Where Should You Travel in 2026? REYA Communications Reveals 6 Emerging Destinations for Intentional Luxury and Transformative Experiences
- Oscar Saettone
- Aug 6
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 8
From Peru’s untouched rainforests to Canada’s alpine wellness retreats, REYA Communications curates six standout destinations for 2026 — each offering a fresh angle on travel that blends sustainability, culture, access, and high design.
As travelers seek meaning over mileage, these handpicked locations are backed by new hotel openings, once-in-a-lifetime itineraries, and timely "why now" moments—making them ideal additions to upcoming travel trend features and editorial calendars.
1. Kananaskis, Canada
Why Go in 2026: Canada’s best-kept alpine secret steps out of Banff’s shadow
What’s new:
Hosted the G7 Summit in 2025, drawing global attention to this under-the-radar region
Launch of Black Diamond Club at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge: a “hotel-within-a-hotel” concept with 71 premium rooms, private lounge, and access to the Kananaskis Nordic Spa
Just 70 minutes from Calgary
Ideal angle: Alpine luxury for wellness-focused travelers and multi-gen families seeking outdoor adventure with refined hospitality
About Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge:
Where backcountry beauty and luxury meet. Part of the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection, the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge offers 317 rooms, 19,804 square feet of meeting space, five dining outlets, as well as the Kananaskis Nordic Spa and an expansive indoor/outdoor waterpark with new heated outdoor pool. The Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, located at the base of Mount Kidd, offers direct access to stunning pathways, including the breathtaking Village Rim. Situated in Kananaskis Village and next to Kananaskis Outfitters, guests can rent outdoor equipment year-round, including mountain bikes, hiking poles, cross country skis, skates or snowshoes. The Lodge offers a robust guest activities calendar, with many supervised activities so parents and kids can have a relaxing yet adventurous time. Additionally, the concierge can provide suggested Strava routes for various activities. Finally, each evening features the Lodge’s signature Fireside Moment, an authentically Canadian campfire where guests gather to connect with the great outdoors.
Press Release: Debut of New Black Diamond Club
2. Madrid, Spain
Why Go in 2026: A convergence of luxury, music, and motorsport revitalizes Spain’s capital
What’s new:
Opening of Mercer Madrid in January 2026 — a five-star hotel inside a 1905 landmark building, with rooftop pool and fine dining by a five-Michelin-starred chef
Madrid debuts in the Formula E circuit (March)
Bad Bunny's 10-date tour stop at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium (May–June)
Ideal angle: Capital city resurgence with cultural, culinary, and sustainability hooks
Mercer Madrid is a new editorial goldmine for coverage on boutique European city stays and slow luxury travel
About Mercer Hoteles:
Founded in 2005 by Pedro Molina, Mercer Hoteles is a five-star Spanish hospitality group that seamlessly blends luxury with heritage. Set within historic buildings of significant cultural value, each boutique property is meticulously renovated by renowned Spanish architects, preserving the architectural essence while elevating the guest experience with unparalleled service. With flagship locations in Barcelona and Seville and exciting expansions underway in Madrid (Oct 2025) and Cordoba (2026), Mercer Hoteles offers guests a unique opportunity to stay in some of Spain’s most iconic cities. Nestled in the gothic heart of Barcelona and amid the vibrant energy of Seville, each hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking history and charm of their surroundings.
Press Center | Hi-Res Images
Press Release: Mercer Hoteles to Debut New 5-Star Hotel this January in Madrid’s Historic Jerónimos District
3. Peruvian Amazon
Why Go in 2026: The rainforest becomes luxury’s next frontier
What’s new:
Reopening of Delfin I, a floating four-suite villa by Delfin Amazon Cruises, complete with jacuzzis and panoramic suites
Lima’s new international terminal opened in mid-2025, streamlining travel to Iquitos
20 years of conservation-driven luxury by Delfin, the last Peruvian-owned cruise operator in the region
Ideal angle: River cruising meets regenerative travel; commentary available from founder Aldo Macchiavello
Perfect for journalists covering sustainability, community tourism, and slow exploration
About Delfin Amazon Cruises:
Delfin Amazon Cruises was launched in early 2006 by its founder and CEO, Aldo Macchiavello. The company is the culmination of a dream shared with his wife, Lissy Urteaga – to run a boutique travel business that should showcase the natural beauty of their country, Peru. Delfin Amazon Cruises sets the highest standards for impeccable 5-star hospitality, authentic Peruvian design, and superb local cuisine. The Delfin I, II, and III effortlessly combine comfort and grace with the breathtaking wilderness setting of the Amazon. Each vessel thrives in harmony with nature and their panoramic suites and terraces offer guests a special “non-cruise” atmosphere with the opportunity to explore one of the world’s most pristine environments. Deep in the Peruvian Amazon, the boutique luxury vessels take guests on three and four-night itineraries into one of the world’s largest protected flooded forests, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve. Experienced naturalist guides and experts showcase the immense biodiversity of the area with excursions and activities that include visits to local villages, kayaking, swimming near pink river dolphins, fishing, daytime hiking, and night safaris.
Press Releases:
4. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Why Go in 2026: The Year of the Lions and East Africa’s next great conservation story
What’s new:
Jacob the Lion captured headlines with his epic swim — sparking new global interest in Uganda’s tree-climbing lion population
Kyambura Gorge Lodge by Volcanoes Safaris is now basecamp for the Big Cat Photography Safari, led by Dr. Alexander Braczkowski (March & May 2026)
Emirates expands flights to Entebbe
Ideal angle: Lion conservation, slow safari, and boutique lodge luxury — all in one destination
Also relevant for wildlife photographers, conservation media, and adventure + impact travel columns
About Volcanoes Safaris
Volcanoes Safaris is recognized as the leader in great ape ecotourism specializing in mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda since 1997. Its curated mountain gorilla, chimpanzee, and wildlife safaris to the finest Great Ape sites in Rwanda and Uganda give a unique insight into the world of the endangered great apes, their habitats, and the communities that live nearby.
Press Release: Volcanoes Safaris Unveils Exclusive Big Cat Photography Expedition with Dr. Alexander Braczkowski
5. Yosemite National Park, USA
Why Go in 2026: A return to wild luxury in America’s iconic national park
What’s new:
Completion of a $26M restoration of Tuolumne Meadows Campground
Launch of EXP Journeys’ Yosemite Luxury Tented Camp: private glamping base 30 minutes from the park entrance with access to rafting, hiking, and reservation-free entry into the valley
Ideal angle: Luxury camping with a Leave No Trace ethos — and exclusive access logistics for content creators and tour operators
Editorial-ready for national parks features, luxury camping roundups, and experiential U.S. travel
About EXP Journeys:
EXP Journeys, founded in 2012 by veteran guides Kevin Jackson and Andrew Roberts, curates bespoke travel experiences across North and South America to Antarctica. With roots deeply embedded in the guiding community and with its own guide training program, EXP approaches every itinerary with a blend of creativity, experience, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that each journey is as memorable as it is sustainable. The company’s ‘Leave No Trace’ mobile camps are designed to provide luxury accommodations and incredible access to the most remote and stunning landscapes of the United States, including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, Moab, Escalante, and Lake Powell.
6. Big Island, Hawaii
Why Go in 2026: The return of the luxury villa experience after a period of resilience and rebuilding
What’s new:
Reopening of Hale ‘O Ka La, a 5,300+ sq. ft. villa in Mauna Kea Resort, following an $8M redesign post-2023 fires
Expanded Alaska–Hawaiian Airlines partnership adds direct access from Seattle, San Diego, and San Francisco
Curated culinary and marine experiences by EXP Journeys, including night diving with manta rays and private chef-led market tours
Ideal angle: Regenerative tourism, island restoration, and custom luxury experiences for families, groups, or honeymoons
A celebration of Hawaii’s healing and return to ultra-premium travel
About Destinations in Paradise
Destinations in Paradise is a curated portfolio of privately owned luxury villas located in some of the world’s most coveted coastal destinations: the Big Island of Hawaii, East Cape Los Cabos in Mexico, and Mendocino, California. Each property offers a distinctive experience, from clifftop seclusion to beachfront serenity, designed for families, long-term travelers, and special occasions. Casa Bellamar in Los Cabos comes fully staffed, while Chateau Frolic in Mendocino, California, and Hale O’ Ka La in the Big Island of Hawaii, offer optional staff add-ons, allowing guests the flexibility to tailor their stay or bring their own team. With local management partners overseeing seamless operations, Destinations in Paradise provides a refined alternative to traditional resort travel through personalized stays in remarkable settings.
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For Media Inquiries:
Alexandra Avila
REYA Communications
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