Inside the Rise of the Soft-Luxury Holiday—and Where Editors Are Booking Now
Performative travel is so 2016.
There was a time when luxury travel announced itself loudly: infinity pools framed for Instagram, logo-heavy beach clubs, city breaks and itineraries packed with proof of presence. In 2026, that era is fading. In its place is something far more refined—and far more appealing.
Enter the soft-luxury holiday: discreet destinations, impeccable service without ceremony and places that feel deliberately under-occupied.
Editors, stylists and founders and the elite are no longer chasing novelty for novelty’s sake. They’re booking destinations that reward staying put, properties that feel closer to a private home than a hotel and experiences that leave space for rest, ritual and most importantly; silence. The emphasis isn’t on being seen, but on feeling well.
Here’s where that shift is taking us now.
Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como has always been synonymous with European elegance and has been incredibly popular for years, but its current appeal lies in restraint. The draw isn’t the grand hotels of legend, but the quieter corners—lakeside villas, heritage properties with limited keys, service that feels personal rather than performative.
What editors love about Como now is its rhythm. Mornings stretch on and afternoons drift between swimming, reading and lunch that lasts longer than intended. There’s no pressure to do anything beyond enjoying the view and maybe indulge in the Italian tradition of passeggiata (a walk) after a long and relaxing lunch.
We love the Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa, a beautifully restored Belle Époque property that balances heritage with modern calm. Its spa is reason enough to stay put and the atmosphere feels polished without ever tipping into formality.
Deià, Spain
Perched above the Mediterranean in Mallorca’s Tramuntana mountains, Deià has long been a refuge for artists and aesthetes. What makes it resonate now is its refusal to scale.
This is not Mallorca as party island. This is Mallorca as sanctuary; stone terraces, salt air and a gentle pace that insists you abandon urgency. The best stays here feel almost residential, designed to blur the line between guest and local.
We love Belmond La Residencia, an institution for a reason. Spread across historic manor houses, it feels deeply rooted in place; think olive groves, art-filled interiors and evenings that naturally drift into candlelit dinners.
If soft luxury had a spiritual home, it might be Kyoto. Now Japan is definitely a hotspot in 2026, but there is luxury rooted in intention here too—where craftsmanship, ritual and understatement come together.
Editors booking Kyoto aren’t chasing temples from a checklist. They’re choosing neighbourhoods over landmarks, ryokan-style stays over sprawling hotels and experiences that prioritise presence over productivity. Tea ceremonies. Early-morning walks and indulgent cuisine that warms the soul.
We love Aman Kyoto, set deep within a forested garden on the city’s edge. It’s serene to the point of being transportive, with architecture that centres around stillness and a spa experience that feels frankly transformative.
Mustique, St Vincent & The Grenadines
True exclusivity is rarely advertised and nowhere embodies that better than Mustique. This is luxury stripped of spectacle and returned to its purest form: privacy, discretion, and space to exhale.
There are no crowds to navigate, no scene to perform for. Instead, villas are designed for barefoot relaxation, staff anticipate without intruding and the island’s rhythm gently recalibrates your own.
We love The Cotton House, sat on 13 acres of sandy beachfront and a masterclass in understated glamour. With just a handful of suites, it feels more like a private residence—the kind of place where days dissolve into swims, long lunches and absolutely no agenda.
Share This Story
Related Posts
