In 2026, the most compelling destinations aren’t necessarily the newest — they’re the ones coming into focus at exactly the right moment. As travellers become more selective about where they go and how they travel, attention is shifting toward countries and regions that offer depth, space, and a sense of discovery without spectacle.
This watch list is not about popularity. It is about momentum. Each of the destinations below reflects a broader shift in luxury travel — toward cultural immersion, nature-led journeys, slower pacing, and experiences that feel personal rather than performative.
These are the places discerning travellers should be paying attention to now — while their stories still feel intimate, and their appeal lies in substance rather than saturation.
INDIA
A New Era of Intentional Exploration
India is not emerging — it is refining. In 2026, travellers are approaching the country with greater focus, choosing specific regions and allowing time for deeper engagement rather than attempting to absorb everything at once.
This shift has opened the door to more meaningful journeys. Wellness experiences rooted in ancient traditions, regionally specific cuisine, and stays that emphasise heritage and craftsmanship are redefining what luxury in India looks like today. The emphasis is no longer on scale, but on connection — to place, to ritual, and to rhythm.
India belongs on the 2026 watch list because it rewards patience. Those willing to slow down are discovering a country that feels both grounding and transformative, offering experiences that linger well beyond the journey itself.
ON THE LUXE RADAR IN INDIA
Kerala
Villa Maya, a lovingly restored 18th century Dutch manor that once enjoyed the attention of the royal house of Travancore. In the spirit of its noble heritage it continues to exude timeless elegance through contemporary design and haute cuisine.
Rajasthan
Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel is a sanctuary of grandeur, where verdant landscapes and regal architecture transport guests to Rajasthan’s storied past. Designed as a “garden of jewels,” the hotel seamlessly blends the elegance of an ancestral Rajasthani palace with contemporary sophistication.
Bengaluru
Nestled amidst the tranquil Nandi Hills, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa offers 301 luxurious accommodations designed to evoke tranquility and relaxation.
Jodhpur
Radisson Hotel Jodhpur is a 100% vegetarian luxury boutique hotel that blends traditional elegance with modern comfort in the heart of Rajasthan. Located just minutes away from the city’s major attractions the hotel offers guests an ideal base to explore the rich heritage and culture of Jodhpur.
JAPAN
Where the Quiet Places Are Calling
Japan’s appeal in 2026 lies beyond its most familiar landmarks. As travel redistributes, attention is moving toward rural prefectures, coastal towns, and lesser-known cultural regions where daily life unfolds with extraordinary care and precision.
Here, luxury is subtle. A perfectly prepared seasonal meal, an onsen framed by forest, a morning ritual that follows the rhythm of nature — these are the moments that define the experience. Travellers are choosing Japan not for spectacle, but for stillness, craft, and a deep sense of order.
Japan earns its place on this list because it continues to reveal itself slowly. The more attentively one travels, the more rewarding it becomes.
ON THE LUXE RADAR IN JAPAN
Ehime
Where azure waters meet the infinite sky, SETOUCHI RETREAT by Onko Chishin stands as an extraordinary fusion of architectural brilliance and artistic vision. This exclusive, all-suite retreat of seven rooms, masterfully designed by Tadao Ando and reimagined from a private art museum, offers an immersive gallery experience where guests become part of a living exhibition.
Osaka
A modern grill offering an outstanding selection of fine wines. The distinctive flavours of the best seasonal ingredients are brought out by a simple grilling process, enabling guests to enjoy the wonderful taste of freshly cooked aromatic dishes.
ROMANIA
Europe, Unfiltered
Romania remains one of Europe’s most quietly compelling destinations — a place where history, landscape, and tradition coexist without performance. In 2026, it stands out precisely because it feels unpolished in the best possible way.
Medieval towns, fortified churches, and rural landscapes form the backdrop to a travel experience that feels grounded and human. Life moves at a gentler pace here, and hospitality retains a personal, almost familial quality.
For travellers seeking Europe without crowds or clichés, Romania offers a sense of discovery that is increasingly rare. It is a destination best experienced slowly, with curiosity rather than expectation.
ON THE LUXE RADAR IN ROMANIA
Bucharest
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts newest destination promises a refined experience in an urban landscape dominated by art and history and brings a new era of luxury hospitality refinement in Romania by rebranding the Athénée Palace Hotel to InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest.
Bucharest
Café Athénée, situated on the ground floor of the InterContinental Athénée Palace, offers easy street access and a stylish setting right across from the Romanian Athenaeum. Following a recent renovation, the café combines art deco and neoclassical design elements to create a refined atmosphere.
NAMIBIA
Space as the Ultimate Luxury
Namibia offers something few destinations can: vastness without intrusion. Its landscapes — deserts, dunes, and open plains — create a profound sense of scale that naturally slows the traveller down.
In 2026, Namibia continues to set a benchmark for conservation-led travel. Experiences are designed to protect fragile ecosystems while offering intimate access to nature. Encounters feel organic, unforced, and deeply moving.
Namibia belongs on this watch list because it delivers perspective. It is a destination that strips travel back to its essentials, offering silence, clarity, and an emotional connection to the natural world.
FINLAND
The Art of Calm
Finland’s growing appeal reflects a broader redefinition of luxury — one centred on wellbeing, simplicity, and balance. Forests, lakes, and seasonal extremes shape a travel experience that is restorative rather than stimulating.
In 2026, travellers are drawn to Finland for its intuitive approach to wellness. Sauna culture, slow living, and thoughtful design encourage presence and reflection. Whether under the midnight sun or winter skies illuminated by the northern lights, the experience feels immersive and elemental.
Finland earns its place on this list because it understands restraint. It offers space to breathe, think, and reset — a quiet antidote to modern life.
ON THE LUXE RADAR IN FINLAND
Rovaniemi
Staying at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is like staying in an extremely comfortable and cosy nest, with a view of the arctic forest and sky. Through the big, panoramic windows guests can enjoy the unique phenomena that arctic sky has to offer.
Rovaniemi
Rakas Restaurant & Bar, a charming venue with a unique ambiance and menu crafted from local ingredients prepared with a modern twist. The flavours, mouthfeel and beautiful presentation of each dish are taken carefully into account, creating holistic experiences.
Rovaniemi
Nova Skyland Hotel warmly welcomes you to the magical Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, offering a unique experience where Nordic luxury meets pristine nature. Located in the heart of Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, the hotel is dedicated to creating unforgettable moments for guests of all ages, in every season.
SLOVENIA
Small Country, Strong Identity
Slovenia continues to gain attention as a destination that feels refreshingly balanced. Compact yet diverse, it allows travellers to experience alpine landscapes, wine regions, and vibrant cities without excess transit or crowds.
Sustainability here is not a marketing tool — it is embedded in daily life. Food is seasonal, travel is human-scale, and design favours functionality and warmth. Luxury in Slovenia feels natural and approachable rather than aspirational.
As Europe evolves, Slovenia stands out for doing less — and doing it well.
MONTENEGRO
A Mediterranean Alternative Worth Watching
Montenegro’s appeal lies in its ability to offer Adriatic beauty without the intensity of its more established neighbours. In 2026, it continues to attract travellers seeking coastal romance paired with authenticity.
Stone villages, calm bays, and mountainous backdrops create a sense of contrast and drama without excess. The pace is slower, the atmosphere more intimate, and the experience less curated.
Montenegro belongs on this watch list as a destination still finding its voice — and doing so with restraint and confidence.
ON THE LUXE RADAR IN MONTENEGRO
Budva
Maestral Resort & Casino is a contemporary luxury retreat set in one of the most captivating destinations in the Mediterranean. Surrounded by natural beauty and timeless seaside charm, Maestral offers an exclusive environment designed for guests who value comfort, privacy, and refined service.
Radovići
Set on the waterfront of Montenegro’s Trašte Bay along the Luštica peninsula, within the coastal town of Luštica Bay, The Chedi Luštica Bay welcomes you to unwind amidst authentic, breathable luxury.
Radovići
The Spot Restaurant at Chedi Luštica Bay is a relaxed dining option featuring hearty cuisine, signature cocktails and sweeping marina views. By day, drift in from the beach, soak up the relaxed ambience of the marina promenade, and enjoy endless sea vistas.
Tivat
Regent Porto Montenegro, a 5-star luxury hotel in the picturesque Boka Bay, blends Adriatic charm with modern sophistication in Montenegro’s premier yachting destination. Its Venetian-inspired architecture and tasteful interiors create an ambiance of understated elegance, while the 175 opulent rooms, suites, and residences offer stunning marina or mountain views.
KYRGYZSTAN
For the Curious and the Brave
Kyrgyzstan remains one of the most compelling frontiers for travellers seeking raw, immersive experiences. Defined by alpine landscapes and nomadic heritage, it offers a form of travel that feels deeply experiential.
Journeys here are shaped by nature and tradition rather than infrastructure. Horseback routes across high pastures, stays rooted in local hospitality, and vast, open skies define the experience.
Kyrgyzstan earns its place on this list because it represents something increasingly rare: sincerity. It is a destination for travellers who value authenticity over polish.
OMAN
The Middle East, Reconsidered
Oman offers a different Middle Eastern narrative — one defined by cultural depth, natural diversity, and quiet confidence. In 2026, it appeals to travellers looking for meaning rather than spectacle.
From desert landscapes and mountain ranges to untouched coastlines, Oman encourages exploration at a measured pace. Architecture, cuisine, and hospitality remain closely tied to heritage, creating experiences that feel grounded and respectful.
Oman belongs on this watch list as a destination that balances tradition and modern comfort with remarkable grace.
ON THE LUXE RADAR IN OMAN
Muscat
A luxurious haven located in the vibrant heart of Oman’s capital city, Muscat. Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Al Mouj, this five-star resort offers an exquisite blend of contemporary elegance and traditional Omani charm.
Khasab
Located in the northern tip of the Musandam peninsula bordering the United Arab Emirates. Inspired by a typical Omani village, this beautiful resort offers 8 clusters of low rising buildings with majority of them providing private parking at your doorstep.
Al Mudayq
Located within the Barceló Mussanah Resort, the restaurant is known for offering a fine-dining experience with an emphasis on traditional Italian cuisine, featuring a range of pasta, pizza, and classic Italian dishes, prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
AUSTRALIA
A Journey Best Taken Slowly
Australia’s scale has always been part of its allure, but in 2026 it is being approached with renewed intention. Travellers are choosing regions rather than routes, allowing time to connect with landscapes, food cultures, and Indigenous stories.
From Tasmania’s wilderness to Western Australia’s coastline and the Northern Territory’s cultural depth, Australia rewards those who commit to fewer places and longer stays.
Australia earns its place on this list not because it is changing — but because travellers are changing how they experience it.
ON THE LUXE RADAR IN AUSTRALIA
Albion
The Bathhouse Albion offers an unrivalled wellness experience, featuring two 38°C magnesium pools, a 12°C cold plunge pool, a traditional Finnish sauna, a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna, and a tiered steam room. Guests can unwind in the relaxation lounge with complimentary premium teas, enjoying the serene, phone-free environment.
Brisbane
With a passion for results-driven, high-quality products and services, KAILO Medispa has been involved in the beauty, health and wellness industry since 2018. Using the World’s leading treatments and products, KAILO sets a new benchmark for wellness and beauty offerings.
Currumbin Valley
Set on 400 acres of rainforest, it is the perfect place to hike, explore or wander. Whether you’re relaxing by the labyrinth, the mud baths, or on your balcony – guests feel a million miles away from the real world.
WHY THESE DESTINATIONS MATTER NOW
What unites these countries is not trendiness, but relevance. Each reflects a broader shift in how people want to travel — with intention, awareness, and respect for place.
In 2026, luxury is no longer about chasing the next new destination. It is about recognising when a place is ready to be experienced in a more thoughtful way.
These are the countries to watch — and, for those willing to travel well, to experience deeply.
