Eleven unforgettable hotels in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations reflect growing demand for cultural immersion, nature-forward escapes, personalized city stays, and next-generation resort experiences
SUMMARY: Preferred Hotels & Resorts has expanded its prestigious Legend Collection with 11 exceptional properties across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, bringing the collection to more than 125 luxury hotels worldwide. Reflecting growing demand for destination-led luxury travel, the new additions showcase key trends shaping the sector, including cultural immersion, regenerative and nature-based escapes, personalized urban experiences, and destination-defining resorts, while reinforcing the collection’s focus on distinctive character, exceptional service, and a strong sense of place.
NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, announces the continued expansion of its prestigious Legend Collection with the addition of 11 distinguished properties in 2026. The growth has brought new representation across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, further strengthening a collection that now encompasses over 125 legendary properties worldwide.
From an exclusive retreat on its own island in Venice and a landmark luxury hotel in the heart of Bangkok, to a new forest sanctuary in India and a highly anticipated resort destination in the United Arab Emirates, the 2026 additions exemplify the unique character, exceptional service, and sense of place that define the Legend Collection. Representing the highest echelon of luxury within Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio, the Legend Collection is home to unforgettable hotels and resorts worldwide that stand apart through their personalized and intuitive service, renowned dining, exquisite accommodations, and spectacular scenery.
“Today’s luxury traveler is not looking for one prescribed idea of the perfect hotel. They are seeking experiences that speak to their individual interests, whether that means reconnecting with nature, engaging with a destination’s cultural heritage, discovering a new culinary perspective, or experiencing an iconic city from a more personal point of view,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “The latest additions to our Legend Collection reflect this shift while sharing the distinctive character that make each of them a legendary hotel.”
Cultural Destinations with Heritage at the Center of the Stay Travelers are increasingly drawn to hotels that preserve the stories, traditions, and architectural identity of their destinations, a shift supported by findings from Preferred Hotels & Resort’s Luxury Travel Report. At Dusit Thani Bangkok, contemporary luxury is expressed through Thai-inspired design, cultural rituals, and the gracious hospitality that has defined this celebrated landmark for more than seven decades. In Morocco, the new Palais Jamaï Fès opening in October 2026 occupies a restored late 19th-century palace overlooking the historic city, offering an evocative gateway to the enduring heritage of Fes. Another new launch, Serras Sevilla, which made its debut in September 2026 in the heart of one of Spain’s most culturally rich cities, provides an elegant base from which to experience its architecture, gastronomy, and Andalusian spirit.
Regenerative and Nature-Based Travel Continue Gaining Momentum As travelers continue seeking opportunities to slow down and make more conscious choices with their travels, experiencing nature is becoming an increasingly important part of the luxury hotel experience. Set amidst 76 acres of ancient forests of the Western Ghats mountain range in India, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, which made its debut in July 2026, offers a secluded retreat where guests can immerse in the extraordinary biodiversity, culture, and slower rhythms that define the Coorg region. Along the shores of Nevada’s Lake Tahoe, the LEED Silver-certified Edgewood Tahoe Resort pairs refined lakeside hospitality with sweeping mountain scenery, outdoor experiences, and a strong connection to its alpine setting.
Personalized Urban Stays Offer a More Intimate Way to Experience Iconic Cities Luxury city travel is becoming more personal, with travelers seeking distinctive hotels that reveal a different side of familiar destinations. Set on its own private island in the Venetian Lagoon, San Clemente Palace Venice combines the heritage of Venice with the privacy and opulence of a secluded resort. In Lisbon’s historic Baixa Pombalina district, MYTHIC SANA Downtown Suites offers an intimate and highly personalized base in the heart of the Portuguese capital, with a unique Golden Sleeves butler service that tailors every detail – from in-room cocktails to bath rituals – to each guest’s preferences.
Located on Barcelona’s prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, BLESS Hotel Barcelona brings together bold design, gastronomy, fashion, and culture in one of the city’s most vibrant districts, while BLESS Ibiza The Site reimagines the iconic island through a sophisticated lens that blends contemporary luxury with Ibiza’s celebrated lifestyle and creative energy. In Charleston, The Cooper offers a distinctly Southern interpretation of luxury, pairing waterfront views and elegant design with an authentic connection to one of America’s most historic cities. Collectively, all of these newly opened in 2026 properties demonstrate how today’s most sought-after urban hotels are moving beyond accommodation to become gateways to the culture, lifestyle, and unique rhythm of their destinations.
The Rise of Destination-Defining Resorts Across the Middle East, significant investment in tourism is giving rise to a new generation of world-class destinations and Wynn Al Marjan Island stands as one of the most anticipated examples of this evolution. Set to debut in Ras Al Khaimah in spring 2027, the landmark development will bring a fully integrated resort experience to the United Arab Emirates for the first time, featuring a dazzling 70-story tower that houses more than 1,500 luxury accommodations, over 20 dining venues, a beach club, and other luxury amenities that include a private marina, lush gardens, and pools.
The Legend Collection members that have joined the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio in 2026 include:
Wynn Al Marjan Island (United Arab Emirates) – New Opening – Launching in spring 2027
About Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 625 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. Through its curated global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit PreferredHotels.com.
