What We're Excited About in 2026
Ready for a round of trendspotting? We dove into reports and surveys so you don’t have to. Here are the most exciting forecasts and fresh ideas shaping the year ahead!
Trends 2026 – What the Experts Are Saying
Quietcation
It’s the travel trend dominating 2026: In a noisy, chaotic world, people are craving peace, rest, and digital detox. The hotel world is responding with offerings marketed under a new buzzword: "Hushpitality."
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Noctourism
Turns out midnight is the new sunset. More travelers are booking nighttime safaris, UV snorkeling under the stars, aurora hunting, stargazing sessions, and moonlit city strolls. Who said sightseeing has to end at dusk?
Image: NK/stock.adobe.com
Back to Nature
Nature-based travel remains in demand: from classic safaris to expedition cruises, panda rehab centers to elephant sanctuaries –travelers want real encounters with the local flora and fauna. Glamping, anyone?
Image: EngineerJahid/stock.adobe.com
Artificial Intelligence
Best friend and worst nightmare: AI is taking over tedious routine tasks – while shaking up the entire travel industry. Don’t be surprised when clients show up this year with fully AI-generated itineraries in hand. Oh boy.
Image: Chaudhary/stock.adobe.com
Ultra Luxury
Luxury is everywhere these days – so truly standout experiences matter more than ever. The high-end crowd is looking for more than a "luxury" label. It’s all about curated moments that feel one-of-a-kind.
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Longevity
Arguably the biggest wellbeing trend of the decade: staying happy and healthy well into old age. Nearly every resort and cruise line is hopping on the longevity train. But the top question remains... is wine still allowed?!
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BookTok
BookTok has taken TikTok by storm – and now the travel world is getting on board. Hotels are creating literary retreats, offering rare editions to guests, curating themed stays, and even setting up poolside libraries.
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Train Renaissance
The romance of rail is back. What used to be dismissed as old-fashioned is now the height of slow-travel chic. Plush seats, vintage vibes, and a dose of nostalgia – first class on rails is having a serious moment.
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Experiential Retail
Boring shopping trips are so yesterday. Today’s retail therapy includes personal shoppers, champagne, designer fittings, and tailor-made stays dreamed up in partnership with hotels and event spaces. Yes, please.
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Trends 2026 – What Our Readers Say
At the end of the year, we asked you, our dear readers, to take part in a quick trend survey. And now it's time to share the exciting insights we gathered! So, without further ado – here are the trends straight from the LuxuryWise community.
Image: White Desert Antarctica
Question 1
Is Ultra Luxury already part of your sales portfolio?
For 68.8% of participants, Ultra Luxury is already part of their daily business. Another 31.3% are at least occasionally working with this segment.
Question 2
What matters most to your clients right now?
Clear winner: service, with 87.5%. Since multiple answers were allowed, 68.8% also said experiences. Next in line: space and luxury brands (each at 43.8%), followed by privacy (31.3%).
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Image: IMEX Frankfurt
Question 3
Which trade shows will you attend in 2026?
Trade shows are among the year’s top highlights. ILTM Cannes is a must-attend for many LuxuryWise readers. Loop and Pure also rank high on the wish list, and IMEX (pictured) continues to be a big one. But the real surprise? A whole lot of you mentioned ITB. Looks like whispers of its demise were premature...
Question 4
Are you short-staffed in the office?
There’s hope on the horizon: 46.7% of our readers say they’re currently in a good place staff-wise. Another 33.3% would love to welcome a few extra hands on deck.
Image: LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/stock.adobe.com
Image: Jay Koppelman/stock.adobe.com
Question 5
Is the travel industry ready for the future?
Mixed emotions: 50% of respondents say everything’s going great. On the flip side, 31.3% believe the industry is facing serious headwinds ahead.
Hotels You’re Most Excited About
Image: Capella Hotels
Capella Kyoto, Japan
Starting March 23, Capella Kyoto will welcome its first guests – and bookings are already open. Its location is especially noteworthy: Gion, also known as Miyagawa-chō, is one of Kyoto’s most desirable districts. Right across from Kenninji, the city’s oldest Zen temple, the hotel features 89 rooms, including six suites with private onsens. Guests can also look forward to curated local experiences.
Image: Frégate Island Private
Frégate Island, Seychellen
This island icon has undergone a complete transformation and is set to reopen in 2026 with a fresh look, 14 pool villas, and three private residences. Villa 1 (photo), with its four bedrooms, is already complete. Arrival by helicopter? Your clients will land at the island’s highest point and transfer safari-style to their villa. Culinary concept: 80% of the food will be homegrown on the island’s own farm.
Image: Mandarin Orientel Hotel Group Limited
Mandarin Oriental, Mallorca
The first Mandarin Oriental in the Balearic Islands is slated to open in spring 2026 in Punta Negra near Puerto Portals. The coastal resort offers access to two secluded coves. Among its 131 rooms are 26 suites, 9 private casitas, 19 rooms and suites with plunge pools, and several rooftop suites with ocean views. For foodies: a Nikkei restaurant by Nobu Matsuhisa will be part of the lineup.
Ships You’re Most Excited About
Image: DBOX/Four Seasons Yachts
Superyacht Four Seasons 1
On March 20, the Four Seasons I is set to make its debut voyage. This will be the first yacht by the Four Seasons luxury hotel brand, cruising the Mediterranean from Málaga to Valletta. In summer, the yacht stays in the Med before crossing over to the Caribbean. The yacht offers only suites, including the extravagant Funnel Suite that spans four decks and comes with three bedrooms.
Image: Orient Express
Orient Express Corinthian
Set sail in style: On June 6, the world’s largest sailing ship – the brand-new Orient Express Corinthian – launches with its first 110 guests. The maiden voyage of the 220-meter-long vessel will trace the French Riviera. Guests can expect a "Floating Villa": suites range from penthouses to signature suites, dressed in elegant earth tones. Sister ship Olympian is already slated to join in 2027.
Image: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Seven Seas Prestige
The Seven Seas Prestige is the first of three next-gen ships from Regent Seven Seas and will launch this December. It’s 40% larger than previous Regent ships but only ups the guest count by 10% – maxing out at 822 passengers. Among the highlights is the brand-new Skyview Regent Suite (photo), said to be the most spacious of the fleet. The first sailing runs from Barcelona to Miami.
Destinations That Are Hot Right Now
Image: ondrejprosicky/stock.adobe.com
Brazil – The One to Watch
This year, Brazil is making serious waves in luxury travel. In 2025, the country already welcomed more international visitors than any of its Latin American neighbors – and it’s just getting started. While others are facing setbacks, Brazil is riding a wave of growth. Luxury hotel brands are catching on too: Anantara is set to open its Preá Ceará Resort in 2027, and Four Seasons will debut in Rio de Janeiro by 2029.
Image: Vegard Stien
The Nordics – Cool by Nature
Are your clients still chasing the heat or have they already discovered the magic of a "coolcation"? Northern Europe, including Denmark, Finland, Norway (photo) and Sweden, is trending hard – and not just because of those mild summers. The Scandis are masters of design, big on bold flavors, and brimming with natural wonders. Keyword: Northern Lights. And even the price tag is whispering "luxury!"
Image: The Royal Commission for AlUla
Saudi-Arabia – The Wild Card
All eyes are on Saudi Arabia – and for good reason. Since opening up to tourism in 2019, the kingdom has been buzzing with ambitious projects. Nature, culture, and wide-open spaces offer endless potential. While AlUla (photo) is already a standout, luxury insiders are now watching the Red Sea with interest. The Red Sea Project is taking shape fast, with new hotels launching soon – including the much-anticipated Miraval Red Sea.