2026: A Year in Luxury Travel

As 2026 fast approaches, I thought I’d share my top recommendations for where you could plan your next adventure. For each month of 2026, I’ve highlighted my favourite destination for luxury travel, along with three hotels that my clients have loved in the past.

January | The Maldives

January is one of the most reliable months to visit the Maldives, with consistently dry weather, clear skies, and calm seas. It’s as close to guaranteed winter sun as you’ll find, making it an easy choice for switching off after the festive period.

JOALI Being

Here you can count on unparalleled views, secluded villas, and innovative art and designs like a manta ray-shaped treehouse. There’s even a bar dedicated to making the perfect Bellinis

Six Senses Laamu

Six Senses Laamu is all about eco-luxury, with both parts given equal importance. It's the only resort on the remote Laamu Atoll in the southern Maldives, yet just a short inter-island flight and boat hop away.

Gili Lankanfushi

Apart from the sparkling waters - the tiny island provides a very intimate atmosphere fused with luxuries of the highest international standard to create a wonderfully serene and natural experience

February | Sri Lanka

February is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka, with dry, settled weather along the south and west coasts. It’s an easy time to combine gentle touring with time on the beach, with comfortable temperatures and good conditions for exploring the Cultural Triangle before finishing by the sea.

Cape Weligama, South Coast

When it comes to jaw-dropping views, Cape Weligama certainly delivers. The resort is perched on a palm-lined headland on Sri Lanka's southern coast, with the Indian Ocean as its backdrop. Surf, visit Galle Fort, explore tea plantations, then retreat to your Sri Lankan sanctuary.

Ceylon Tea Trails, Central Highlands

A collection of restored colonial bungalows set among working tea plantations in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. A peaceful, cooler stop that works well between cultural touring and the coast.

Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala National Park

A design led safari lodge on the edge of Yala National Park, combining guided game drives with time to relax by the beach. Ideal for adding wildlife to a Sri Lanka itinerary.

March | Cape Town, South Africa

March is one of the best months to visit Cape Town, with warm days, less wind, and a more relaxed feel after the summer peak. It’s an easy time to combine the city, nearby beaches, and the Winelands, with excellent conditions for sightseeing and dining.

The Twelve Apostles

Hugging the edge of the Atlantic, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa feels like it’s suspended between sea and sky. Start with a craft gin tasting or a sundowner in the Leopard Bar, then move on to fine dining at Azure with ocean views for days.

Babylonstoren

A working farm hotel in the Cape Winelands, and the sister property to The Newt in Somerset. Known for its gardens, food, and strong sense of place, it’s ideal for slow days, walking the grounds, spa time, and relaxed farm to table dining.

Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel

The 'Nellie' or 'Pink Lady' is an institution in town. Located in the heart of Cape Town, this luxury hotel and spa boasts nine acres of lush gardens, two outdoor pools and a serene spa.

April | Lake Como, Italy

April is an excellent time to visit Lake Como, as the lake comes back to life after winter and the gardens are in bloom. Temperatures are mild, crowds are still manageable, and it’s a comfortable month for sightseeing, boat trips, and long lunches by the water.

Passalacqua

Beginning its life as a sociable villa in the 18th century, Passalacqua is now one of Lake Como’s most glamorous offerings. Here they pride themselves in exceeding the expectations of guests, offering all the creature comforts, outdoor amusements and Epicurean treats you might imagine

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Since 1910, Grand Hotel Tremezzo been the playground of Europe's elite, and it hasn't lost an ounce of its charm. Its 84 rooms have to-die-for views over Bellagio and the Grigne mountains.

Hotel Villa D'Este

This renowned resort destination is praised for its beautiful gardens, delectable cuisine, lively celebrations, charming decor, and warm hospitality. Originally built in 1568 as Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio's summer retreat, the property spans 25 acres of picturesque gardens

May | Tuscany, Italy

Late spring brings warm days, green rolling countryside, and vineyards full of life across Tuscany. It’s a comfortable time for unrushed touring, food and wine experiences, and countryside stays before the intensity of summer.

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

Set within a vast private estate in the Val d’Orcia, this is one of Tuscany’s most complete countryside retreats. Whether you learn to prepare traditional Tuscan dishes, explore the sprawling vineyards, or tee off at the estate’s 18 hole golf course, there is no shortage of ways to fill your days.

Hotel Il Pellicano

In its own cove in Porto Ercole, Il Pellicano has long been the Tuscan hideaway of choice for those in the know, It has a pool above the sea, its own beach, jetty & boat, with a 1,700-bottle-strong wine list and more glimpses of the Med waiting for you back at basecamp.

Lupaia

Overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany, set in the province of Siena between Montepulciano and Pienza, the romantic Lupaia features a unique combination of nature and history. It is strategically close to the most enchanting historical towns such as Siena, Arezzo, Florence and Perugia

June | Paros, Greece

Early summer in Paros brings warm days, calm seas, and a relaxed rhythm before peak season arrives. It’s an easy month for beach time, village wandering, and long lunches, with the island feeling lively but not crowded. Antiparos is my personal favourite - for a more quiet & secluded option.

Parilio Hotel

Set on the northeast coast of Paros, this all-suite boutique property offers a laid-back Greek getaway. Sunbathe on stretches of sand at the nearby Kolymbithres Beach, then cool off by the striking cross-shaped pool

Andronis Minois

Andronis Minois brings a contemporary take on traditional Cycladic style to Paros, just steps from the golden sands and the Aegean Sea.

The Rooster

The Rooster has mastered the art of doing less, brilliantly. Tucked into Antiparos’ rugged hills, it champions slow living, sea views and a suspiciously tasty farm-to-fork menu.

July | The Serengeti, Tanzania

July marks the start of the dry season in the Serengeti, when wildlife viewing is at its best and the landscape opens up. It’s a key month for the Great Migration, with large herds moving through the plains and excellent game viewing throughout the region.

Singita Sabora Tented Camp

Complemented by pared-back interpretations of traditional safari style, Sabora Tented Camp sets the tone for a leading-edge expression of life under canvas that is light, modern & elegant.

Mila Tented Camp

A luxury tented camp on the edge of the golden plains, Mila is set within one of the Serengeti’s best-kept secrets: the remote and abundant Nyasirori. Expect Sprawling savannas, meandering rivers, and striking sunsets.

Singita Sasakwa

Built in the style of a stately Edwardian manor house and featuring a light and airy atmosphere, Sasakwa offers panoramic views, a sense of immense freedom, and stillness.

August | Portugal

August in Portugal offers warm, sunny weather without the extreme heat found elsewhere in southern Europe. It’s an easy choice for summer travel, combining time on the coast with relaxed towns, good food, and straightforward travel throughout the country.

Sublime Comporta, Comporta

Set among pine forests and rice fields, Sublime Comporta is a stylish countryside retreat in Portugal’s most talked-about beach destination with sleek villas, four pools (including a bio-pool), a top-tier spa, and a restaurant serving locally sourced Portuguese dishes.

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, Alentejo

The lesser-visited and utterly beautiful Alentejo region is Portugal’s best-kept secret, Herdade da Malhadinha is a Self-sufficient 450-acre farm producing wine, olive oil, vegetables and livestock

Six Senses Douro Valley

Perched high on a hill in the picturesque Douro Valley overlooking the Douro River, this boutique hotel scores top marks for its setting. While away your days by the outdoor pool, unleash your inner artist with a tile painting class or explore nearby trails by mountain bike.

September | Cote d’Azur, France

September is an excellent time to visit the Côte d’Azur, with warm seas, softer light, and a noticeably calmer atmosphere after the summer rush. It’s ideal for coastal drives, time on the water, and long lunches, with the region feeling relaxed but still very much alive.

Hôtel Du Couvent, Nice

Once a convent, now a one-of-a-kind retreat in the heart of Nice’s Old Town, Hôtel du Couvent is all about thoughtful restoration, great food, and a healthy dose of history.

Lily of the Valley, La Croix-Valmer

Just one look at the South of France is a tonic for most people, but those in need of some more elaborate convalescence will love Lily of the Valley, designed by Philippe Starck to soothe mind, body and soul in the hillsides just south of St Tropez.

Chateau Saint-Martin & Spa, near Nice

This countryside retreat, once a Knights Templar castle, now marries historic charm with contemporary elegance amongst gorgeous olive groves.

October | India

October marks the start of the cooler, drier season across much of India. It’s a comfortable time for cultural touring, with clearer skies and more manageable temperatures, making it well suited to city stays, wildlife reserves, and longer journeys.

The Leela Palace Udaipur

Live in the lap of luxury at Leela Palace Udaipur, located on the banks of Lake Pichola. Decadent rooms and suites, fine art, and a stunning open-air restaurant set the scene for a truly magical stay. And let's take a moment to acknowledge the dreamy arrival by boat.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Umaid Bhawan Palace is a magnificent piece of Rajasthan’s heritage, and a symbol of new Jodhpur. Home of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family, the palace has one thing in common with the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra - the palm court marble used in its construction.

Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan

A beautiful 14th-century fort sensitively converted to become a Six Senses sanctuary of well-being. Originally owned by a Rajasthani Royal Family, it faces the Chauth ka Barwara Mandir temple. The significant conservation effort incorporates two palaces and two temples within the walled fort.

November | Oman

November brings warm, dry weather to Oman without the intense heat of summer. It’s an easy month for combining the coast, desert, and mountains, with comfortable conditions for sightseeing and time outdoors.

Alila Jabal Akhdar

High above Oman’s Al Hajar Mountains, Alila Jabal Akhdar offers jaw-dropping views from every suite and villa. Crafted with stone and wood, the resort is alive with details inspired by local juniper trees and painted by Omani artists.

Jumeirah Muscat Bay

Between the Al Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, you’ll struggle to find a more idyllic spot than Jumeirah Muscat Bay. Located just 30 minutes from Muscat, this exclusive resort hits all the right notes, whether you’re in search of relaxation or adventure.

Six Senses Zighy Bay

Set between the Hajar Mountains and the sea, the resort offers a spectacular arrival with the option to paraglide down from the cliffs. You can swim in freshwater and saltwater pools, stroll along a mile of private sandy beach, or restore your energy at the Six Senses Spa.

December | Paris, France

December in Paris is defined by its festive atmosphere, with winter light, Christmas markets, and a slower pace in the city. It’s a natural choice for culture, dining, and a short break before the year ends.

Fouquet’s Paris

Hotel Fouquet’s Paris celebrates the City of Light’s cultural effervescence and timeless romanticism. Exuding the feel of a family home, its rooms are intimate and comfortable, its suites offering majestic views over the capital.

Hotel La Fantaisie

Inspired by local history, Hotel La Fantaisie reimagines the story of master gardeners Jean and Jacques Cadet. During the reign of Charles IX, the brothers transformed the road the hotel is located on into abundant market gardens.

Maison Barrière Vendôme

Maison Barrière Vendôme is an intimate Parisian retreat, perfectly placed between Place Vendôme and the Tuileries Garden. With only 26 rooms, suites, and apartments, each inspired by iconic women, this boutique gem blends French craftsmanship with modern elegance.