If you had told me a year ago that the luxury travel story of 2026 would be yet another summer of European dominance, I might have been skeptical. After all, geopolitical tensions were high, and the industry consensus was that 2026—the year of America250—would be the year of the “Great Domestic Pivot.”
Content Director, Travel Group
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(Luxury Travel Advisor)
Sure, the 250th anniversary is the perfect excuse for domestic exploration (and we’ll have plenty on that in coming issues), but I’ve been shocked at how transatlantic demand remains high. While the mass market might be softening, the luxury sector is flying full-throttle. The chatter among advisors at the recent ILTM Cannes wasn’t about if clients are going, but where. We are seeing a definitive shift away from the sweltering crowds of the Mediterranean toward “Coolcation” capitals in Finland and Sweden—proving that high-net-worth travelers aren’t pulling back on spend; they’re just seeking better climates.
In this issue, I sit down with Elie Maalouf, CEO of IHG Hotels & Resorts, to discuss his company’s global momentum, and check in with Agnès Roquefort, Accor’s chief development officer of luxury and lifestyle brands. Leading the largest hotel company in Europe gives her serious bragging rights in this environment, and both her and Elie’s insights on the sector’s resilience are a must-read.
If you’re looking for specific itinerary inspiration, we have you covered. Miriam Hall offers a sneak peek at the upcoming Six Senses London, while Mary Winston Nicklin takes a deep dive into the oh-so-coveted “Palace” distinction among French hotels. I was certainly ready to book a stay, or three, after editing both pieces.
Elsewhere, Susan J. Young explores the lucrative world of event-themed cruises. Spoiler: the Monaco Grand Prix pairs very nicely with an Explora Journeys sailing. Melissa Klurman gives us the rundown on luxe Spring Break getaways that go beyond the ordinary, and Dobrina Zhekova takes us on a restorative wellness journey to Costa Rica. I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to Ife Taiwo-Newman, our newest contributor, who will have you rethinking your carry-on essentials with her sun-soaked feature on winter escapes.
It might still be cold outside, but the data is clear: The demand is real, the inventory is stunning, and the season is yours for the taking. Let these pages inspire your next big booking.
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