What’s new, January 2026
GOOD NEIGHBOURHOODS
The Tailor, Australia
There’s so much variety, history and culture to discover in Sydney and The Tailor recommends Localing’s full-day private tour of Sydney City and Villages to get a true taste of it. Hosted by a knowledgeable guide, the tour really brings the city to life, taking in everything from Aboriginal and colonial history in the heritage laneways of The Rocks, to the boutiques and galleries of Paddington, the coastal energy of Bondi, and First Nations Culture and urban edge in Redfern and Newtown. Every element of the day is customisable, from pace to focus–you can even request stops at artisan bakeries!
RETREAT FROM IT ALL
Ahipara, New Zealand
Ahipara is partnering with Kopi Bush Retreat on Chatham Island, or Rēkohu, a two-hour plane ride east of mainland New Zealand. This small, isolated island has just 600 locals and a shark-infested coastline, but for those who fall for its rugged not-quite-charm, there’s nowhere quite like it.
Ahipara’s friends Bridget and John Preece run Kopi, and will ensure you are extremely well-fed and comfortable. Your stay might include hunting for fossilised shark teeth, hiking to ancient tree carvings, or foraging for paua–but your days will unfold organically, with activities determined by weather, conversation, the shearing schedule… or a chance meeting with a local fisherman.
TAKE SANCTUARY
Sticky Rice Travel, Borneo
Koduko Sanctuary is a new opening in a remote coastal forest in Kota Belud, northern Borneo. Sticky Rice Travel recommends these two self-catering villas for an entirely off-grid experience (they run on solar-power and harvested rainwater) in a stunning, isolated environment. Set in the rainforest above the Sabah coastline, Rimba Villa and The Retreat boast panoramic sea views and access to two secluded white-sand beaches. Guests can also explore walking trails through the forest with sea views and spectacular birdwatching (owls, pigeons, barbets) and wildlife viewing (macaques, tarsiers). Diving and snorkelling boat trips can also be arranged.
FORT STORY
Banyan, India
With the launch of the Oberoi Rajgarh Palace Banyan can now create journeys that link the fantastic temples of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh into itineraries covering Varanasi, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, and across to the more classic North India sites via Agra. Oberoi's meticulously restored heritage fort offers something new for travellers looking beyond North India’s familiar routes. Khajuraho itself is home to exquisite Chandela-era temples built between 885 and 1000 CE, and pairs beautifully with visiting the often overlooked Panna Tiger Reserve, just 15 minutes from the hotel.
HEAVEN AND HELI
ITEM, Türkiye
Heli-skiing is ITEM’s cold-weather hot tip, in the Kaçkar Mountains in Türkiye’s northeast. Guests fly by helicopter to untouched peaks overlooking the Black Sea, where the pure mountain air and panoramic vistas set the scene for an extraordinary adventure. After days of off-piste descents, evenings are spent in cozy mountain lodges, enjoying regional dishes and roaring fires. Heli-skiing is a rare adventure in Türkiye that gives travellers the chance to experience a side of the country few visitors ever see.
NOMADS’ LAND
PLAN-IT, Morocco
Plan-it Morocco often sends guests to the Agafay Desert, a raw, unspoiled expanse beneath the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and a seemingly endless sky, just 30km south of Marrakech. A new opening here makes it all the more appealing: Nomads’ Land is an eco retreat where luxury, sustainability and wilderness meet. Individual lodges, the spa and restaurant are all crafted from rammed earth, an ancient building technique, so that each blends into the landscape with minimal impact. Candlelight replaces electricity, water is thoughtfully repurposed and menus are sustainably designed.
TOP TABLES
Galavanta, Colombia
With ten restaurants in Latin America’s 50 Best list, now is the perfect time to explore Colombia’s vibrant gastronomy and restaurant scene. Fifth on that list (and 48th in the world!) is Celele, by chef Jaime Rodriguez, who has now opened Ahíto, a casual bistró in Cartagena that explores the flavours, customs and warmth of traditional Colombian kitchens and street food. And no need to worry about getting a table or what to order–Galavanta will arrange a table at any top spot and even recommend the must-try items on every menu!
STAR POWER
Enigma, Peru
Enigma is delighted to share news of two five-star openings in Lima. The oceanfront InterContinental Lima Miraflores is a temple of sleek contemporary design, with four restaurants, a spa and a rooftop pool, in the heart of the vibrant Miraflores district. In addition, a particularly welcome bonus for travellers with early connections or onward journeys, the Wyndham Grand Costa Del Sol Lima Airport offers direct access to Jorge Chávez International Airport. With refined interiors, a spa, an indoor pool, two restaurants and a dedicated covered walkway to the terminal, it makes transit feel truly first class.
SEEING STARS
Glove, Argentina and Chile
Serious stargazers won’t do better than a night under the Atacama sky, and Glove offers guests the rare opportunity to stay in style in a private desert camp specially designed for stillness and dark-sky immersion. Assembled exclusively for each stay, far from light pollution or distraction, the camp is operated in close collaboration with the local community. Evenings begin with dinner under the stars, followed by exceptional stargazing guided by a specialist astronomer. This is a remarkable opportunity to observe the Moon and celestial bodies from one of the world’s best locations, using powerful telescopes–truly a night to remember.
GET TO THE PUNTA
Lares, Uruguay
The southern summer opens the doors to Uruguay’s quietly charming beachside towns. New this season is Lares’ carefully curated selection of rental villas. Each one reflects the quiet chic that defines Punta del Este and its surroundings in its own unique way, from beachside retreats to design-forward hideaways and tranquil chacras. With dedicated staff, bespoke services and access to the region’s best restaurants, contemporary art, hidden beaches and curated experiences, each villa offers a refined and effortless way to experience the long Uruguayan summer.