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Hotel News This Week: New Barbados All-Inclusive, Andaz Utah, Nobu Maldives, and More (February 2026)

Travel
February 16, 2026
The Points Party Team
Infinity pool by the ocean under clear blue sky

Key Points

  • Several major hotel brands announced conversions and openings this week, including Marriott's first Tribute Portfolio all-inclusive resort in Barbados featuring 88 rooms starting at 447 per night.
  • Hyatt expanded its Destination collection with the 312-room Seaview Hotel & Golf Club in New Jersey (12,000 points nightly), while Radisson added the historic Palazzo San Gottardo at Lake Como.
  • Upcoming luxury properties include Nobu's first Maldives resort with private island estates, Andaz's inaugural mountain resort in Utah's Heber Valley, and InterContinental Port Moresby opening late 2028.

The second week of February 2026 brought significant hotel news across multiple brands and regions. From Caribbean all-inclusives to mountain resorts and overwater villas, the developments this week offer travelers new redemption opportunities and aspirational properties to watch. Whether you're planning your next award stay or dreaming about future luxury escapes, here's everything you need to know about this week's hotel announcements.

New Hotel Openings You Can Book Now

Crystal Cove Barbados Joins Marriott as First Tribute Portfolio All-Inclusive

Marriott Bonvoy expanded into the all-inclusive space with Crystal Cove, Barbados, marking the first Tribute Portfolio branded all-inclusive resort. Located on Barbados's platinum coast, this 88-room property brings boutique luxury to the all-inclusive format.

The resort features thoughtfully designed accommodations spread across rooms and suites, all with Caribbean-inspired aesthetics. Two restaurants anchor the dining program, complemented by a coffee shop for morning pick-me-ups. The property emphasizes its beachfront location with comprehensive water sports offerings included in the all-inclusive rate.

Families will appreciate the dedicated children's activities program, while adults can enjoy the pool with its swim-up bar. The property positions itself as upscale casual, focusing on authentic Barbadian experiences rather than mega-resort amenities.

Cash rates start at $447 per night for the all-inclusive experience. Award availability through Marriott Bonvoy points hasn't been loaded yet, which is typical for newly converted properties. Expect award pricing to appear within 2-4 weeks as the property integrates fully into the Bonvoy system.

For Marriott Bonvoy members earning points through cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant or Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, this represents an interesting redemption option once award charts go live. All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean typically command premium point valuations due to the meal and activity inclusions.

Seaview Hotel & Golf Club Joins Hyatt's Destination Collection

Hyatt welcomed the historic Seaview Hotel & Golf Club in New Jersey to its Destination by Hyatt portfolio this week. This conversion brings 312 total accommodations to the World of Hyatt program, including 296 guest rooms and 16 suites spread across the property's classic architecture.

The resort has anchored New Jersey's golf scene for decades, and that heritage continues with its championship golf course remaining a centerpiece amenity. Indoor and outdoor pools serve different seasons, while the fitness center and nature trails cater to active travelers year-round.

Dining spans several on-site restaurants, and an art gallery adds cultural programming beyond typical resort activities. The property appeals to both leisure travelers seeking a coastal escape and golfers planning multi-day golf trips.

As a Category 4 property, award nights start at just 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night. This pricing makes it accessible for members using free night certificates earned through Hyatt credit cards or Milestone Rewards. Category 1-4 certificates, including those from the World of Hyatt Credit Card and Brand Explorer bonus, work perfectly here.

Cash rates begin at $158 nightly, delivering solid value especially when point redemptions dip below 1.3 cents per point in value.

The Destination by Hyatt collection continues growing as the brand converts existing independent hotels rather than building from scratch. This approach fast-tracks property additions while maintaining unique character that differentiates from standard Hyatt brands.

Palazzo San Gottardo Brings Lake Como Luxury to Radisson

Radisson Collection added another European gem with Palazzo San Gottardo Lake Como in Italy. This historic property originally opened in 1926 and carries nearly a century of hospitality heritage along the shores of Lake Como.

The hotel offers 70 guest rooms and suites, all refreshed while maintaining period architectural details. Three dining venues anchor the culinary program, ranging from casual to upscale. The spa provides treatments using local ingredients and techniques, while private experiences on Lake Como itself let guests explore the region by boat.

Lake Como has long attracted travelers seeking Italian elegance, and this addition gives Radisson Rewards members a redemption option in one of Europe's most desirable destinations. Cash rates start at $322 per night, positioning it as an upscale property even by Lake Como standards.

Point redemptions through Radisson Rewards use dynamic pricing averaging around 0.25 cents per point in value. Members should calculate whether points or cash delivers better value based on seasonal pricing fluctuations common in European resort destinations.

Upcoming Hotels to Watch

Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherd's Bush Opens April 2026

Hotel Indigo's latest London property targets an April 1, 2026 opening in the Shepherd's Bush neighborhood. The 231-room hotel brings IHG One Rewards to a West London location with strong transport connections and neighborhood character.

Standard Hotel Indigo amenities include a restaurant, bar, spa, and fitness center. The brand emphasizes locally-inspired design, so expect decor reflecting Shepherd's Bush's music heritage and multicultural community.

Advance bookings show cash rates from $177 nightly, competitive for London accommodations especially considering the included amenities. Award pricing through IHG One Rewards hasn't populated yet but should appear as the opening date approaches.

For travelers earning points with the IHG One Rewards Premier Card or IHG One Rewards Traveler Card, this adds another London redemption option to complement existing IHG properties like the InterContinental Park Lane and Kimpton Fitzroy.

InterContinental Port Moresby Brings Luxury to Papua New Guinea

IHG announced plans for InterContinental Port Moresby, scheduled to open in late 2028. This marks a significant development for Papua New Guinea, a country with limited international luxury hotel presence.

The 179-room property will include several restaurants, a pool bar, extensive meeting and event facilities, a Club Lounge, fitness center, and outdoor pool. InterContinental brand standards suggest this will cater heavily to business travelers alongside tourists exploring Papua New Guinea's unique culture and natural beauty.

Port Moresby serves as Papua New Guinea's capital and main international gateway. Business travel dominates current hotel demand, making InterContinental's brand positioning appropriate for the market.

While 2028 seems distant, award travelers should watch this development. Papua New Guinea requires significant flights to reach from most origins, making it ideal for complex award routings that maximize points value. Pairing flights earned through transferable points programs with an InterContinental stay could create memorable trips to an undervisited destination.

Andaz Heber Valley Becomes First Mountain Andaz Resort

Hyatt's Andaz brand ventures into mountain resort territory with Andaz Heber Valley in Utah, scheduled to open in 2029. This represents the first Andaz property designed specifically for year-round mountain activities.

The 85-room resort will feature a spa, restaurant, and immediate access to ski slopes and outdoor recreation. Heber Valley sits about 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, positioning it between Park City's established ski scene and less crowded mountain terrain.

Utah's ski resorts have gained popularity with both domestic and international travelers in recent years. Andaz's entry into this market signals recognition of growing demand for boutique luxury mountain experiences beyond traditional ski resort brands.

For World of Hyatt members, this adds another Globalist-friendly redemption option in ski country. The timing means it won't open until winter 2029-2030 at earliest, giving travelers years to accumulate points and plan future ski trips.

Nobu Hotel, Residences, and Restaurant Maldives Planned

Nobu Hospitality announced plans for its Maldives debut, combining hotel villas, residential estates, and signature dining. The property will include 26 beach villas, 30 overwater villas, and 10 Nobu Island Estate Residences.

The estate residences represent the property's most exclusive offering. Each sits on its own private island with dedicated yacht access, creating ultra-luxury accommodations beyond typical Maldives resorts.

Standard amenities will include a Nobu restaurant (the brand's signature), bar and lounge, spa, fitness center, and pool. Given Nobu's culinary reputation, the restaurant will likely become a draw for guests staying at other Maldives resorts.

No opening timeline was announced, and details remain preliminary. However, this adds to Maldives' growing luxury hotel inventory. The destination has seen significant development recently, with new properties from major brands seeking to capture high-end leisure demand.

Award availability specifics haven't been determined since the property isn't affiliated with a major hotel loyalty program. Cash rates will likely position at the ultra-luxury end of Maldives pricing given the Nobu brand and private island estates.

Other Notable Hotel News

Calala Island's Anniversary Promotion

Ultra-exclusive Calala Island launched an unusual promotion celebrating its 10th anniversary. The property will pay guests $2,510 via wire transfer for bookings made before May 10, 2026.

The promotion includes both cash and award bookings, with a minimum 4-night stay required. Travel must be completed by June 10, 2027. Award stays cost 240,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Calala Island sits in Nicaragua's Caribbean waters and accommodates just 8 guests total across 4 villas. The $2,510 payment effectively reduces costs substantially, though the property remains premium-priced even with the incentive.

For travelers sitting on large Hilton Honors point balances, this creates an interesting value proposition. The payment combined with point redemptions could deliver memorable experiences at lower net cost than typical Caribbean ultra-luxury resorts.

Grand Hyatt DFW Completes $34 Million Renovation

Grand Hyatt DFW at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport finished its comprehensive renovation started in July 2025. The project transformed guest rooms (increasing room count from 298 to 315), the restaurant, and meeting facilities.

Additional updates include a redesigned lobby, upgraded fitness center, and new indoor-outdoor event space with runway views. The property serves both airport travelers and local Dallas-area guests for events and dining.

Airport hotels rarely generate excitement, but this renovation positions Grand Hyatt DFW as a competitive option for overnight stays between flights or as a base for exploring Dallas. World of Hyatt members can take advantage of the refreshed property while earning and redeeming points.

FAQ

How do I know when new hotels will be available for award bookings?

Most hotels join loyalty programs 2-4 weeks after conversion or opening. Check the loyalty program's website or app regularly, as award availability often appears before official announcements. You can also set up alerts through hotel search tools that monitor award space.

Are newly opened hotels good value for points redemptions?

It varies by property and program. Some hotels price at lower categories initially to drive awareness, while others command premium pricing due to demand. Check cash rates versus point requirements to calculate cents-per-point value. Generally, aim for at least 1 cent per point for Hyatt, 0.7-0.8 cents for Marriott, and 0.5 cents for IHG.

Should I book hotels announced years in advance?

For aspirational properties like Andaz Heber Valley or Nobu Maldives, keep them on your radar but wait for confirmed opening dates before committing points or cash. Hotel construction frequently faces delays. However, researching now helps you plan point accumulation strategies for future trips.

How do I maximize points value at all-inclusive resorts?

All-inclusive properties like Crystal Cove Barbados often deliver higher points-per-dollar value because meals and activities are included. Calculate the total cash cost including food and drinks, then divide by points required. All-inclusive redemptions frequently exceed 1.5 cents per point in value, especially for families.

Conclusion

This week's hotel news demonstrates the industry's continued evolution with new all-inclusive options, mountain resorts, and ultra-luxury properties entering major loyalty programs. The Marriott Bonvoy all-inclusive expansion, Hyatt's Destination collection growth, and upcoming Andaz mountain resort signal brands responding to changing traveler preferences.

For points and miles enthusiasts, each announcement represents potential future redemption opportunities. The key is tracking developments, understanding category placements when announced, and accumulating points strategically to position yourself for the properties that match your travel goals. Whether you're eyeing Crystal Cove Barbados for your next Caribbean getaway or dreaming about Nobu Maldives for a future anniversary, staying informed about hotel news helps you make smarter booking decisions with both points and cash.

This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue sharing points and miles strategies with the community.

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