What’s New from The Ultimate Travel Company in 2026

Costa Rica is emerging as one of the most exciting travel destinations for 2026, thanks to groundbreaking conservation efforts and immersive eco-luxury experiences. At the heart of this movement is Boena Wilderness Lodges, whose properties Tortuga Lodge, Lapa Rios, and Pacuare Lodge are not only redefining sustainable tourism but also leading a pioneering jaguar collaring project in partnership with the National University of Costa Rica.

In Tortuguero, plans are underway to live-track a jaguar for the first time, a bold initiative with space for a journalist to join the expedition. If successful, the program will expand to Pacuare and the Osa Peninsula, mirroring the success of similar efforts by Onçafari in Brazil and Rewilding Argentina – yet entirely new to Costa Rica. Meanwhile, Lapa Rios celebrates 50 years of Corcovado National Park with camera-trap monitoring and direct conservation funding through guest stays. Pacuare Lodge, set deep in the rainforest and accessible only by white-water rafting, combines off-grid luxury with indigenous partnerships and wildlife protection. Together, these lodges position Costa Rica not just as a paradise for nature lovers, but as a frontier for conservation science in Central America.

Chile is set to shine on the global travel radar in 2026, thanks to the spectacular reopening of Tierra Atacama, which reopened in April 2025 following a transformative $20 million renovation. Nestled just outside the desert oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, this iconic property has been reimagined with a bold new vision that seamlessly blends elevated design, clever use of sustainable tech and a deep love of the natural world.

With just 28 carefully curated rooms and suites, some featuring private plunge pools, fireplaces, and personal guides, the lodge offers an exclusive gateway to one of the world’s most otherworldly landscapes. Design cues drawn from local materials and cosmic themes echo the desert’s stark beauty, while a refreshed adventure and wellness philosophy invites guests to explore the salt flats, volcanoes, and star-filled skies by day, then return to the warmth of Uma Spa by night. Add to this a culinary program blending local flavours with international skills and a passionate commitment to native flora restoration and community partnerships, and Tierra Atacama stands as a compelling reason to make northern Chile an extraordinary escape.

The Ultimate Travel Company offers £1,447 per night for two people in low season (May – September) – includes transfers, accommodation, all meals, open bar, daily excursions, use of Uma Spa facilities.

The Ultimate Travel Company introduces South Korea as a destination to visit in 2026 – a country that is clean, efficient, safe, friendly, relaxed and endlessly fascinating. From the devastation of the Korean War in 1953, South Korea has risen in just 70 years to become the 4th largest economy in Asia and the 14th in the world – a story of resilience and innovation you’ll encounter at every turn. Here, tradition and cutting-edge technology blend seamlessly: robots can serve you coffee, pizza and noodles at self-service stations, while KTX trains whisk you between cities at 350 kmph.

The journey begins in Seoul, with its grand palaces, temples and markets, before travelling south through Andong’s Confucian traditions and hanok villages, Gyeongju’s ancient tombs and temples, and on to Busan’s vibrant coastal charm. The adventure culminates on Jeju Island, where dramatic volcanic peaks, lava tubes and waterfalls showcase Korea’s natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a tour of the DMZ, hands-on cooking and kimchi-making, and even a K-pop dance class – experiences that bring this captivating country’s history, culture and modern dynamism vividly to life.

A new destination for 2026, Uzbekistan, the captivating Silk Road nation is a must visit destination for next year according to The Ultimate Travel Company team. This inaugural itinerary has been designed to showcase the country’s dazzling cultural and historic treasures, combining comfort with authentic encounters. Beginning in Tashkent, travellers will explore its vibrant bazaars and rich museums before travelling by high-speed rail to the legendary city of Samarkand, where Registan Square, Tamerlane’s mausoleum, and the ancient Silk Paper Centre bring history vividly to life. The journey continues with an excursion into the Fan Mountains to discover Tajikistan’s breathtaking Seven Lakes, before heading west to Bukhara, renowned for its medieval madrassahs, caravanserais, and lively trading domes.

The trip concludes in the walled city of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where minarets, palaces, and ancient fortresses evoke centuries of Central Asian history. With handpicked accommodation, expert local guides, and The Ultimate Travel Company’s hallmark service throughout, this landmark journey offers an unforgettable introduction to one of the world’s most fascinating cultural crossroads

The Ultimate Travel Company has created a new itinerary to combine two unexpected destinations, made possible by a new flight route from Tokyo to Palau. This October, a new direct flight from Tokyo Narita to Koror, Palau by United Airlines offers travellers a compelling new route to combine two extraordinary worlds; the cultural richness of Japan and the marine majesty of Palau. With Tokyo now serving as a key gateway to Palau for travellers from the United States, United Kingdom and Europe, the journey reaches its pinnacle aboard Four Seasons Explorer, a floating resort experience that merges expedition-style adventure with Four Seasons legendary service.

The new itinerary from The Ultimate Travel Company includes Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka over a 17-day journey that blends cultural immersion with luxury, showcasing the country’s rich traditions, natural beauty, and modern elegance. This is followed by a journey through Palau’s UNESCO-listed Rock Islands aboard the Four Seasons Explorer – a luxurious liveaboard that brings travellers closer to the ocean’s edge and the natural wonders below.

RwandAir has launch the first-ever direct flight route from London Heathrow to Zanzibar. Offering Skytrax award-winning hospitality and seamless travel, the new service marks a milestone in connectivity between the UK and the Indian Ocean. For the first time, travellers will be able to reach Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage without a stopover, opening up new opportunities to enjoy the island as a standalone destination or in combination with an East African safari.

In 2025, Brad Pitt’s feature film F1 brought the sport’s speed, noise and precision to mainstream cinema; in 2026, Monaco will deliver the live version as new regulations reshape every lap, pit stop and overtaking move. The next-generation race cars will be lighter and more agile, powered by a 50–50 hybrid split and fully sustainable fuels, with active aerodynamics set to transform racecraft on Formula 1’s tightest street circuit.

From 3–8 June 2026, EXPLORA I will be moored inside Port Hercule’s perimeter road, just 150 metres from the track, placing guests at the heart of the action with no transfers or queues and within walking distance of every landmark. Between sessions, the ship is a serene retreat with pools, terraces and dining overlooking the harbour, while guests can add three-day Grandstand seating or exclusive F1 Paddock Club™ hospitality. The programme unfolds from Wednesday embarkation and paddock preparations through practice, qualifying and support races to Sunday’s Grand Prix itself, before Monday disembarkation.

The Ultimate Travel Company offers five nights/six days from £10,750 per guest. Dates are 3- 8 June 2026

Pousada Trijunção, a remote eco-lodge nestled in Brazil’s vast Cerrado region, is set to make headlines with the launch of Latin America’s first sky bed safari experience. This innovative offering invites guests to sleep under a blanket of stars in complete comfort, immersed in one of the world’s most biodiverse yet underexplored ecosystems. Known for its serious conservation credentials (especially its work protecting the elusive maned wolf) Trijunção is now adding a layer of unforgettable adventure and intimacy with nature. The sky bed experience is not just a first for Brazil, but a bold step in redefining luxury wilderness travel across the continent.

The Ultimate Travel Company offers five nights at Pousada Trijunção from £3,350 per person (based on two people sharing) including all meals, private transfers to/from Brasilia and shared activities at the lodge. The Sky Bed is an additional $500 per night and available to existing guests.

The Malkai, launching in Spring 2026, marks a pioneering cultural and nature immersion experience across three breathtaking locations in Oman: Barka, nestled among lush date plantations; Hajar, perched in the rugged Al Hajar mountains; and Sharqiya, a secluded oasis amid the golden desert dunes. Each site features just 14 tented pavilion suites—elegantly blending modern comfort with traditional Bedouin aesthetics—offering an intimate escape woven into the landscape. Guests enjoy an exclusive journey with a chauffeured Land Rover Defender and a dedicated guide, travelling between coast, mountains, and desert for a unique “pilgrimage” of discovery.

Culinary adventures follow a farm-to-table ethos, spotlighting Omani specialties in seasonal menus served in open-air dining pavilions. Wellness is also a focus with signature spa therapies, organic treatments, pools, and spaces for yoga, meditation, and pilates. “Malkai Experiences” include stargazing in the desert, visits to private islands and coral reefs, immersive culinary journeys, and private fort tours. This launch promises an unprecedented way to delve into Oman’s cultural heritage, natural splendor, and local communities—all thoughtfully curated for discerning travellers.

19th February – 14th March 2026

A 16-day escorted journey through Guatemala and Belize, beginning in the cobbled streets of UNESCO-listed Antigua. Explore colonial architecture and vibrant markets before gliding across Lake Atitlán, framed by towering volcanoes and dotted with traditional Maya villages. Journey on to Tikal’s ancient pyramids nestled within jungle, then cross into Belize’s Cayo District to savour wildlife-rich rainforests home to jaguars, tapirs, and over 300 bird species. The adventure concludes on the idyllic shores of Ambergris Caye, with four nights at a luxury beachside resort perfect for snorkelling, spa indulgence, or simply unwinding in the Caribbean sunshine.

The Ultimate Travel Company offers 14 nights from £7,875 per person including private transfers, domestic flights, expert guides, bespoke activities, and exquisite accommodation all seamlessly arranged, this tailored tour captures the cultural, natural, and historical essence of both countries.

15th to 19th June 2026

Join renowned tour leader Tania Illingworth for an exclusive five-day journey through Shropshire’s hidden gems on the Great Houses & Gardens tour, that offers privileged access to privately owned estates, world-class art collections, and some of England’s most beautiful historic gardens. Highlights include a private viewing at Weston Park, a guided tour of Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site, and intimate garden visits with estate owners.

The Ultimate Travel Company offers four nights from £2,195 per person staying at The Clive Arms Hotel, four lunches, two dinners, and all entrance fees included

20th April – 5th May 2026

Journey through the heart of southern Brazil on a 15-night escorted tour that showcases the country’s extraordinary diversity. Begin in vibrant Rio de Janeiro, where iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana Beach set the stage. Continue to Iguassu Falls, straddling Brazil and Argentina, before heading into the Amazon. Explore wildlife-rich ecosystems by canoe and forest trails while staying at an atmospheric jungle lodge.

The Ultimate Travel Company offers sixteen days from £8,640 person (based on two sharing) includes accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, guided excursions, most meals

10th to 18th June 2026

Journey across Iceland on this 9-night escorted tour that captures the country’s stunning natural diversity. Experience cascading waterfalls, otherworldly glaciers, geothermal hot springs, and dramatic fjords. Explore the iconic Golden Circle, marvel at glacial lagoons, wander across volcanic landscapes, and relax in soothing thermal pools. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, private transfers, excursions, and most meals included, this itinerary delivers a perfectly curated mix of adventure and relaxation, showcasing Iceland’s raw beauty and lively culture in unforgettable style.

The Ultimate Travel Company offers nine days from £7735 per person (based on two sharing) includes accommodation, domestic transport, guided excursions, most meals

8th to 22nd April 2026

Journey through Madagascar’s diverse landscapes on this 14-night tour that combines wildlife-rich rainforests, dramatic sandstone formations, and secluded island escapes. Begin in the lush Andasibe–Mantadia National Park, home to iconic Indri lemurs and chameleons. Fly to the arid canyons and natural pools of Isalo National Park, then cross spiny forests and river landscapes en route to the Mandrare region for up-close encounters with sifakas and community life. The journey culminates with five nights on a private island near Nosy Be, where pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs await.

The Ultimate Travel Company offers 15 days from £11780 per person (based on two sharing) including full-board accommodation, domestic flights, transfers, guided excursions, most meals

Disney’s live-action Moana, set for a major global release in July 2026, is poised to put Hawaiian and wider Polynesian culture in the spotlight like never before. As audiences revisit Moana’s voyage across the Pacific with renewed realism, interest in the region’s islands, traditions, and indigenous communities will skyrocket. Hawaii, likely to be a primary filming and promotional hub, will benefit from a surge in travelers seeking both the cinematic beauty and the cultural depth portrayed on screen. Beyond Hawaii, destinations such as Samoa, Tahiti, and Fiji are expected to see a rise in demand from those looking to explore authentic Polynesian heritage, mythology, and landscapes.

For press enquiries, interview opportunities and high-resolution images please contact Amelia Bird at amelia@passaropublicity.com and Charlotte Bird at charlotte@passaropublicity.com