From skiing with Olympians on the iconic pistes of the Sellaronda to truffle hunting in Istria and spotting leopards in Sri Lanka’s famous Yala National Park, below is a month-by-month guide to destinations and experiences that deserve a place on everyone’s 2026 travel bucket list.
January: Swap Post Christmas Blues for the Maldives Start the year in peaceful seclusion at Sirru Fen Fushi, a wild yet luxurious island in one of the Maldives’ most remote atolls. Swapping post-Christmas blues for blue skies and crystal-clear waters, experiences include a 9km house reef and the Maldives’ first underwater art installation. Guests staying in January can expect a unique dining experience at Azure restaurant, curated by Jean-Philippe Blondet, Chef Patron of three-Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester (3 Jan) as well as a mesmerising performance by Daria Pavlenko, Principal Ballerina of the prestigious Mariinsky Ballet (6 Jan).
February: Turn Up the Volume in the Canary Islands Escape the winter chill and embrace the spirit of carnival season in the Canary Islands, by dancing the night away under warm skies. On Tenerife, Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora offers a luxurious base from which guests can enjoy the island’s dazzling annual celebrations, complete with Europe’s longest infinity pool, a a 2,000 m² spa, and suites enhanced by the exclusive RedLevel experience. Across the water, Paradisus Gran Canaria encapsulates the true spirits of the islands through its innovative Destination Inclusive® concept, elevating the all-inclusive experience with curated local adventures such as guided hikes through the island’s “Sacred Mountains” and coffee and rum tastings at artisanal plantations included in their stay.
March: Ski with Olympians in the Dolomites At COMO Alpina Dolomites thrill-seekers and wellness-enthusiasts alike can relish in an immersive five-to-seven-night ski and wellness experience, hosted by Olympic ski racing legends Travis and Marie-Michèle Ganong. During this retreat, participants will refine their technique and improve confidence on the iconic pistes of the Sellaronda and Val Gardena. To complement the on-mountain escapades, restorative yoga and stretching sessions are offered to enhance recovery, mobility and mental clarity. Evenings present cozy alpine-inspired activities to highlight the rich heritage of the South Tyrol - from fireside storytelling to regional menus enjoyed at the Gostner Huts.
April: Avoid the Crowds in Dubrovnik In April, head to Dubrovnik, when the sought-after city enjoys balmy temperatures of up to 20 degrees and none of the busy summer crowds, ideal for exploring the historic Old Town with its ancient architecture and abundance of local restaurants. Villa Dubrovnik will reopen for the 2026 season in early April, welcoming guests to enjoy its newly refurbished interiors, unveiled in summer 2025. Inspired by the landscape and culture of Dubrovnik, the design incorporates traditional lace patterns and a colour scheme of stone and terracotta across its rooms, suites and dining venues, including Michelin-recommended Pjerin restaurant. New for 2026, Villa Kolin is a private residence with three bedrooms and a private garden, ideal for multi-generational groups.
May: Summer Starts in Fethiye Set within a private bay in Fethiye, Turkey and only accessible by sea, Yazz Collective is a retreat in the week that turns up the volume on weekends. Designed to cater to both the yacht set and cool creatives, and notorious for starting the season as they mean to go on, travellers won’t want to miss the opening. Heading into its fourth season, Yazz Collective welcomes guests with vibrant DJ sessions, timeless cocktails with inventive twists – like the Chilli Margarita topped with passionfruit cream – a warm sense of camaraderie, and an atmosphere that sets the tone for an unforgettable summer.
June: Experience the Taste of Tunisia An idyllic summer escape, Tunisia is now more accessible thanks to EasyJet’s new year-round routes. In June, the country welcomes the Annual Mediterranean Seafood Festival - an unmissable celebration of culinary artistry and seafood traditions. Continue your culinary journey at The Residence Tunis, where luxury hospitality is infused with the elegance of Tunisia’s Arab-Andalusian heritage. Guests can discover new depths of relaxation, whether sunbathing on the beach, embracing mind-and-body wellness at The Spa & Thalasso, or teeing off on the resort's magnificent 18-hole golf course. To continue the culinary traditions, the hotel invites guests to join its Ode to the Olive experience - a cultural escape to a Roman-era olive grove that celebrates the country’s most treasured ingredient.
July: World-Class Gastronomy and Immersive Wellness on the Med With its fully renovated spaces, new dining concepts – like the reimagined Michelin-starred La Gaia – and the stylish Musa Bar, Ibiza Gran Hotel offers the perfect summer getaway on the Mediterranean. Guests can savour the comfort of the hotel’s 187 art-filled suites, including private-pool sanctuaries, and enjoy renowned service, world-class gastronomy, and bespoke activities, including private champagne art tours, vineyard excursions, yacht charters and immersive wellness journeys designed to connect guests with the island’s natural rhythm.
August: Spot Leopards in Sri Lanka Dry-season conditions in August dramatically improve the chance of leopard sightings in Sri Lanka’s famous Yala National Park, which has the world’s highest density of the majestic big cats. Shangri-La Hambantota is the ideal base for nature lovers: spanning 58 hectares on the wild southern coastline, the resort is alive with birdlife. It’s just a short drive from Yala, where there are also frequent elephant sightings, and the hotel can arrange guided safari experiences. After a thrilling day out, guests can return to unwind at Chi Ayurveda Spa, which has partnered with South East Asia’s famous Ayurveda healing centre, the Siddhalepa Group, to offer guests traditional treatments using ancient healing remedies and therapies.
September: Truffle Hunting and Outdoor Exploration in Istria Hidden to the human eye and only detectable by the sniff of a sharp-nosed hound, the truffle is Istria’s most valuable and flavourful forage, being one of only two places in the world to grow the prized white variety. In September, truffle hunting season kicks off, and culinary enthusiasts are invited explore the lush countryside of the heart-shaped peninsula – accompanied by expert guides and their truffle-sniffing dogs – in pursuit of truffles before savouring them with local wines and produce. Istria is the perfect destination for food lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.
October: Lights, Camera, Action in Newport Beach Just over an hour’s drive from LA, Newport Beach is an iconic coastal city in Southern California which is home to 10 miles of pristine coastline and world-class cultural events. The Newport Beach Film Festival will be held from 15-22 October in 2026, celebrating its 27th year. One of the largest luxury film festivals in the United States, it attracts over 56,000 attendees to Orange County, championing original storytellers. A curated selection of international films highlights contemporary cinema, while events foster conversations with filmmakers and artists. Expect many famous Hollywood faces in attendance - 2025 saw Scarlett Johannson presented with the Variety Legend & Groundbreaker Award at the Newport Beach Film Festival Honors Event.
November: Find your Stride in Athens With the Athens Marathon taking place on 8 November, there’s no better time to embrace the city’s fitness spirit. Newly opened this year, Conrad Athens, The Ilisian offers runners and those looking to soak up the marathon buzz, the perfect base. With a unique 360-degree rooftop running track open 24/7, there’s no better place to take in panoramic views of the Acropolis while running and no better time than late-autumn sun to lace up and experience one of the world’s leading sporting capitals.
December: Set the Tone for Wellness in Estonia Escape to Eha, the new wellness retreat redefining Nordic wellness, where visitors can reconnect with both self and land through immersive retreat programmes shaped by a unique five-season calendar. Each programme combines ancestral Estonian healing traditions with modern practices – from thermal rituals and nature immersion to breath-led movement and reflective sessions. At the heart of the culinary experience is Green Michelin Star chef Peeter Pihel, who crafts seasonal, farm-to-table menus showcasing garden-grown produce, sustainable seafood, and ingredients from trusted local foragers and farmers. Eha offers a restorative reset and the perfect way to set the tone for a healing year ahead.
