The world of luxury travel is forever evolving, with new trends, destinations and innovations constantly redefining the way we holiday in style. That’s why instead of our usual new year’s resolutions, this year we’re all about setting incredible travel goals instead.
From ultra-exclusive resorts tucked away in pristine landscapes, to cutting-edge experiences that blend adventure, wellness, and personalised service, we’ve handpicked some of our favourite luxury travel experiences to help you get started on your 2026 holiday resolutions.
The newest vessel in the Regent Seven Seas fleet set off on her inaugural cruise season in December. As a passenger, you can choose from an assortment of suites, each more opulent than the last, ranging in size from a generous 41 m2 all the way up to an extravagantly spacious 836 m2, complete with private gym and in suite elevator, for her three Skyview Suites.
She begins 2026 by sailing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, then crosses the Atlantic to share the delights of the Mediterranean with her lucky passengers – will you be among them?
Explora Journeys also has a divine new vessel, the Explora III, setting sail in the Mediterranean from August 2026. Designed to provide you with the ultimate private yacht experience in a cruise ship, every one of her 463 ocean front suites come with thoughtful flourishes like binoculars and espresso machines, and her lavish Owner’s Suite even has its own terrace, complete with an infinity edge whirlpool.
The ship’s staff to guest ratio of almost 1:1 ensures you’ll be incredibly well looked after from the moment you step ashore, and her collection of itineraries can take you from the dramatic fjords of Norway to the captivating coastlines of Nova Scotia.
In keeping with the private yacht theme, Emerald Cruises is launching its new, next generation superyacht, the Emerald Kaia, later this year. With a maximum capacity of just 128 guests, she is compact enough to slip into some of the world’s most enchanting spots, while still offering all the special touches you would expect from a luxury vessel, including lavish suites, fine dining, and exclusive shore excursions.
In April 2026, you can join her first voyage from the port of Limassol in Cyprus, exploring the most spectacular locations in the Eastern Med and disembarking in Athens after eleven magical days at sea.
What happens when two world-renowned travel brands come together for a fresh, new collaboration? You get a new style of luxury expedition cruising that combines A&K’s iconic brand of expedition travel with the bliss of Crystal’s ultra-luxury vessels.
From August 2026, you can indulge in their new program of adventures, with A&K taking care of your adventure and enrichment while Crystal provides the luxury cruise setting. The inaugural crossover experience is a 12-night journey through Italy, Greece and the Balkans featuring incredible local highlights – think truffle hunting in Sicily and hiking in Corsica.
If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Antarctica, but until now you’ve always been deterred by the journey, you’re going to love Silversea’s new southern experience. It makes it possible to skip the two-day voyage across the infamous Drake’s Passage and fly direct by chartered aircraft from southern Chile to King George Isand, where your Antarctica cruise adventure will truly begin.
Better yet, this year Silversea opens its spectacular Cormorant at 55 South: a luxurious 150-room property in Chile’s scenic Puerto Williams. The hotel, which is exclusive to Silversea guests, is the perfect base from which to start and finish your Antarctic experience.
This spectacular new property is set on the beachfront on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. If you’ve ever experienced the Nobu brand of hospitality, you’ll already know that you’re in for a major treat, centred around Nobu’s signature destination dining experience.
The resort also features a state-of-the-art wellness centre and there are eight kilometres of beachfront on your doorstep, plus all the incredible experiences this island playground has to offer, from world-class museums to championship golf clubs.
Drawing its architectural inspiration from Dubai’s precious coral reefs, the Six Senses the Palm is the luxury brand’s first property in UAE. It’s set to open its doors later this year on the iconic Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent, with a mix of chic hotel rooms and ultra-luxury penthouses and villas.
As a guest, you’ll have access to the property’s onsite fitness and wellness facilities, which range from squash courts and swimming pools to jogging tracks and a sandy beach. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a luxurious but family-friendly stay in Dubai, with attractions like the waterfront shopping and dining hub of The Pointe, and the world’s largest waterpark, all within easy reach via the Palm Monorail.
We can’t talk about luxury hotel stays without mentioning this icon of New York. The Waldorf-Astoria first opened its doors at the end of the nineteenth century and has just undergone a major one-billion-dollar renovation that will ensure it retains its reputation as one of the world’s most memorable five-star stays.
From the elegance of its 375 rooms and suites, to the culinary mastery of its restaurant and the sheer indulgence of its wellness centre, you only have to set foot in the legendary lobby to understand why even the most jaded of guests continue to be captivated by the hotel’s magic. And of course, its location on Park Avenue means you have the best of New York on your doorstep.
We can’t think of a better way to elevate your time in Rome than by choosing to stay in a breathtaking, seventeenth-century palazzo. The hotel was originally the private residence of an affluent Portuguese family, but it has operated as one of Rome’s most iconic luxury hotels since 1811.
It is located on the charming Piazza della Minerva, and has incredible views of the Pantheon just a stone’s throw from the front door. As part of the legendary Orient Express group, you can expect its trademark attention-to-detail and understated touches of elegance throughout your stay, from its Ottoman-inspired spa rituals to its bespoke Italian bed linens.
It’s been less than a year since the newest luxury boutique hotel in Florence opened its doors, but you’ll feel that you’ve been transported back in time when you step through the doors of the Renaissance-era villa. The property is located on the northern side of Florence, about a 40-minute walk from the historic Centro Storico, and its park-like setting is ideal for unwinding when you’ve spent a busy day exploring the highlights of the city. You can take a dip in the spectacular pool, enjoy an aperitif in the garden Café, or learn the secrets to making a perfect tiramisu during a Tuscan cooking class.
Set within the pristine paradise of Vietnam’s Phú Quốc National Park, this new luxury resort provides an idyllic setting for you to enjoy the island’s stunning white-sand beaches, lush jungle trails and sparkling seas. The resort’s design is inspired by traditional Vietnamese villages and will provide all the luxe touches you would expect from Park Hyatt, including fine dining experiences and indulgent spa treatments.
You can spend your days island hopping or lounging by one of the resort pools while the kids are kept entertained at the Camp Hyatt kids’ village. A spectacular overwater complex will provide the perfect spot for you to enjoy the nightly spectacle of sunset over the Gulf of Thailand.
The Langham Group have already proven their expertise when it comes to creating 21st-century luxury hotel stays set within historic buildings, and this new property is sure to cement that reputation. The heart of the property is the historic former Customs House on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Praya River, flanked by a former post office and a new structure that contain 75 lavish guest rooms.
You’ll feel like royalty as you sweep across the hotel’s lovingly restored teak floors, ascend the grand central staircase or gaze up at the spectacular four-storey hallway. The hotel will feature an outpost of The Langham Hong Kong’s famous three Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant, T’ang Court, as well as a world-class patisserie, a luxury wellness retreat and a unique destination bar.
If you love a room with a view, you’re going to love the Fairmont Tokyo. The newly opened luxury hotel occupies the top nine floors of the 43-storey Blue Front Shibaura South Tower, and you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the city and Tokyo Bay from every window.
There are seven different drinking and dining destinations within the hotel, each one offering spectacular outlooks and divine culinary experiences – you’ll find that high tea takes on a whole new meaning when it’s served on the 35th floor. Even your morning swim comes with a breathtaking view from the Spa and Wellness Club’s infinity pool.
Picture yourself waking each morning to spectacular views of the Indian Ocean from your luxury villa, perhaps enjoying a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool before breakfast, then taking a leisurely stroll along the pristine white sands that fringe the outrageously beautiful tropical atoll that is your home away from home.
This is what you can expect from a stay at Mondrian Maldives, which is due to open in 2026. There’s something truly special about a holiday in the Maldives, and this resort, set on the pristine Noonu Atoll and featuring just 105 villas and residences, must be seen to be believed.
We understand that luxury looks different to everyone, whether it’s a secluded island escape or an indulgent city stay. From fabulous foodie retreats to spectacular expedition cruises, our Personal Travel Managers are ready to help you design your 2026 luxury holiday.
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
