“Life is short, the world is wide, and I wanna make some memories.”
DONNA SHERIDAN, MAMMA MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN
While some of us may have freshly come back from our year-end holiday, deep down, let’s face it—we are already planning our next getaway for 2026. What’s the hottest new destination to be ticked off our travel bucket list? Where is everyone heading in 2026?
Well, with the new year officially only a few days away, us at HIP figured it was time to share our 2026 travel bucket list. These new stays spanning across Southeast Asia are the current hotspots to check out. Read on to find out where we’re heading this next year! (And here’s to hoping our travel plans make it out of the group chat.)
MALAYSIA
Irama Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Address: 72 Jalan Pahang, Titiwangsa Sentral, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If you’re craving to be in the thick of the action, Irama Hotel is set to open in March of 2026, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Suitable for business or leisure travellers, the 5-star hotel provides unparalleled access to iconic landmarks and cultural attractions. Some of which include: The National Gallery, Merdeka 118 and Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.
Opening date: March 2026
Website: https://iramakl.com/
Conrad, Kuala Lumpur
Address: 25, Jalan Sultan Ismail Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, 50250, Malaysia
Whether it is your maiden visit to our capital city or you are a local on a staycation, Conrad Kuala Lumpur is the perfect home base for urban explorers. This hotel blends contemporary luxury with Malaysian heritage, featuring rich textures, geometric patterns inspired by traditional textiles and artistic elements. The opening, expected to happen mid-2026, would mark the brand’s debut in Malaysia.
Opening date: Mid-2026
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/kulskci-conrad-kuala-lumpur/
JW Marriott, Johor
Address: (not available yet)
Formerly Thistle Johor Bahru, JW Marriott is expected to open in December of 2026. Besides indulging in its exquisite design details, guests can look forward to facilities that include a tennis court, three pickleball courts, an outdoor resort-style swimming pool, a fitness centre and a signature spa featuring five treatment rooms with hydrothermal amenities.
Opening date: December 2026
Website: https://jw-marriott.marriott.com/
MALDIVES
V Villas by MGallery, Maldives
Address: Mirihi Island, 00190, Maldives
Encircled by vibrant coral reefs and a tranquil protected lagoon, the resort is the getaway for those who are desperate for a dose of nature. The distinctive all-villa resort was designed by the award-winning Studio Gronda and will feature 42 luxurious villas, including a mix of beach villas, overwater villas and expansive multi-bedroom suites with private pools.
Opening: Q1 of 2026
Website: https://mgallery.accor.com/
SINGAPORE
Disney Adventure, Singapore
Address: (not available yet)
Believing in magic is one thing. But experiencing it is another. In March of 2026, Disney Adventure becomes Disney Cruise Singapore’s first ship to homeport in Asia. Comprising 7 themed zones and hosting up to 6,700 guests, the Disney Adventure delivers a resort-style Disney experience at sea, designed for easy and magical getaways.
Opening: March 2026
Website: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/en-my/ships/adventure/
VIETNAM
Rixos Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Address: Khu pho Hon Thom An Thoi, Dac khu Phu Quoc, Tinh An Giang, Vietnam
Check in to Rixos Phu Quoc Vietnam for a taste of top-tier hospitality. Determined to combine indulgence with cultural depth, the resort has all the facilities and services for a memorable stay—that includes taking the Guinness World Record-holding longest non-stop three-way cable car to reach the property. The institution symbolises the resort’s entry into Southeast Asia and is set to open mid-2026.
Opening date: Mid-2026
Website: https://www.rixos.com/hotel-resort/rixos-phu-quoc
Park Hyatt, Phú Quốc, Vietnam
Address: 3X7R+78W, Bãi Trường, Tp. Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang, Vietnam
Should you be more partial to a spot of luxury, Park Hyatt Phu Quoc is where traditional Vietnamese architecture blends into pristine nature. Nestled on the southwest edge of the island, this private retreat boasts a 1.7km coastline of golden sand, surrounded by hills and a winding stream—a magnificent natural masterpiece. Indulge in the exquisite combination of contemporary art and timeless craftsmanship, created to provide unforgettable moments for families and guests of all ages on the pearl island.
Opening date: First half of 2026
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/park-hyatt/en-US/pqcph-park-hyatt-phu-quoc
Fairmont Hanoi, Vietnam
Address: 10 P. Trần Nguyên Hãn, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
The gorgeous Fairmont Hanoi is an ode to the vibrant city and located not far from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter. Its interiors draw inspiration from Vietnam’s traditional colors and intricate lacquer craft, blending Indochinese motifs with French colonial influences for an enchanting peek into the city’s fascinating history. Here, guests are treated to an urban resort of 241 luxurious rooms, with six dining and bar venues, including a rooftop restaurant, spa, fitness center, a bathhouse and two swimming pools.
Opening date: Available for booking now
Website: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/hanoi/fairmont-hanoi.html
Four Seasons, Hanoi
Address: (Not available yet)
For the right balance between modern luxury and local spirit, check into Four Seasons Hotel Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake, which is just minutes away from many museums, galleries, shopping and the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Set to open in 2026, the highly anticipated hotel offers elegant French colonial-inspired designs featuring a spa, pool, rooftop bar and exceptional dining. It is accompanied by views of the lake, just steps from Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Opening date: 2026
Website: https://www.fourseasons.com/
THAILAND
Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit, Thailand
Address: 10, 1 Sukhumvit 20 Alley, Khlong Toei, Khet Klong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Scheduled to open sometime in the first half of 2026, Fairmont Bangkok Sukhumvit is located in the vibrant heart of one of Bangkok’s major roads. The hotel’s interior would be a blend of Thailand floral heritage and timeless elegance. Comprising eight unique culinary venues—from immersive dining to a rooftop bar, further facilities include a kids club, pet-friendly options and a luxury spa.
Opening date: Mid-to-late 2026
Website: https://all.accor.com/a/en.html
Outrigger Phi Phi Island, Thailand
Address: 11 Moo 8 Laem Tong, Koh Phi Phi, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000, Thailand
Accessible only by boat, this secluded retreat is a private haven where powder-soft sands meet the crystal-clear waters of Thailand’s Andaman Sea. Perched along the tranquil shores of Laem Tong Beach, the resort invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and immerse yourself in the island’s enduring charm. Elegantly designed suites and villas combine traditional Thai aesthetics with modern comforts, offering breathtaking ocean views or peaceful garden settings.
Opening date: Early 2026
Website: https://www.outrigger.com/thailand/outrigger-phi-phi-island-resort
The Ratchawong, Bangkok
Address: (Songwat District, Bangkok’s Chinatown along the Chao Phraya River)
Despite promising all the products and services that speak of luxury, The Ratchawong feels less like a hotel and more like your coolest friend handed you the keys to their seriously stylish flat. The Ratchawong was once the historic Ratchawong Port that witnessed the coming and going of international ships. Today, it carries the legacy as a hotel that offers modern travelers the same ethos of cross-cultural connection and discovery.
Opening date: Early 2026
Website: https://www.theratchawong.com/
JAPAN
Capella Kyoto, Japan
Address: 130 Komatsucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0811, Japan
Capella Kyoto is a dreamy, one-of-a-kind lodging that houses 89 rooms that pay homage to Kyoto’s rich heritage through Japanese art and crafts. Located just steps from the Miyagawacho Kaburenjo Theater—famed for its geisha and maiko dances, each room features subdued colors and subtle textures, honoring the traditional culture of Kyoto’s entertainment district while reinterpreting it for a more contemporary experience with an eye to the future. Reservations are available from March 23, 2026 onwards.
Opening date: March 23, 2026
Website: https://capellahotels.com/jp/capella-kyoto
1 Hotel Tokyo, Japan
Address: 2-17-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku Minato City, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Step into a sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo, where the city’s natural beauty and timeless traditions intertwine in a breathtaking symphony. Beyond these walls, Tokyo’s vibrant pulse awaits—dynamic streets, tranquil gardens and cultural landmarks that celebrate the city’s rich heritage. Here, every detail pays tribute to nature’s resilience and the enduring spirit of Japan’s capital.
Opening date: March 2026
Website: https://www.1hotels.com/tokyo
PHILIPPINES
Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside
Address: (Westside City Township in Parañaque.)
Set to open in mid-2026, Mövenpick Manila Bay Westside will offer 1,530 exquisitely-designed rooms, making the hotel the world’s largest Mövenpick. This rebranding from Megaworld’s Grand Westside Hotel will house four dining spots, including a specialty Filipino restaurant, an international all-day dining venue, a bar and Mövenpick’s iconic complimentary afternoon experience—Chocolate Hour.
Opening date: Mid-2026
Website: https://www.grandwestsidemanila.com/en
Passports in Hand?
Basically, what we’re saying is: if our 2026 Travel Bucket List had a moodboard, these destinations are what you’ll find on it. From quiet luxurious hideaways to heritage-forward lodgings, we’ve got it all. Consider this as a sign—or an excuse—to start charting your route to these countries, clearing calendars and making room on that bucket list for what comes next.
“Tourist landmarks aside. These stays alone are worth the trip.”
THE HIP LIFE ASIA
For more inspiration for your 2026 travel bucket list mood board, here’s more ideas:
