Luxury travel in 2026 is more than just five-star accommodations and white-glove service—it’s an immersive blend of culture, wellness, sustainability, and personalization. From reimagined hotel concepts in Asia and the Middle East to transformative experiences on the Nile and Arctic expeditions, the global luxury landscape is evolving to meet the desires of a new generation of discerning travelers.
Elite travel consultancies and hospitality trend analysts note that luxury today is defined not only by extravagance but also by authenticity, privacy, and wellness-centered living. Hotels and resorts are no longer static places to sleep; they are cultural hubs, architectural landmarks, and gateways to deep exploration. This shift reflects the rising demand for destinations that prioritize unique storytelling, eco-conscious practices, and tailor-made experiences.
Among the standout players driving this renaissance is Mandarin Oriental, whose innovative properties—from Dubai to Xi’an—set the tone for the future of global hospitality.
Mandarin Oriental Dubai: Redefining Elegance in the Desert
When the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah in Dubai opened its doors, it quickly became one of the city’s most coveted addresses, offering an oasis of sophistication along the Persian Gulf. Designed as a seamless balance between modern minimalism and Arabian opulence, the property reflects Dubai’s status as a crossroads of culture, innovation, and luxury.
The hotel’s prime beachfront location gives guests access to one of Dubai’s rare stretches of unspoiled sand, while its skyline-facing rooms provide a mesmerizing view of the city’s futuristic architecture. The interiors are marked by floor-to-ceiling windows, bespoke furnishings, and curated artworks, creating an atmosphere that is both serene and cosmopolitan.
Dining has become a centerpiece of the Mandarin Oriental Dubai experience. From Netsu, a Japanese steakhouse specializing in warayaki-style grilling, to Tasuro, a refined Cantonese fine dining concept, the culinary offerings rival the best in the world. This reflects a broader trend where hotels are not just accommodations, but culinary destinations in their own right.
Wellness also sits at the heart of the property. The Mandarin Oriental Spa, with its sprawling treatment suites, hammams, and state-of-the-art therapies, is a sanctuary for both relaxation and renewal. Programs emphasize holistic healing, mindfulness, and cutting-edge wellness technology, appealing to a new class of travelers seeking balance amid the city’s fast pace.
What sets the Mandarin Oriental Dubai apart is its ability to balance the ultra-modern with the timeless, offering a sanctuary in a city known for its ambition. For the global traveler, it represents the epitome of cosmopolitan luxury with a local soul.
Mandarin Oriental Xi’an: A Cultural Retreat in China’s Ancient Capital
Xi’an, one of China’s most storied cities, has long been regarded as the gateway to Chinese civilization. Once the capital for 13 dynasties and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, it remains a living museum of heritage, most famously home to the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. In 2029, Xi’an will also welcome a landmark in modern hospitality: the Mandarin Oriental Xi’an, an urban resort blending historical reverence with contemporary luxury.
Unlike traditional city hotels, this property has been envisioned as a luxury sanctuary within an urban environment. Drawing inspiration from the Tang Dynasty, the resort’s design language incorporates sweeping roofs, tranquil courtyards, and lush landscaped gardens that echo the cultural grandeur of Xi’an’s golden age.
Wellness and Holistic Experiences
At the heart of the resort lies an emphasis on wellness and rejuvenation. Guests will be invited to experience natural hot springs, exclusive to the property, along with a world-class Mandarin Oriental Spa featuring hot spring pavilions, hydrotherapy pools, and treatments rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. With the inclusion of an indoor-outdoor infinity pool, yoga pavilions, and meditation retreats, the resort is positioning itself as one of China’s premier destinations for holistic travel.
The property will feature 166 spacious guestrooms and suites, each designed to capture Xi’an’s seasonal beauty with terraces, curated artworks, and bespoke interiors that merge contemporary comfort with subtle nods to ancient craftsmanship. In addition, seven private villas with plunge pools will provide travelers with exclusive privacy—ideal for families, dignitaries, or wellness seekers in need of complete seclusion.
Dining at Mandarin Oriental Xi’an will be a cultural journey in itself. The resort is set to open five signature restaurants, including a Chinese specialty venue highlighting Shaanxi cuisine, along with refined international options. From traditional hand-pulled noodles to fine teas sourced from historic plantations, every element reflects the city’s culinary legacy.
The opening of Mandarin Oriental Xi’an signals a new era in Chinese luxury tourism. It acknowledges that discerning travelers today seek authentic connections to history and culture, not just luxury in isolation. By situating itself in a city as historically rich as Xi’an, the property becomes both a retreat and a cultural gateway, offering a rare opportunity to explore China’s deep past while enjoying the comforts of world-class hospitality.
Aman’s Janu Turks & Caicos: Redefining Caribbean Luxury
Few names in global hospitality carry the same weight as Aman. Known for ultra-exclusive retreats that emphasize privacy, serenity, and harmony with nature, the brand has become synonymous with discreet luxury. But Aman’s younger lifestyle brand, Janu, is charting a new course—one that focuses less on seclusion and more on connection, community, and energy.
In 2026, the Caribbean will become home to this philosophy with the opening of Janu Turks & Caicos, the brand’s first property in the Americas. Set on the northwest coast of Providenciales, the resort is designed to be an immersive lifestyle hub within an 1,800-acre nature reserve, combining pristine ecosystems with forward-thinking hospitality.
A New Vision of Wellness
Unlike traditional luxury resorts that highlight privacy above all else, Janu emphasizes social wellness—the belief that well-being thrives when people engage with one another. At Janu Turks & Caicos, this will take shape through communal spaces that encourage connection, including an apothecary bar, an IV lounge, and a meditation studio.
Guests will also enjoy a 50-meter pool and holistic spa programming that blends traditional therapies with modern wellness innovations. This approach aligns with a growing demand among luxury travelers who value experiences over amenities—a shift seen across the global hospitality industry.
The architecture of Janu Turks & Caicos reflects a balance between Caribbean lightness and Aman’s minimalist aesthetic. Villas and residences are designed with indoor-outdoor living in mind, featuring open terraces, lush landscaping, and views over white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Food and drink will play a central role in the resort’s lifestyle concept. Anchored by a beach club, Janu Turks & Caicos will host multiple dining experiences, blending Caribbean flavors with international influences. The culinary program is envisioned not only as a dining option but as a social connector, bringing guests together through curated events, themed nights, and chef-led tastings.
Xi’an, China – A City of Timeless Echoes
To walk through Xi’an is to walk through layers of history. Once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the capital of no fewer than 13 dynasties, the city hums with a unique rhythm: ancient yet forward-looking, rooted yet restless. Its most famous residents—the Terracotta Warriors—stand in silent formation, guardians of an emperor’s afterlife, yet the city around them is anything but still.
Modern Xi’an is a living tapestry where tradition and innovation collide. Narrow alleys spill with the aroma of cumin lamb skewers and hand-pulled biangbiang noodles, while electric scooters zip past centuries-old city walls that remain among the best preserved in the world. Luxury hotels have found a natural home here, offering travelers a chance to explore the ancient wonders by day and retreat into contemporary elegance by night.
Tokyo, Japan – Janu: A New Chapter in Japanese Hospitality
In Tokyo, where tradition and futurism intertwine at every street corner, the arrival of Janu, Aman’s sister brand, signals a new era in luxury travel. While Aman has long been synonymous with discreet exclusivity and serene escapes, Janu steps into the spotlight with a more social, contemporary vision—one designed for the modern traveler who seeks connection as much as calm.
Set in the vibrant heart of Azabudai Hills, Janu Tokyo is more than a hotel—it is a cultural hub. Light-filled interiors draw from Japanese minimalism, while communal spaces are designed to foster interaction, whether over tea ceremonies, wellness workshops, or Michelin-starred dining. Guests can retreat to spacious suites with skyline views of Tokyo Tower, yet the spirit of the property lies in its ability to blur the line between the private and the communal.
Park Hyatt Marrakech – Desert Luxury at the Atlas Foothills
Set against the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the Park Hyatt Marrakech offers a sanctuary where Moroccan tradition meets modern refinement. Terracotta walls, tranquil courtyards, and lush gardens create an atmosphere of understated elegance. Guests can explore the souks of the Medina by day, then retreat to rooftop terraces that glow under desert sunsets—a perfect balance of cultural immersion and serene escape.
Private Aviation – The Sky as the New Lounge
Private aviation has become more than transport; it’s an extension of luxury hospitality. Personalized itineraries, bespoke cabin designs, and seamless journeys from runway to resort redefine the meaning of travel freedom. For high-net-worth explorers, the aircraft is no longer just a vessel—it’s the first chapter of the experience.
Nile River Cruises – Time Travel on the Water
A cruise down the Nile remains one of the most evocative journeys in the world. Modern luxury vessels glide past ancient temples and timeless landscapes, offering a perspective that few other experiences can rival. From Aswan’s colorful souks to Luxor’s grand monuments, the river stitches together Egypt’s past and present in a way that feels almost cinematic.
Arctic Adventures – The Edge of the World in Style
For those seeking extremes, the Arctic has emerged as the ultimate luxury frontier. Expedition yachts and eco-conscious lodges bring comfort to one of the planet’s most remote regions. Watching the Northern Lights from a glass-domed cabin or stepping onto untouched ice with expert guides redefines what it means to escape—transforming wilderness into wonder.
Fiji Escapes – Barefoot Luxury Meets Island Culture
In Fiji, luxury is defined by simplicity and authenticity. Resorts built with local craftsmanship offer overwater villas framed by turquoise seas, while cultural experiences—like kava ceremonies and village visits—bring travelers closer to the islands’ spirit. It’s barefoot luxury at its most meaningful: indulgence balanced with community and sustainability.
