marks an exciting expansion: the launch of fine jewelry and ready-to-wear, deepening the brand’s evolution as a true “shoppable museum.”
