Determining a list of luxury holidays comes with great complexity…often making us question whether hidden gems or familiar favourites are next on our bucket list.
Finding where to travel in 2026 may be a difficult task, but Onboard Luxury has you covered. From vast coastlines to tropical jungles and ice palaces, our hot list includes a drop of luxury for everyone. It’s time to enter the new year with a fresh outlook on luxury holidays, where Onboard Luxury can tailor an itinerary just for you.
We’ve picked luxury holidays that you won’t just find by scrolling Instagram reels. These places will not only surpass your idea of luxury but also of adventure and excitement. Pair these incredible destinations with bespoke resorts, invigorating tours or tranquil cruises and you have yourself a luxury holiday. We name it all so you don’t need to lift a finger.
In our chosen 10, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to uncover what makes these destinations so outstanding…
Raja Ampat Islands, Indonesia
Go For: Unmatched marine biodiversity, snorkelling, jungle-covered islands
Best Time to Visit: October to April in the dry season
How to Visit: Raja Ampat & The Spice Islands Cruise
This stunning Indonesian archipelago hits the mark for those looking to combine a bit of adventure with luxury. It offers a hotspot for coral and fish species, making it incredible for activities like snorkelling or diving. Raja Ampat offers one of the highest marine biodiversity in the world, consisting of over 1,500 islands. Its iconic mushroom-shaped islets, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters make for perfect scenery and swimming spots.
With Pearl Expeditions, you’ll enjoy the ideal balance of elegance and style whilst traversing these islands. With a maximum of 30 guests onboard, the intimacy will provide an extra layer of opulence that will top your list of luxury holidays.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Go For: Sighting Africa’s Big Five, reconnecting with nature, simplicity
Best Time to Visit: July to October in the dry season
How to Visit: Time + Tide Luxury Safari
Zambia is Africa’s best kept secret, with vast landscapes, thriving wildlife and a welcoming culture. With woodland savanna to oxbow lagoons, its diverse ecosystems make it a one-of-a-kind holiday in 2026. Adventure-seekers will be thrilled to spot leopards, elephants, lions, hippos and crocodiles. Whether it’s on a walking safari or a game ride, you’ll truly live in the moment with these sightings.
Venture with Time + Tide for the best experience possible. They are pioneers in luxury holidays and safaris in Zambia. With a range of bespoke accommodations along the way, the modern-day explorer will love this trip.
Vis, Croatia
Go For: Local delicacies, countless beaches, remarkable history
Best Time to Visit: May to October for summer
How to Visit: Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro Cruise/Tour
Renowned as one of the filming locations for Mamma Mia 2: Here We Go Again, there’s a reason why the island of Vis made it on the big screen. The contrast between the thick greenery, beautiful waters and rocky landscapes are a perfect blend of beauty. How do you turn this into one of the most iconic luxury holidays? By combining a cruise and tour!
The Unforgettable Travel Company have crafted the best bits of Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro in one trip with their cruise/tour itinerary. Enjoy the finer things in life, like wine tastings, oyster farm tours and guided walking tours when you travel on this cruise/tour.
Amazon River, Peru
Go For: Rich cultural experiences, vast wilderness, a remote escape
Best Time to Visit: Year-round. June to November is the low-water season. December to May is the high-water season.
How to Visit: Pure Amazon River Cruise
Peru’s Amazonian region is a magnet for wildlife lovers. Deep jungles, sleepy rivers and thriving reserves make for exceptional beauty and biodiversity. Spend low-water season venturing into the habitat of some of the rarest and most iconic species on Earth. In high-water season, most of the Pacaya-Samiria reserve is submerged, opening up an entire riverscape of exploration.
Our favourite way to visit this untouched part of the globe is through the Pure Amazon Cruise with Abercrombie & Kent. This intimate, design-led boat embodies elegance and authenticity in one. It’s definitely worth adding to your list of 2026 luxury holidays!
Svalbard, Norway
Go For: Impressive arctic landscapes, exploration, thriving wildlife
Best Time to Visit: May to September for peak wildlife spotting
How to Visit: Svalbard Arctic Cruise Aqua Expeditions
Known for having “more polar bears than people,” this remarkable place has no trees and is covered by glaciers on more than half its land. Brave the cold and be impressed with staggering cliffs, fields of ice and crystal fjords.
Join Aqua Expeditions on a journey that will reinvent your idea of a luxury holiday. With a total of only 30 guests onboard, this cruise is purpose-built for exploration and feels more like a floating 5 star hotel.
Fari Islands, Maldives
Go For: Picturesque beaches, one-of-a-kind experiences, top luxury hotels
Best Time to Visit: December to April, dry season
How to Visit: The Ritz-Carlton
Next on the list are the Fari Islands, an unbelievable part of the Maldives. With picturesque beaches and stunning coral reefs, you’d never guess this archipelago was man-made. Spend your days escaping the ordinary, indulging in the sun, sea and superb hotels scattered around the islands. It’s not as hard as you may think to get here. Singapore Airlines will take you there, usually making it a 16-20 hour journey depending where you leave from Australia. That’s quicker than getting to Europe!
The Ritz-Carlton boasts stunning overwater villas that offer spaces that will melt outside and inside into one. Enjoy five onsite restaurants, infinity pools, personalised service and a 24-hour fitness centre. This needs to be on your list of luxury holidays.
Muscat, Oman
Go For: Historical charm, diverse natural wonders, breath of fresh air
Best Time to Visit: October to March for cooler weather
How to Visit: Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah
If you’re looking for a palate cleanser for the hustle and bustle of Dubai/Abu Dhabi, Muscat needs to be on your list. It offers a unique blend of ancient culture and natural beauty all in one. Luxury holidays look a little different here…where the seaside is nestled amongst rugged mountains- creating an exhilarating oasis.
The Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah offers just this. With two distinct wings, enjoy 6 swimming pools, 14 dining venues and private balcony suites. Indulge in luxury private car transfers, early check-in and late check-out when you book with Onboard Luxury.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Go For: Iconic hot air balloon rides, fairy chimneys, rich history
Best Time to Visit: Late spring and early autumn
How to Visit: Greece, Turkey and Cappadocia with Windstar Cruises
This region in Turkey is out of a picture book. With distinctive ‘fairy chimneys’, these tall, cone-shaped rock formations are a wonder in itself. Pair that with dreamy sunrise hot air balloon rides, underground cities and delicious Turkish cuisine… you’ve got yourself an idyllic getaway.
Combine this with a cruise through Greece with Windstar Cruises for the ultimate luxury holiday. This private yacht style cruise serves intimacy, space and the freedom for you to explore the destinations as you wish.
Sri Lanka
Go For: Pristine beaches, colonial charm, local enrichment
Best Time to Visit: December to April for sunny weather
How to Visit: A Luxury Sri Lanka Tour
This island country in South East Asia is a close-to-home favourite. Sri Lanka’s magic extends far beyond its pristine beaches, tea plantations and lush rainforests. Its rich cultural heritage and colonial charm make for a super authentic experience.
Turn it into one of the best luxury holidays by touring the entire island! Our crafted itinerary will take you from the heart of Colombo to the historic port city of Galle. Stay in bespoke accommodations along the way and indulge in spa treatments, private car transfers and English-speaking local tour guides.
Jungfraujoch, Switzerland
Go For: Jaw-droppping views, ice palaces, snow activities
Best Time to Visit: June to August for warmer days
How to Visit: La Dolce Vita Orient Express
Home to Europe’s highest railway station, it’s only obvious that this town offers incredible views of the Swiss Alps. Standing almost 3,500 metres above sea level this snowy wonderland offers an underground world of ice sculptures, a unique observatory and stunning views of the Aletsch Glacier.
Enjoy this town on a day trip on the La Dolce Vita Orient Express. With expert guides, gourmet dining, each day onboard takes you right to the doorstep of each pretty town. Ideal for discerning travellers who seek luxury infused with historical insights and culinary delights, this package promises an unforgettable European adventure.
These are luxury holidays you simply can’t miss in 2026. They’re places that offer unforgettable experiences and redefine the meaning of luxury. Whether it’s a standout hotel, an extraordinary destination, or a once-in-a-lifetime cruise, these handpicked options exhibit bespoke details that you’ve never seen before.
Any of the mentioned stays, cruises or tours can be booked with one of our Luxury Travel Specialists. Get in touch with them here and discuss all the finer details of our picks of go-to destinations in 2026.
