Luxury Group by Marriott International has revealed its 2026 must-watch openings across Asia Pacific, excluding China, in celebration of the start of the new year.
L’Escape, a Luxury Collection Hotel Seoul, Myeongdong in South Korea enchanted guests with Belle Époque-inspired sophistication in the heart of the city, and Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Singapore welcomed global explorers in the storied Bugis precinct.
Looking ahead, travellers can anticipate three extraordinary additions in the region later this year: the brand’s global lodge debut of Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge, an immersive sanctuary in Australia’s Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage area, JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa in India, redefining the great outdoors with a design narrative rooted in the romance of the wild, and Hotel the Mitsui Hakone, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa in Japan, offering an elegant retreat amid stunning mountain landscapes.
Emirates Wolgan Valley to reopen as world-first Ritz-Carlton Lodge after $50m refurb
“We are tremendously excited about this year’s lineup of new luxury openings across Asia Pacific. Among these milestones is the global debut of the Ritz‑Carlton Lodge, which underscores the continued growth and diversification of our Luxury Group portfolio,” Marriott International regional vice president, luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China Oriol Montal said.
“Insights from our latest luxury travel trends report, The Intentional Traveler, reveal that today’s affluent explorers are seeking deeper, more meaningful connections with the natural world. Notably, 92 per cent cite proximity to nature as a top priority and nearly one-third are planning wildlife or safari-inspired journeys in the year ahead. Our three luxury openings in 2026 directly reflect this growing desire for immersive, nature‑anchored experiences, each offering unparalleled access to some of the region’s most extraordinary destinations.”
L’Escape, a Luxury Collection Hotel Seoul
Nestled in Seoul’s cultural and shopping epicentre, L’Escape, a Luxury Collection Hotel Seoul, Myeongdong blends Belle Epoque elegance with the vibrant energy of the South Korean capital. Designed by acclaimed French master Jacques Garcia, the hotel is an ode to nineteenth-century France with its harmonious symmetry, antique-inspired furnishings, and intricate floral artistry. It features 204 refined rooms and suites equipped with state-of-the-art amenities.
Just moments from landmarks such as Myeongdong Cathedral, N Seoul Tower, and Bukchon Hanok Village, the hotel offers effortless access to the city’s cultural highlights. Culinary experience is elevated with French fine dining, distinctive Chinese cuisine, and a chic rooftop bar boasting skyline views.
With new signature Destination Discovery programs incorporating Korean sensibility and heritage for guests to discover the authentic charm of Seoul, the hotel stands as a testament to the timeless allure of French elegance and the warm hospitality of South Korea.
Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Singapore’s second Luxury Collection hotel and the first in the island state’s city centre, Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore invites guests to experience a refined expression of luxury shaped by the city’s rich heritage. Located within the dynamic Bugis district and with convenient access to Bugis MRT Station, the hotel offers an authentic glimpse into Singapore’s layered character.
The hotel’s transformation honors the building’s history, while continuing to offer guests elevated, seamless experiences throughout this new chapter. Anticipated to be fully transformed by 2027, the property will feature over 400 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, six distinctive dining and social venues, including an all-day restaurant, a spacious lobby lounge, and a relaxing pool bar. Frasers House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore is set to provide an immersive journey rooted in place, enriched by culture, and refined by modern luxury.
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge
Marking the brand’s global lodge debut, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge offers guests a deeply immersive escape within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Region. Set across an expansive 7,000-acre conservation reserve that occupies less than 2 per cent of the protected wilderness, the property is set to offer 40 elegantly appointed lodges, each featuring a pool and bespoke amenities.
The lodge promises an unparalleled sense of place with region-specific signature experiences, all inspired by the warmth and character of traditional Australian homestead. Guests can look forward to experiencing some of the world’s clearest night skies, discovering rare and ancient botanicals, and having up-close encounters with native species such as koalas, bare-nosed wombats, and brush-tailed rock wallabies.
JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Ranthambore Resort & Spa redefines the great outdoors with a design narrative rooted in the romance of the wild. Located in Sawai Madhopur in close proximity to the famed Ranthambore National Park, the resort features an intimate collection of 127 sanctuaries including tented suites and family tents.
Guests can discover a gastronomic theater comprising six unique dining and beverage concepts, complemented by the organic bounty of the on-site JW Garden. Dedicated to holistic well-being and family connection, the resort features a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a restorative Spa by JW, and a swimming pool. A curated suite of recreational spaces, including a dynamic Kids Club and an elegant Safari Lounge, ensures a stay that is as enriching as it is tranquil.
Hotel the Mitsui Hakone, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa
Opening in late 2026, Hotel the Mitsui Hakone, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa brings a new dimension of refined luxury to the historic landscapes of Kowakudani. Set across a breathtaking 135,000 square metres of storied mountain landscape, the hotel will feature 126 exquisitely appointed guest rooms, offering an immersive retreat surrounded by nature.
Built on the historical grounds of the family’s former mountainside villas, the hotel carries a rich cultural heritage that deepens its sense of place. Guided by the brand’s philosophy of “Embracing Japan’s Beauty,” the experience harmonises Hakone’s serene natural environment with sophisticated Japanese hospitality, creating a destination where history, culture, and contemporary elegance converge.
