Travelers and dreamers alike are looking ahead to 2026, with a fresh list of destinations set to capture global attention. From cultural renaissances in historic cities to untouched natural landscapes opening with new eco-lodges, the upcoming year promises a diverse array of experiences for every type of adventurer.
Key Takeaways
- Hong Kong and Udaipur are seeing renewed cultural and luxury development.
- Under-the-radar gems like Prince Edward Island and Fès are stepping into the spotlight.
- Sustainable tourism initiatives are growing in places like Slovenia and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.
- New infrastructure and luxury accommodations are enhancing accessibility and comfort in remote areas.
Emerging Cultural Hubs and Ancient Cities
Several destinations are experiencing a significant cultural revival, blending rich history with modern innovation. Hong Kong, a city always moving forward, is enhancing its cultural and green spaces. The WestK Performing Arts Centre, located in the Foster + Partners-designed West Kowloon Cultural District, is set to open three new stages in 2026, offering world-class dance and theater with seating for approximately 2,300 people.
In the heart of Central, French chef Daniel Boulud will launch Terrace Boulud on the 25th floor of Landmark Prince’s. This opening is part of a major renovation at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, a project exceeding $100 million, which also includes new longer-stay apartments. These developments are expected to conclude by late 2026, further cementing Hong Kong's status as a vibrant global city.
"Our planet can feel both intimately small and incredibly vast at the same time. Brimming with more wonders than you can fit into one lifetime – yet increasingly connected – the places to travel to in the world are endless."
Fact Check
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) aims to handle 120 million air passengers by 2027.
- Terminal 2 upgrades, including a new coach hall and self-service check-in, are due by summer 2026.
Udaipur's Luxury Renaissance
Udaipur, India’s 16th-century 'lake city' nestled in the Aravalli mountains, is undergoing a luxury transformation. Alongside established names like Taj and Oberoi, international brands are making their mark. The Fairmont Udaipur Palace, a 327-key hotel, has opened within the forest surrounding the Monsoon Palace, showcasing Pichwai art and Rajput-era design. The 226-key Marriott has also debuted on the northern edge of Fateh Sagar, offering sweeping marble terraces and stone-carved jharokas.
The Leela Palace Udaipur is introducing its new private villa offering, Arq at Pichola, featuring private butler service and waterfront daybeds. Boutique Indian brand Minimalist Hotels plans an intimate 20-key property on Lake Pichola, with the Hilton also set to arrive in early 2026. These openings signal a new era of upscale hospitality in this historic city.
Under-the-Radar Gems and Unique Experiences
Some lesser-known destinations are poised to shine, offering unique cultural and natural encounters. Canada's Prince Edward Island (PEC), a favored weekend escape for many Canadians, is solidifying its reputation as a premier wine destination. The region has seen a surge in boutique hotels, family-run wineries, and world-class restaurants over the past decade.
Newly renovated properties like Claramount Club and The Wellington General have opened their doors, while Wander the Resort expanded its local food and outdoor recreation experiences, adding a lakefront Nordic spa. Happy Sailing now offers sailing lessons along PEC’s coastline, and Charlie, a new bistro in Consecon, is already drawing crowds. PEC's unique terroir and cool climate produce elegant reds, crisp whites, and sparkling pét-nats from vineyards such as Traynor, Closson Chase, and Hinterland Wine Company.
Historical Significance
Fès, Morocco, known as the cultural and intellectual center of the country, is set for a major year. The iconic Palais Jamaï, a heritage hotel built in 1879, is reopening after a decade-long renovation. This gilded reopening is a highlight of a decades-long restoration effort within the world’s largest and most intact medieval medina. Thousands of rammed-earth structures have been reinforced, and significant monuments, including the ninth-century Qarawiyyin Library, have been restored.
Panama's Pacific Coast Escape
Panama's Chiriquí Province, roughly 300 miles southwest of Panama City, is emerging as a castaway-style escape. This region includes La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Central America’s largest nature reserve, and the Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park, home to diverse wildlife, including migrating humpback whales from July to October. Luxury tour company Black Tomato is expanding its Chiriquí offerings for 2026, with activities like snorkeling and naturalist-guided cloud forest hikes.
New accommodations are enhancing the region's appeal. The Cayuga Collection’s Isla Palenque, a luxury eco-resort, will introduce three two-bedroom villas in 2026 and 2027, each with a funicular and private pool. Hyatt opened Hotel La Compañía del Valle in February 2025, an art and wellness house, and will add the 18,000-square-foot Elysium Spa in fall 2025. In late 2026, the 186-key Viceroy Bocas del Toro is expected to open, catering to a luxury clientele seeking a more traditional resort experience.
Adventure and Nature: From Deserts to Rainforests
For those seeking adventure in untouched natural environments, several destinations offer immersive experiences. Gabon, an often-overlooked nation, is set to become a premier rainforest destination with the January opening of Loango Savannah Camp. Located on the Iguela Lagoon, famous for its surfing hippos and forest elephants, this tented camp is one of three properties in the northern part of Loango National Park. It is known for what some insiders call the best gorilla trekking experience in Africa.
Further south, Moukalaba-DouDou National Park welcomed Nyanga Lodge in early 2025, offering isolation as the sole luxury safari property in what locals call the "great apes national park." Nyanga's 2026 offerings include outdoor dining experiences, with opportunities to spot primates, migrating humpback whales, and nesting sea turtles. The early 2026 opening of Sette Cama Eco Camp at the remote southern end of Loango National Park promises immersive adventures like jungle treks and coastal trails.
Did You Know?
- The Peloponnese Trails network in Greece, spanning 1,075 miles, will be completed in spring 2026.
- This network enhances the region’s standing as an outdoor fitness destination.
Bolivia's Otherworldly Landscapes
Bolivia's Potosí region, beyond the famous Salar de Uyuni, offers a range of surreal landscapes. The Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve features the sculptural Valle de las Rocas, the blood-red Laguna Colorada, and the emerald Laguna Verde shimmering beneath the snow-capped Licancabur volcano. Geysers and steaming geothermal fields dot the deserts, offering otherworldly views.
New hotel projects and improved infrastructure are making the region more accessible to comfort-seeking travelers. Local outfitter Hidalgo Tours now offers high-comfort excursions with 4x4s and a custom luxury van, providing amenities like champagne and proper bathrooms. Crillon Tours offers a three-day itinerary with deluxe accommodations in a silver Airstream camper. Explora operates minimalist mountain lodges in Ramaditas, Chituca, and Jirira, surrounded by ethereal landscapes. In Jirira, Casa Gastón, a museum-hotel hybrid designed by artist Gastón Ugalde, is set to open in March 2026, blending ancient building techniques with contemporary design across 10 suites.
Sustainable Travel and Modern Innovations
The focus on sustainable travel and innovative solutions is growing. In Slovenia, the Upper Carniola region (Gorenjska) is becoming a breakout destination in 2026. A new digital nomad visa is being rolled out, coinciding with cultural and hospitality openings. The grand opening of Muzej Lah, showcasing over 800 European works, is set for summer 2026 on the slopes of Bled Castle. For wellness seekers, Kneipp NaturHotel Snovik will debut in June 2026 as Slovenia’s highest-altitude thermal spa hotel, following a 22 million euro investment.
In France, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is leading the charge for sustainable Alpine tourism. The Mont Blanc Express, a century-old railway, will unveil a new fleet of energy-efficient trains in summer 2026. These new trains will double capacity, cut emissions, and ease car traffic, reinforcing cross-border links. The Léman Express from Geneva will also expand services, making rail travel to the Mont Blanc foothills easier than ever. The Glaciorium, a glacier and climate center, is opening at Montenvers in 2026, serving as a timely reminder of the importance of greener choices in the Alps.
Abu Dhabi's Cultural District Expansion
Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island is undergoing a significant cultural renaissance. The Saadiyat Cultural District, already home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi since 2018, will be joined by the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in November, followed by the Zayed National Museum a week later. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is due for completion in 2026, transforming this island into a museum district rivalling London or New York. This expansion, combined with the new teamLab Phenomena and the existing Abrahamic Family House, solidifies Saadiyat Island's reputation as a world-class cultural destination.
