Thrills, chills and unadulterated splendour: the travel wanderlist 2026

Make like a castaway in Panama, set sail from Chile's hotel at the end of the world, dine at a lkm-long Finnish table — your guide to this year's hottest destinations. By Alicia Miller

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THE NEW MALDIVES

For all its natural beauty, the Maldives is far from undiscovered, with even the most exclusive islands now accessed via polished airport lounges and crowded transfers. Those seeking castaway-style solace should instead head for Mozambique, where 300-hectare barefoot luxury escape Kisawa Sanctuary sets a high standard for future openings, including Aman’s recently announced safari retreat in the Karingani Game Reserve. Benguerra Island, off the southern coast in the Bazaruto Archipelago, has the turquoise shallows and swaying palms of the Maldivian islands plus the benefit of colourful coral reefs, rare encounters with dugongs and rich cultural exploration. African specialist &Beyond operates Benguerra Island Lodge, where days are bookended by morning swims in frothy surf with barebacked horses, and sunset cruises on colourful painted dhows — their triangular sails casting shadows across gold-tipped waves. In between, expect picnics coddled in forest, afternoon snoozes in thatched-roof bungalows or conservation-led experiences via community partner Wild Impact. “Benguerra Island has the visual drama, romance and privacy people associate with the Maldives, but with far greater depth,” says Joss Kent, CEO of &Beyond. “This sense of discovery and cultural connection is exactly what modern luxury travellers are seeking.”

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