As travelers look beyond destinations and start curating the full experience, the “what to pack” question takes center stage while consolidating the perfect wardrobe into a suitcase. From stylish city escapes to off-season adventures, travelers want to blend in effortlessly while dressing the part for each setting. This season, we’re spotlighting destinations that inspire a sense of place through their style—where what you wear becomes part of the story.
Packing for an Adventure at the End of the World
At the so called “end of the world” in Chilean Patagonia, The Singular Patagonia offers a secluded, history-rich escape surrounded by fjords, glaciers, and sweeping mountain views. Housed in a restored post-Victorian cold-storage plant from 1915, the property preserves antique machinery as part of its living museum while providing modern comfort and adventure. Guests can explore Torres del Paine National Park—often called the Eighth Wonder of the World—through treks, kayaking, horseback riding, and more, all with a focus on sustainability and respect for the land. Patagonia is known for having “four seasons in a day,” so layering is key. To be prepared for the changing conditions, guests are recommended to wear a base layer underneath a fleece, and jacket. Other essential items include trekking boots, gloves, sunglasses, and a wool hat for shifting weather. Comfortable, water-resistant shoes and swimwear will also allow travelers to be ready for every adventure, from glacier hikes to a post-expedition soak in the spa.
How to Dress and Decompress at Cape of Senses
Perched 600 feet above Lake Garda, in Italy Cape of Senses captures the art of slow living in its purest form. The family-owned, adults-only retreat combines understated Italian elegance with a deep connection to nature with floor-to-ceiling lake views, centuries-old olive trees, and a 21,000-square-foot Senses Spa surrounded by Mediterranean greenery. Guests can unwind with holistic treatments using local botanicals, dine al fresco at Al Tramonto, and explore the region through private sailings, vineyard picnics, and day trips to nearby villages. Guests typically channel relaxed Italian style with timless basic, linen sets, comfort colors. Unique patterns on bold accessories will add the perfect touch for a lake cruise, while knits and neutral tones transition seamlessly from spa mornings to sunset dinners overlooking the water.
Dressed for Serentity at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud, Bali, offers a luxurious wellness escape, where wellness, spirituality and nature intertwine along the serene Ayung river. The retreat encourages guests on a transformative wellness journey, Disconnect to Reconnect, featuring over 20 curated experiences, from sound therapy and breathwork to healing sessions with local practitioners and creative workshops rooted in Balinese tradition. Day’s unfold with nature, surrounded by rice terraces and stillness. Guests can embrace early, natural tones and breathable fabircs to mirror Mandapa’s tranquil setting. With comfort as a top priority, guests are encouraged to disconnect in flowy yoga sets, loungewear, and soft dresses. From sunrise yoga to cooler sunset cocktails at Ambar, guests embody mindful elegance, and effortless serenity.
Dressing for Venice’s Secret Season, A Winter Opera Escape at Violino d’Oro
The winter months allow Venice to reveal her truest self; framed by fog, lit by the soft glow of holiday lights reflected in the black waters of the Grand Canal, the city slips into a slower rhythm. Gondolas glide silently through empty canals, museums feel intimate and free of crowds, while restaurants welcome guests without a need for a reservation. This is not simply the off-season—it is a secret season, when the city becomes more real and more alive.
Violino d'Oro welcomes guests to embrace this authentic intimacy through exclusive experiences like the Opera. Guests can enjoy private access to La Fenice, curated pre-concert dinners in historic osterie, and guided walks through Venice’s operatic past. For an evening at the opera, guests opt for understated elegance. Embrace the timeless, sophisticated feel the opera holds with long dresses, layered in warm fur coats for women, and dark suits with trend coats for men, reflecting the city’s enduring grace.
A Chic Escape to Bali’s Most Vibrate Beach
Situated on Bali’s most vibrant beachfront, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach embodies a chic fusion of culture and contemporary design. Inspired by the island’s Tri Hita Karana philosophy—harmony among people, nature, and the divine—the five-star retreat brings together striking Balinese architecture, bold colors, and a creative spirit that mirrors Seminyak’s lively energy. Think effortlessly stylish beachside looks that flow from sunrise yoga to sunset cocktails. Pack lightweight skirts, flowy sundresses, colorful swimwear, and airy linens in bright, tropical hues. Flip-flops or strappy sandals are perfect for the beach, while woven bags, sunhats, and statement sunglasses complete the look. Guests can dive into the island’s culture through local cuisine at SugarSand, unwind at Sava Spa, or explore Bali’s vibrant surroundings, from the waves of Seminyak to the trails of Mount Batur.
Enjoy Alpine Adventures in Style at Forsthofgut Nature Hotel
Tucked beneath the Leogang Mountains in Austria, Forsthofgut Nature Hotel is an alpine retreat where natural beauty meets refined comfort. During a stay, guests can take advantage of the extensive amenities, such as the 61,000 square-foot waldSPA, which includes a natural swimming lake, an infinity pool, and holistic treatments using locally sourced products. For families, there's a dedicated family spa with a thrilling slide and aqua-play zone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy 250 miles of hiking trails, mountain biking paths, and horseback riding during the summer, and ski-in/ski-out access to the Saalbach-Hinterglemm- Leogang-Fieberbrunn ski area during the winter. The hotel's dining options are equally impressive, featuring three à la carte restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines, including Japanese, Alpine-Mediterranean, and creative vegan dishes, all made with fresh produce from the hotel's farm.
For packing, essential items include layered clothing for the changing alpine weather, a waterproof jacket, swimwear for the spa, and sturdy footwear for exploring the outdoors. During the winter, knits, sweaters, boots, and ski gear are also a must. Additionally, a favorite book or journal pairs well with the tranquil mountain setting.
How to Dress for Farm Days and Wine Nights at Spier Hotel and Wine Farm
Spier Hotel and Wine Farm invites a wardrobe that moves easily from farm life to the table. Linen and cotton work through the day for vineyard walks, time along the Eerste River, and unhurried tastings of the 21 Gables and Farmer Angus ranges, with comfortable shoes and a sun hat making everything simpler under Cape skies. Swimwear earns its place for the Cape Herbal Bath House and the riverside pools, where treatments draw on plants grown in Spier’s own herbal garden. Evenings call for something polished rather than formal for winemaker dinners in the Manor House, a long table format led by the winemaking team with a single varietal paired across four courses, which reads better with a dress, a lightweight shirt, or tailored separates than with anything overly sporty. When visiting between May and September, add soft layers for crisp mornings before the sun warms the vines, then settle back into light pieces for afternoons in the gardens and among the outdoor artworks curated by Spier Arts Trust.
Dressing for Timeless Allure in Bath
Packing for The Gainsborough Bath Spa means making room for elegance and leisure. The Gainsborough's Jane Austen experiences include guided visits to Lacock, where scenes from Pride and Prejudice were filmed, and are encouraged to don their finest Regency-inspired attire. Whether guests channel their inner Elizabeth Bennet or Mr. Darcy, the Jane Austen walking tour follows the footsteps of Austen to witness her real inspirations and embrace the city's Georgian heritage. After exploring Bath, guests return to The Gainsborough Bath Spa where they will swap corsets for bathing suits to enjoy time spent in the Spa Village Bath. The only hotel spa in the United Kingdom with direct access to natural thermal waters, guests can follow the property's Bath Circuit through a series of mineral pools, steam rooms, and saunas modeled after a Roman bathhouse before settling in for afternoon tea or an aromatherapy session surrounded by Georgian architecture and the city’s centuries-old bathing culture.
Packing Guide for Milaidhoo Maldives:
For an unforgettable vacation in the Maldives, Milaidhoo Maldives, a boutique luxury resort located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the ideal location where guests are invited to unwind completely, embracing the island’s philosophy of “not thinking,” or dive into once-in-a-lifetime aquatic experiences amid some of the world’s most mesmerizing marine life. Preparing for the trip, and thinking beyond the swimsuit and beach bag, travelers should pack thoughtfully to elevate their Maldives experience and leave with the best memories. Most importantly, to protect the ocean and preserve the delicate habitats of marine life, Milaidhoo strongly urges guests to bring coral-safe sunscreen, formulated with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, instead of harmful chemicals that can damage reefs and jeopardize the beauty of the ocean for future generations. For those new to snorkeling, a rash guard is essential to stay protected from the tropical sun during long explorations in the water. And here’s a simple insider tip: while socks might seem out of place on a beach vacation, they’re perfect for wearing with flippers, offering extra comfort for extended swims. Those who might not have a Go Pro or underwater camera can still capture magic underwater moments with their phone, purchasing a waterproof phone case that takes clear photos to bring back memories of their incredible marine sights, like whale sharks, manta rays, and more.
Walk Japan's Custom Pre-Tour Pack
Travelers embarking on one of Walk Japan's 35+ tours through Japan's least-visited quarters can rest assured no packing questions go unasked with their meticulously curated pre-tour pack. The pack, individualized for each tour, provides information about important vocabulary, itinerary, historical context, also including a space for personal notes as well as an in-depth packing list of necessities and recommendations. Because the tours vary in difficulty ranging from gently undulating walks through farmland, or scaling steep rocks on more difficult trails, Walk Japan suggests packing walking sticks across all tours due to the distribution of weight and decrease load on the joints. The redistribution allows for a more comfortable walk, as most of the company's tours cover a few miles per day. Additionally, the pre-tour pack details what to wear, and when. Because guests are hosted at traditional inns, typically passed down through generations, the pack details when guests should wear hiking clothes, nicer town clothes, or the traditional yukata (the robe provided at the inns to wear after bathing in onsen) and how to tie it.
A Guide to Braving the Elements in Patagonia
The varied terrain in Patagonia calls for unexpected weather conditions--year round, it is not uncommon to experience sunshine, wind, rain, and snow within the span of a few hours. Quasar Expeditions provides a detailed packing list for their Patagonia adventures, as well as a Gear Shop to refer to and purchase from while preparing for hiking, horseback riding, ice-trekking, sea kayaking, fly fishing, and cruising the glacial lakes. For 8 to 9 day trips, the company recommends packing 6 t-shirts, 2 short-sleeve button-down shirts, one fleece and one wool swear, and more--the guide prevents guests from overpacking so they can lighten the load and explore more freely. A fool-proof tip from Quasar Expeditions for travelers visiting Patagonia is to layer in preparation for the day--whether they're trekking under the blazing sun or through the snow, Quasar ensures all guests are equipped to enjoy each and every activity, no matter the weather.
Dressing for Nairobi
Days in Nairobi are generally mild, with warm days and cool evenings. Hemingways Nairobi, a member of the Hemingways Collection, provides tips and tricks to how to pack for daytime and evening explorations before flying out to the bush. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for visits to local landmarks or nature walks, while smart-casual attire is best-suited for dining and cocktails at the hotel. Kenya's proximity to the Equator provides the mild climate, but also calls for extra sun protection, insect repellent, and water to keep guests prepared during the daytime. The Hemingways Collection also suggests keeping a warm layer, such as a shawl, within reach for the evenings. The Hemingways staff is also happy to work with each guest to provide specific packing tips for Nairobi, or their extensions to the Kenyan coast at Hemingways Watamu, or to the Mara at Hemingways Ol Seki Mara and Hemingways River Camp Mara.
PADI Certification Must-Haves
The dive programs at Gaya Island Resort consist of a full range of learning experiences for travelers 10 years and above. Meant for novices and seasoned scuba divers and snorkelers, the courses impart the knowledge and experience needed to become PADI certified. Though the property can provide necessary equipment for the courses, guests can prepare for their diving adventures by packing items like rash guards, wetsuits, and swim socks. Wetsuits and swim socks provide necessary warmth to stay comfortable and provide buoyancy, with the socks also protecting travelers from developing blisters from flippers, while the rash guards prevent discomfort under the wetsuits. Once guests hone their skills, an underwater protection case for their phone (one that can handle up to 50 feet of water pressure) gives travelers the freedom to take photos of their under-the-sea adventures.
Mozambique Safari: How to Pack Light and Smart
Mozambique offers a safari experience that is a little out of the ordinary, with a focus on stunning beaches alongside rich wildlife. Shaun Stanley, founder of luxury tour operator Stanley Safaris, recommends Mozambique as a standout destination for 2026, thanks to its warm weather and unique ecosystem. He advises travelers to come well-prepared: be aware of the weather conditions, protect camera gear (including packing extra batteries and drives), and take measures against the elements, such as sand. Packing light is also key, as guests may travel on small safari planes between camps. Comfortable, versatile clothing, such as t-shirts and sundresses for warm days, and long sleeves for sun and mosquito protection is recommended, along with swimwear and sandals.
Elevated Essentials: Packing for Alpine Perfection
Perched high above Lake St. Moritz, the Carlton Hotel St. Moritz is a winter paradise of elegance and exclusivity that sets a specific tone for what to wear and pack. With its 60 lake-facing suites, the largest penthouse suite in St. Moritz, five terraces, a private elevator, and panoramic views of the landscape, the property blends quality, comfort, and privacy. To reflect the hotel’s polished aesthetic and St. Moritz’s timeless beauty, guests should think chic and elevated essentials. This may include an upscale ski jacket, a classic wool coat, and a cashmere sweater for effortless après-ski style. For evenings spent within Rampazzi’s opulent interiors and fine-dining experiences, guests should opt for a sophisticated cocktail dress or suit, complemented with refined accessories such as a classic watch, jewelry, or an elegant clutch to complete the look.
For days on the slopes, visitors may want to pack top-tier ski gear and high-quality goggles. They can draw inspiration from the hotel’s Skiservice Corvatsch, a well-appointed ski shop with an array of premium skis from top brands like Atomic, Salomon, and Stöckli.
