The Weekly Edit: Our Mid-Year Travel Round-up
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
THE BEST OF 2026 (SO FAR...)
OUR FAVOURITES FROM THE FIRST HALF OF 2026
In case you missed our video yesterday, we wanted to share a little update on the first half of 2026!
Here is a recap of everything Sarah and Hannah were chatting about - from the biggest travel “flex” of 2026, to the hotels receiving the most incredible client feedback, and the new openings we cannot wait to experience.
If you haven’t watched the video yet, we highly recommend it (it’s a fun one!). But for those who prefer a little read, here are some of the highlights and the answers to our most asked questions...
QUESTION 1
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TRAVEL FLEX OF 2026?
1. USING A TRAVEL ADVISOR
(& NOT LEAVING THE PERKS BEHIND...)
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that using a travel agent will cost more. In reality, your hotel rate is often exactly the same, but the difference is that you unlock all the added benefits that come with booking through us.
Hotels include agent commission within their rates, and rather than that simply going back to the hotel, we use our relationships to secure those extra touches that make a trip feel truly special - think room upgrades, early check-ins, late check-outs, hotel credits, VIP amenities and those little surprises that make all the difference.
The best part? You don’t have to spend hours researching, emailing, or organising every detail. You simply arrive and everything has been taken care of. It really is a no-brainer.
2. FLYING PRIVATE
After seeing some of the airport queues this summer, we think flying private is looking more appealing than ever!
With new airport procedures being introduced, including additional biometric checks for many travellers entering Europe, arrival times and queues are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Of course, we always recommend VIP airport services where possible, but sometimes the ultimate solution is skipping the queues altogether.
The private aviation experience is a completely different world - arriving shortly before departure, enjoying a seamless journey, and avoiding the stress of busy terminals. No queues, no waiting, and no one kicking the back of your chair.
QUESTION 2
WHICH PROPERTIES HAVE WE RECEIVED THE BEST CLIENT FEEDBACK?
1. THE BELMOND BOAT, FRANCE
This is one that consistently surprises people. Although it can sometimes be a harder experience to sell, the feedback is always exceptional. Belmond’s collection of private luxury barges offers one of the most unique ways to explore France, travelling through beautiful waterways in regions such as Champagne, Burgundy, Provence and Bordeaux. It’s slow travel at its very best, combining incredible scenery, exceptional food and complete privacy. A true “wow” experience.
2. AIRELLES VENICE, ITALY
Could this be one of the best luxury hotel openings of the year? We certainly think so.
Airelles Venice has already had incredible feedback from our clients, and Sarah and Hannah recently experienced it themselves and absolutely loved it. The hotel has quickly positioned itself among the very best in the luxury hotel world, combining Venetian history, incredible design and the impeccable service Airelles is known for.
(We also shared a look inside the stunning two-bedroom suite on our Instagram - definitely worth a watch!)
3. THORNYBUSH GAME LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA
A long-standing favourite, especially for families. Set within South Africa’s Greater Kruger wilderness, Thornybush offers the perfect balance of classic safari charm and modern luxury. The game viewing is exceptional, the service is warm and personal, and the feedback from our clients is always fantastic.
4. AIRELLES VAL D'ISERE, FRANCE
One of our favourite alpine escapes and a consistent client favourite. Airelles Val d’Isère perfectly combines authentic chalet charm with five-star luxury. Set at the foot of the slopes with effortless ski-in/ski-out access, it is ideal for families looking for both adventure and relaxation. From the incredible Winter Camp and Junior Ski Club to the beautiful accommodation and exceptional service, it is a place where unforgettable mountain memories are made.
5. NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLANDS RESORT, MALDIVES
A firm favourite of ours - and especially Hannah’s!
We recently had a family stay at Niyama who had the most incredible experience, and the feedback was everything we hoped for. What makes Niyama so special is that it offers the perfect combination of complete relaxation and endless experiences. Whether you want total privacy, incredible dining, water adventures or unforgettable family moments, there is something for everyone.
6. SANI ASTERIAS, GREECE
Very high on Hannah’s list of favourites (Possibly her number 1 in Europe! ) Sani Asterias continues to receive the most wonderful feedback from our clients. With beautiful suites, exceptional service and access to everything that makes the Sani experience so special, it’s easy to see why families return year after year.
QUESTION 3
WHICH NEW OPENINGS ARE WE MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
1. THE BELMOND BRITANNIC EXPLORER
We are so excited about Belmond’s brand-new luxury train journey. Perfect for couples or families looking for something truly unique, The Britannic Explorer combines slow travel, incredible landscapes and the signature Belmond experience.
From the dramatic beauty of Wales and the Pembrokeshire coast, to the wild landscapes of Cornwall and the magical scenery of the Lake District, these journeys showcase some of the UK’s most beautiful corners in a completely new way. A very special addition to the world of luxury rail travel.
2. FOUQUET'S MYKONOS
We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek of Fouquet’s Mykonos before opening, and all we can say is WOW. Bringing the legendary French art of living to the Greek islands for the first time, Fouquet’s Mykonos combines the energy of Paraga Beach with effortless luxury. It has the perfect balance of island atmosphere and refined elegance. We have already made note of our favourite rooms with the best views, and we cannot wait to return once everything is complete.
3. IKOS KISSAMOS
As Hannah mentioned in our video yesterday, “Greece is making its comeback!” and it really is.
Hannah recently visited the brand-new IKOS Kissamos and it absolutely deserves a mention on our list of exciting new openings. This is another incredible addition to the IKOS collection, offering the same effortless luxury, exceptional dining and service the brand is famous for. If you want to be one of the first through the doors, now is the time to book - this one is going to be popular!
3. FOUR SEASONS RESORT MYKONOS
The newest addition to the Mykonos scene has just opened its doors, and we cannot wait to experience it. Four Seasons Resort Mykonos brings the brand’s signature service and effortless luxury to one of our favourite Greek islands. Expect beautiful accommodation, stunning views and that relaxed island feeling that makes Mykonos so special.
QUESTION 4
OUR FAVOURITE PERSONAL TRIPS THIS YEAR
1. VENICE
Venice was a first for both Sarah and Hannah, and it completely exceeded expectations.
A special mention goes to the three incredible hotels they experienced:
Airelles Venice
Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Each offering something completely unique, they proved that Venice is so much more than a short city break - it is a true luxury escape.
2. MALTA
You know when you return home from a trip and you think “Oh my goodness, I loved it so much I could actually move there?” this was Malta for Sarah.
If you follow Sarah, you'll have seen that she's just got back from Malta. You may have caught some of her Instagram stories, but there's so much more to share! We couldn't fit it all into this week's update, so stay tuned, we'll be sharing plenty more from her trip next week.
She stayed at Iniala Harbour House and it is a truly special hotels where, the moment you arrive, you can feel the difference. You walk around and notice how genuinely happy and proud the team are to be there , and when you spend as much time around luxury hotels as we do, that is something really special and, honestly, rarer than you might think.
3. MALDIVES
Hannah said The Maldives (Probably no surprise!)
But the Maldives really does deserve its place. Especially Niyama, which remains one of those destinations that is incredibly hard to beat. It is paradise on earth, the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure and barefoot luxury.
QUESTION 5
WHAT SHOULD YOU BE THINKING ABOUT FOR THE REST OF 2026?
Our biggest advice: start planning ahead.
The festive season is already something to think about, especially for the most sought-after destinations. The same goes for bucket-list experiences such as safaris, Antarctica expeditions, ski trips and Lapland adventures - these often require booking well in advance to secure the very best options.
It’s also never too early to think about next summer. Booking ahead means having access to the best villas, rooms and early booking offers. We recently had a client secure a beautiful villa for next summer and save around 30% thanks to an early booking offer.
The earlier you plan, the more choice you have and there is something so exciting about knowing your next trip is already waiting for you!
And as Hannah said… if you book now, that means the holiday is free next year. Girl math, right?
WHAT'S NEXT?
If you’d like to watch the full Q&A, head over to our Instagram, and as always, if you’re dreaming about your next adventure, we’d love to help you plan it.
@sarahivesluxurytravelconcierge
@sarahtravelconcierge
@hannahtravelconcierge
We are so excited for the second half of 2026 - for you to discover new destinations, experiencing incredible new openings, and continuing to recommend those timeless classics we know and love.
So, if you’re booking a luxury five-star escape in 2026, don’t leave those extra touches behind. Work with a travel agent, make the most of the exclusive perks available, and let us help you create your most unforgettable trip yet.
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