What's Hot for 2026

Beyond the iconic palaces and colourful cities of Rajasthan, there is so much more of India to be explored. The newly opened and impeccably restored Oberoi Rajgarh Palace in Madhya Pradesh pairs heritage and wildlife experiences for those seeking uncrowded tiger safaris in Panna National Park and visits to the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temples. For the most intrepid travellers, an exclusive new expedition will be launching in 2026 along the India-Nepal border, tracking rare red pandas and tigers.

From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, Chile continues to cement its place as one of the most sought-after destinations for well-heeled travellers out of Asia in 2026. Here, a wide array of activities awaits; an astrophotographic tour in the Atacama Desert, boating through the iconic marble caves and puma tracking out in Torres del Paine.

The demand for heritage-rich and experience-led travel has placed Germany firmly on luxury travellers’ radars for the new year. The country’s allure lies in its contrasts: From the historic Neuschwanstein Castle to the famed Hockenheimring racing circuit and the delectable Rieslings cultivated for centuries at locations like Schloss Johannisberg, the country offers a fascinating blend of culture and indulgence for the most discerning of travellers.

Italy’s allure continues to endure as a place you can return to time and again, always discovering something new with each visit. In 2026, the country’s ancient cities and mountain villages are set to benefit from huge luxury hospitality investment with a whole host of exciting new hotel openings to come. Not forgetting the 2026 Cortina-Milano Winter Olympics taking place in February which will shine a spotlight on the beautiful Dolomites for ski fanatics and alpine hikers.

Thanks to Emirates’ recent increase in flights from Dubai via the Seychelles, Madagascar is becoming more accessible than ever for luxury travellers. Home to diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife including lemurs, chameleons, turtles and endemic birds, Madagascar is an adventurer’s paradise. In fact, 85% of its wildlife can’t be found anywhere else on Earth, making it a truly unforgettable place to visit. 2026 is the time to go.

2026 will be the year to explore Oman’s ancient cities and wild landscapes more deeply. In the second half of the year, The Malkai will open, offering a trilogy of new pavilion-style tented camps located in the Al Hajar mountains, northern Barkaa farmlands, and the Sharqiyah Sands. Uncover a whole other side to the destination, with hot air balloon flights over the desert, snorkelling the UNESCO-protected Ad Dimaniyat Islands, and venturing out by night on stargazing safaris.

2026 promises to be a landmark year as the USA celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed and 100 years since the iconic Route 66 was opened. A weakening dollar against the pound and competitive airfares are ensuring the destination remains appealing to British travellers.

With Canada preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver and Toronto, 2026 is set to be a pivotal year for the destination. It’s the perfect time to embrace the vast, wild landscapes of British Columbia, staying in adventure lodges with wildlife at the heart of the experience. Recently opened Fawn Bluff is becoming a fast favourite, while the highly anticipated Eleven Winterlake Lodge in Alaska opening in 2026 will be the perfect off-grid adventure add-on to Canadian itineraries.