1. BookTok Meets Hospitality: The Rise of Literary Travel

Hotels are answering travellers’ renewed love for books with immersive literary experiences—from curated libraries and author events to storytelling-inspired cocktails. At Rosewood Munich, guests can enjoy a whimsical Brothers Grimm‑inspired line‑up for 2026, including a Snow White afternoon tea and Cinderella‑themed facial. “We created these fairytale programs to delight literary‑minded guests and enhance our Sense of Place,” notes Roland Duerr, Managing Director of Rosewood Munich. Over in Hawaii, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, launched “The Village Shelf,” gifting every guest a new novel to inspire empathy and connection.

2. Fashion X Hospitality: Stylish Hotel Collaborations

High fashion continues to take centre stage in hospitality. At Rosewood Bermuda, the resort’s collaboration with designer Courtney Clay produced limited‑edition scarves celebrating the island’s coral reefs—with proceeds supporting local conservation. Meanwhile, Grand Hyatt Vail teamed up with luxury sleepwear brand Petite Plume for matching pyjamas that double as keepsakes—bringing style home from holiday.

3. Padel, Pickleball & Racquet Sports Take Over

Sport‑driven socialising defines one of the biggest lifestyle trends heading into 2026. Resorts are introducing cutting‑edge racquet facilities, programmes, and tournaments. Rosewood Bermuda debuted its new Racquet Sports Center, while Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the Caribbean prepares to host its first Little Dix Bay Tennis Cup this December, welcoming tennis star Sloane Stephens. From Punta Cana to St. Moritz, racquet sports are creating new communities on‑court—and off.

4. Wild Game & Hyper‑Local Dining

The rise of sustainable gastronomy continues in 2026, with chefs championing game meats and seasonal, ethical sourcing. In Colorado, Gessner Mountain Grill plates elk sausage and locally sourced bison, embodying the farm‑to‑table ethos. Across the Atlantic, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl in Austria revisits its hunting‑lodge heritage with dishes celebrating venison and quail—all paired with regional wines and mountain views.

5. Cultured Luxury: The Arts Return to Hotels

Hotels are increasingly positioned as creative hubs, integrating art residencies and live performances. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl’s December calendar highlights Mozart‑themed concerts and cocktail classes, while Rosewood Bermuda delighted guests with open‑air ballet and rotating art exhibits curated with the Masterworks Museum. Across Europe and Asia, expect programme menus that immerse travellers in performance, poetry, and craft.

6. “Bleisure” Travel Booms Worldwide

The “work‑from‑anywhere” mindset remains strong. With global bleisure travel predicted to exceed $850 billion in market value by 2026, hotels are rethinking how guests balance business and downtime. Shutters on the Beach Vice President Charlie Lopez‑Quintana says it best: “Travellers want to make the most of every journey—whether that means exploring after meetings or turning business trips into personal discovery.” Flexible resort‑style meeting spaces and wellness corners are becoming must‑haves for the mobile professional.

7. What the Experts Predict

  • Meaningful over material: Virtuoso’s Luxe Report reveals travellers seeking immersion, restoration, and purpose‑led itineraries.
  • Event‑driven adventures: Milestone events like the Route 66 Centennial and FIFA World Cup will inspire more destination‑based bookings.
  • Distinctive service: “Properties offering high‑touch, deeply personalised experiences will capture the highest loyalty and spend,” says Lutz Arnhold, Managing Director, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi.

In Summary

The 2026 travel landscape celebrates curiosity, creativity, and conscious exploration. Whether you’re drawn to literary escapes, sport‑infused stays, experimental dining, or artistic immersion, next year’s trends promise journeys that enlighten as much as they entertain. It’s travel with intention—where every stay tells a story worth sharing.

Ready to embrace your next journey? Tell us which trend speaks to you most in the comments below!