Fora’s Hot List 2026: The Destinations and Trends to Watch

Fora’s Hot List 2026 is here—and it’s not just about where people are going, but why. Based on Fora’s booking data, advisor insight, and on-the-ground intel from the global travel community, this year’s forecast highlights a shift toward more intentional travel: art-led cities, under-the-radar destinations, pet-inclusive luxury, and experiences that feel personal rather than performative.

Below are the destinations gaining momentum, the travel trends shaping the year ahead, and the standout hotels putting each of them on the map.

Destinations

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Mexico City

Why it’s trending: A cultural capital with growing global influence.

Stat: 150% increase in Fora bookings to Mexico City

Mexico City has long been one of the world’s great food capitals, but in recent years it has been quietly establishing itself as a major force in the global art world. With more than 150 museums, a fast-growing contemporary gallery scene, and major events like Zona Maco drawing international crowds each February, art has become one of the main reasons travelers are choosing CDMX as their next destination.

The city’s cultural pull will only intensify in 2026, when it hosts the opening match of the FIFA World Cup at the legendary Estadio Azteca. A wave of luxury and boutique hotel openings is also adding fresh energy to neighborhoods like Polanco, Roma, and Condesa, making this one of the most exciting moments to visit.

Where to stay:

• Casa Polanco Hotel Boutique: A discreet 19-room boutique stay set in a former private home overlooking Lincoln Park, combining a 1940s Neocolonial mansion with a modernist wing, and offering residential-style suites with warm, attentive service.
• La Valise Mexico City, member of Small Luxury Hotels: An intimate eight-suite stay in a restored 1920s townhouse in Roma Norte, known for its dramatic, art-filled interiors, one-of-a-kind layouts, and details like open-air terraces, hammocks, and rolling beds.
• Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City: A grand classic set around a leafy inner courtyard, this long-standing icon is currently undergoing a major renovation, set to reintroduce the hotel with refreshed rooms, updated public spaces, and a renewed focus on dining and wellness.

On the radar for 2026:

• Pendry Mexico City: A new Roma Norte anchor bringing Pendry’s contemporary, social-first approach to the city, with rooftop dining, a pool terrace, a full-service spa, and a lineup of neighborhood-focused food and drink venues.
• Park Hyatt Mexico City: Located in the heart of Polanco, this newly renovated hotel will feature 155 rooms and suites with park or city views, many with private terraces, plus a spa, tennis and pickleball courts, and a mix of Japanese and South American-inspired dining
• The Standard, Mexico City: This lively newcomer will bring The Standard’s playful, design-driven energy to the capital, with a rooftop pool and bar overlooking the Monumento a la Revolución, a hidden garden, and a buzzy all-day café and late-night diner.

Lesser-known Japan

Why it’s trending: Japan, without the crowds.

Stats: 245% increase in Fora bookings to Hakone; 265% increase to Niseko

While Tokyo and Kyoto remain icons, travelers are increasingly looking beyond Japan’s biggest cities for quieter, more immersive experiences. Smaller hot spring towns, art-focused retreats, and emerging ski destinations offer the same cultural richness—with far fewer crowds.

Places like Karuizawa, a mountain town popular with Tokyo locals for weekend getaways, are drawing attention for their cool summers, hot springs, and discreet luxury. Along the Seto Inland Sea near Hiroshima, the coastal area around Simose is becoming a destination in its own right, pairing striking architecture with a strong focus on art. Meanwhile, Hakone is seeing renewed interest thanks to a modern take on the traditional ryokan experience, and Niseko, in Hokkaido, continues to cement its reputation as one of the world’s top ski destinations, known for its reliable powder and growing lineup of ski-in, ski-out properties.

Where to stay:

• Shishi-Iwa House, Karuizawa: A collection of architect-designed houses, this quietly luxurious retreat just an hour from Tokyo blends Western- and tatami-style rooms with forest bathing, hiking trails, an architecture library, and a standout French-Japanese restaurant.
• Simose Art House, Otake City: Designed by Pritzker Prize–winner Shigeru Ban, this futuristic coastal retreat blends a contemporary art museum, a French restaurant, and ten one-of-a-kind villas—some inspired by Japanese architectural landmarks—into a stay that feels as much like a cultural immersion as a hotel.
• Gora Kadan Fuji, Hakone: Set deep in the woods with views of Mount Fujj, this contemporary ryokan blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern design, offering tatami and semi-Western suites—many with open-air baths—alongside mineral hot springs, kaiseki dining, and a deep sense of stillness.
• Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono, Niseko: Recently named the world’s best new ski hotel, this contemporary stay celebrates Niseko as a year-round destination, with seasonal design elements, picture-window views of changing landscapes, a traditional onsen, and a lively restaurant and bar.

On the radar for 2026:

• Hotel The Mitsui Hakone: A highly anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed Kyoto original, this new opening is expected to bring the brand’s upscale, heritage-led luxury to Hakone, with hot spring baths, mountain views, and an elevated take on traditional Japanese hospitality.

The Nordics

Why it’s trending: Design, nature, and rare celestial moments.

Stats: 117% increase in Fora bookings to Denmark; 128% increase to Iceland, and 131% increase to Norway

The Nordic countries have long drawn travelers seeking understated luxury and dramatic landscapes—but in 2026, they’re also becoming a magnet for eclipse chasers, with parts of Norway and Iceland falling within the path of a total solar eclipse.

Beyond that headline moment, the region’s appeal lies in its range: fjord cruises through Norway’s wild coastline, remote Arctic stays above the Polar Circle, stylish city breaks in Copenhagen, and scenic road trips through Iceland’s lesser-visited north and south coasts. Travelers are lingering longer, choosing quieter bases like Akureyri over Reykjavik, pairing cruises with land stays, and exploring Copenhagen’s creative fringes—where former industrial zones now house cutting-edge art spaces and restaurants.

Where to stay:

• Wood Hotel Bodø, Norway: High above the Arctic Circle, this nature-driven retreat pairs contemporary Scandinavian design with sweeping views, outdoor adventure, and front-row access to the Northern Lights and midnight sun.
• Skáld Hotel Akureyri Curio Collection by Hilton, Iceland: A boutique base in North Iceland, this fjord-side stay makes it easy to explore the Diamond Circle while offering cozy, style-conscious interiors and a quieter alternative to Reykjavik.
• 1 Hotel Copenhagen: A warm, nature-led reinterpretation of a 1930s modernist landmark, with plant-filled rooms, Nordic dining, and a strong focus on sustainability, wellness, and slow city living.

On the radar for 2026:

• Black Sand Hotel, Iceland: Set along Iceland’s dramatic south coast, this highly anticipated opening promises a moody, design-led retreat framed by volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches, and wide-open Atlantic views.

South American beach towns

Why they’re trending: Laid-back, creative, and quietly cool.

Stats: 111% increase in Fora bookings to Brazil; 192% increase to Uruguay

If you love the energy of Ibiza but crave something more under-the-radar, South America’s beach towns are stepping into the spotlight. Places like Trancoso, Santa Catarina, Punta del Este, and José Ignacio combine wild, untamed landscapes with bohemian energy and a new wave of standout stays.

In Brazil, Trancoso continues to draw a stylish, artsy crowd while holding onto its village roots, while the beaches of Santa Catarina appeal to travelers looking for a quieter, more immersive coastal escape. In Uruguay, José Ignacio and Punta del Este offer two sides of the same coin—one low-key and intimate, the other social and high-energy. Further inland, Carmelo is emerging as a slow-travel favorite, known for its vineyards, antique shops, and understated luxury.

Where to stay:

• Awasi Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina: An ultra-secluded, all-villa retreat set between rainforest and sea, where private guides, tailored excursions, and understated design create a deeply immersive way to experience Brazil’s southern coast.
• UXUA Casa Hotel & Spa, Trancoso: A cult favorite known for its soulful design and creative energy, this collection of restored casas blends barefoot ease with thoughtful architecture, slow mornings, and a strong sense of place.
• Hotel Fasano, Punta del Este: A secluded, design-led retreat set across rolling countryside just minutes from the coast, with standalone bungalows, sweeping views, and an amenity lineup that ranges from golf and horseback riding to a rock-carved pool and spa.
• Playa Vik, José Ignacio: An art-filled, modernist beachfront hideaway that feels more like a private beach house than a hotel, with sculptural suites, sea-facing residences, and a relaxed, house-guest vibe.

The Carolinas

Why they’re trending: A creative revival of a classic destination.

Stats: 174% increase in Fora bookings to Asheville; 157% increase to South Carolina

Long popular with road-trippers and multigenerational family travelers, the Carolinas are having a quiet renaissance—driven by new boutique hotels, revitalized downtowns, and a growing focus on food, art, and design.

Along North Carolina’s coast, the Outer Banks remain a classic for wide beaches, surf culture, and wild dunes, now joined by a new generation of design-forward hotels. Inland, Asheville continues to cement its reputation as one of the Southeast’s most creative small cities, while Charleston remains a perennial favorite, pairing Lowcountry cuisine and pastel-hued historic streets with a fresh crop of modern boutique stays just outside the city

Where to stay:

• The Sanderling: Now run by EOS Hospitality, this longtime coastal favorite reopened after a major 2025 renovation, with refreshed rooms and Theodosia, a new signature restaurant offering a creative take on local seafood and regional flavors.
• The Restoration Hotel Asheville: Set in the heart of downtown, this warm, industrial-chic hotel blends residential-style suites with rooftop views, easy access to the arts district, and a strong sense of local character.
• High Hampton Resort, Cashiers: A historic mountain retreat reimagined with a fresh eye, this restored lodge pairs timeless Southern hospitality with elevated dining, championship golf, and access to some of North Carolina’s most beautiful hiking trails.
• The Dunlin, Auberge Collection: Just outside Charleston, this upscale coastal hideaway channels Lowcountry elegance through airy interiors, thoughtful dining, and a setting that encourages slow mornings and long afternoons by the water.

On the radar for 2026:

• The Cooper, Charleston: A highly anticipated riverfront boutique hotel set to open with multiple dining venues and a prime location overlooking the Cooper River.

Experiences

Pet-friendly perks

Stat: 178% increase in pet-related searches in Fora’s Booking Portal

Luxury travel is increasingly designed with pets in mind. In 2026, more travelers are planning trips around their animals—and hotels are responding with amenities that go well beyond the basics, from custom menus and concierge services to pet-friendly excursions and spa-style treatments.

Standouts include the newly reopened Waldorf Astoria New York, where pets receive chef-prepared treats and weather-ready gear, and the Baccarat Hotel, home to the VIP (Very Important Pooch) program. For warm-weather escapes, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa in St. Barts offers dog-friendly beach setups, while Regent Santa Monica Beach has introduced its Tides & Tails program with tailored in-room amenities. Pet-friendly pioneers like Kimpton continue to lead the way, with new openings planned for 2026 in Monterrey, Bali, Scottsdale, and the Riviera Maya.

Even getting there is becoming easier, thanks to services like JSX and BARK Air, which allow larger dogs to fly in-cabin.

Railway retreats

Stat: 55% increase in Fora bookings on luxury trains in the past year

Overnight and multi-night train journeys are having a moment, blending the romance of old-school rail travel with the ease of unpack-once itineraries. For 2026, the appeal isn’t just nostalgia—it’s the chance to experience multiple destinations slowly, with high-design cabins, destination-worthy dining, and curated routes that feel more like moving boutique hotels than transport.

In Europe, names like Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Royal Scotsman, and Accor’s La Dolce Vita Orient Express are leading the revival, pairing restored vintage carriages with new, ultra-luxurious suites and inventive itineraries. Belmond’s newly launched Britannic Explorer will wind through England and Wales, while in North America, Rocky Mountaineer is introducing a limited-edition Banff–Jasper–Lake Louise route designed to showcase the Canadian Rockies at their most cinematic.

Self-service wellness

Stat: 134% increase in wellness-related searches in Fora’s Booking Portal

Wellness in 2026 is less about booking treatments and more about having access—on your own schedule. Travelers are gravitating toward hotels where thermal circuits, saunas, plunge pools, and hydrotherapy zones are built into daily life, making it easy to dip in and out as casually as you would a gym.

Lake Como has become a hub for this style of wellness, with properties like Passalacqua and Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como expanding their spa facilities to make the destination appealing year-round. Nearby Lake Garda is emerging as a quieter alternative, led by places like Grand Hotel Fasano and Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, known for its expansive sauna world. In the US, new openings such as Naples Beach Club, a Four Seasons Resort, and Belden House in Connecticut are embracing the same model, while international names like Six Senses London and Faena New York’s Tierra Santa Healing House are set to open in 2026.

Premium play

Stats: 171% increase in waterpark-related searches in Fora’s Booking Portal; 152% increase to the Peninsula Papagayo

Luxury resorts are leaning into fun. In 2026, high-end travel increasingly includes all-ages attractions—think lazy rivers, slides, adventure zones, and sports complexes—designed to appeal to families, multigenerational groups, and travelers who want more than just a pool and a spa.

At Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo, the newly opened Papagayo Park adds tennis, pickleball, pump tracks, and a full-scale waterpark to an already luxe lineup of hotels. In Florida, Boca Raton Resort has introduced its Harborside Pool Club, complete with a lazy river, cabanas, and water slides. Elsewhere, Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club has built its own water park, and Jumeirah properties in Dubai offer access to Wild Wadi, one of the city’s most iconic attractions.

Solo adventures (cruise edition)

Stat: 132% increase in solo travel searches in Fora’s Booking Portal

Solo travel continues to rise, and cruise lines are leading the way in making it easier—and more appealing—than ever. For 2026, more ships are being designed with single travelers in mind, from dedicated solo cabins to social-first programming and the elimination of traditional single supplements.

Brands like Virgin Voyages have introduced sleek solo studios on their adults-only ships, while Riviera Travel offers solo-only river cruises—and recently announced the world’s first river cruise ship designed exclusively for solo travelers, launching in 2027. Other luxury lines, including Crystal Cruises, Ponant, and Tauck, now offer reduced or no single supplements on many itineraries, making independent cruising far more accessible.

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