There’s always so much to unpack about these “top destination” lists and how they often overlook the lesser-known places truly deserving of our attention. Still, if I had to narrow it down to my six standout destinations for 2026 chosen for their exciting new openings, projects, and upcoming events—these would be the ones. Many I’ve visited more than once, and I’d return to them again and again.

Rwanda

Thanks to its world-class nature and renewed focus on conservation tourism, Rwanda’s “newness” is giving it the rebrand that it so deserves. Volcanoes National Park is one of the few places in the world you can track wild mountain gorillas and stay at the stunning Bisate Lodge. In Akagera National Park to the east it’s a completely different climate and landscape, almost savannah-like with lions, rhinos, hippos and impressive birdlife. Rwanda is repeatedly praised for being one of the cleaner, safer, more organized countries in Africa. Kigali has great infrastructure and is emerging as a rising culinary capital in Africa. What’s great about this is that you can combine gorilla trekking, city food culture, luxury stays, scenic landscapes, all in one relatively compact country.

We’re anticipating the new Zaria Court Hotel, a sports-themed hotel and part of the larger Zaria Court complex, a lifestyle hub in Kigali with sports facilities, retail, and dining.

There is a new luxury tented camp opening in the Akagera National Park called Wilderness Magashi Peninsula. It will offer high-end safari experiences, including birding, wildlife viewing, and boating. This is a significant addition to Akagera, which is becoming a more prominent destination for high-end tourism.

Mallorca, Spain

This Balearic island has been continuously gaining momentum in recent years, and by summer 2026, it’s set to shine brighter than ever. With a wave of new properties on the horizon and curated experiences, Mallorca promises a season of renewal and wonder. One of the most anticipated moments is a rare full solar eclipse on August 12, 2026 unfolding near sunset, with the sun dipping low over the western horizon. For a once-in-a-lifetime perspective, charter a private yacht from Port de Sóller, where guests can witness the eclipse at sea, accompanied by live music and a feast under the shifting sky.

A few new openings in Mallorca put the island back on the map as Europe’s hottest destination- A restored 18th century mansion near the Palma Cathedral is opening by Vestige Miramar properties and it looks spectacular, allowing you to live in the history of the city and take in the Mediterranean views at the same time.

Another biggie to keep an eye out for is the newest Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, set in Calvia. I predict that this new hotel will level up the standards across the board, from accommodation quality to cuisine and culinary options on the island.

Richard Branson is set to open up a second retreat with 17 rooms in a 15th century estate called Son Valentí (Virgin Limited Edition). The Dane’s plans for Son Valentí seem to be ambitious, as far as I can tell. The plans respect both nature and the hundreds of years of history of which the estate has been a central part since the Middle Ages. We’ll have to wait and see!

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

The 2026 Winter Olympics (February 6–22, 2026) attracts global attention and will set a new standard of infrastructure to this elite town in the Dolomites. New hotels like the Mandarin Oriental Cristallo will make their debut in Cortina and offer the most exquisite Alpine vistas with a focus on exceptional Italian hospitality and Olympic vibrancy in world-class ski resorts. Cortina is also known for its restaurants and incredible climate and beauty in the spring and summer. It’s going to be a must-see destination in 2026 or even sooner if you’re ahead of the curve.

The First Cortina by The Pavilions is set to open with a 63-room boutique property designed in a circular architecture. It includes a REVIVO spa, and rooftop dining. The rooms are sleek to say the least and we’re in love with the modern design.

Another Mandarin Oriental is due to open, the Cristallo. This is their first alpine hotel, originally built 1901 and features 83 rooms, 30+ suites, dual restaurants, indoor–outdoor spa.

Ancora is a historic gem, potentially my favorite new opening, originally built in 1826, reopening after full renovation. It revives the glitz and the glam of old Cortina among the few families that used to summer and ski there. I can’t wait to see it!

Arctic Circle, Norway

With its wild landscapes located between dramatic fjords and Arctic wilderness, Norway is a destination that will keep on delivering unparalleled natural beauty paired with sleek, sustainable hospitality. From Oslo to the Lofoten coast and fjord-side retreats, the newest luxury properties offer high-design aesthetics, climate-conscious operations, immersive experiences, and a refined appreciation of Nordic nature. In addition to the new openings, keep your eyes up on the Aurora Borealis which will be at its zenith in 2026 – the peak phase of Solar Cycle 25 (Nov 2024 through March 2026). This is promising some of the most intense, frequent Northern Lights in over a decade. Pair this amazing show with the midnight sun and equinox phenomena in March.

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As for new openings in Norway this season, the Six Senses Svart (Holandsfjorden, near the Svartisen glacier) is slated for opening in 2026. It is supposed to be the most sustainable hotel in the world, with a 360° view of the Svartisen Glacier and the Arctic. This 94‑room, circular, net‑energy‑positive resort on stilts above the fjord embodies regenerative luxury, with zero‑waste dining, an Earth Lab, wellness concierge rooms, and solar-powered infrastructure

Lilløy Lindenberg (Vestland region, remote island near Bergen) opened in early 2025. This boutique retreat blends architectural minimalism, seaweed‑inspired cuisine, spa rituals, and secluded Nordic charm.

Another recently opened property is The Bolder Wave, an estate near Stavanger, Lysefjord coast. Launched in May 2025, this cliffside lodge by Jarmund & Vigsnæs includes private suites, dramatic North Sea viewpoints, sleek Scandinavian interiors and scenic trails just outside Stavanger.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is emerging as one of the most compelling travel destinations in Central Asia and I am collaborating for Alchemia Journeys with celebrated Kazakh artist Aigana Gali to craft a multi-disciplinary artistic journey through her homeland’s landscape. A country celebrated for its sweeping steppes, dramatic mountain ranges, otherworldly deserts, and cultural heritage, it is the perfect complement to a journey through the Stans where the focus is usually on architecture. Here, it’s the sheer drama of the landscape. With surging tourism infrastructure, visa-free access to dozens of countries, and sustainable travel development across regions like Katon-Karagay, Zaysan and Mangystau, Kazakhstan is capturing global attention in 2026 as a top-tier eco and adventure destination. Visit the lunar-like formations of Bozjyra Gorge on the Ustyurt Plateau. Take a swim in Lake Alakol, renowned for its healing, mineral-rich waters and vibrant flocks of flamingos and pelicans.

The hospitality scene is buzzing in Kazakhstan, especially for 2026. The Vignette Collection is opening in Almaty. A 95‑room luxury boutique hotel within the Meliora offering a destination restaurant, bar, spa and gym. In addition to the InterContinental Almaty, Rahat Palace debued in June 2025, featuring 34 rooms, buffet and à la carte dining, and quiet proximity to parks and cultural sites near the city center.

New airline routes are making Kazakhstan more accessible. Hong Kong Airlines provides new routes to both Almaty and Astana. Other routes will open direct to Tokyo, Singapore, and New York.

Below is Yurta’s incredible restaurant, offering a refined tasting menu that introduces you to traditional Kazakh dishes such as beshbarmak, kazy sausage, and delicate fermented dairy specialties reimagined with a contemporary twist.

Zion, Utah

We’ve all seen that US domestic travel is on the rise and, conveniently, Zion National Park and its surrounding red‑rock canyons are set to welcome a new era of luxury hospitality, blending wellness-focused retreats, geothermal spa escapes, and eco-conscious resort designs perfect for visitors craving restorative experiences framed by desert majesty and panoramic views. Take into account the spring season: Zion erupts in bursts of desert marigolds, slickrock paintbrush, western columbine, and evening primrose in early to mid‑April, particularly along the Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, and Riverside Walk trails.

Parea at Trees Ranch (just south of Springdale) is an ultra‑luxury destination of 17 wilderness pods and 11 canvas tents across 25 acres along the Virgin River, embedded within a 2,066‑acre ranch. Though still awaiting construction timelines, it’s envisioned as a high-end sanctuary that honors conservation and Southern Utah’s iconic terrain.

Open Sky is a brand new safari-style canvas camps in a minimalist, nature‑immersive setting, with farm‑to‑table dining and wellness programming.

The famous Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, reopened and it looks stunning, as well as the Zion Canyon Hot Springs which recently opened its doors with 32 pools of mineral water looking out onto the sweeping landscapes.