Month: April 2026

Conde Nast Traveller Hot List 2026 | The stays we can’t stop thinking about

April 2026

Each year, the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List sets the tone for where and (just as importantly) how we want to travel next. It isn’t simply a roundup of new hotel openings, it’s a carefully curated snapshot of the properties redefining modern luxury, thoughtful design and meaningful guest experience at this very moment.
 

What makes the list so influential is its ability to capture shifts in the way people travel. It highlights places that move beyond traditional ideas of five-star stays, focusing instead on hotels that feel distinctive, immersive and rooted in their surroundings. Whether that’s a restored historic building given a new lease of life, a bold architectural statement in an unexpected location or a remote retreat designed to slow everything down, each selection reflects a broader evolution in hospitality.

 

Across continents, these hotels share a common thread: a strong sense of identity. Some celebrate local heritage through architecture and craft, others push the boundaries of contemporary design, while many blur the line between accommodation and cultural experience. The result is a collection of stays that feel as memorable as the destinations themselves.

 

From carefully restored heritage revivals to striking, design-led escapes, these are a few of our current favourites. Places that don’t just offer a bed for the night, but a reason to travel in the first place.

Orient Express La Minerva, Rome
A legendary name, reimagined

Bringing the romance of Orient Express into the hear of Rome, Orient Express La Minerva blends historic grandeur with contemporary refinement. Expect marble, heritage details and a sense of old world glamour – redefined for now.  

Six Senses London
Wellness meets heritage

Bringing its signature ethos to the UK, Six Senses London pairs biophilic design with a strong focus on wellbeing. Expect a destination spa, thoughtful sustainability and a slower pace right in the middle of the city.

Aman Nai Lert, Bangkok
Urban Sanctuary, Aman style

Set within the lush Nai Lert park, Aman Mai Lert Bangkok offers a rare sense of calm in the Thai capital. Minimalistic design, expansive space and that signature Aman serenity.

 

 

One&Only Moonlight Basin, Montana
Mountain luxury, redefined

A new kind of winderness escape, One&only Moonlight Basin blends alpine adventure with ultra luxury living. Think ski-in, ski-out access, vast landscapes and interiors that bring the outside in.

 

andBeyond Suyian Lodge, Kenya
A new kind of safari

Set within a private conservancy in northern Kenya, andByeond Suyian Lodge reimagines the safari experience with a light, more design-led approach. It’s immersive, intimate and deeply connected to the landscape where wildlife, culture and conservation all play a role.

Salter, Turks & Caicos
Barefoot luxury, elevated

Set on the untouched shores of South Caicos, Salter delivers that castaway feeling with a polished, modern edge. Turquoise water, soft sand and total escapism.

Why the Hot List matters

The Condé Nast Traveller Hot List isn’t just about where to stay – it’s a snapshot of how travel itself is changing. It reflects a shift toward journeys that feel considered rather than convenient, where every detail has purpose. Hotels are no longer just places to sleep, but carefully designed spaces that shape the entire experience, from architecture and interiors to the stories they tell about their surroundings. Increasingly, travel is becoming more immersive and personal with a focus on meaningful moments, cultural connection and a sense of place. It’s less about ticking destinations off a list and more about how those places make you feel.

Start planning your next escape

 

Inspired by any of these hotels?

Speak to a Travel Seen specialist and start planning your next escape →

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Barbados | The island we’ve truly been and seen

April 2026

There are destinations you visit once, and there are those that quietly become part of your rhythm. For us, Barbados sits firmly in the second category.

 

It’s somewhere we’ve properly been and seen. Not just passed through, not just ticked off, but returned to, refined and come to understand in a way that only repeat trips allow. In fact, it’s quickly becoming a bit of a tradition, with Easter shaping up as a favourite time to go.

 

Barbados has a way of balancing everything. Effortless beach days, long lunches that turn into evenings and a level of service that makes the whole experience feel easy from start to finish.

The arrival
done properly from the start

This is where Barbados sets the tone.

 

On arrival, you’re met at the entrance by a dedicated Fast Track representative, immaculately turned out and ready to guide you through immigration and customs. No queues, no confusion, just a smooth, considered arrival that feels exactly as it should.

 

From there, private transfers take you straight to your hotel. It’s a small detail, but it changes the entire start of a trip.

Where to stay

Barbados does hotels exceptionally well, but these are the ones we’ve been and seen, and would go back to without hesitation.

 

For families: O2 Beach Club & Spa
Effortless, all-inclusive and genuinely well executed. Perfect if you want everything taken care of without compromising on style.

 

For something romantic: The Sandpiper
Intimate, elegant and quietly luxurious. This is the kind of place you come to switch off properly.

 

For all-out luxury: Sandy Lane
An icon for a reason. Polished, indulgent and still one of the most complete luxury stays in the Caribbean.

Sandy Lane, Barbados

Where to eat

Food in Barbados is part of the experience, and these are the places that consistently deliver.

 

The Lone Star
Right on the beach, with a menu that blends European dishes with Caribbean influence. Long lunches here tend to turn into something more.

 

Lobster Alive
Exactly what it sounds like, in the best way. Fresh lobster, simple setting, right by the sea. Go for the ‘lobster picnic’ and keep it relaxed.

Lobster Alive, Barbados

What to do

You don’t need to over-plan Barbados, but there are a few experiences worth doing properly.

 

Silver Moon Catamaran Cruises
If you do one thing, make it this. The afternoon cruise is where Barbados really shows off. Four hours on the water, swimming with turtles, a proper Bajan dinner onboard, open bar and a sunset that feels almost scripted.

 

Keep it intimate with a shared cruise or take the whole boat privately if you’re travelling as a group.

Start planning your next escape

 

Barbados isn’t about chasing the next thing. It’s about getting the balance right.

 

It’s a destination we’ve been and seen, properly, and one we’ll keep coming back to. The kind of place that doesn’t need to shout to prove itself.

 

If you’re thinking about it, do it well. We’ll handle the rest.

 

Ready to experience Barbados for yourself? Speak to our team and let us plan it properly →

 

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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The Ibiza Edit

April 2026

Ibiza is rarely understood on first visit. It’s too easily labelled a party island, a place of excess and after-hours indulgence, but that version only scratches the surface. The real Ibiza exists in contrasts: morning swims in translucent coves, long, wine soaked lunches and nights that stretch into something electric and unforgettable.

What keeps people returning isn’t just the music, it’s the rhythm. Ibiza teaches you how to move through a day properly: slow mornings, golden afternoons and euphoric nights. Done well, it’s less a holiday and more a recalibration. Many of the Travel Seen team have been and seen the White Island so know exactly the places to reccommend. 

Where to stay

The island’s hotel scene reflects its split personality. Glossy, social energy in the south; quieter, more introspective luxury in the north.

 

At Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay, everything flows seamlessly from beach to pool to dinner. It’s polished and social without tipping into chaos, the kind of place where afternoons blur into evenings over rosé and a DJ set somewhere in the background.

 

Further west, OKU Ibiza leans into a more minimalist aesthetic. Think earth tones, clean lines and a slower pace. Days revolve around its expansive pool, with a crowd that feels curated but not performative.

 

For something more removed, 7Pines Resort Ibiza sits high above the sea, facing the mythic outline of Es Vedrà. It’s cinematic and self contained, ideal if you want Ibiza’s beauty without its intensity.

 

And in the far north, Six Senses Ibiza offers a different narrative entirely. Here, the focus shifts inward to wellness, sustainability, and a softer more spiritual version of the island.

Where to eat

Ibiza’s dining scene is as much about setting as it is about food, where you eat often matters as much as what you order.

 

For something atmospheric and unmistakably Ibiza, Bambuddha is a rite of passage. Set along a lantern lit pathway with an open-air temple aesthetic, it blends Asian fusion with a theatrical, almost escapist energy. Dinner here feels like stepping into another world and it often becomes a night in itself.

 

At Casa Maca, the mood shifts completely. Rustic, grounded and quietly spectacular, it’s all about open-fire cooking and long, unhurried dinners overlooking the lights of Dalt Vila.

 

Then there’s Amante Ibiza. Arguably the island’s most dramatic setting. Built into a cliff above a hidden cove, it’s the kind of place where lunch drifts effortlessly into sunset drinks and then into dinner, without anyone noticing.

 

For something more understated (and far more local) Tapas Ibiza offers the opposite of Ibiza excess. No theatrics, no scene, just consistently good tapas in a relaxed setting. It’s the kind of place people return to quietly, again and again.

Beaches that matter

Not all Ibiza beaches are equa and knowing where to go makes all the difference.

 

Cala Gració is calm and accessible, an easy introduction to the island’s coastline. Just next door, Cala Gracioneta feels more intimate, its smaller scale giving it a quietly elevated charm.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, Cala Jondal is less about swimming and more about scene – boats anchored offshore, beach clubs in full swing and a steady pulse of energy throughout the day.

 

For something looser and more bohemian, Benirràs Beach draws a sunset crowd that gathers for drumming rituals as the sun dips below the horizon.

 

And just a short boat ride away, Formentera offers a different rhythm entirely. All pale sand, clear turquoise water and a stripped-back, almost Caribbean feel. It’s where Ibiza’s energy softens into something slower, quieter and more elemental.

 

 

Nights: from grand to intimate

Ibiza’s nightlife operates on multiple levels. The superclubs like Hï, Pacha and DC-10 deliver scale, production and world-class lineups. They’re part of the mythology and worth experiencing at least once.

 

But the island’s real character often reveals itself in smaller, more personal spaces.

 

At Akasha Ibiza, the atmosphere is intimate and intentional. Less spectacle, more connection. It’s where music feels closer, the crowd more attuned and the night less predictable.

 

And then there’s Pikes Ibiza, still one of the island’s most enduring institutions. Here, nights unravel like house parties that got slightly out of hand, in the best possible way.

The Travel Seen take

 

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To do Ibiza well is to resist overplanning.

 

Start with the beach, let lunch run long, drift into sunset drinks and decide on the night as it comes. Some evenings will end in a club at sunrise; others might finish quietly under the stars.

 

That unpredictability is the point.

 

Ibiza at its best isn’t about chasing moments, it’s about letting them unfold.

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Earth Day: Wandering Lightly

April 2026

Each year, Earth Day serves as a reminder that how we move through the world matters. Travel at its best opens minds and connects cultures but it also leaves a footprint. For us at Travel Seen, we make a conscious effort to go beyond just the places we’ve been and seen, prioritising a more thoughtful way to experience the planet.

Why it matters

Tourism accounts for a significant share of global carbon emissions from flights to hotel operations. But the industry is shifting. Luxury, in particular, is no longer defined solely by indulgence, it’s increasingly about responsibility. Today’s most forward thinking hotels and travel companies are proving that sustainability and exceptional experiences can coexist and even enhance one another.

Luxury that goes the extra mile

A growing number of high end hotel brands are redefining what it means to travel well:

  • Singita
    Known for its conservation first philosophy, Singita protects vast tracts of African wilderness. Guests don’t just witness wildlife, they actively support preservation efforts through their stay.
  • Six Senses
    Sustainability is woven into every detail, from plastic-free initiatives to on site organic gardens and community engagement programs. Their properties feel as restorative for the planet as they are for guests.
  • Eleven Experience
    Specialising in immersive, small scale adventures, Eleven Experience focuses on preserving the wild places they operate in while delivering highly curated, low impact experiences.
  • 1 Hotels
    Built entirely around sustainability, 1 Hotels integrates reclaimed materials, energy efficiency, and nature inspired design into every property, making eco-consciousness a core brand identity.

 

These brands show that luxury doesn’t have to come at the environment’s expense, it can actively contribute to its protection.

How travellers can do better

Being a conscious traveller doesn’t mean compromising on experience. Small yet intentional choices can make a meaningful difference:

 

  • Choose hotels and operators with verified sustainability practices
  • Travel slower – fewer destinations, longer stays
  • Support local communities by eating, shopping and booking locally
  • Reduce waste: carry reusable water bottles, bags and toiletries
  • Be mindful of wildlife and natural habitats
 

Even the act of researching before you book can shift demand toward more responsible options.

 

 

A thought to leave

Travel will always be about discovery, but in today’s world, it should also be about stewardship. The places we’re drawn to from the quiet corners to the wild landscapes and the cultures that feel both new and deeply rooted, are more fragile than they appear. And their future is shaped, in part, by how we choose to experience them.
 

To travel consciously isn’t about doing less, but about doing things differently. Staying longer, choosing thoughtfully, engaging more deeply with the people and places around us. It’s about recognising that every decision (from where we stay to how we move) has a ripple effect.

 

Because the places we love to visit aren’t just destinations. They’re living, evolving environments. And the more care we take in how we show up, the more likely they are to remain just as compelling for those who come after us.

The Travel Seen take

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Let curiosity lead you further than you planned, into places that shift your perspective and stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Seek out journeys that feel meaningful, not just memorable, where the experience is as considered as the destination itself.

Because travel, at its best, isn’t about taking more from the world, but about engaging with it more thoughtfully. The stories we gather along the way matter but so do the footprints we leave behind.

Explore widely, but tread lightly.

 

Ready to travel better?
Send us an enquiry and we’ll connect you with experiences that put place, people, and planet first. Call or WhatsApp us on 0333 305 9912.

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Perfect Pairings | The Caribbean islands that work better together

April 2026

There’s a tendency to treat the Caribbean as a one island trip. Pick a hotel, fly in, switch off, fly home.

 

But the trips that stay with you tend to be built differently.

 

Pairing islands – properly – allows you to experience contrast within a single journey. A few days of energy and atmosphere, followed by somewhere quieter and more removed. A shift in pace, scenery and mood that makes the entire trip feel more considered.

 

These are three of the combinations we return to most often, not just because they’re beautiful, but because they work.

Barbados
& Canouan

Barbados is often the starting point, and for good reason. The west coast delivers that classic Caribbean rhythm – beach clubs, excellent restaurants and an easy sense of familiarity that makes you settle in quickly.

 

A stay at Sandy Lane sets the tone. Polished but relaxed, with a social energy that feels grown-up rather than overwhelming.

 

From there, Canouan offers a complete shift.

 

Arriving into Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, everything slows. The beaches feel almost untouched, the villas are spaced out and private, and the overall atmosphere is one of quiet, understated luxury.

It’s the contrast that makes this pairing work – Barbados brings the life, Canouan brings the exhale.

Sandy Lane, Barbados

Mandarin Oriental, Canouan

St Barths
& Anguilla

St Barths has a reputation, and it earns it. There’s a sharpness to the island – in the fashion, the food, the attention to detail.

 

Staying at Le Toiny gives you access to that world, but with a degree of privacy. Villas tucked into the hillside, a quieter base away from the centre.

Anguilla is where things soften.

 

At Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, the pace shifts completely. Long stretches of white sand, calm water and a sense that nothing needs to happen unless you want it to.

 

Together, they balance each other out, style and stillness in one trip.

Le Toiny, St Barths

Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel, Anguilla

Grenada
& Bequia

For something less obvious, Grenada and Bequia offer a different take on Caribbean travel.

 

Grenada is lush, green and full of texture. There’s more depth here; in the landscape, the culture and the food. Calabash Hotel reflects that, with a more intimate, character-driven feel.

 

Bequia is smaller and quieter. The kind of island where days drift between the beach, the harbour and long lunches.

 

At Bequia Beach Hotel, everything feels unhurried. It’s low-key, but still refined.

 

This pairing is for those who want something a little less expected, without compromising on quality.

Calabash Hotel, Grenada

Bequia Beach Hotel, Bequia

A two island trip,
fully planned

The Caribbean isn’t short of beautiful islands. The difference is how you put them together.

 

When it’s done well, a two-island trip doesn’t feel like more effort. It feels like a better version of the same holiday.

 

And that’s exactly where we come in. Building it so it flows, from the first flight to the final night.

Start planning your next escape

 

If you’re planning 2026, this is where to start.

Speak to a Travel Seen specialist and start planning your next escape →

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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Inside Switzerland’s Quiet Luxury

April 2026

Switzerland’s appeal among celebrities isn’t accidental. With its balance of privacy, precision hospitality and cinematic landscapes, it has become a go-to for those seeking a quieter kind of luxury. From alpine icons to lakeside retreats, here’s a breakdown of the key destinations to know and where to stay, what to do and exactly who has been drawn there.

Lake Lucerne: understated lakeside luxury

As we explored earlier this week, set against a backdrop of mountains and historic towns, Lake Lucerne offers a slower, more restorative pace. And it’s exactly where Molly-Mae Hague has just checked in.
 
Where to stay
Bürgenstock Resort – perched high above the lake, known for its infinity pool, panoramic views and complete seclusion.
 
What to do
Boat across the lake, swim in its clear waters, explore Lucerne’s old town or take a mountain excursion for sweeping alpine views.
 
Who’s been here
The Bürgenstock has historic ties to screen legends like Audrey Hepburn, who lived and married on the mountain, giving the area a long standing association with old Hollywood elegance.

St Moritz: classic winter glamour

Few destinations are as synonymous with alpine luxury as St. Moritz. It’s polished, exclusive and firmly on the celebrity circuit.
 
Where to stay
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel – an icon of old world glamour with a loyal A-list following.
 
What to do
Skiing in winter, lake side walks in summer, high-end shopping and refined après ski.
 
Who’s been here
Princess Diana famously holidayed here, while figures such as Gianni Agnelli helped cement its jet set reputation. More recently, names like Leonardo DiCaprio continue to frequent the resort.

Geneva: polished and private

More cosmopolitan than its alpine counterparts, Geneva offers a different kind of Swiss escape. One rooted in discretion, culture and lakeside elegance.
 
Where to stay
The Woodward – one of the city’s most exclusive addresses, known for its all-suite concept and lakefront setting.
 
What to do
Fine dining, luxury shopping, lakeside walks and exploring the Old Town.
 
Who’s been here
Geneva has long attracted royalty and global figures, including Queen Elizabeth II on official visits, and is closely associated with residents such as Roger Federer. Its discretion also makes it a base for countless high profile individuals who prefer to remain out of the public eye.

 

 

The bigger picture

Across all of these destinations, the appeal of Switzerland remains consistent: privacy without isolation, luxury without excess and landscapes that do most of the talking.
 
From Audrey Hepburn’s connection to Bürgenstock to Princess Diana’s St. Moritz holidays, Switzerland’s relationship with celebrity and royalty is long established. Molly-Mae’s recent stay is simply the latest chapter and proof that, while trends come and go, Swiss luxury remains timeless.

The Travel Seen take

 

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Switzerland’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer true escape without spectacle. It’s a place where privacy is protected, luxury feels effortless and the setting speaks for itself. From the historic glamour of lakeside retreats to the quiet drama of its alpine villages, it continues to attract those who value discretion above all else. 

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Poppy’s Pick of the Week: Bürgenstock Resort & Alpine Spa

April 2026

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Hey, I’m Poppy, and for this edition of Poppy’s Pick, I’m shining a spotlight on Switzerland at its most cinematic. If you’re after a proper switch-off kind of escape, this is about as good as it gets…
 
Set 500m above Lake Lucerne, Bürgenstock feels less like a single hotel and more like its own quiet, elevated corner of the Alps. There are wide views, clean mountain air and a sense of space that’s hard to replicate.

Why Poppy loves it

There’s something about Bürgenstock that just feels like it resets you a bit. It’s the scale of it – the way everything is spread out across the mountain rather than stacked on top of itself. Nothing feels rushed or crowded. You’re up above Lake Lucerne, looking out at it all, and it’s hard not to slow down with it.

About Bürgenstock

Bürgenstock isn’t really one hotel, it’s a whole mountain top resort made up of several properties all connected by paths, lifts and long views across Lake Lucerne. It feels intentionally spread out, so nothing ever feels enclosed or busy.

At the centre of it is the spa, which is easily one of the defining parts of the stay. The infinity pools are the most photographed for a reason (especially the one that appears to spill out towards the lake) but it’s really the scale of the wellness space that stands out. There are multiple pools, saunas, steam room  and quiet relaxation areas, all designed to make you slow down without thinking about it.

The design throughout is modern and minimal, with floor-to-ceiling glass doing most of the work. Rooms are calm and unfussy, think neutral tones, clean lines and views that take over as soon as you walk in. It’s the kind of place where you don’t really need to leave your room for it to feel like a full experience.

Dining is spread across the resort, from easy all day options to more formal restaurants. Everything is positioned to make the most of the setting – terraces overlooking the lake, long evening light and that feeling of being slightly above everything else.

What ties it all together is space. You move between parts of the resort slowly, often outside, often with a view. It never feels rushed or condensed but more like a small world built into the mountain.

Perfect for

This is for slow travellers. People who want space more than stimulation.

 

It works if you’re celebrating something, if you need a proper reset or if you just want a few days where everything feels a bit more considered than usual.

 

It’s not really a “base for exploring every hour of the day” kind of place,  it’s more about being there.

 

 

Exploring Switzerland

If you do want to build it into a bigger Swiss trip, it pairs really well with the Glacier Express.

 

You could go from Lake Lucerne into Zermatt and continue the slow luxury theme from mountain top stillness to one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The shift works nicely: spa days and lake views, then full cinematic travel across glaciers, valleys and alpine villages.

 

Alternatively, you can keep it simple and just drop into Lucerne for a few hours to explore old town streets, the lake promenade and then back up to the quiet again.

Poppy’s take

 

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The Mark isn’t just a hotel, it’s a New York institution. It combines the privacy of a luxury residence with the polish of a world-class property, all wrapped up in one of the city’s most coveted addresses. 

 

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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British Airways just revealed where luxury travel is heading next…

April 2026

British Airways has announced a series of new routes and increased frequencies – but this isn’t just a routine network update.

 

If you know how to read it properly, it’s a clear signal of something bigger: where luxury travel is shifting, what’s becoming easier to access and which destinations are about to surge.

 

From Sri Lanka to Melbourne and increased access to destinations like Tokyo and Cape Town, these aren’t random additions. They reflect a move towards more seamless, experience-led travel, with less reliance on stopovers and more focus on doing long-haul properly.

 

So if you’re planning ahead for 2026 and beyond, here’s what’s changed and exactly where to stay when you get there.

Sri Lanka
(Colombo)

Launching 23rd October 2026 from London Gatwick – 3x weekly

 

Sri Lanka has been building momentum for years, this just made it significantly easier to do properly.

 

It’s one of the few destinations where you can combine coastline, culture and safari in one seamless trip.

 

Where to stay:
Cape Weligama – clifftop villas, uninterrupted ocean views and a pace that forces you to slow down.

 

The shift: Multi-stop, high-impact itineraries are replacing single-destination trips and Sri Lanka delivers that effortlessly.

Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka

Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka

Melbourne
Australia

Launching 9th January 2027 from London Heathrow – daily

 

A direct route to Melbourne isn’t just convenient – it changes how people approach Australia entirely.

 

Instead of rushing between cities, travellers are slowing it down and building more considered itineraries.

 

Where to stay:
Jackalope Hotel – bold architecture, vineyard setting and one of the most design led stays in Australia.

 

The shift: Australia is moving from “once-in-a-lifetime” to repeat, curated travel.

Jackalope Hotel, Melbourne, Australia

Tokyo
Japan

Increased frequency of flights

 

Japan isn’t slowing down and increased flights confirm it.

 

Tokyo continues to dominate for travellers who want something culturally rich but still design-led and refined.

 

Where to stay:
Aman Tokyo – calm, minimalist and perfectly positioned above the city.

 

The shift: High-demand destinations are becoming more accessible, but still require proper planning to get right.

 

 

Aman, Tokyo, Japan

Barbados
(Increased Frequency)

Barbados remains a staple but increased flights give you more flexibility to time it properly.

 

Where to stay:
Sandy Lane – iconic, polished and consistently one of the best stays on the island.

 

The shift: Classic destinations aren’t disappearing, they’re being done better, not differently.

Sandy Lane Hotel, Barbados

Costa Rica
(Increased Frequency)

Costa Rica is leading the move towards experience-first travel.

It’s less about switching off and more about doing something meaningful while still staying somewhere exceptional.

Where to stay:
Nayara Tented Camp – fully immersive, without compromising on comfort.

The shift: Luxury is no longer just about the hotel, it’s about the experience around it.

Nayara Tented Camp, Costa Rica

Cape Town, South Africa
(Increased Frequency)

Few destinations offer as much variety as Cape Town.

 

City, beach, wine region and safari – all in one itinerary.

 

Where to stay:
One&Only Cape Town, a strong base for building a multi-stop trip.

 

The shift: Destinations that offer range are winning.

One&Only Cape Town, South Africa

The bigger shift
behind these routes

This isn’t just about new destinations.

 

There’s a wider shift happening across long-haul travel. Airlines are investing more in direct routes that reduce reliance on traditional stopover hubs, while also responding to demand for more seamless, experience-led itineraries.

 

For travellers, it means less friction and more opportunity to design trips that feel considered from start to finish.

Start planning your next escape

 

We’ve already paired each of these routes with the hotels that make them worth booking.

 

If you’re planning 2026, this is where to start.

 

Speak to a Travel Seen specialist and start planning your next escape →

 

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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The Glamour of Monaco

April 2026

Monaco, the glimmering jewel of the French Riviera, has long been synonymous with luxury, glamour and jet set living. Nestled along the Mediterranean coastline, this tiny principality packs a punch when it comes to high-end experiences, making it a favourite playground for celebrities, royalty and travellers seeking the ultimate in indulgence.

Who's been spotted there

From Hollywood A-listers to sports legends, Monaco’s star-studded reputation is no secret. George Clooney, often spotted enjoying the Monaco Grand Prix, Formula 1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton make the streets of Monte Carlo their second home during racing season. Tennis stars such as Novak Djokovic, along with Hollywood icons including Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman have been seen enjoying glamorous parties and the sun soaked beaches of the principality. Even royalty, including the British royal family and Monaco’s own Prince Albert II add to its elite allure.

Where to stay

Monaco offers a wealth of luxurious accommodations to match its glitzy reputation.
 
  • Maybourne Riviera – A sophisticated hideaway just outside Monaco with breathtaking sea views, exquisite dining and elegant suites, perfect for privacy and indulgence.
  • Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo – Iconic and legendary, right in the heart of Monte Carlo, offering classic luxury, renowned restaurants and easy access to the casino and designer boutiques.
  • Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo – A Belle Époque masterpiece featuring a luxurious spa, Michelin-starred dining, and panoramic views of the harbour.
  • Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo – A refined, intimate five-star retreat blending Mediterranean elegance with contemporary style, known for its serene pool, exceptional spa and dining by world-class chefs.

What to do

Monaco isn’t just about seeing and being seen, there’s a wealth of experiences that combine culture, adventure and indulgence:
 
  • Monte Carlo Casino – Try your luck where the rich and famous have been gambling for over a century. Even if you don’t play, the architecture and interiors are stunning.
  • Monaco Grand Prix – The ultimate adrenaline rush. Watch Formula 1 cars zoom through Monte Carlo’s streets in one of the world’s most prestigious races.
  • Larvotto Beach – Relax on pristine sands with the Mediterranean at your feet, a favourite spot for sunbathing and celebrity sightings alike.
  • Luxury Shopping – Monaco is a haven for haute couture and designer boutiques, perfect for fashion lovers and window shopping aficionados.

 

 

The essence of Monaco

Monaco isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience. From rubbing shoulders with celebrities to indulging in world-class cuisine, staying in hotels like the Maybourne Riviera, Hotel de Paris or Monte-Carlo Bay Resort, and exploring cultural and scenic gems, every moment in Monaco feels curated for the discerning traveller. Whether you’re here for the glamour, the beach or the thrill of the Grand Prix, Monaco offers a dazzling blend of luxury, sophistication and Mediterranean charm that leaves a lasting impression.

The Travel Seen take

 

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Monaco is the kind of place that fully lives up to its reputation – refined, glamorous and unapologetically luxurious. Yet beyond the yachts and haute couture, there’s a rhythm to it that feels surprisingly effortless.

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Poppy’s Pick of the Week: The Mark Hotel, New York

April 2026

The-Mark-Penthouse-Rooftop-Terrace-WEB
Hey, I’m Poppy, and for this edition of Poppy’s Pick, I wanted to spotlight a New York stay that feels effortlessly polished, quietly iconic and perfectly placed for a stylish city escape.
 
If you’re dreaming of crisp Central Park mornings, elegant Upper East Side living and a hotel that feels both exclusive and welcoming, The Mark is a perfect pick for a grown-up New York getaway that feels truly special.

Why Poppy loves it

It’s often said that New York feels like a collection of villages and if that’s the case, The Mark would undoubtedly be the heart of one. It has all the hallmarks of a world class hotel but with a much more personal, residential feel. The location is a huge part of the appeal also, tucked away on a quieter street yet just moments from Central Park and Madison Avenue so you really get the best of both worlds.

About the hotel

The Mark stands out for its sense of space and individuality (something that’s genuinely rare in Manhattan). The rooms and suites feel generous and liveable, designed with personality by Jacques Grange, blending bold design with comfort in a way that feels very “New York.”
 
It’s also a hotel that goes beyond the expected. Whether it’s arranging something special in Central Park or adding thoughtful touches to your stay, everything feels tailored and effortless.
 
The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges brings a real energy to the hotel too stylish but relaxed and always a great atmosphere. It’s as much a destination for locals as it is for guests, which says a lot.
 
Service is where The Mark truly excels, highly attentive but always discreet. The team has mastered the art of personalisation, making it a favourite among high-profile guests and loyal return visitors. As Anna Wintour perfectly puts it, the staff are “caretakers and stewards of the highest order… they make magic happen every day.”

Perfect for

The Mark is ideal for travellers who want a more refined, low-key luxury experience. It works beautifully for families thanks to the space, but equally for couples or VIP clients who value privacy, style and a sense of ease.
 
If you’re looking for a New York base that feels like your own Upper East Side apartment (but better) this is it.

 

 

Exploring the Big Apple

Staying at The Mark places you in one of New York’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Spend mornings strolling through Central Park, afternoons browsing Madison Avenue’s boutiques and evenings exploring world-class dining and culture nearby. The location allows you to experience the city at your own pace – whether that’s relaxed and refined or buzzing and cosmopolitan.

Poppy’s take

 

GET IN TOUCH
 

The Mark isn’t just a hotel, it’s a New York institution. It combines the privacy of a luxury residence with the polish of a world-class property, all wrapped up in one of the city’s most coveted addresses. 

 

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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