The Family‑Forward Hotels Opening in 2026 That Harper’s World Is Watching Closely
At Harper’s World, we’ve always believed one thing very clearly: family travel is not about kids’ clubs.
It’s about how children are welcomed. How they’re spoken to. How much space they’re given to explore, learn, and feel like part of the experience — not an add‑on to it.
As more hotels announce openings for 2026, we’re seeing a familiar pattern: splashy amenities, bold design, and promises of luxury. Many of these new openings are clearly designed with adults in mind first — romantic escapes, wellness retreats, or highly stylized stays that leave little room for families. But very few properties truly understand families — especially multi‑generational families traveling together with different needs, interests, and energy levels.
That’s where Harper’s World comes in.
we’ve curated a list of brand-new hotels opening in 2026 that genuinely align with our philosophy. These are also the hotels we are most eager to visit in person — because at Harper’s World, anticipation is only the beginning. brand‑new hotels opening in 2026 that genuinely align with our philosophy. These are places that go beyond childcare and instead offer:
- Thoughtful design that works for families
- Cultural immersion children can feel
- Educational moments woven naturally into the stay
- Space for grandparents, parents, teens, and younger children to all feel at home
This is our definitive guide to the family-forward hotels opening in 2026 — and why Harper’s World is excited to watch them come to life, step inside them ourselves, and experience how families are welcomed in practice. family‑forward hotels opening in 2026 — and why Harper’s World is excited to watch them come to life.
La Réserve Firenze — Florence, Italy
Florence is one of the world’s greatest classrooms, and La Réserve Firenze understands that families don’t need entertainment here — they need space and proximity.
This new opening offers residential‑style accommodations inside a historic palazzo, allowing families to stay together while experiencing the city on foot. Children aren’t ushered away here; they’re invited into daily life — museums, piazzas, artisan workshops, and conversations over long meals.
Why Harper’s World loves it:
- Apartment‑style layouts ideal for families and multi‑gen travel
- Walkable access to history, art, and food culture
- A pace that encourages curiosity instead of schedules
This is family travel rooted in culture, not containment.
Cambridge House, Auberge Resorts Collection — London, England
London remains one of the most enriching cities for family travel, and Cambridge House offers a refined but welcoming base for exploring it.
Designed with a residential feel, this Auberge property prioritizes privacy, comfort, and calm — all crucial for families navigating a busy city. From nearby museums and parks to easy cultural access, children here learn by moving through the world, not being managed within it.
Why Harper’s World loves it:
- Residential energy that suits longer family stays
- Strong multi‑generational appeal
- A city that naturally teaches history, empathy, and global awareness
It’s a reminder that family‑forward doesn’t have to mean casual — it can be deeply polished.
Rocco Forte Palazzo Castelluccio — Noto, Sicily
Rocco Forte has long understood generational travel, and this new opening in Sicily reinforces that philosophy beautifully.
Set in Noto, a UNESCO‑listed Baroque city, the hotel invites families to slow down and absorb place — through architecture, food, and daily rhythms. Children experience Italy not as a vacation, but as a lived culture.
Why Harper’s World loves it:
- A family‑run brand that understands legacy travel
- Gardens and communal spaces that encourage togetherness
- A destination that rewards curiosity at any age
This is where memories are formed quietly — and last forever.
Grand Moon Palace Punta Cana — Dominican Republic
When it comes to purpose‑built family resorts, Grand Moon Palace Punta Cana sets a new standard.
Unlike properties that retrofit family amenities, this resort was designed from day one with families in mind. That means space, flexibility, and experiences that allow children to participate fully — not just be entertained.
Why Harper’s World loves it:
- Suites that accommodate real family life
- Programming that respects different ages and energy levels
- An environment where parents and children can both thrive
It proves that large‑scale resorts can still feel thoughtful.
Zannier Bendor — Île de Bendor, France
Few things spark a child’s imagination like arriving on an island.
Zannier Bendor, opening on a private island off the French Riviera, offers a car‑free environment where children are free to explore safely and organically. This is unstructured discovery at its best — swimming, walking, observing, and wondering.
Why Harper’s World loves it:
- A setting that encourages independence and exploration
- Outdoor‑led experiences instead of scheduled activities
- A sense of adventure that feels rare and meaningful
Here, children don’t need to be told what to do — the place teaches them.
Ikos Kissamos — Crete, Greece
Ikos has redefined what family‑friendly all‑inclusive can look like, and its new Crete opening continues that evolution.
With strong kids and teen programming alongside refined dining and cultural excursions, Ikos Kissamos offers families ease without sacrificing depth. Parents can relax knowing children are engaged — and learning — while still sharing meaningful time together.
Why Harper’s World loves it:
- Thoughtful programming across age groups
- European culture built into the experience
- A model that respects both parents’ and children’s needs
It’s structure done well — and with intention.
Four Seasons Resort & Residences Red Sea at Shura Island — Saudi Arabia
This is one of the most exciting new openings globally — not just for families, but for the future of travel itself.
Located within Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea development, this Four Seasons property places sustainability, marine education, and environmental respect at the center of the guest experience. For families, that means children learn by seeing the world differently.
Why Harper’s World loves it:
- Nature‑driven design that invites curiosity
- Marine ecosystems as living classrooms
- Residences that support multi‑gen travel
This is travel that expands worldviews.
Under Canvas Yosemite — California, USA
Some of the most powerful travel experiences happen outdoors.
Under Canvas Yosemite offers families an elevated way to experience one of America’s greatest national parks. With comfort balanced against immersion, children trade screens for stars and schedules for exploration.
Why Harper’s World loves it:
- Nature as education
- Designed specifically with families in mind
- Experiences that foster resilience and wonder
This is where kids learn how big the world really is.
Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Resort & Residences — Cayman Islands
Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman offers families a classic Caribbean experience — done right.
With calm waters, snorkeling, and expansive accommodations, this new opening prioritizes ease and safety while still delivering luxury. It’s the kind of place where grandparents, parents, and children can all move at their own pace.
Why Harper’s World loves it:
- A destination known for family friendliness
- Residences designed for longer, more comfortable stays
- Natural learning through ocean exploration
Sometimes, the best family trips are the ones that feel effortless.
Andaz Turks & Caicos at Grace Bay — Turks & Caicos
Grace Bay is one of the most family‑friendly beaches in the world, and Andaz’s upcoming opening brings a modern, design‑forward approach to it.
With planned family programming, suites, and residences, this hotel offers flexibility without losing polish. Children are welcomed as part of the experience — not managed away from it.
Why Harper’s World loves it:
- One of the safest, calmest beaches for families
- Space and design that work for real travel days
- A balance of freedom and support
It’s Caribbean travel reimagined for modern families.
As 2026 approaches, these openings signal a future where family travel is smarter, deeper, and more meaningful. But promise alone is never enough.
That’s why Harper’s World can’t wait to visit these hotels as they open — to see how families are treated in practice, how children are spoken to, and whether the experience truly honors curiosity, connection, and culture.
Only then will we understand how fully they live up to their promise.
And that’s exactly the kind of world we want to show our children.
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