10 Must-Visit Luxury Destinations for 2026: Where to Go Before Everyone Else Does

Luxury travel is booming. That’s no surprise to us at Travel Queen. Who wouldn’t want to wake up in an overwater villa in Bora Bora, with the ocean as your private swimming pool, or be whisked by helicopter to a glacier in New Zealand for a champagne picnic?

Of course, luxury holidays mean something different for each and every one of us. Heading on a glamorous vacation doesn’t necessarily require you to retreat to a tropical destination with turquoise water and glistening white sands (though that’s amazing too). Luxury can also be enjoyed in other ways, such as cruising through Antarctica or other remote corners of the world.

Here’s a look at the 10 must-visit luxury destinations for 2026. Just beware – once you’ve read this article from top to bottom, you’ll potentially catch a severe case of wanderlust!

Best Luxury Destinations for 2026

Sardinia, Italy

Although technically a part of Italy, Sardinia has its own unique character and feel. The country’s second-largest island charms with its rich blend of old and new. Wish to experience glitz and glamour? Head to Costa Smeralda, which has become a hotspot for royalty and celebrities. Prefer something more laid-back? Head south and you’ll be surprised by the timeless villages and their heartwarming people.

The biggest draw of Sardinia, of course, is its jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches and mountains. Hop on your private yacht and tour the stunning Maddalena archipelago, indulge in the freshest seafood, and shop your way through Porto Cervo. There’s no doubt Sardinia is the ‘it’ place to go in 2026.

Madrid, Spain

Known for its vivacious art galleries, passionate nightlife, and Europe’s largest palace, Madrid is one of the best city breaks in Europe, though it is often undeservedly overlooked in favor of other destinations. In recent years, however, the Spanish capital has become more popular among high-spending travelers. Here, you’ll find an energetic hotel scene (think art-gallery-meets-hotel hybrids), plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants, and all the shopping you could dream of.

If you’re looking to have the ultimate glamorous experience, book a stay at one of the newer luxury addresses in Madrid – the Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental.

Costa Rica

Did you know that Costa Rica is home to around 5% of the world’s biodiversity? With 30 national parks, the Central American country will be an excellent travel destination for travelers who appreciate being in nature. In fact, anywhere you go, you’ll likely stumble across some kind of wildlife.

However, Costa Rica is not just a destination for adventure seekers. The stunning country is dotted with world-class resorts, which take luxury to a whole new level. This year, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, has received quite the buzz. Part of its appeal is its location atop a cliff on the Papagayo Peninsula, where you get ocean views from anywhere on the property. Oh, and guests can hop on a glass elevator to the beach and take advantage of a 27,000-square-foot spa. Not too shabby, right?

New Zealand

When it comes to natural beauty, another luxury bucket-list travel destination for 2026 is New Zealand. Dramatic black-sand beaches, aquamarine lakes, and untamed forests – it’s not difficult to see why the land of the dynamic Māori culture is worth a visit. You can enjoy a helicopter ride over glaciers, wake up in Kaikōura, where whales breach just offshore before your morning coffee, or stay in a deep-forest lodge in Fiordland. There’s no better place to enjoy the great outdoors!

Japan

Voted the best country in the world, Japan has plenty to offer luxury travelers. It’s a place where tradition meets the latest in technology and fashion. From futuristic skyscrapers to serene temples and peaceful bamboo forests, it really is unlike anywhere else on the planet. 

Here, you can enjoy a variety of experiences – stay in ultra-luxury beach resorts, wind down in relaxing onsen (hot springs), participate in traditional activities like sumo wrestling, or take part in a snowy adventure in one of the country’s glamorous ski resorts.

The Antarctic

If you’re craving a life-changing experience in 2026, consider booking a trip to Antarctica. Here, at the very end of the world, there are no cities or crowds – just dazzling glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife that lives in the icy silence. 

The most popular way to experience Antarctica is on a cruise, with luxury operators like Hurtigruten, Quark, and Lindblad offering a range of itineraries. Most set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the legendary Drake Passage (an adventure in itself), though some now let you skip the rough seas by flying in.

Rwanda

Known as the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills,’ Rwanda has become a popular destination for travelers seeking unique wildlife experiences. After all, there are not many places on the globe where you can participate in mountain gorilla trekking, hang with chimpanzees, and join safari adventures to spy the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo)! Moreover, the small, yet mighty country in the center of Africa is regarded as one of the continent’s safest and cleanest. 

Considering all of this, it’s no surprise that more and more luxury resorts and hotels are opening their doors and setting a new standard for adventure travel. Stay at Bisate Lodge’s thatched forest villas or retreat to One&Only Gorilla’s Nest – right in the eucalyptus forest!

Seychelles

When early British explorers discovered the 115-island archipelago, they thought they had stumbled upon the Garden of Eden. In 2026, Seychelles hasn’t lost an inch of its beauty! In fact, the archipelago lays claim to many of the best beaches in the world.

While there are plenty of excellent budget-friendly stays available, splurge-worthy resorts are what really deserve your attention. At Six Senses Zil Pasyon, you can stay on your very own private island of Félicité, while the recently opened Waldorf Astoria Seychelles offers 50 stunning villas set around a crystalline lagoon and direct coral reef access just outside your door.

Patagonia

If raw wilderness and refined comfort could ever coexist, Patagonia is their proof. Think jagged peaks, plunging glaciers, and endless skies – all seen from luxury lodges that rival the landscapes themselves.

What would a vacation in Patagonia look like? Hop on horseback rides, go on private hikes (quite possibly, the most beautiful you’ll ever experience), enjoy glacier walks, and, in the evenings, try Patagonia’s gourmet cuisine! Whether you opt to stay in stunning eco-lodges (like those in Torres del Paine) or local ‘estancias’ transformed into plush retreats, there’s no doubt you’ll have an experience of a lifetime.

Morocco

Morocco really is a feast for the senses. Ancient medinas, colorful, winding spice-scented souks, and golden desert dunes – a vacation here will never be boring! 

When it comes to luxury, the African country delivers too. Fashion lovers will especially appreciate Morocco’s ties to Yves Saint Laurent, who considered Marrakech his muse. So, if you’re holidaying in the eclectic city, make sure to visit the designer’s restored Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum next to it.

Prefer to be in nature? You can always escape to a luxury desert camp for starlit dinners among the dunes. Doesn’t it sound magical?

Final Thoughts

Over the years, the idea of luxury travel has changed significantly. It’s no longer enough to book a five-star hotel in a beautiful place. Travelers are looking for a ‘wow factor’, and these destinations can certainly offer it. 

After all, what’s more luxurious than witnessing emperor penguins in their natural habitat or kayaking with whales in Antarctica? They say there are experiences that money can’t buy, but with the right travel planner, accessing them certainly becomes easier!

Wish to plan your 2026 luxury vacation? Many of the world’s most exclusive resorts and experiences book up far in advance. Work with Travel Queen, and we’ll secure your access to the best of the best!

Check Out Our Other Luxury Travel Resources:

Top Overwater Bungalows in French Polynesia for a Luxury Escape | Best Luxury Hotels in Lisbon: Where to Stay in Portugal’s Stylish Capital | Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Europe You Need to Experience | Barcelona Highlights: What to Do, See And Taste in 3 Days |Discover Amsterdam: Your Insider Guide to the City’s Best Experiences | A Hidden Gem on the Rhine: Discovering Basel, Switzerland | Discover Vienna: Immersive Culture Experience | Virgin Voyages Recap & Review | Secrets Moxche Resort Review | Belize: The Ultimate Girls’ Getaway Destination | Los Cabos: Everything You Need to Know | St. Lucia: Everything You Need to Know |Aruba: Everything You Need to Know | Iceland Unveiled: Trip Recap and Luxury Travel Guide | Virgin Voyages 'French Daze and Ibiza Nights: Recap and Review | A First-Timer’s Guide to Disneyland Paris in January: Rides, Dining, and Tips |Switzerland Winter Vacation Recap| Budapest: A Solo Traveler's Perspective | Top 10 Must-Visit Luxury Destinations for 2025: Your Ultimate Travel Guide