Travel + Leisure has unveiled its annual 'It List' for 2026, cataloguing 100 notable new hotel openings across the globe. The list, which does not crown an overall winner, is segmented into categories such as best city hotels and 'splurge-worthy stays'—a designation reserved for properties where a night's accommodation exceeds €1,000. Nineteen hotels worldwide meet this premium threshold.
While the list spans continents, from a €11,000-per-night resort in the Maldives to a luxury ecolodge in the Indian Himalayas, it includes several significant European entries that reflect the continent's enduring appeal for high-end travel.
European Highlights on the 'Splurge-Worthy' List
Several European cities feature prominently. In the United Kingdom, The Chancery Rosewood in London commands rates from €1,595 per night. In the Netherlands, the newly opened Rosewood Amsterdam starts at €1,180 per night. Italy is particularly well-represented with three properties: Collegio alla Querce, Auberge Collection in Florence (from €1,580), Pensione America in the coastal town of Forte dei Marmi (from €1,360), and The Carlton, a Rocco Forte Hotel, in Milan (also from €1,360).
These listings arrive as the European travel sector navigates a complex landscape. While demand for luxury experiences remains robust, broader industry challenges persist. For instance, carriers like the Lufthansa Group have cut tens of thousands of flights due to soaring operational costs, potentially affecting connectivity for international travellers seeking these destinations. Concurrently, European rail travel is being promoted as a viable alternative amid airfare volatility, offering a different perspective on continent-wide mobility.
The Global Pinnacle of Luxury
Beyond Europe, the list defines the upper echelons of travel expenditure. The most expensive property featured is .Here, Maldives, with villas starting at €11,000 per night on two private islands. In Africa, Masiya’s Camp in South Africa offers a tented safari experience from €3,000, while Rwanda makes a striking appearance with two high-end openings: The Pinnacle Kigali (from €2,600) and Wilderness Magashi Peninsula (from €2,300).
Other global entries include Huka Lodge in New Zealand, Awasi Santa Catarina in Brazil, and Aman Nai Lert Bangkok in Thailand. The list underscores a continued trend towards ultra-exclusive, experience-driven hospitality, where privacy, customization, and unique locations command premium prices.
The publication of such lists influences high-net-worth travel trends and destination appeal. For European cities like London, Amsterdam, and Milan, inclusion reinforces their status as premier hubs for luxury tourism. This segment of the market often remains more resilient to economic fluctuations and travel disruptions, supporting local economies and high-end retail sectors.
The broader context for European travel continues to evolve, with regulatory changes also playing a role. For example, the EU's recent closure of a Brexit pet passport loophole has introduced new considerations and costs for British travellers, a demographic significant to the continent's tourism industry. Meanwhile, the growth of dedicated travel media, such as the recent launch of a 24/7 Euronews travel channel, indicates sustained consumer interest in travel content and inspiration.
Travel + Leisure's list, while global in scope, spotlights how European destinations continue to compete effectively in the highest tier of international hospitality. The featured properties blend historic grandeur with contemporary luxury, maintaining the continent's competitive edge in attracting discerning global travellers.
