As travel in 2026 becomes increasingly shaped by meaningful experiences and deeper connections to destinations, Shangri-La Hotels unveils a guide to where – and how – to travel on-trend next year.
Sustainability & Regenerative Luxury: Mauritius (pictured) Shangri-La Le Touessrok, a Mauritian icon, has recently installed 13 new beehives, bringing the resort’s total to 16 and creating the largest hotel-based beehive sanctuary in the country. The hives are lovingly cared for by Tony Myrtile, the resort’s Villa Butler, who continues to look after the original three hives, and local beekeeper, Etienne de Senneville, who manages the 13 newly installed hives. Home to more than 700,000 bees, the initiative actively supports biodiversity, pollination and local ecosystems, while guests experience the results firsthand through honey harvested on-site and served across the resort. Shangri-La Le Touessrok offers a range of exceptional dining experiences, including Coco’s Beach House and TSK – Touessrok Soul Kitchen – which only opened in October 2024. From City to Safari: Sri Lanka Wildlife tourism is set to be an ongoing trend in 2026, and Sri Lanka is one of the most compelling destinations for this. Guests can begin their journey at Shangri-La Colombo, where the capital’s history, temples and oceanfront setting offer a gentle introduction to the island. From here, it’s a few hours' drive south to Shangri-La Hambantota, an expansive coastal resort and ideal base for exploring Yala National Park, home to the world’s highest density of leopards. Visiting during peak dry-season conditions, such as July or August, significantly increases the chance of sightings, alongside elephants and rich birdlife, and the hotel can arrange guided safari drives.
Meaningful Cultural Immersion: Istanbul Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, is perfect for travellers who are seeking richer travels and experiences rooted in local heritage. Set within a restored 1930s tobacco factory overlooking the Bosphorus, where East meets West, the hotel connects guests to the city’s living traditions through hands-on experiences. Whether it’s Ebru marbling workshops, personalised perfume creation with master artisans, or sunrise fishing alongside local experts, guests have a rare insight into daily life in one of the world’s most historically layered cities – and can return from their memorable travels with a new skill.
Screen-Inspired Travel: Paris Film and television will continue to shape where travelers go next in 2026. Shangri-La Paris sits firmly at the center of this trend, having featured prominently in Emily in Paris and with France now in the spotlight following the news that the next season of The White Lotus will reportedly be filmed on the French Riviera. Housed in the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, the hotel dates back to the 19th Century, and is a showstopping architectural gem offering cinematic Eiffel Tower views. Chi, The Spa, is an oasis in the city - located in the former stables, it houses a beautiful 17-metre swimming pool (the largest in the city).
