Inspiring Short-and-Long Haul Destinations You May Not Have Considered
From river villas in Tenerife to trekking in Bhutan, here’s your month-by-month guide to where to go in 2026, featuring destinations at their seasonal best, from under-the-radar favourites to Ultimate classics.
Costa Rica: Jungle trekking, Zip-lining and River Rafting
Average temperature: 25 – 33 °C | Travel time from the UK: 14 -16 hours via Bangkok
Famous for its lush landscapes, abundant wildlife and warm, welcoming people, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for first-time visitors to Central or Latin America, especially in January when the dry season ensures sunny skies and perfect conditions for exploring.
Over two weeks, you’ll stay on a charming coffee farm near the capital, explore the winding waterways of Tortuguero National Park, and wander through the misty cloud forests of Monteverde Reserve. Discover the spectacular Arenal National Park, home to the famous Arenal Volcano and a wide range of activities from zip-lining and river rafting to horseback riding and hiking, staying at the only hotel located inside the park itself.
The journey concludes on the Pacific Coast at an eco-lodge overlooking the serene Golfo Dulce. Surrounded by jungle and the calm, warm waters of the bay, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
How: 14 days from £5,850 per person. Discover the Classic Costa Rica itinerary.
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Antwerp, Belgium: Diamonds, Art and Michelin Magic
Average temperature: 2 – 7°C | Travel time from the UK: 3 – 4 hours via Eurostar to Brussels, quick change to Antwerp
With its mix of Flemish charm, Michelin-starred dining and contemporary cool, Antwerp is having its moment. Often dubbed “the new Amsterdam”, the city dazzles with its world-renowned Diamond District, flourishing fashion scene, and outstanding art collections – not to mention an appearance in the Paramount+ drama MobLand.
Spend a long weekend exploring Antwerp’s cobbled streets, historic guild houses and cutting-edge galleries. Dine at one of its many acclaimed restaurants, visit the Rubens House, and browse luxury jewellers in the diamond quarter – an ideal spot for a proposal. Stay at the elegant Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a restored 15th-century monastery blending heritage with serene spa luxury in the heart of the city.
How: 3 nights from £845 per person. Including Eurostar and train travel, entrance ticket to the Museum of Fine Arts, accommodation with breakfast staying at the Hotel T’Sandt.
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Laos and Cambodia: Temples, Bicycle rides and River Cruises
Average temperature: 25 – 33 °C | Travel time from the UK: 14 -16 hours via Bangkok
February is a good month to visit Laos and Cambodia, with warm, dry weather, clear skies and comfortable temperatures perfect for river cruises, temple explorations and jungle adventures. Fly into Thailand and begin your adventure with two nights in Chiang Rai, a serene introduction to Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle. From here, embark on a leisurely cruise down the Mekong River into Laos, arriving in the atmospheric former royal capital of Luang Prabang. With its golden temples, saffron-robed monks and elegant French colonial charm, this UNESCO World Heritage city remains wonderfully preserved and surrounded by lush jungle and cascading waterfalls.
Continue south to Pakse to explore the ancient Khmer temple complex of Wat Phou, a spiritual precursor to Angkor, before drifting among the tranquil islands of Si Phan Don – the “Four Thousand Islands” – where life moves to the rhythm of the river. Your journey concludes in Siem Reap, gateway to Cambodia’s legendary Angkor Wat. Here, watch the sun rise over the intricately carved spires of this vast temple city and uncover the mysteries of a civilisation lost to time, completing a journey rich in culture, nature and timeless beauty.
How: 13 days from £7,000 per person. Discover the Classic Laos and Cambodia itinerary.
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Tenerife, Spain: River Villas and Endless Sunshine
Average temperature: 18 – 22°C | Travel time from the UK: 4.5 hours direct
Perfect for a winter escape, Tenerife’s subtropical warmth and volcanic landscapes provide a soothing dose of sunshine. The standout stay this month is Royal River, Luxury Hotel – Adults Only, an African-inspired sanctuary where lush gardens surround villas connected by a tranquil, river-like waterway – a unique concept on the island. Over a week, unwind in your private pool villa, dine at one of the resort’s exceptional restaurants, and enjoy spa treatments infused with local botanicals. Venture out for coastal walks, sunset views over La Gomera, or a day trip up Mount Teide before returning to your serene retreat.
How: 7 nights from £2,937 per person including flights, private airport transfers, breakfast and accommodation at the Royal River in a One Bedroom River Villa
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Bhutan: Hikes, Monasteries and Village Tours
Average temperature: 12 – 20°C | Travel time from the UK: 13 – 15 hours via Delhi
With spring in full bloom, March is one of the most enchanting times to experience Bhutan, as rhododendrons and magnolias carpet the valleys in vibrant colour and the skies are crystal clear for Himalayan views. Travel through Bhutan on a 12-night journey that links five distinct valleys and offers a rare window into the country’s cultural and spiritual heartlands. Accompanied throughout by a dedicated Six Senses GEM (Guest Experience Maker), this khamsa, a traditional Bhutanese concept meaning “royal stroll,” is designed as an unhurried and immersive exploration of daily life in the Kingdom.
You’ll stay in all five Six Senses lodges, each shaped by its natural surroundings – from Thimphu’s pine forests to Bumthang’s quiet monasteries. Begin in Thimphu, where monastic tradition meets emerging creativity. Continue east through Punakha’s river valleys, Gangtey’s glacial plains and Bumthang’s sacred temples. Your journey ends in Paro, where forest trails and hilltop sanctuaries offer a final moment of stillness. This itinerary offers insight into Bhutan’s evolving identity, shaped not by pace or progress but by the values of community, conservation and contentment.
How:13 days from £11,650 per person. Discover Bhutan with Six Senses itinerary.
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Baja California, Mexico: Whales, Wine and Wilderness
Average temperature: 20 – 28°C | Travel time from the UK: Around 15 hours via Los Angeles or Mexico City
Each year, one of nature’s greatest spectacles unfolds along Mexico’s Baja California peninsula as hundreds of grey whales migrate to the warm, sheltered waters of San Ignacio Lagoon to give birth. This UNESCO-protected biosphere becomes a nursery for these gentle giants, offering a rare opportunity for close, respectful encounters in the wild.
Over the course of the journey, you’ll explore this remarkable region by small boat, guided by expert naturalists, as whales surface and breach just metres away. Beyond the lagoon, discover Baja’s other treasures – dramatic desert landscapes, pristine beaches, and a flourishing wine region producing some of Mexico’s best vintages.
How: 14 days from £13,950pp. Discover the Baja California: Wine, Whales & Wilderness itinerary.
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Nice & Monaco: Riviera Glamour and French Flair
Average temperature: 10 -17°C | Travel time from the UK: Under 2.5 hours direct
A chic and sun-kissed escape to France, the Côte d’Azur in March offers blue skies, alfresco lunches and timeless elegance. Split your stay between Hôtel du Couvent in Nice and Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo in Monaco for the perfect balance of coastal charm and Riviera luxury. Start in Nice, wandering the Promenade des Anglais, exploring colourful markets and sipping rosé on sunny terraces. Then travel along the coast to Monaco, where the glittering harbour, designer boutiques and refined dining await. The recently refurbished junior suites at the Métropole add a fresh touch to this iconic address – ideal for indulgent R&R less than three hours from home.
How: 7 nights from £7,000 per person. Including flights, private transfers, daily breakfast, accommodation in a Classic King Room at Hotel Du Couvent, A Luxury Collection Hotel and a Deluxe Room at Hotel Metropole, Monte Carlo.
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(Chilean) Patagonia: Dramatic Landscapes, Scenic Treks, Once in a Lifetime
Average temperature: 5 – 15 °C | Travel time from the UK: 18 – 22 hours via Santiago de Chile
April is a wonderful time to visit Chilean Patagonia – the crowds have thinned, the air is crisp and clear and the landscapes are transformed by autumn’s golden and fiery hues. With quieter trails and a sense of tranquillity across the national parks, it’s the perfect moment to explore some of the lesser-known paths on the fringes of Torres del Paine and beyond.
Just 400 metres from Tierra Patagonia lies the edge of Lago Sarmiento, one of the largest and most pristine lakes in Torres del Paine National Park – this is a boutique luxury refuge in one of the wildest places on Earth. A stroll along its sandy shores marks the beginning of your Patagonian adventure, where each day reveals a new natural wonder. Accompanied by expert guides, discover fascinating geological formations, encounter native wildlife and set out on unforgettable horse rides, scenic treks, and cycling expeditions through the park’s dramatic landscapes.
After a day of exploration, return to your sustainably designed yet luxuriously comfortable hotel. Relax by the fireplace in a living space adorned with handcrafted local décor, savour exquisite regional cuisine, or unwind in the spa – complete with an indoor pool – as you watch the evening light fade over Patagonia’s rugged peaks.
How: 4 nights from £5,770 per person with a night layover at Santiago. Including international and domestic flights, and accommodation at Tierra Patagonia.
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South Korea: Bustling Food Markets, Archaeological Treasures, Waterfalls
Average temperature: 12 – 22 °C | Travel time from the UK: Approximately 12.5 hours
May is a beautiful time to visit South Korea, when mild temperatures, clear skies and vibrant spring blooms create the perfect setting to explore the country’s cultural and natural treasures. Over two weeks, journey through South Korea’s most captivating destinations and immerse yourself in its rich history, dynamic cities and celebrated cuisine.
Begin in Seoul bedding down at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, where ancient palaces and temples stand alongside contemporary architecture, bustling food markets and the historic Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Continue to Andong, the spiritual heart of the country, to see South Korea’s largest temple, its longest wooden bridge and the UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village, where traditional life continues much as it has for centuries.
From there, travel to Gyeongju – once the capital of the Silla Kingdom – to explore its royal tombs, pagodas and archaeological treasures, before heading south to the coastal city of Busan, famed for its beaches and seafood markets. Conclude your journey on the volcanic island of Jeju, where dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and serene trails showcase the wild beauty of South Korea in full spring colour – staying at The Shilla Jeju.
How: 14 days from £10,975 per person. Discover the Ultimate South Korea itinerary.
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Start 2026 with an unforgettable trip to look forward to.
Speak to one of our travel experts today, each with first-hand knowledge of the destinations they specialise in and let us design a tailor-made holiday built entirely around you. Whether it’s winter sun, cultural immersion or off-the-map adventure, we’ll make it personal and unique.
Call +44 (0) 2039 933538 or make an online enquiry.
speak to our expertsImage credits: Unsplash; property images courtesy of the featured hotels and resorts.