Travel + Leisure’s 2026 ‘It List’ spotlights three newly opened ultra‑luxury hotels in the Maldives, South Africa, and India.
The selections signal where high‑end tourism dollars are flowing, as affluent travelers seek experiences that blend opulence with remote settings. Travel + Leisure compiled the list to showcase the newest accommodations for discerning guests, a move that could shape future investment in boutique luxury projects [1].
The Maldives property is a private island resort—its overwater villa suite commands €11,000 per night, a price that places it among the world’s most expensive hotel rooms. "The Maldives resort costs €11,000 per night," said Travel + Leisure [1]. Guests can expect a personal butler, a private helipad, and a nine‑course tasting menu featuring locally sourced seafood. Architectural details incorporate coral‑inspired motifs, while the resort’s spa offers treatments that use indigenous Ayurvedic ingredients.
South Africa’s entry is a six‑suite tented camp set on a wildlife reserve, offering guests a blend of safari adventure and five‑star service. "South Africa's tented camp offers six exclusive suites," said Travel + Leisure [1]. Each suite is a spacious canvas‑topped lodge with floor‑to‑ceiling glass walls that open onto the savanna at sunrise. The camp includes a guided‑hunt program, a rooftop observatory for stargazing, and a farm‑to‑table restaurant that highlights game meat prepared by a Michelin‑starred chef.
In India, the new luxury ecolodge perches above the country’s second‑highest peak, delivering breathtaking mountain views alongside sustainable design. "India's new ecolodge sits beside the country's second‑highest peak," said Travel + Leisure [1]. Constructed from locally sourced stone and reclaimed timber, the lodge operates on solar power and features a rainwater‑harvesting system. Guests can partake in guided treks, cultural workshops with nearby villages, and yoga sessions on a terrace that overlooks the alpine landscape.
These properties illustrate a growing appetite for exclusive destinations that combine natural landscapes with lavish amenities. Industry analysts said the trend will drive further investment in remote luxury developments, as brands seek to differentiate themselves in a crowded market and appeal to travelers who value both comfort and authenticity.
“The Maldives resort costs €11,000 per night.”
The inclusion of these three hotels in Travel + Leisure’s ‘It List’ highlights a shift toward ultra‑luxury experiences that prioritize unique locales and sustainability, suggesting that future high‑end hospitality projects will increasingly target remote, environmentally sensitive destinations to attract affluent travelers seeking both exclusivity and authenticity.
