Where The SL Team & Contributors Are Heading In 2026

I'm planning a mega Japan trip for the end of this year but right now I'm setting my sights on something a little more restful, with a fly-and-flop visit to the Bahamas in a few weeks. After weighing up nearly every hotel in the Caribbean, we settled on North Eleuthera's Coral Sands – when you see the pictures, you'll understand why. Miles of deep, untouched white sand, Barbie Dreamhouse interiors, proximity to the US (it's a short hop over from Miami) and a real sense of barefoot luxury were the main selling points – so many Caribbean hotels are either too old school or big and touristy, and this is a modern, stylish alternative. I can't wait to read three books, gorge on crab cakes and shrimp burgers, and end the day with sundowners at the hotel's Pink Mermaid bar.

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Last year was the year of ‘alpine summer’ and after speaking to numerous experts and travel PRs over the past few months, I predict that trend will continue into 2026. I love a mountain getaway (St Moritz in the summer, for example, is just beautiful), so I’ll be channelling my inner Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music and leaning into the trend with a trip to Lake Wolfgang in Austria. After a couple of days in Salzburg – a Baroque city and the birthplace of Mozart that I’ve wanted to visit for years – we’ll be heading to Villa Alma for a few days of lakeside lounging.

This chic lakeside house offers great value for money while still feeling really luxe. The interiors are warm and joyful, with plenty of cosy corners for settling in with a book, as well as walking routes for mountain views. You can take out its bikes to explore, head onto the lake with paddleboards, or simply relax by the water on sun loungers. Sunset swims, hiking in the fresh air and long lunches on the deck sound like my idea of heaven.

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Like Charlotte, Japan is at the top of my bucket list for 2026. I think it’s the ideal family destination with older teenagers – it would be a full-on itinerary, as there’s so much to see and do, and I don’t think they’d go there with friends anytime soon. It feels perfect for this age and stage. It’s so different from Europe and other places I’ve travelled, and I love the idea of discovering a culture and landscape that feels entirely new. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the peaceful temples of Kyoto and the ancient samurai paths of the Kumano Kodo, the contrast between mega cities and traditional country is incredibly appealing. I’ve heard that The Okura in Tokyo is one of the most beautiful hotels the world, so I’d definitely want to check that out, and for food, the teppanyaki at Sekishin and sushi at Saitou come highly recommended. There’s an 18-storey stationery store where we might loose ourselves for a few hours and, of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Japan without a tea ceremony. If we could squeeze in a few days skiing in Niseko Village that really would be the icing on the cake.

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I’m in the early stages of planning but my dream escape for this year is a cosy, wintry trip to the Alps. Think less ‘hardcore ski week’ and more wholesome vibes – long snowy walks, great après, an amazing spa and genuinely delicious food. I’m even tempted to turn it into a road trip, hiring a car and driving over with a few scenic stops along the way.

I’ve done the classic ski escape in places like Val Thorens but this time I’m keen to explore the region more – and Courchevel is calling. Skiers often choose destinations based on the best runs but my priorities are slightly different. My search starts with standout hotels that deliver on my non-negotiables: a nice spa, great food and a lovely room.

A couple already on my radar include Étoile du Nord, a beautifully designed, ultra-private luxury chalet known for its cocooning feel, high-end service and serious wellness credentials – ideal if the goal is switching off in style – and Airelles Courchevel, one of the area’s most iconic addresses, loved for its fairy-tale interiors, exceptional dining and indulgent Spa La Mer.

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