Luxury Travel Trends 2026

As 2026 unfolds, luxury travel continues to evolve; less about opulence, more about slowing down, seeking natural beauty, restorative retreats and journeys anchored in a sense of place. From Arctic silence to Italy’s mountain spas, from wild Indonesian islands to the rise of off-season Europe - wellness, adventure and crowd-free exploration sit alongside the established coolcation trend, the growth of luxury sailing and a renewed focus on food, craft and small-scale producers.

These are the places, and the moods, shaping the way we explore the world in 2026.

The Dolomites
  • Svalbard - in style

    Far north, Svalbard continues to rise as the ultimate coolcation destination. Once the realm of polar researchers, it now draws travellers chasing solitude in style. Small-scale expeditions by Secret Atlas glide through icy fjords, but it’s the luxury Aqua Expeditions - making its debut with Aqua Lares in the Polar regions - that sets a new standard. Days unfold past glaciers, spotting Arctic foxes and, with luck, polar bears, before dining beneath the midnight sun. Here, luxury is pared back to its purest form: crisp air, a vast Arctic desert, and an overwhelming sense of stillness - a world away from the world.

    Click to read my article in Travel + Leisure about travelling to Svalbard in winter.

    Enquire here about travel to Svalbard.

  • Celebrating milestones - with travel

    Family milestone travel is having a moment and rightly so. More families are choosing to mark life’s chapters not with things, but with journeys. Think a private yacht sailing through Greece for a mythology-loving daughter’s graduation trip; an 80th birthday celebrated in a Puglian masseria with e-bikes and olive grove lunches; or a whole family decamping to celebrate a milestone anniversary with a vow renewal in Positano. Multi-generational escapes where every age finds joy: hot-air balloons over Tuscany, family-style dinners under the stars, laughter echoing through ancient stone courtyards. These trips go beyond holiday - they become family legend.

    Enquire here about your next family journey.

  • Piedmont

    Piedmont - a quiet corner of Italy

    Piedmont remains Italy’s best-kept secret, offering the soul of Tuscany without the crowds. Days unfold through Barolo vineyards and medieval hilltop towns, truffle markets and hazelnut groves. There’s a richness here - of flavour, culture, and pace. Chocolate artisans in Turin, long lunches under vine-draped terraces, and evenings savoured over local wine. It’s a destination for travellers who seek authenticity with elegance, indulgence with understatement. In Piedmont, time stretches, and everything tastes just a little better for it.

    Enquire here about exploring Piedmont

  • The Dolomites

    The Dolomites - the peak of wellness

    The Dolomites is home to some of Italy’s finest spa hotels - Forestis, Lefay Dolomiti, Aman Rosa Alpina, COMO Alpina - which turn mountain air into medicine and snow-dusted summits into sanctuaries. Days unfold hiking from wildflower meadows to craggy peaks, with time for wild swims in glassy alpine lakes, before evenings are spent in panoramic saunas watching the mountains turn gold. Lefay’s Gruel achieved its Michelin star in 2024 and Forestis’ new dining concept, Yera, elevates alpine cuisine to refined nourishment rooted in nature, delivered with extraordinary precision. 

    Enquire here about travel to the Dolomites.

  • Palermo

    Europe - off-script, off-peak and on point.

    The art of travelling off-season is evolving. As Europe’s high summer grows hotter and more crowded, discerning travellers are moving differently. Spring and autumn now belong to those who prefer still piazzas, softer light and the freedom to wander at a more relaxed pace. At Wild Herz, we love to go one step further and guide travellers towards lesser-seen beauty: Lake Maggiore over Como, Piedmont over Tuscany, Girona over San Sebastián. It’s mornings spent exploring empty cobbled streets, afternoons with local winemakers, and unhurried evenings. Off-peak is no longer a compromise; it’s the smarter and more refined way to roam.

    Enquire here about escaping the crowds.

  • Greece

    Greece - where the lesser-known islands shine

    The Greek Islands are timeless, but the way we experience them is evolving. The new wave of understated luxury is steering travellers away from Mykonos and Santorini towards more secluded shores. Gundari on Folegandros, The Rooster on Antiparos, Odera on Tinos - each offers intimacy, thoughtful design, and an unfiltered sense of place. These islands are harder to reach, but that’s their charm and their authenticity is preserved through inaccessibility. For those who crave exploration, charter a private yacht, move with the wind, and drop anchor in hidden coves. Greece remains sun-drenched summer stalwart, yet these islands offer a slower, more considered kind of luxury.

    Enquire here about exploring Greece

  • Indonesia

    Beyond Bali - Indonesian island exploration

    Indonesia continues to evolve beyond Bali. On the wild island of Sumba, Cap Karoso and NIHI blend raw natural beauty with impeccable style, each offering an insider appeal that draws travellers in the know. Further north, Ta’aktana in Labuan Bajo provides a gateway - through discreet over-water villas - to the Komodo Islands. The real magic, however, is on and under the water: private phinisi yachts weaving between volcanic islands, diving with manta rays, and watching the sun dissolve into pink horizons. This side of Indonesia is for travellers who crave untamed landscapes, quiet reflection, and authentic experiences - all with a feel of wild bohemian luxury.

    Enquire here about exploring Indonesia.

  • Mallorca

    Mallorca - no longer the add-on

    The Balearic island of Mallorca is entering a new golden age. With the arrival of the Four Seasons, it has firmly established itself as a destination of five-star sophistication, yet it’s the island’s diversity that truly captivates. Wander Palma’s cobbled streets, rich with history and vibrant gastronomy, or escape to Deià and the Tramuntana mountains, where pine forests and olive groves tumble toward rugged turquoise coves. Spend leisurely days wine-tasting or exploring sea caves by private boat. The island’s secret lies in lingering, Mallorca rewards those who take their time.

    Enquire here about exploring Mallorca

  • Switzerland

    Switzerland - summer, elevated

    Switzerland has long been perfection personified, a balance of natural beauty and refined experiences. Beyond the polished lakes and precise trains lies a country made for active travelers. Bike trails stretch for miles, hikes lead to wild swims beneath waterfalls, and mountain villages invite days of cheese-making and chocolate tasting. The landscapes are cinematic yet accessible, ideal for couples or families seeking nature without extremes. Within the coolcation, wellness and activity trend, Switzerland is a summer dream: crisp air, pristine waters, and cities that combine heritage and charm.

    Enquire here about exploring Switzerland

  • Okinawa

    Okinawa - Japan's coastal revelation

    Okinawa has long been Japan’s island paradise, but it’s entering a new chapter. The arrival of Rosewood Miyakojima and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Okinawa in 2027 signals a fresh era of refined island living. Think crystalline beaches, coral reefs alive with colour, and service that fuses ryokan-level warmth with contemporary design. Days unfold at an unhurried island pace — sea breezes, spa rituals, sunset omakase overlooking endless blue. After a culturally rich journey through Japan, Okinawa has become the perfect finale to reflect on your time exploring. 

    Enquire here about your next trip to Japan

  • Next-level luxury cruising

    Luxury cruising has evolved. The focus has shifted from scale to soul: smaller vessels, thoughtful design, curated routes and a pace that lets you breathe. The Ritz-Carlton Yachts and Explora Journeys have already redefined what life at sea can feel like - private, elegant, deeply considered. Now, the forthcoming Orient Express Corinthian promises to elevate things further with teak decks, expansive suites and a one-to-one crew ratio. At the same time, private yacht charters are rising fast, offering the freedom to tailor every moment - from hidden coves to chef-led dinners under the stars. For many travellers, the ultimate luxury is choosing your own horizon.

    Enquire here about exploring by sea.

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