Elk — Travelrags

National GeographicSep 2, 2026

These Are the 20 Best New Hotels in the World

From a reimagined 18th-century villa in Malta to a mountain paradise near Yellowstone National Park, these just-opened and reopened hotels are unique, chic, and guaranteed to be worth the journey.

23 things in this story

Harbor House InnHotelhistoric property on Highway 1 in Elk
Greenwood CoveSightseals, sea lions, otters seen here
Elsewhere
One&Only Moonlight BasinHotelBig Sky, United Statesalpine retreat near Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky ResortSightBig Sky, United Statesprivate gondola takes guests to slopes
Lee Metcalf WildernessTrailBig Sky, United Stateshorseback riding nearby
Akira BackRestaurantBig Sky, United StatesMichelin-starred, known for wagyu and sushi
Jean-Michel Cousteau ResortHotelSavusavu, Fijiconservation retreat on Vanua Levu
Koroi Forest CampHotelArusha, Tanzanialodge in Arusha National Park
AirellesHotelVenice, ItalyFrench luxury hotel brand in Venice
Guerlain spaSightVenice, Italylargest spa in Venice, 18,300 square feet
Lee’s PoolsSightBig Sky, United Statespaddleboarding and fly-fishing at resort
MoonshackRestaurantBig Sky, United Statesspeakeasy-style cabin serving top-shelf whiskeys
Château la CommaraineHotelPommard, Francewine estate in Burgundian village of Pommard
Clos de la Commaraine vineyardSightPommard, Franceprized premier cru monopole, nine acres
Auprès du ClocherRestaurantPommard, FranceMichelin-starred restaurant steps away
Caiman, PantanalHotelPantanal, Brazileco-resort near world's largest tropical wetland
Casa CaimanHotelPantanal, Brazilconverted farmhouse, main lodge with 18 rooms
Villa BaiazinhaHotelPantanal, Brazilprivate six-room stay
Villa CordilheiraHotelPantanal, Brazilexclusive seven-room option
OnçafariPlacePantanal, Brazilconservation project guests can see work
Instituto Arara AzulPlacePantanal, BrazilHyacinth Macaw Institute, conservation project
Coral SandsHotelHarbour Island, Bahamasbeachfront inn with cottages on Harbour Island
The Pink MermaidRestaurantHarbour Island, BahamasItalian fare with Caribbean twist

Read the full piece at National Geographic →

AfarAug 10

Pack the Car—California’s Pacific Coast Is Calling

From redwood-lined cliffs in Mendocino to yacht charters in Newport Beach, California’s 820-mile coastline is a road trip unlike any other. Along the California’s coastline, infinite adventures await.

21 things in this story

Harbor House InnHotelInn attracting foodies with a celebrated restaurant.
Elsewhere
Post Ranch InnHotelBig Sur, United StatesRomantic retreat overlooking the Pacific in Big Sur.
Alila Ventana Big SurHotelBig Sur, United StatesRetreat among the redwoods in Big Sur.
Ferry BuildingFerry terminalSan Francisco, United StatesMarketplace featuring the city's best local purveyors.
The DutchieRestaurantMorro Bay, United StatesSeafood spot in Morro Bay.
Golden Gate BridgeSightSan Francisco, United StatesOne of the Wonders of the Modern World.
Timber Cove ResortHotelJenner, United StatesCozy lodge overlooking the Pacific with modern design.
Carmel Beach HotelHotelCarmel-by-the-Sea, United StatesNewer sister property to L'Auberge Carmel.
Oracle ParkSightSan Francisco, United StatesAttend a Giants game from March to September.
WaterbarRestaurantSan Francisco, United StatesOffers Pacific oysters and a massive wine list.
Cavallo PointHotelSausalito, United StatesHistoric lodge offering bay views.
Nick's CoveHotelTomales Bay, United StatesCozy hotel with kayaks and a restaurant.
Point Reyes National SeashoreNature reservePoint Reyes Station, United StatesOffers beachside hikes and seasonal whale watching.
Nicholson HouseGuest houseMendocino, United StatesVictorian-era house serving local cuisine and microbrews.
Sea Ranch LodgeHotelSea Ranch, United StatesEco-friendly buildings integrated into the coastline.
Fort Ross State Historic ParkSightJenner, United StatesHistoric park near Timber Cove Resort.
17-Mile DriveTrailMonterey, United StatesPicturesque drive on the Monterey Peninsula.
Casa PalmeroHotelPebble Beach, United StatesHistoric lodging on the Monterey Peninsula.
L'Auberge CarmelHotelCarmel-by-the-Sea, United StatesFive-star hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Grassy Bar Oyster CompanyRestaurantMorro Bay, United StatesSeafood spot in Morro Bay serving oysters.
ChamisalRestaurantSan Luis Obispo, United StatesLocated in a tranquil setting just 10 minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo in the beautiful Edna Valley.

Read the full piece at Afar →