For the past year, our Travel Curator editors and writers — from New York to Bali— have been in perpetual motion, doing what we do best: curating the world’s most extraordinary travel stays and experiences. We’ve dined with Michelin-starred chefs, drifted off between the softest linens, lingered in private plunge pools, discovered hidden spas, savored floating breakfasts, shopped designer boutiques, and gazed at inky, star-filled skies.
Now, the results are in, and we proudly reveal our highly curated Where to Go 2026 selection. From spiritual Bhutan to the craggy moonscape of Chile’s Atacama Desert to Italy, Bulgaria, Austria, France, the Netherlands, Africa, Japan, Mexico, the U.S., and more, our finds represent the next evolution in luxury travel. We encourage you to journey to several (or all) of these incredible destinations in 2026. Just be sure to tag us in your photos. Happy traveling.
(Words by Deanne Kaczerski, Shari Mycek, Becca Hensley, Brandon Perlman, Jake Emen, Ann Abel, Kathryn Romeyn, and Cara Gibbs)
North America
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen remains America’s chicest ski town, and its headline newcomer is White Elephant Aspen, opening late fall 2025 in the town’s West End. Known for its beloved Nantucket and Palm Beach siblings, the 54-room property brings playful sophistication to the Rockies. The hotel doubles as a living gallery, with more than 125 original artworks curated by Emily Santangelo, including pieces from Alex Katz and Robert Peterson. Signature restaurant LoLa 41 will serve seafood and sushi inspired by the 41st parallel, while an outdoor firepit, year-round heated pool, and courtesy BMWs keep comfort front and center. Steps from Aspen’s downtown core, the property blends ski access with intellectual cachet as it looks to cement itself among Aspen’s legends.
Boulder, Colorado
This hip, high-altitude town has been a health seekers hotspot since the turn of the century when travelers visited to breathe its fresh mountain air. Tinged with a hippie past, bolstered by a vibrant university, and enlivened by an upscale vibe, its attributes include the buzzy pedestrian Pearl Street Mall, hiking and biking trails aplenty, Frasca, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a summer Shakespeare festival that’s starred the likes of Val Kilmer and Annette Bening. But January 2027 brings something else. That’s when Boulder becomes the Sundance Film Festival’s new forever location. Visit in 2026 before Boulder gets thronged by celebrities and fan folks. Stay at Limelight Boulder, the biggest all-electric hotel in the country with 252 contemporary guest rooms.
Montana
Montana has never felt more like the frontier of American luxury. At Paws Up, 37,000 acres of wilderness double as a working cattle ranch with accommodations ranging from four-acre private homes to safari-style glamping camps. Its adults-only enclave, The Green O, offers design-forward accommodations, plethora of activities, and 100 miles of trails and Blackfoot River access. All eyes are also on Big Sky, where One&Only Moonlight Basin makes its U.S. debut in late 2025. Designed by Olson Kundig, the alpine resort features 73 rooms, cabins, and expansive private homes with direct gondola access to Big Sky Resort, Akira Back dining, and a 17,000-square-foot spa. For a more intimate take, The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg combines Relais & Châteaux polish with a working ranch spirit, offering canvas cabins, fly fishing, sleigh rides, and a new ski concierge service.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
Originally popular among wealthy Philadelphians and New Yorkers as a cooling summer retreat, the Poconos emerged between the 1950s and ‘70s as the honeymoon capital of the U.S. (Who remembers those kitschy heart-shaped beds and Champagne glass tubs.) Now the mountain enclave — which stretches from the Delaware Water Gap (to the east) to the Lehigh Valley (west) is seeing another incarnation: as a luxury travel destination. The Lodge at Woodloch (a Relais and Chateaux property) was among the first to emerge; now the Poconos is home to Serenité Private Members Club. It’s like the Yellowstone Club: five-bedroom homes and a spa by Tracy Lee. But on the East Coast.
Palm Beach, Florida
Lily Pulitzer pink-clad Palm Beach turned 150 last year. But the party continues with golden-age celebrations. Explore the signature architecture and glam-filled history from Green’s Pharmacy, the beloved luncheonette long ago made famous by Jackie O and JFK, to shopping on Worth Avenue, and a drive down Ocean Boulevard for a peek at the grand estates hidden behind trimmed hedges. Best stays: White Elephant Palm Beach, the pink-facade The Colony Hotel, and the newest hotel addition, pink-and-green Palm House, featuring Murano-glass chandeliers, a seashell tapestry installation, and poolside butlers who spritz pool goers with Evian and wipe smudged sunglasses.
Fogo Island, Canada
Few destinations feel as purposeful as Fogo Island Inn. It remains, on stilts, a global icon of regenerative luxury. The 29-room architectural masterpiece continues to pioneer community-driven hospitality where every stay supports local artisans and community initiatives. Guests can now book new seasonal residencies and culinary workshops exploring foraged ingredients and North Atlantic traditions, while the inn’s art programs and coastal hikes deepen traveler’s connection to place. Fogo isn’t just a retreat — it’s proof that luxury can sustain rather than consume.
Cabo, Mexico
Once the land of spring break and honeymoon clichés, Cabo has rewritten itself into a serious luxury destination. The Four Seasons Costa Palmas brings a new wave of barefoot-chic to the East Cape. Set on a two-mile stretch of swimmable beach it feels less like a resort and more like its own seaside village, anchored by a lively town square, the property unfolds into sleek villas, multiple pools, and restaurants that spotlight Baja’s farm- and sea-to-table bounty. Rosewood’s Las Ventanas al Paraíso is the grande dame of Cabo cool — think private plunge pools, tequila butlers, and stargazing from your terrace. With private jet access, high-end restaurants, and yachts dotting the marina, Cabo is now as much about over-the-top indulgence as it is about its iconic sunsets.
Costalegre, Mexico
Vivid turquoise water, prolific sea life, relentless stretches of sand, and few humans. With a moniker that literally means “happy coast,” it’s easy to imagine why Mexico’s 200-mile-long Costalegre is destined to become the country’s next quiet-luxury hot spot especially once the nearing-completion Chalacatepec International Airport opens, followed by 51-suite Six Senses Xala in 2027. More sublime open space is found at the vibrant 1,500-acre Las Alamandas, with a new artisanally designed suite opening in 2026, bringing the total to 19. For now, with only incredibly low-density resorts and sustainable developments available to travelers, it’s far enough from the fray that you can feel like the only people on earth.
Caribbean
The Caribbean is always on our Where to Go list. But our 2026 picks land on a few select islands: Antigua’s little sister, Barbuda, home to Princess Diana’s pink beach, welcomes The Nobu Beach Inn Barbuda in 2026; and we continue our love affair with Mustique, a private bourgeois island favored by royals and celebs and known for its fantasia of villas (did someone say Toucan Hill). We’ve also fallen in love with ‘the other side’ of St. Barth, as we immersed into the local wellness culture. Summer 2026 will find us back on the (yoga) mat at Hotel Manapany for Diana Bourel’s acclaimed Summer Yoga program.
Costa Rica
Go for the monkeys. Stay for the mesmerizing ocean and jungle views. We spent time this year at The Point Luxury Villa in Playa Langosta, a private residence (the primary bathroom and bed overlooking the sea are insane), and fell in love with the new Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Peninsula Papagayo). We dipped into the country’s proverbial thermal waters at Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River (Bagaces) and Hacienda AltaGracia (Santa Teresa de Cajón), and continue to eye the much-anticipated One&Only Papagayo still under development.
Europe
Lecce, Italy
With its candy-colored Baroque façades and quietly bohemian soul, Lecce is the crown jewel of Puglia’s Salento region. Long favored by artists and aesthetes, the town is enjoying a new wave of interest, thanks to a spate of contemporary art spaces and thoughtful new hospitality offerings. In 2026, all eyes are on Palazzo Luce, a design-forward boutique hotel set in a 15th-century palace, with a museum-worthy art collection and rooftop garden. Spend your days exploring frescoed chapels, ceramic ateliers, and nearby beaches that rival the Caribbean in hue. Lecce is that rare place where culture and coastline share the spotlight.
Lake Orta, Italy
Lake Orta is the hidden gem of northern Italy’s impeccable Lake District. Just an hour from Milan’s Malpensa airport and firmly in Piedmont, it’s less known and less busy than Lakes Como, Garda, and Maggiore, but it’s not any less lovely. It’s known for the picturesque town of Orta San Giulio and the tiny island of the same name, where the only year-round inhabitants are an order of nuns. It also has the most delightfully low-key place to stay, the La Darbia collection of serviced apartments, designed and run by a pair of local architect brothers who’ve imbued their less-is-more sensibility into other projects in the area. Here, lunch is served among the tomato plots of the kitchen garden.
Villa Beatrice, Portofino, Italy
Portofino has long played muse to the glitterati, but now a new jewel glimmers on its Ligurian coast. Villa Beatrice is Belmond’s latest cliffside gem — an exclusive five-bedroom estate just beyond the iconic Hotel Splendido. Reimagined by interior designer Martin Brudnizki, the villa brings painterly hues, trompe l’oeil flourishes, and Riviera nostalgia into perfect harmony. Exuding Wes Anderson film-set vibes, the entire villa can be reserved, complete with a private chef, pool, and boat mooring, for a weeklong escape that feels straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph. Portofino’s new crop of stylish restaurants and reimagined boutiques only add to the enchantment. This is la dolce vita in its most curated form.
Maremma, Italy
Sometimes called the Texas of Italy, thanks to its cattle and Italian cowboy culture, the Maremma occupies the lesser-traveled southern part of Tuscany that abuts the Tyrrhenian coastline and embraces an inland world of forests rife for hunting wild boars. Rich with Etruscan and Roman history, and known for its gastronomy, it holds an ancient hot springs paradise in a small village called Saturnia. Here, a spa hotel has presided at the mother spring since 1919. Called Terme di Saturnia, it was completely refurbished in 2020, then further enhanced in 2024. Most recently, it launched a cosmetic/spa line created from the thermal water’s rich mineral bounty. Check in to soak in the huge pool complex, enjoy spa treatments, and refuel with seasonal food and local wine.
Trieste, Italy
Lovers of Vienna won’t be able to get enough of Trieste, Italy’s very Austrian bolthole in the northern realms. It faces west on the Adriatic Coast, looking toward the rest of Italy, almost completely surrounded by Slovenia. Home to goulash, sausages, and Sacher Torte, the historical port city was a top Hapsburg harbor town. Today, abundant with Viennese-style coffeehouses and Austrian-style neo classical and art nouv architecture, it remains a cultural joy fest of various cultures: Italian, Austrian, and Croatian especially. Visit for its coffeehouses and the yachting life — especially enjoyable at Tivoli Portopiccolo, which opened last May. Just 20 minutes from downtown by car (or a short boat ride away), the European-style resort, replete with shops and restaurants, has its own marina and an electrifying beach club.
Liguria, Italy
Long overshadowed by glitzy Portofino, Liguria’s other coastal gems are now stepping into the limelight as Italy’s next great coastal escape. In towns like Santa Margherita Ligure (stay at the Grand Hotel Miramare), in Nervi (the Hotel Capitolo Riviera), in Rapallo (Excelsior Palace), and in Camogli (stay at Cenobio dei Dogi), pastel façades hug the shoreline while trattorias and boutique hotels channel Riviera glamour. New openings are reshaping the region as Michelin-minded chefs elevate Ligurian staples such as trofie al pesto and just-caught seafood into destination dining, while boutique beach clubs rival those of the Côte d’Azur. Hiking trails trace cliffs to hidden coves, ferries link to Cinque Terre, and Genoa’s international airport makes access effortless.
Bolzano, Italy
Many eyes will be on Milan and Cortina during the Winter Olympics in February, but it’s worth looking even deeper into the German-speaking regions of South Tyrol and the Dolomites. The regional capital Bolzano is a wealthy, off-the-radar city that wears its Italian and Austrian influences equally proudly — people sip Aperol spritzes while others shop for loden dirndls. It’s home to the lovely Castel Hörtenberg hotel, a Renaissance-era castle turned five-star hotel, an anthropologically significant glacial mummy that’s more than 5,000 years old and can be visited at the very good archaeological museum, and the innovative NOI Techpark, which attracts innovators from all over the world, giving the city a welcome multicultural vibe.
Bucharest
So sought after between the world wars that it was known as Little Paris, Bucharest shone with a tapestry of the era’s most captivatingly elegant architecture: neo Renaissance, art nouveau, art deco, and beaux arts to name a few. A haven for the intelligentsia and literati, it hummed with philosophers, artists, and the cognoscenti. Later, it suffered under a Communist’s regime, becoming melancholy and dispirited, a faded beauty. Embodying the city’s return to glamour, Corinthia Bucharest opened in March 2025. The restored 1873 Belle Époque jewel, set on Calea Victoriei, reigns as a national monument re-imagined as an all-suite hotel. With a restaurant ensconced in the former ballroom, curated cultural immersions (think heli bear-spotting trips), the hotel partners with Bucharest’s most creative denizens to bring guests the most stunning offerings from spa to gastronomy. Prepare to see a similar redo opening (2026 in Brussels when Corinthia Brussels, a landmark hotel, is re-invented with Michelin-starred dining and a spa that features Sisley treatments.
Scilly Isles, UK
A short flight from Cornwall, yet seemingly a world away, the Scilly Isles are Britain’s unexpected answer to barefoot island bliss. Think white-sand beaches, subtropical gardens, and a sense of otherworldly calm that feels more Greek isles than English archipelago. In 2026, look to Tresco Island for a stylish refresh of its beloved beachfront cottages and the Abbey Garden’s 190th anniversary programming. Stay at the newly renovated New Inn, now with a farm-to-fork kitchen and a raw bar that rivals Cornwall’s best. From sea-foraged suppers to flower-farming workshops and stargazing over the Atlantic, the Scillies are a masterclass in under-the-radar charm.
Scotland, UK
The most decadent way to see Scotland is aboard Belmond’s Royal Scotsman. Think: mahogany-paneled cabins, tartan throws, and Michelin-level dining while the rugged landscapes of the Highlands roll by. Off-train excursions range from private whisky tastings at centuries-old distilleries to spa treatments in a carriage dedicated entirely to wellness. It’s Downton Abbey energy on rails — with a dram of single malt, naturally.
Basque Country, Spain
The modernist cuisine that landed San Sebastian on the global gastronomes’ map is still going strong, and the haute barbecue restaurant Asador Etxebarri has been a cult favorite in foodie circles for a while now (and it’s currently number 2 on the World’s 50 Best). But what makes this northeastern corner of Spain extra-interesting now — alongside its medieval stone villages and primordial mountain faces — is the blossoming of Txispa, just up the hill. It’s the solo project of Tetsuro Maeda, who spent a decade in Etxebarri and now combines that mastery of fire with a collection of delicate influences from his native Japan.
Málaga, Spain
Once overlooked in favor of its splashier Andalusian sisters, Málaga is emerging as the region’s cultural powerhouse. The CAC and Carmen Thyssen now rival the Picasso Museum, and Soho’s graffiti-lined streets teem with new galleries and design studios. The city’s culinary scene is also undergoing a renaissance, led by hot spots like Kàran Bistró and Liceo, where natural wines pair with reimagined tapas. In 2026, check into the brand-new Nobu Hotel Málaga, set in a restored 18th-century building, complete with a rooftop pool and sake bar. For travelers seeking grit, soul, and seaside sophistication, Málaga always delivers.
Finland
Known for its ethereal winters, design-forward capital, and untamed Lapland wilderness, Finland is having a luxury moment. Helsinki, long celebrated for its neoclassical boulevards and cutting-edge architecture, welcomes the much-anticipated Waldorf Astoria Helsinki this year — transforming a historic landmark into the city’s newest grande dame. In the heart of the city, Helsinki Sauna Society adds a sense of ritual and culture, offering artful, design-forward sauna sessions that reflect Finland’s deep connection to steam, silence, and social communion. Farther north, Lapland continues to enchant with glass igloo stays and aurora-chasing adventures, balancing folklore with modern indulgence. Whether it’s sauna rituals on the Baltic or midnight sun dinners under the Arctic sky, Finland offers a uniquely Nordic spin on five-star escapism.
Albania
Offering seductive notes of Greece and the Amalfi Coast (think crystal-clear waters and hidden coves), less developed and far-more-private Albania is upping the Mediterranean ante. Luxury yachts are increasingly docking along the Albanian Rivieria, especially in places like Sarandë and Dhërmi, the airport is expanding, and international luxury hotels brands (InterContinental, Marriott, and Hyatt) are beginning to arrive. One of the most talked-about projects — Sazan Island Resort, a partnership between Jared Kushner and Aman Resorts — is still a few years away but already has travelers taking note. The estimated $1.6 billion enclave will include luxury resorts, private villas, a marina, and fine-dining restaurants.
Frankfurt, Germany
Often considered a drab layover city, Frankfurt — earning its urbane nickname “Mainhattan” — boasts a bevy of attractions. Consider its first-in-class museums, fine restaurants, apple-wine taverns, and the spa villages on its verges. But, sometimes it takes a new hotel to fan the flames. In Frankfurt’s stylish Sachsenhausen district, discover The Florentin, an Althoff COLLECTION hotel and member of Leading Hotels of the World. Opened in November 2025, the family-owned hideaway is housed in the glamorous Villa Speyer, which dates back to 1901. Exceptionally restored and renovated with contemporary elements such as a modern architectural extension, The Florentin has two signature restaurants, a spa, and butler service.
The Austrian Alps
Austria’s alpine luxury scene is often overlooked and two properties have caught our attention. On Lake Fuschl (just 25 minutes from picturesque Salzburg), the storied Rosewood Schloss Fuschl has reemerged as one of Europe’s most anticipated restorations, blending its 15th-century bones with the brand’s contemporary polish. Just west in Tyrol, eriro, a nine-suite hideaway, offers ski-in, ski-out seclusion and is accessible only by cable car. The property champions sustainability and seasonality, with 90 percent of its structure built from wood harvested in its own forest, while dining centers on foraged alpine ingredients cooked over an open fire. Its lux subterranean spa offers treatments inspired by mountain arnica and St. John’s wort, while guided barefoot hikes, yodeling workshops, and pottery with local artisans immerse guests in Tyrolean culture.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam celebrated its 750th anniversary in 2025, but don’t worry, the party will still be going in 2026. The place to stay is undoubtedly the new Rosewood Amsterdam, housed within the former Palace of Justice. It’s an elegant and iconic setting that places you right amid the Canal District. Get ready to explore all of the city’s many museums and historic attractions, including the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House. Don’t skip out on a little upstart that’s also coming off its own banner year: That’s the liqueur giant Bols, famous for its Blue Curacao, which revamped its Cocktail Experience and received a key to the city in honor of its 450th anniversary.
Iceland
The land of fire and ice continues to entice travelers beyond its geothermal glow. Known for its hotsprings, The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland — a 62-suite resort with subterranean spa, private lagoon access, and Michelin-level dining is an absolute must if wellness is at the top of your 2026 resolution list. Also worth noting: Blue Lagoon has plans for further expansion, with a second Retreat-branded property anticipated to open in the Icelandic highlands by 2027. To continue your wellness journey, Reykjavík’s oceanfront Sky Lagoon has elevated its signature seven-step ritual with a new expansion featuring Iceland’s largest oceanview sauna and a cold plunge carved directly into volcanic rock. Wellness seekers are also heading to Hvammsvík Hot Springs, a sustainably built sanctuary where natural pools merge with the sea. Across the island, there are several boutique luxury openings including Höfði Lodge, a luxury adventure lodge in northern Iceland, Skáld Hotel (Hilton Curio Collection) located in the countryside of Akureyri, and Heiðin House, a small group of designed residences just outside Akureyri in North Iceland — all signaling a shift towards exploration of Northern Iceland.
Greenland
Long considered a place where that part of the world still feels undiscovered, Greenland is emerging as luxury travel’s bold new frontier. Expedition yachts are charting its fjords, heli-adventures drop guests on untouched glaciers, and remote lodges like Ilimanaq Lodge pair sustainability with next-level seclusion. Imagine sipping Champagne while drifting past icebergs the size of cathedrals — Greenland is rewriting cold as the hottest ticket in high-end adventure travel.
Sophia, Bulgaria
Sofia may not be the first city that comes to mind for a chic getaway, but the capital of Bulgaria is quietly drawing the design-savvy crowd. Neoclassical boulevards meet Ottoman mosques, with wine bars, boutique hotels, and a fast-emerging art scene shaking off the city’s utilitarian past. Luxury brands are taking notice too — the InterContinental Sofia, with its sweeping views of Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and sleek contemporary interiors, anchors the city’s hospitality scene and signals its rise on the international stage. Add in mountain views just beyond the city limits and a thriving café culture, and Sofia suddenly feels like Eastern Europe’s best-kept secret.
Sarlat-la-Canéda, France
Sarlat is the sort of place that stays with you long after the trip has subsided. An impossibly charming town, Sarlat lies in the heart of the Dordogne region, with cobbled lanes, honeyed stone walls, and an unmistakable sense of time standing still. But don’t let the medieval setting fool you — 2026 is poised to bring a creative renaissance. The new Hôtel Saint-Alban opens in a restored 17th-century mansion, pairing period charm with pared-back elegance. Nearby, Château de Beynac is debuting candlelit dinners and immersive history tours. After morning market strolls and afternoon river dips, settle into a meal of black truffle ravioli and Périgord wine under the stars. For slow living with soul, this is it.
Africa
Kiva Lake, Rwanda, Africa
Truth be told, this is an add-on to a safari or gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda, but what an add-on it is. Many years in the making and set to finally open in 2026, the new project from Italy’s game-changing, village-tourism Sextantio group combines a fresh authenticity with a meaningful commitment to regenerative travel. The Capanne (HUTS) Project on Nkombo Island consists of two traditional huts built in the style of those found in the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda in Butare. These are the base for a nature and cultural immersion via experiences like lake excursions in dugout canoes, traditional night fishing, and visits to local villages. One hundred percent of its profits will be donated to provide health insurance for the neediest in Rwanda.
Mauritius, Africa
With about 800 square miles of land, Mauritius is among the smaller nations in the world. Yet, it punches far above its weight class when it comes to luxury escapism and serene getaways. Stay at the Shangri-La Le Touessrok on the island’s eastern edge. The property reopened at the end of 2024 after an extensive renovation, now combining its almost half-century track record of relaxed yet swanky beach hospitality with an upgraded, more contemporary resort experience. While the island nation in the Indian Ocean may seem incredibly far removed — it’s about 700 miles off the coast of Madagascar, itself off the coast of Africa — there are direct flights from Paris, making it a more approachable destination than many realize.
Morocco, Africa
The Royal Mansour in Marrakech has established itself as a global pinnacle for hospitality and extravagance. Private multi-story riad accommodations are rich in ornate detail, the grounds are immaculate, and the service team is unrivaled. Now, the brand has grown from a single hotel into a group, with openings in Casablanca and Tamuda Bay, a stretch of coastline outside of Tangier and under the Strait of Gibraltar. How about spending a week visiting the best of Morocco while staying at each of these tantalizing properties? Explore the bustling medina of Marrakech and its myriad winding alleys, visit the gigantic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca — and Rick’s Cafe, of course — and then unwind on the sunny coast, for a Moroccan tour de force done right.
South America
Atacama, Chile
Walking on the moon Atacama desert style has never been dreamier. Following a year-long closure, the one-with-nature minimalist Tierra Atacama reopened this season, showing off a $20 million refurbishment. The number of guest suites was actually reduced from 32 to 28, creating a more intimate ambiance; four of those exclusive suites now come with private plunge pools, retractable pergolas (for stargazing) and dedicated vehicles, with their own personal guides, for exploring the region’s vast salt flats, high-altitude lagoons, and volcano. Additional resort highlights include chic locally inspired décor, thoughtful features like ethanol fireplaces, and expanded culinary and wellness experiences. Be among the first to breathe it all in.
São Paulo, Brazil
The largest city in the Americas has something for everyone: a world-class museum and arts collection, an incredible, multi-cultural dining landscape, and shopping galore You’ll also come away impressed by its luxury hotels, including none less than the new W São Paulo, a luxe, contemporary take on the brand which may have you changing your opinion on the W. The Rosewood São Paulo is also an impeccable choice. Start your culinary explorations in the city at Márcio Silva’s Eximia, a bar and restaurant from the Brazilian hospitality icon focused on indigenous flavors, and also visit Tan Tan, where founder Thiago Bañares showcases the best of Japanese cuisine and cocktails in the city with the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.
Asia
Vietnam
Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay is transforming from a quick day-trip destination to a luxury long-stay escape. And InterContinental Halong Bay Resort is the reason. Set on the southern coast of Bai Chay in northern Vietnam, the new resort faces UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay while neighboring Bai Chay’s lively streets. The resort’s architecture weaves together narratives from ancient folklore, while celebrating the interplay of land, sea, islands, and inlets that define Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty. Foodies take note as the hotel is also redefining northern Vietnam’s culinary scene with its six dining venues including the region’s first Cantonese restaurant and a rooftop sake bar. Offsite, explore ethical pearl farms, floating villages, and early-morning fish markets.
Singapore
Singapore has always dazzled with its mix of colonial heritage and sci-fi skylines. The iconic Raffles brand expands with Raffles Sentosa Singapore, the nation’s first all-villa resort where private pools and butler service meet tropical seclusion. At the same time, the eco-minded Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree brings immersive, sustainable luxury to the island’s lush northern reserves. Between Michelin-starred hawker stalls, heritage enclaves, and jaw-dropping rooftop bars, the city-state proves once again that it’s as much about indulgence as it is about innovation.
Bhutan
Bhutan is no longer just for wish lists — it’s for those seeking something deeper. In 2026, the Himalayan kingdom continues to set the gold standard for regenerative travel, with luxe new offerings that are as conscious as they are covetable. Gangtey Lodge unveils its new meditation suites overlooking the Phobjikha Valley, while &Beyond’s debut Bhutan property introduces immersive treks with Bhutanese guides and chefs. You’ll still find snow-capped peaks, fluttering prayer flags, and fortresses cloaked in incense — but now with farm-to-table feasts, carbon-negative stays, and a heightened sense of purpose. This is not just a place you visit. It’s a place that transforms you.
Beijing & The Great Wall
Beijing offers visitors a mix of history and modernity at an enormous scale, in a way that few other places on the planet can match. It can be a lot to take in. Enjoy a peaceful pause at the new Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing, the brand’s second offering in the city. After your reprieve, continue onto the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven, for starters. If you’ve made it this far, then you have to finish the job and go one step more. The Great Wall is reachable as a day trip from Beijing, but for an even more immersive experience, spend a night or two at Commune By The Great Wall, a member of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, which provides guests with a rare level of access and proximity to this (new) World Wonder.
Hong Kong
First is the unexpected greenery: the tropical flowers, lush palms and rubber trees, sandy beaches, and walking trails. Then, the museums: Hong Kong Palace Museum and the new M+, a contemporary masterpiece. Now, 2026 promises more high luxe: the opening of Terrace Boulud, headed by celebrated French chef Daniel Boulud; the massive reimagination of the landmark Mandarin Oriental; and a new marina and indoor arena at Airport City. Anchor your stay at The Peninsula Hong Kong, the legendary “Grande Dame of the Far East.” And be sure to fly Cathay Pacific’s new Aria Suite Business Class featuring a sliding door, lay-flat beds, fresh (Michelin-star) cuisine, and even curated art work.
Osaka, Japan
Major metropolis that it is, Osaka has somehow stayed off the must-visit list for many American tourists who are dead set first and foremost on Tokyo and Kyoto. It’s time for that to change. One great reason is that the city’s hotel scene has gotten a face lift. The new Waldorf Astoria Osaka opened in 2025, filling a huge need by bringing top-tier luxury to the city. In addition to the brand’s signature Peacock Alley bar, don’t skip an evening at Canes & Tales, its glamorous 1930s, jazz-inspired cocktail bar and lounge. Now when you get back from a zany afternoon or evening exploring the frenetic, neon-tinged, snack-filled Dotonburi district, you’ll be able to slip on your robe and find some serenity from the city’s clamor.
Bali
Bali is either the idyllic dreamscape you’ve always yearned to visit, or the over-touristed, past-its-best island to avoid, depending on your perspective or experience. How about casting aside such preconceptions and giving the island’s freshest face the new chance it deserves. Yes, the crowds and tourist traps can be intense in some parts of Bali, such as Seminyak and central Ubud. Not on the southern coast of Uluwatu, where you’ll find the gorgeous Umana, part of the LXR Hotels & Resorts lineup. The resort offers stunning clifftop views, incredible Balinese cuisine, and all-villa accommodations with private pools and walled-in yards that are staggering in size. Crowds? What crowds?
Australia
New (and anticipated) luxury hotel openings have us watching one of our proverbial Where To Go favorites — Australia. Three ‘Down Under’ hotels specially have garnered our attention: the already-opened (in 2025) Levantine Hill (part of the Levantine Hill Estate), features 33 suites and is romantically set among vineyards. Two new luxe properties slated to open in 2026, include Ritz-Carlton, Gold Coast Queensland, that will hug the waterfront at Mariner’s Cove; and The Lands by Capella, part of the Sandstone Precinct (alongside Capella Sydney), coming soon to Sydney’s picturesque harbor.
Feature image courtesy of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort.
