As the pace of modern life accelerates, the very nature of travel is evolving. For many, a trip is no longer just about ticking off famous landmarks or lounging on a beach. It’s about seeking deeper connections, embracing slower journeys, and finding meaning in new experiences. This shift is reshaping the global tourism landscape, with luxury travel advisors and industry leaders pointing toward destinations that offer more than just five-star service—they offer a chance to reconnect with nature, with family, and with oneself.
The annual ILTM North America conference, where the world’s top luxury travel advisors convene, has become a key barometer for these emerging trends. Conversations at this event often foreshadow where travelers will be heading next. The consensus is clear: the most desirable trips in 2026 are those that combine stunning natural beauty with authentic cultural immersion.
This comprehensive guide compiles insights from leading travel experts to reveal the most anticipated destinations and experiences for the year ahead.
The New Frontier of Luxury: Slow, Meaningful Journeys
According to Simon Mayle, the director of ILTM, the modern traveler is moving beyond the “five-star” standard to find something more profound. The rise of slow transport and destinations that blend nature, culture, and family connection are two major themes driving this change. The goal is to escape the digital grind and reconnect with the world in a more intentional way.
1. Palawan, Philippines
Mayle is particularly excited about Palawan, an archipelago he calls “one of the few places I’ve not been.” He highlights the unique blend of Catholic and indigenous cultures, along with the incredibly blue water and thousands of islands. The eco-minded El Nido Resorts on various islands are a top recommendation for travelers seeking a luxurious yet sustainable escape.
2. Pantanal and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
While Brazil has not been a traditional safari destination, that is changing rapidly. The Pantanal, a vast tropical wetland, is emerging as a new wildlife frontier, with ambitious conservation efforts leading to a growing leopard population. This offers travelers the opportunity to combine a vibrant urban cultural experience in Rio de Janeiro with a unique, conservation-focused safari.
3. Sumba, Indonesia
Far from the crowded shores of Bali, Sumba is a place of striking natural beauty and authentic, living culture. It offers a glimpse of Southeast Asia before mass tourism, with untouched coastlines and wild horses running along the beaches at sunset. Sumba’s indigenous community remains vibrant and active, providing a rare chance for genuine cultural immersion. For a truly unique experience in the region, sailing Indonesia aboard a handcrafted phinisi yacht like the Dunia Baru offers a luxurious and remote adventure.
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand is experiencing a major renaissance in luxury travel. In Queenstown, the new Roki Collection is set to elevate the destination’s appeal. The property’s design emphasizes astronomy, nature, and architecture, bringing a new level of sophistication to one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
5. Albania
Albania is stepping into the spotlight as Europe’s newest summer hotspot. Its position on the Adriatic Sea, combined with beautiful beaches, historic towns like Berat, and a welcoming culture, make it a compelling alternative to more crowded Mediterranean destinations. Beaches like Ksamil, often called the “Maldives of Europe,” are a major draw, with prices that remain more accessible than those in Greece or Croatia.
The Allure of Cooler Climates and Undiscovered Corners
Georgia Schley Ritchie, an Atlanta-based luxury travel advisor, notes a clear shift toward “coolcations”—destinations with cooler climates for summer travel. She also sees a growing interest in underexplored corners of classic destinations.
6. Sicily, Italy
Sicily is more than just its “White Lotus” fame. With ancient ruins, dramatic coastlines, and a burgeoning food and wine scene, the island offers immense variety. Ritchie recommends Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte property in Palermo, as a prime example of the kind of high-end experiences available. She anticipates growing interest in Sicily’s western coast as more luxury options become available.
7. Namibia
For safari enthusiasts who have already visited Botswana or Tanzania, Namibia offers a fresh, distinct perspective. The country’s stark, cinematic landscapes, massive sand dunes, and unique desert-adapted elephants and lions create a safari experience unlike any other.
8. Rwanda and Zimbabwe
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda continues to be a top bucket-list experience, with demand showing no signs of slowing down. Similarly, Zimbabwe is re-emerging as a premier safari destination. Ritchie praises properties like Fothergill Island at Lake Kariba for their six-star service, combining a classic safari with a visit to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.
9. Bhutan
Bhutan, often called the “last Shangri-La,” is a destination that left a lasting impression. Its commitment to limited tourism ensures it remains authentic and uncrowded. The country offers a fascinating culture, beautiful landscapes, and a serene atmosphere, making it a must-add to any traveler’s list.
10. The Nordics
Cooler climates are a growing trend, with destinations like Iceland, Norway, and Scotland becoming popular summer escapes from the heat. Small-ship cruises in these regions are also on the rise, offering an intimate and luxurious way to experience the dramatic fjords and landscapes.
Urban Reimagination and The Rise of The “Private” Experience
David Rappel, a Miami-based luxury travel advisor, specializes in creating highly customized, hands-on itineraries. He sees a major trend in the reinvention of classic urban hotels and the increasing demand for private, exclusive experiences.
11. New York City
New York is seeing a revival in its luxury hotel scene with the reopening of two major icons. The legendary Waldorf Astoria New York is back, transformed with a smaller number of rooms to create a more spacious and exclusive feel. Additionally, the new Faena New York is bringing its signature blend of art and culture to Manhattan’s luxury scene, promising a bold and artistic experience.
12. London
London continues to be a favorite for both business and leisure travel. Two highly anticipated openings are on the horizon. The Chancery Rosewood, a transformation of the former U.S. Embassy on Grosvenor Square, is expected to bring a new level of hospitality to the city. Meanwhile, Six Senses London will introduce its renowned wellness-focused brand to the U.K., featuring a three-floor spa and a large indoor pool.
13. Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, the new Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is set to elevate the country’s luxury offerings. Located within the protected Papagayo Peninsula, the property will focus on sustainability and cultural immersion. With just 36 villas and 14 estate homes, it promises an exclusive, intimate connection with nature.
The Evolution of Luxury: Wellness, Heritage, and Bespoke Design
Jason C. Miller, founder of the travel company Accomplished, is most excited about how urban luxury hotels are evolving. He points to a new kind of city stay that integrates wellness, heritage, and cutting-edge design, creating experiences that feel as restorative as a remote resort.
14. Six Senses’ European Capitals
The expansion of the wellness-focused brand Six Senses into European capitals like London, Rome, and Milan is a significant trend. These new urban properties aim to provide a sanctuary in the heart of the action, allowing travelers to prioritize their well-being without sacrificing a prime location.
15. Mandarin Oriental, Vienna
Vienna is having a moment, and the new Mandarin Oriental is set to become a major draw. Housed in a beautifully transformed 19th-century courthouse, it is expected to be a perfect blend of Viennese heritage and contemporary sophistication.
16. Orient Express: Trains, Hotels, and Yachts
The iconic Orient Express brand is redefining luxury travel by expanding its offerings across land and sea. The new La Dolce Vita luxury train will revive the golden age of rail travel across Italy, while new hotels in Rome and Venice will extend the brand’s aesthetic. The upcoming Orient Express yachts will also bring five-star service to the water, offering a new, multi-modal luxury experience.
17. Branded Yachts: Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons
The entry of luxury hotel brands like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons into the yachting world is set to transform the cruise industry. These luxury yachts are designed to feel like a floating five-star hotel, appealing to a younger demographic and travelers who traditionally avoid cruises.
Adventure & Wellness Retreats
18. Costa Rica
The Papagayo Peninsula welcomes Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a sustainable resort blending cultural immersion with luxury. With only a handful of villas, it emphasizes exclusivity and ecological awareness.
19. Utah, USA
The Black Desert Resort near Zion National Park is redefining American desert luxury, combining golf, wellness, and outdoor adventure against dramatic red-rock backdrops.
20. Sicily, Italy
Following its “White Lotus” fame, Sicily remains irresistible with its Greek ruins, rugged coastlines, and evolving food-and-wine culture. Hotels like Villa Igiea in Palermo set new luxury standards.
21. Abacos, The Bahamas
An hour’s flight from Florida, the Abacos combine turquoise waters and private-island resorts like Montage Cay, bringing understated luxury to one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic regions.
Luxury Journeys & Experiential Travel
22. Orient Express: La Dolce Vita
Reviving the golden age of train travel, the La Dolce Vita Orient Express will journey across Italy, combining retro glamour with modern luxury. Complementary hotels in Rome and Venice, plus luxury yachts, will expand the brand’s multi-modal travel experiences.
23. Explora Journeys & Small-Ship Cruises
Explora Journeys, often compared to a “Four Seasons on the water,” is setting new standards in cruising with refined design, curated dining, and intimate voyages.
24. Ritz-Carlton & Four Seasons Yachts
Luxury hotel giants are setting sail with their own branded yachts, merging the comforts of five-star hospitality with the freedom of ocean exploration.
25. Madrid, Spain
Often overshadowed by Barcelona, Madrid is stepping into the spotlight with new luxury hotels like the Santo Mauro Palace, redesigned by Lorenzo Castillo. Coupled with world-class museums and an evolving food scene, Madrid offers the perfect blend of history and modern elegance.
26. Vienna, Austria
The new Mandarin Oriental Vienna, set in a 19th-century courthouse, merges Viennese heritage with modern sophistication. Vienna’s cultural resurgence makes it one of Europe’s must-visit cities.
As the world continues to open up, the desire for travel that is not only luxurious but also meaningful and personal will continue to grow. The destinations and experiences highlighted by these experts are more than just a list of places to go; they are a reflection of a new era in travel, one that values connection, purpose, and unforgettable experiences over mere opulence.
