Top holiday destinations for 2026

Imagine swimming with whale sharks off Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef, trekking in Uganda’s cloud forests in search of mountain gorillas or drifting through the Peruvian Amazon on a new floating lodge.

These experiences go beyond travel – they are transformative, offering beauty, connection and meaning. At cazenove+loyd, we craft extraordinary adventures that reveal the world’s most captivating corners in thoughtful, immersive ways. Read on to discover the destinations that our experts are most excited about in 2026. 

Australia

On Australia’s remote west coast lies Ningaloo Reef, the lesser-known but equally spectacular counterpart to the Great Barrier Reef. This UNESCO-listed marine wonder is one of the few places on earth where you can swim alongside whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales in crystal-clear waters directly off the beach. The region’s untouched beauty and low visitor numbers make it a haven for those seeking pristine nature without the crowds.  

In a positive move for conservation, it was recently announced that the Exmouth Gulf Marine Park will be established, protecting one of Australia’s most important nurseries for marine life and safeguarding the area from future industrial development.  

Auriole Potter, Destination Expert – Asia, Australasia + The Middle East, says: “Ningaloo offers everything travellers love about the Great Barrier Reef – just without the people. It’s the kind of destination that truly embodies the ‘edge of the world’ feeling, with world-class snorkelling, diving, and whale encounters set against Australia’s rugged, untamed coast.” 

Oman

Oman continues to enchant those drawn to the Arabian Peninsula’s timeless beauty – vast desert dunes, dramatic wadis, and mountain fortresses. Autumn 2026 will see the opening of The Malkai, an extraordinary new property set deep within the Al Hajar Mountains. The Malkai will redefine luxury in Oman through understated architecture, a focus on local craftsmanship, and immersive desert experiences. Guests will be able to explore ancient villages, take guided hikes through the wadis, and enjoy star-lit dinners in one of the region’s most peaceful and spiritual landscapes.  

Adding to the country’s growing allure, the recently opened Mandarin Oriental Muscat brings a new level of sophistication to the capital, while continued investment in nature-based tourism across Jabal Akhdar and the coastal regions ensures Oman remains one of the most compelling destinations for 2026. 

Flora Sweeting-Phillips, Destination Expert – Asia, Australasia + The Middle East, says: “Oman is entering a really exciting new chapter. With The Malkai bringing a fresh take on mountain luxury and new openings in Muscat elevating the city’s appeal, the country is perfectly placed for travellers seeking contrast – wild landscapes and deep cultural roots balanced with exceptional comfort and style.” 

Southern Tanzania

Southern Tanzania remains one of Africa’s best-kept secrets – a vast, untamed wilderness far from the more travelled northern safari circuit. Home to Ruaha National Park and the Selous (Nyerere) Game Reserve, this region offers an exceptional concentration of wildlife with remarkably few other visitors. It’s a place where you can spend days on safari without seeing another vehicle, immersing yourself in landscapes alive with elephants, lions, wild dogs, and countless bird species. This quieter corner of Tanzania is perfect for those seeking a slower, more soulful safari experience, away from the crowds.  

Aisha Gross, Destination Expert – Africa + Indian Ocean, says: “Southern Tanzania feels like stepping back in time – it’s wild, remote and gloriously uncrowded. For guests who want an exclusive safari that focuses on space, solitude, and connection to nature, there’s truly nowhere better.” 

Uganda

Long known for its incredible mountain gorilla encounters, Uganda continues to evolve as one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation stories. June 2026 will mark the opening of Erebero Hills, Bwindi, a boutique property perched above the mist-covered forest canopy near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. With just a handful of suites designed to blend into the landscape, Erebero Hills will offer an intimate, eco-conscious experience focussed on community engagement, sustainability, and connection to the surrounding wildlife. After days spent trekking through the forest to observe gorilla families up close, guests can return to panoramic views, open-air dining, and complete tranquillity. 

Aisha Gross, Destination Expert – Africa + Indian Ocean, says: “Uganda remains one of Africa’s most exciting destinations for 2026. The country offers a unique combination of adventure, conservation, and cultural encounters. It’s a place where guests can explore incredible landscapes and wildlife while supporting projects that make a real difference locally – which is exactly the kind of experience our clients are seeking.” 

The Peruvian Amazon

The Peruvian Amazon is increasingly capturing the attention of travellers seeking immersive journeys into more remote corners of the world. Towering trees, hidden wildlife, and isolated communities offer encounters unavailable anywhere else, from spotting elusive pink river dolphins to walking among vibrant macaws and capybaras along the riverbanks.  

In September 2026, &Beyond Amazon Explorer will launch, introducing a new standard of luxury to this extraordinary rainforest. Accessible only by river, the floating lodge will carry guests through pristine ecosystems, with expert naturalists guiding immersive excursions by canoe and on foot. For travellers who have explored the Andes and the Sacred Valley, this is the ultimate adventurous extension.  

Karen Chapman, Destination Expert – Latin America, Caribbean + The Polar Regions, says: “The Amazon has always been mysterious and untamed, and 2026 is an especially exciting time to visit. With new luxury experiences like the &Beyond Explorer, guests can explore this extraordinary rainforest in comfort, discovering wildlife, culture, and landscapes that feel entirely untouched.” 

The Arctic  

The Arctic is increasingly compelling for travellers seeking extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experiences in one of the planet’s most remote and fragile environments. Launching in November 2026, Captain Arctic will offer a pioneering way to explore this region. Sailing through Svalbard, Greenland, and Norway’s Arctic Circle, small groups will enjoy expert-led excursions with marine biologists, photographers, and naturalists, spotting polar bears, walruses, and orcas beneath the midnight sun. With a small number of guests onboard, Captain Arctic will ensure both luxury and intimacy while experiencing the Arctic’s raw, untouched landscapes.  

Caroline Maber, Destination Expert – Latin America, Caribbean + The Polar Regions, says: “The Arctic has never been more compelling for travellers seeking adventure, wildlife, and unparalleled scenery. It offers dramatic, remote landscapes and extraordinary wildlife in a way that feels personal and immersive. 2026 is the perfect time to experience it in comfort and style, especially on small-scale, expert-led luxury expeditions like Captain Arctic.” 

Egypt

A country of ancient wonders and timeless landscapes, Egypt is entering an exciting new era. Firstly, the final galleries of the  Grand Egyptian Museum, including the much-anticipated Tutankhamun Galleries, are finally set to open this November (after a partial opening back in July).  

2026 will also see the much-anticipated opening of Siwa Kazazian, a striking new retreat set amidst the serene expanse of Egypt’s Siwa Oasis. Designed with deep respect for its desert surroundings, the property combines contemporary elegance with local craftsmanship, offering a sanctuary of peace and connection in one of the country’s most mystical settings.  

Melissa Kirby, Destination Expert – Africa + Indian Ocean says, says: “Siwa Kazazian will be an extraordinary addition to Egypt. It perfectly embodies the growing desire among our clients for experiences that combine privacy, authenticity and a real sense of place.” 

cazenove+loyd  has been pioneering impactful travel for more than 30 years. The company has established special connections that give unprecedented access to some of the world’s most inspiring people and places. 

With personalised trips spanning seven regions of the world – Africa + the Indian Ocean, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, the Caribbean and the Polar Regions. Ranging from journeys in well-travelled countries, such as Brazil, India and Kenya, as well as hidden gems such as Oman’s Dhofar Province, Turks + Caicos, and the Pacific Islands.   

Its mission is to put people at the heart of travel; enhancing lives through immersive travel that delves into authentic local culture and communities. cazenove+loyd believes that exploring the planet is a privilege, and it strives to ensure that every trip is always extraordinary.