With 2025 quickly coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to ask yourself if you got to all the places you wanted to go this year. If you did, that’s amazing! If not, don’t worry! There’s always next year. And if you’re anything like me, you’re already dreaming about your next great adventure- and might already have something planned!
Take if from me- 2026 is shaping up to be a spectacular year for luxury travel. Around the globe, certain destinations are standing out not just for their beauty, but for the unforgettable, exclusive experiences, world-class accommodations, and the once-in-a-lifetime moments they offer. Whether you’re drawn to sparkling coastlines, snowy peaks, or exotic escapes, these are my top places to put on your list for a truly unforgettable year of travel!
1. Mirihi, Maldives
The Maldives is synonymous with luxury, but Mirihi Island takes indulgence to another level. Known as one of the most exclusive and serene islands in the world, Mirihi offers overwater villas perched above turquoise waters so clear you can spot vibrant fish and rays swimming right below you. The island’s barefoot luxury concept blends privacy with personalized service- from private dining on the beach to diving excursions among coral reefs. For those who crave peace, natural beauty, and five-star hospitality with no distractions, Mirihi is paradise found.
2. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Few places capture the romance of Europe like the Amalfi Coast. Picture colorful cliffside villages cascading into the sea, winding coastal roads with dramatic views, and luxurious hotels carved into the cliffs. Amalfi is where fine Italian dining meets glamorous relaxation with Michelin-starred meals followed by lounging on a private terrace with Limoncello in hand. Charter a yacht to explore hidden coves, stroll through Positano’s chic boutiques, and then retreat to Ravello for sweeping vistas. The Amalfi Coast isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience of la dolce vita at its finest.
3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai has redefined luxury travel with its blend of futuristic innovation and Arabian glamour. From the soaring heights of the Burj Khalifa to the golden sands of the desert, Dubai offers a world of contrasts. Stay in ultra-luxe resorts like Atlantis The Royal or the Burj Al Arab (renowned as the only 7-Star hotel in the world!), shop at designer boutiques inside glittering malls, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants where international flavors come alive. For adventure, take a private desert safari complete with champagne at sunset, or escape to the exclusive beach clubs along Palm Jumeirah. Dubai is unapologetically bold, making it perfect for travelers who want the extraordinary.
4. Tanzania Safari
A luxury safari in Tanzania is the kind of bucket-list journey that stays with you forever. Imagine watching the Great Migration across the Serengeti plains, seeing elephants gather in Tarangire, or spotting tree-climbing lions in Lake Manyara. Luxury lodges and tented camps elevate the wilderness experience with private plunge pools, fine dining under the stars, and exclusive game drives led by expert guides. Pair your safari with a few days on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, and you’ll have a journey that balances adventure and indulgence in one unforgettable trip.
5. Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Known as the “Pearl of the Pacific,” Bora Bora is the epitome of island luxury. Its iconic overwater bungalows, framed by the dramatic peak of Mount Otemanu, offer privacy, romance, and direct access to impossibly blue lagoons. Days here are made for snorkeling among coral gardens, indulging in spa treatments that use local botanicals, and sipping cocktails on your private deck as the sun melts into the horizon. Whether for a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a well-deserved escape, Bora Bora is the definition of tropical indulgence.
6. Aspen, Colorado
For those who prefer snow to sand, Aspen is the ultimate luxury winter retreat. World-class ski slopes meet a town brimming with sophistication- from designer boutiques to gourmet dining and après-ski champagne bars. Stay in five-star resorts with private spas or book a private villa to really revel in style, and spend your days skiing, snowboarding, or enjoying scenic sleigh rides through the mountains. Aspen also draws a vibrant cultural crowd, with film festivals, art galleries, and music events that make it more than just a ski destination. It’s where adventure meets elegance in the snowy peaks of Colorado.
7. The French Riviera, France
Few places in the world embody glamour like the French Riviera. From Cannes and Monaco to Saint-Tropez, the Riviera is all about sophistication, sunshine, and seaside chic. Imagine superyachts docked in glittering harbors, beach clubs where champagne flows freely, and Mediterranean villas that feel like something out of a film. Spend your days exploring coastal towns, attending world-class events like the Cannes Film Festival, or relaxing at luxury resorts with infinity pools overlooking the sea. The French Riviera is the playground of the elite- and in 2026, it’s waiting for you!
8. The Swiss Alps
The Swiss Alps aren’t just for skiers — they’re for anyone who appreciates natural beauty paired with luxury at the highest level. Resorts like St. Moritz and Zermatt offer not only pristine slopes but also designer shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and lavish spas. In the summer, the Alps transform into a playground for hiking, paragliding, and scenic train journeys through breathtaking valleys. Whether you’re soaking in a mountain-view hot tub or sipping champagne after a day on the slopes, the Swiss Alps are where alpine adventure meets refined elegance. It truly is the best of both worlds!
9. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a city of exhilarating contrasts: ancient temples nestled beside neon skyscrapers, serene gardens hidden among bustling streets, and sushi counters that rival Michelin stars. Luxury travelers in Tokyo can enjoy exclusive culinary experiences with world-renowned chefs, private shopping tours through cutting-edge fashion districts, and five-star hotels with panoramic skyline views. Beyond the city, take a private excursion to Mount Fuji or soak in an onsen at a traditional ryokan. Tokyo is not just a city to visit, it’s a destination to be experienced through its rich culture, impeccable hospitality, and endless surprises.
10. Antarctica
For the ultimate in rare and remote luxury, nothing compares to Antarctica. This is travel at its most exclusive, an yet increasingly accessible through luxury expedition cruises. Imagine yourself gliding past towering icebergs, spotting penguin colonies, or kayaking alongside humpback whales, all while enjoying fine dining and five-star comfort aboard your ship. With limited visitor numbers, Antarctica offers an exclusivity few destinations can match. It’s not just a trip; it’s a chance to set foot on the last great wilderness on earth.
11. Cappadocia, Turkey
Ok, I may be a little partial to destination in particular because I recently visited and it stole my whole heart! Cappadocia offers much more than the photo-famous hot air balloon rides at the break of dawn (which were undoubtedly a highlight!), it offers a rich, unique history, delicious local cuisine, friendly vibes, and the most breathtaking landscapes I have ever seen! You’ll get to explore unique volcanic rock formations, underground cities, ancient temples, canyons, and so much more. While you can do these things on your own with a rental car, we opted for the guided group tours and felt that was the perfect choice. Getting a nice little history and geography lesson (which always seemed dull in school) made the experience all the more magical! I try not to go back to many of the places I have already visited because there is always somewhere new to explore, but Cappadocia is one place I will absolutely be returning to!
The Year of Extraordinary Travel
From tropical islands and snowy peaks to vibrant cities and untouched frontiers, 2026 promises a year of extraordinary luxury travel experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the cultural richness of Italy, the sunlit beauty of Bora Bora, or the adventurous spirit of Antarctica, the key is to plan early, because the most exclusive resorts, cruises, and experiences fill up quickly! (This is why I did not wait until the end of the year to share this list! I want my clients and my readers to be ahead of the curve!)
So, you tell me- where will 2026 take you? Let’s create a journey that blends your travel style with the world’s most exceptional destinations!
Let’s Work Together!
I would love to meet you and get to know all about your dream vacation! So, if you’re ready, schedule your first travel consultation with me now! Not quite ready to start planning yet? Get inspired HERE, and check out my Planning Process to see how I work.
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