Luxury travel has shifted. It’s not just about thread counts and Michelin stars anymore (though those still matter). Today’s discerning travelers want privacy without isolation, indulgence that feels earned, and experiences that stick with you long after the tan fades. Think overwater villas where you can hear absolutely nothing but the ocean, or clifftop suites where the sunset becomes the evening’s entertainment.
From overwater villas to clifftop suites, your 2026 itinerary could include any number of incredible places. Take a moment to explore popular destinations we help travelers visit every year.
Our team at Journeys has spent the year scouting, visiting, and honestly overthinking the best luxury destinations where you should spend your precious vacation days in 2026. These locations deliver on service, scenery, and the kind of moments that make you forget to check your phone.
Is the Maldives Still Worth It for a Luxury Vacation?
Short answer: absolutely. The Maldives has earned its reputation as the poster child of luxury beach escapes and remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for 2026. This archipelago in the Indian Ocean does things other destinations can’t quite replicate. The water really is that blue (every shade you’ve seen in photos). The overwater villas really do come with private butlers. And yes, you can have champagne with your breakfast while stingrays glide beneath your feet.
It works for honeymoons, milestone anniversaries, or those “we need to escape everything” moments when you don’t want to explain yourself to anyone.
Our Top Picks:
- Soneva Fushi – This is barefoot luxury done right. No shoes required, maximum relaxation delivered.
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands – Modern, sleek, and designed for people who appreciate clean lines and calm.
- Baros Maldives – Intimate doesn’t begin to cover it. This one is for couples who want romance without the crowd.
Pro tip: Many Maldives resorts are throwing in complimentary seaplane transfers and room upgrades for early 2026 bookings. The sooner you commit, the better your perks.
Should I Go to Greece for My Luxury Vacation?
Greece has mastered the art of making luxury feel effortless. Greece luxury travel delivers coastal views, culture that goes back millennia, and food so good you’ll want to befriend the chef. Santorini still delivers those iconic whitewashed villages. Mykonos brings the energy (and the parties, if that’s your speed). Crete offers something quieter and more grounding.
The best part? It never feels stuffy. Greek luxury has a relaxed Mediterranean confidence that lets you dress up or down without judgment.
Where We’re Sending Clients:
- Canaves Oia Suites, Santorini – Perched on the caldera with views that justify the Instagram obsession
- Blue Palace, Elounda, Crete – Elegant without trying too hard, with a beachfront that feels private
- Katikies Mykonos – For those who want style and energy in equal measure
Timing matters: Late May or early September gives you sunshine and warm water without the peak-season crowds. You’ll actually get a table at that restaurant everyone’s talking about.
What Are the Best Hotels on the French Riviera?
Some places never go out of style. The French Riviera is one of them. These elegant seaside towns along the Mediterranean have been attracting the well-heeled for over a century, and the French Riviera hotels show no signs of losing their appeal. The beach clubs still buzz with that glamorous energy. The old towns still charm with their narrow streets and hidden cafés. And the light? Painters moved here for that golden-hour glow.
You Can’t Go Wrong With:
- Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes – This legendary hotel has hosted everyone from Hemingway to Hollywood A-listers
- Cheval Blanc St-Tropez – Modern luxury on the waterfront with service that anticipates your needs
Make it better: Tack on a few days in Paris or Provence. France rewards the curious traveler who explores beyond the coast.
Where Should I Stay on the Amalfi Coast?
The Amalfi Coast combines natural drama with Italian style in a way that feels almost unfair to other destinations. Those cliffs dropping into impossibly blue water. The colorful villages are stacked like children’s blocks. The Amalfi Coast luxury villas and hotels offer that laid-back elegance that says, “we’ve been doing this for centuries, and we’re not in a hurry.”
This coastline speaks to travelers who want beauty that doesn’t need a filter.
Don’t Miss:
- Le Sirenuse, Positano – Perched on the hillside with that classic Amalfi charm and a pool you won’t want to leave
- Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Ravello – Set in an 11th-century palace with gardens that seem to float above the coast
When to visit: Spring and early fall bring perfect weather and thinner crowds. Plus, those coastal drives become scenic instead of stressful.
Is Mauritius a Good Luxury Destination?
Mauritius sits in the Indian Ocean with a cultural blend you won’t find anywhere else. African, Indian, and European influences merge here to create something genuinely unique. The Mauritius luxury resorts understand this and lean into authentic experiences rather than generic beach resort programming.
Our Recommendations:
- One&Only Le Saint Géran – Set on a private peninsula with serious attention to detail
- LUX Grand Baie* – Fresh, modern, and focused on making luxury feel accessible
Next-level planning: Combine your Mauritius stay with a South African safari. The two experiences complement each other beautifully, and the logistics actually work.
Where Should I Stay in Anguilla?
Anguilla gets it. No cruise ships dock here. No casinos light up the night. What you get instead is 33 beaches of powdery white sand, water in shades of turquoise that seem almost fake, and Anguilla five-star resorts that understand the assignment: deliver luxury without the noise.
This island appeals to travelers seeking Caribbean luxury escapes who’ve done St. Barths and want something equally polished but more low-key.
Where to Stay:
- Belmond Cap Juluca – Moroccan-inspired architecture meets Caribbean beach perfection
- Four Seasons Anguilla – The Four Seasons knows what it’s doing, and here they’ve done it well
- Zemi Beach House – Boutique luxury with a spa that’s worth the trip alone
Getting there: Fly into St. Maarten and hop a ferry or puddle jumper. The journey is part of the charm.
What Are the Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Los Cabos?
Los Cabos sits where the Baja desert tumbles into the Pacific, creating landscapes that photograph like another planet. Add world-class dining, resorts that compete for “best pool in Mexico” honors, and direct flights from most major U.S. cities, and you have an all-inclusive resort destination that makes luxury convenient.
Groups love it. Couples love it. Anyone needing to reset and recharge will find what they’re looking for.
Top Properties:
- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal – Built into the cliffside with a private tunnel entrance (yes, really)
- Grand Velas Los Cabos – Los Cabos all-inclusive luxury that actually lives up to the promise
- Nobu Hotel Los Cabos – For when you want your accommodation to match your dinner reservations
Don’t skip: Private yacht charters and whale-watching excursions show you Cabo at its best. Ask us about setting these up.
Should I Go to Thailand for a Luxury Vacation?
Thailand has always excelled at hospitality. Now it’s channeling that warmth into luxury properties that range from eco-conscious beach resorts to private island hideaways. Thailand luxury vacation experiences deliver genuine cultural immersion, wellness programs that go beyond the standard spa menu, and service that feels personal rather than scripted.
Current Favorites:
- Six Senses Yao Noi – Private pool villas overlooking Phang Nga Bay with sustainability built into the DNA
- The Slate, Phuket – Industrial-chic design meets Thai warmth on a quieter stretch of coast
- Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort – For something completely different, with responsible elephant encounters
Expand your trip: Spend a few days in Bangkok for city energy and street food that rivals fine dining. Or head north to Chiang Mai for mountain air and elephant sanctuaries that prioritize animal welfare.
What Other Luxury Destinations Should I Consider?
Seychelles gets the “ultra-remote romantic escape” crown. Granite boulders, rare birds, and resorts where you might be the only guests at breakfast.
Turks and Caicos deliver pristine beaches and boutique properties without the Caribbean crowds. This Caribbean luxury escape consistently ranks among the world’s best, with Grace Bay leading the charge.
Bali offers private villas tucked into rice terraces or jungle hillsides, serious wellness retreats, and a spiritual side that grounds even the most restless travelers.
How Do I Plan a Luxury Trip for 2026?
Our Luxury Travel Team at Journeys builds custom itineraries based on how you actually want to travel, not some template pulled from a filing cabinet. We know these properties because we visit them. We know these destinations because we’ve explored them.
Let’s talk about where 2026 should take you.
Schedule your complimentary luxury travel consultation today.
Journeys Inc. – Not just a trip… a journey to remember.
Frequently Asked Questions: Luxury Travel Destinations for 2026
What makes these destinations stand out for luxury travel in 2026?
Each location on this list delivers something specific: natural beauty that photographs itself, service that feels intuitive rather than robotic, and cultural experiences that go deeper than the standard tourist circuit. They’ve earned their spots through consistent quality and the ability to create moments you’ll actually remember five years from now.
When should I book these trips?
Spring and early fall work beautifully for most of these destinations. You get ideal weather without fighting crowds for dinner reservations or beach chairs. That said, timing varies by location, so let’s discuss your specific plans and find the sweet spot for your schedule. Be sure to browse our travel FAQs if you have questions about airline or itinerary planning as well.
What accommodation styles are available?
The range runs from overwater bungalows in the Maldives to cliffside suites on the Amalfi Coast, from private villas in Bali to five-star resorts in Los Cabos. What matters most is matching the property to your travel style and priorities.
Can you help with multi-destination trips?
Absolutely. We specialize in itineraries that connect multiple destinations without the stress of figuring out logistics. Fly into Athens, spend time island-hopping in Greece, then finish in the French Riviera? Done. Safari in South Africa followed by beach time in Mauritius? We’ve mapped that route dozens of times.
How early should I book for 2026?
Book nine to twelve months ahead for the best selection and promotional rates. High-demand properties (especially in the Maldives and Amalfi Coast) fill their prime dates early. The sooner you commit, the more options you’ll have. You can also request a luxury travel quote to get personalized pricing and options from our advisors.
