Olympic buzz is settling in in the Dolomites – we tapped into the experts for the lowdown.
If you hadn’t heard of Cortina before, you’re about to: the upscale ski resort in Italy’s northern Dolomite region is about to become one half of the duo hosting the Winter Olympics 2026 from February 6 — 22. Visiting for the first time? Worry not – we’ve tapped into the experts for our insider guide to Cortina.
Mostly frequented by Italian ski-seekers, Cortina is about two hours north of Venice, just south of the Italy-Austria border, and around 50 mins via helicopter from fellow host Milan. Up until its Olympic involvement, it often slipped below the radar for international visitors (St Moritz isn’t too far, and often stole the limelight). This isn’t to say Cortina doesn’t have its fair share of flash though: high-end labels have gladly set up shop and big-name hotel groups are beginning to settle in.
“The main drag has remained pretty much unchanged despite the big brands setting up camp here,” says Emily Bellini, founder of Italy-centric travel agency, Bellini Travel. “A smattering of actors have winter homes here, but it’s mainly Italian aristocrats who keep it still wonderfully stuck in the 1960s (think Peter Sellers and Audrey Hepburn). [It’s] the definition of understated, old-fashioned chic.”
Where to stay in Cortina during the Winter Olympics
Cortina has a history of grand old-timer hotels as well as some posher newcomers (the historic Hotel Cristallo is slated to re-open under the Mandarin Oriental umbrella in 2026, but is currently looking like it will miss the Olympics buzz).
Among the town’s best is Rosapetra, a distinctly Alpine hotel (think: fir wood paneling, fur throws, and mountain views) with an award-winning spa. Its 33 rooms and suites are cozy and welcoming – and crucially, each has views. Rosapetra is twinned with Palazzina Grassi hotel in Venice for easy city-ski packages.
For a dose of well-rehearsed international luxury, consider the Aman Rosa Alpina, which opened in summer 2025. It’s around a 50-minute drive away from Cortina, but the minimalesque suites, top-class dining and the huge wellness space will make the commute worthwhile.
For a little town, Cortina punches above its weight on the restaurant scene with a mix of traditional eateries and fine dining destinations (there’s two Michelin-starred restaurants in town) and a scattering more in the surrounding area).
The town’s proximity to Venice is clear in its dining scene. “I love having lunch at Villa Oretta,” says Fortela creative director and Cortina regular Alessandro Squarzi. “It’s one of Cortina’s most iconic restaurants – it has strong Venetian culinary influences and its baccalà mantecato [whipped salt cod spread] is truly outstanding.”
Just a short way out of the main drag of town is SanBrite, an internationally renowned Michelin-starred restaurant by owner-chef Riccardo Gaspari. The tables are sparse and the dining room rustic. Many ingredients are grown on-site – Gaspari is guided by what’s available and intertwines classic local techniques into his menus. Act quick to snag a reservation here.
For lunch on the slopes, SanBrite co-owner Ludovica Rubbini suggests Rifugio Pomedes, a mountain hut at the base of Punta Anna putting out traditional Italian alpine dishes. “Fantastic food with an incredible view,” is Rubbini’s take.
A must in the winter season is Gherardo ‘Barù’ GaetaniSki Bar – an open-air grill and BBQ on the Faloria slopes. To find him, “ask anyone where Barù is and ‘follow the smoke,’” says Bellini.
The parting tip for dining in Cortina? Book quickly, according to Bellini: “Lest you ever forget it’s more about lunch than skiing in the Dolomites.”
Cortina doesn’t do ‘après’ in the same way other European resorts do – the Italians are a deeply chic people – but that isn’t to say there aren’t some wonderful spots for a drink. “Enoteca Cortina is perfect for a glass of wine and Hotel de la Poste is a timeless classic – especially the old part of the bar,” says Rubbini.
Bellini backs up Enoteca. “It is the best wine bar in town filled with locals and serves wine by the glass or from 1/2 bottles upwards,” she says. “The interiors are charming and cozy, and with serving platters of delicious local meats and cheeses, you may find you won’t want to leave.”
The crucial dining tips and menu suggestions for ringing in the new year properly.
If you venture out into the wild world of pubs, clubs, and bars, that might well be true, but real NYE connoisseurs will tell you that the secret to ringing in the new year well is a party at home.
For the nominated New Year’s Eve party host, pre-planning is essential. Get prepped beforehand, don’t overthink, and crucially, keep it simple – most people will be happy so long as a drink is in hand. And if anyone knows how to cater to the fussiest of guests, it’s a chef. We asked some of the world’s best to share their dream New Year’s Eve menu, as well as their top hosting tips.
What to cook for New Year’s Eve, according to the world’s leading chefs
Hosting New Year’s Eve is truly an exercise in multitasking. You need to generate excitement at the start, keep food and drinks flowing, and build anticipation toward the midnight countdown. My strategy is to plan a menu that is deceptively simple, allowing the host to actually enjoy the party. I look to one of my favorite large-format meals: the Korean Bo Ssam, popularized by Momofuku Ssam Bar. It’s ideal for a festive group because most of the preparation can be done ahead of time. The centerpiece is a slow-roasted pork shoulder, cured overnight in salt, sugar, and spices, then roasted slowly on the day of the party.
Serve it family-style with lettuce leaves for wrapping, accompanied by a platter of fresh herbs, steamed rice, and various pickled vegetables. The highlight is the sauces – traditionally ginger scallion sauce, ssamjang, and chopped kimchi – but you can get creative with Char Siu sauce, tomatillo salsa, or nuoc cham. I love this dish because it invites guests to build their own perfect bites, taking the pressure off the host.
You don’t want to be too full on New Year’s Eve – you need just enough in your stomach to not get too wasted. I’d go for a crudo, some sushi, some Japanese stuff. The Italians serve round things on New Year’s Eve for good luck – lentils, sausages, I’ve interpreted that as a tin of caviar, and bagels are nice too. New Year’s Eve is a party vibe for me – you can wear a tux and be formal, but food should be more relaxed.
My favorite food and drink to serve on New Year’s Eve would be oysters. I also like to serve lots of dips and pâtés with different breads and crackers, fizz, and a big bowl of fruity, boozy punch.
Endo Kazutoshi, Endo at the Rotunda
Enzo Kazutoshi runs several Japanese restaurant in London
I usually work on New Year’s Eve serving omakase to my guests, but in Japan, we traditionally would eat a type of buckwheat noodle, Toshikoshi Soba. It symbolizes crossing from one year into the next, letting go of the past and looking into the future. We eat it right before midnight.
I’d start with chips and dip – potato crisps and a French onion dip, and luxe it up with a bit of caviar, and champagne obviously because it’s New Year’s Eve. Starters would be scallops or langoustine, and then, for me, it has to be beef for the main course. I’m not too much of a chocolate fan, so dessert would be a tiramisu.
Emma Bengtsson calls on her Swedish roots for New Year’s Eve hosting
If I were to host New Year’s Eve at home – which is almost a fantasy, since I haven’t had a NYE off since I was 17 – I would prepare as much as possible the day before, so I can spend the evening enjoying the company of the people I love. I’d kick things off with what I like most: a Swedish-style raw seafood spread – a generous buffet of oysters, clams, ceviche, cured salmon, and some caviar. I’d serve it with homemade savory waffles, knäckebröd, and a few classic Scandinavian condiments – like a mustard-dill sauce, pickled vegetables, and a crème fraiche sauce with horseradish and trout roe. All of it can be prepared the day before.
For the main course, I’d keep it elegant but light: Dover sole or turbot with a silky potato purée and a crisp herb salad with pickled winter apples. Let the fish temper, and when you are ready to eat, sear it in a pan with oil, add butter. Remove the fish and strain, add lemon juice, capers, and chopped dill to it, and pour it back over the fish. If you don’t know how to prepare and clean a whole fish, ask your local fish butcher for help.
For dessert, I like something fresh and frozen, perhaps a berry and yogurt sorbet, and a small buffet with chocolate truffles and sweets for nibbling while watching the fireworks.
A pie is great for hosting, especially if you’ve got lots of people to cater for. You can make it the day before and assemble it, then keep it in the fridge overnight, taking it straight out into a hot oven. This year I’ll be making a flaky pastry beef pie.
This is not a beautiful pie – it’s rustic, chunky and very brown – but it is absolutely delicious. For non-meat eaters, a big sharing dauphinois pie is always a huge hit. It’s great at room temperature, too, and can be served as part of a dinner spread.
The sports mogul bought the duplex property in the seaside neighborhood of Playa del Rey from Anne Palmer, the ex-wife of billionaire real estate developer Geoffrey Palmer. The sports mogul bought the duplex property in the seaside neighborhood of Playa del Rey from Anne Palmer, the ex-wife of billionaire real estate developer Geoffrey Palmer.
Wealthy foreigners can now buy homes listed at around $3 million or more if they have a Golden Visa. Wealthy foreigners can now buy homes listed at around $3 million or more if they have a Golden Visa.
The home flows from the entryway into two separate wings, while the roofs themselves look like butterflies in flight. The home flows from the entryway into two separate wings, while the roofs themselves look like butterflies in flight.
Built in various iterations from 2001 through 2010, the model nudged the edge of the supercar-performance envelope at the time. Built in various iterations from 2001 through 2010, the model nudged the edge of the supercar-performance envelope at the time.
From Patagonia to the Alps, these are the mountain chalets to book for 2026.
One where you can look forward to an evening spent around a dining table with friends, unwinding in front of a roaring fire, or gazing out over snow-capped peaks from a balcony hot tub.
Over the past two decades, what was once rare in alpine lodges – heated pools, in-chalet spas, ski-in,-ski-out access – has become standard. Now, it takes something unusual, inventive, or memorable to capture the attention of the mountain crowds.
In response to ever-increasing expectations, Alpine developers have started to get a little more creative with ski chalet luxury. From the Rockies to Patagonia to the Alps, with natural rock climbing walls, private helipads, historic in-chalet saloons, these are the luxury ski chalets to book for 2026.
Aspen remains one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, and 1001 Functional Art is positioned accordingly. Built directly into Aspen Mountain, the chalet offers true ski-in access while remaining a short walk from downtown.
The seven-bedroom property sleeps twelve, including a bunk room designed for children. Its main living space is open-plan, featuring double-height ceilings, large windows, and a central fireplace that connects the sitting and dining areas.
Away from the slopes, the chalet functions as a private clubhouse. There’s an indoor lap pool alongside an outdoor pool, a full wellness suite with sauna, steam room, cold plunge, and treatment room. Come evenings, enjoy a family night in the private bowling alley, or adult groups can make use of the wine tasting room.
In the small town of Crested Butte, two blocks from the buzzy Elk Avenue, this four-bedroom lodge was originally built in 1882 as a Victorian saloon, and much of its fun, Americana character remains intact, from the original tin roof to the Western details inside, hanging buffalo head included.
The luxury ski chalet, sister property to Eleven Experience’s flagship lodge, Scarp Ridge, is home to a private saloon bar, with a jukebox and pool table for low-key nights. Outside, guests can relax in the courtyard, with a copper hot tub, plunge pool, sauna, and fire pit.
What distinguishes the lodge, though, is access. Eleven arranges cat-skiing at nearby Irwin, an area known for deep snow and alpine bowls, with very little crowds, reachable only by snowcat or snowmobile. On resort days, guests are transported by the hotel’s customized snowcats to access over 1,000 acres of terrain. Daily guiding, equipment, itineraries, and even après-ski are all arranged.
In Stonebridge, one of Whistler’s most exclusive neighborhoods, the Heli Chalet stands across seven acres, complete with a private helipad. The chalet sits on a seven-acre estate, with the interiors measuring in at 8,100 sq ft and with bedrooms for sixteen guests. Inside, there’s a spacious open-plan living area, with double-height ceilings and two sitting rooms, each with its own wood-burning fireplace for cozy nights in. A separate guesthouse contains two bedrooms, for guests or staff, as well as a children’s loft.
Outside, a heated pool, firepits, and a large hot tub for twelve complement the spa building, which includes a gym and sauna. Inside, the games and billiards room keeps evenings lively.
Bison Lodge sits just above Revelstoke Mountain Resort, with views across the Selkirk and Monashee ranges. The resort itself is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, known for its challenging terrains, deep powder, and for being home to North America’s greatest vertical at 5,620 ft.
And for those looking to experience the resort at its most daring, this lodge is perfectly placed. The luxury ski chalet has its own helipad, as well as strong relationships with several heli-ski partners, so guests can easily enjoy an epic heli-ski trip right from their doorstep.
The three-level, six-bedroom property has been built from reclaimed timber, and big groups can relax in the open-plan dining area and kitchen, or warm up in the cozy fireplace lounge. And it’s not every day you come across many luxury ski chalets that have their own natural rock climbing wall. For those looking to just chill, there’s also an outdoor hot tub, barrel sauna, and a cinema room.
Tucked into a remote corner of Patagonia, Rio Palena Lodge is a base for heli-skiing and other mountain adventures, from October to December, with angling options extending into the summer months. The 13-acre property is framed by the Andes, approached via private flight to Palena Airfield and a twenty-minute drive down a winding dirt road, guaranteeing seclusion and privacy.
The surrounding terrain, only accessible by helicopter, ranges from open bowls to steep couloirs and glacier runs, offering variety for advanced skiers. Back at the two-floor, seven-bedroom chalet, the spacious lounge centers around a stone fireplace, framed by wide windows that capture views of the nearby river and snowcapped peaks. Outside, come nighttime, the wood-fired barrel sauna and cedar hot tubs make for the perfect stargazing spots.
L’Amarante sits beside the L’Apogee hotel in Courchevel, giving guests the option of total privacy or access to the hotel’s restaurants, spa, and pool. Brought to life by Parisian designers India Mahdavi and Joseph Dirand, the luxury ski chalet makes a suitably stylish getaway, decorated in a mix of green and yellow velvets, dark walls, and fur accents.
The four-floor chalet has five bedrooms along with a living room, dining room, and kitchen. The chalet has ski-in-ski-out access, which puts the slopes minutes from the front door. Evenings can be spent in the private spa or the cinema room. A butler and chef are available to handle daily tasks and meals, allowing guests to focus on skiing, exploring Courchevel, and spending time together.
Chalet Sillage sits on a wooded slope in Megeve’s Demi-Quartier, with impressive mountain views, in complete privacy among the fir forest. A traditional Alpine chalet, sleeping 15, the impressive structure includes exposed beams, multiple balconies, and double-height ceilings in the living and dining areas. The bedrooms follow suit, with thick carpets, fur throws, and art pieces that nod to the area’s skiing heritage.
For spa facilities, there’s a heated swimming pool, hammam, sauna, and gym. In terms of further amenities, there’s a home cinema, while summer use is supported by a basketball court, tennis court, and football field.
Chalet Marmottiere comprises two linked buildings in Les Esserts, six minutes from Verbier village. Across the two chalets, nine bedrooms, including multiple master suites, offer more than enough space for larger groups and families.
The property is distinctive for its scale and entertainment offerings: a bowling alley, billiards and poker rooms, Xbox lounge, and 3D cinema provide multiple indoor activities beyond the usual ski retreat amenities. For those who just want to relax, spa facilities include a 55-ft indoor pool, sunken hot tub, sauna, hammam, massage room, and gym.
One of the things that makes Zermatt special, beyond the world-class skiing and the fine dining restaurants, is the view of the Matterhorn. And this chalet doesn’t disappoint – each bedroom opens onto a balcony with the peak front and center, so whether you’re waking up or winding down, it’s always there.
The chalet sleeps ten and sits in the 7 Heavens complex, just a two-minute walk from the Sunnega funicular and six minutes from the resort center. Inside, vaulted ceilings, exposed brick, and feature fireplaces give the space a real alpine feel, with an elevator for getting between floors.
The spa is also a standout, with a sunken hot tub, sauna, hammam, plunge pool, and private massage room for in-chalet treatments.
Each property featured is independently selected by Elite Traveler’s editors, informed by first-hand experience where possible and rigorous, in-depth research where not. Our curation spans the world’s most revered luxury properties alongside in-the-know addresses, each chosen for its uncompromising standards, exceptional service, and access to unparalleled experiences.
New markers of indulgence are the travel trends set to dominate the new year.
For today’s traveler, a high-end experience is no longer defined by marble details or champagne service, but by calm, self-exploration, renewal, and meaningful connection.
According to insights shared by Board Members of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce (WLCC) – a leading global network shaping dialogue among the world’s most influential industry leaders – these shifts will define travel in 2026 and signal a new era of high-end journeys rooted in intention, experience, and personal meaning.
Six luxury travel trends for 2026
Experience-led travel and emotional connection
Travel in 2026 will prioritize meaning over materialism, as UNHWIs increasingly seek experiences that create emotional impact, authenticity, and cultural resonance. Across the sector, destinations and brands are rethinking how value is created, placing inter-personal connection and a strong sense of place at the center of the journey. Experiences that feel immersive and authentic will increasingly define what travelers perceive as true indulgence.
Holistic wellness and intentional restoration
Wellness has moved from a complementary offering to a central motivator of travel. In 2026, travelers will increasingly seek journeys that combine physical restoration, mental clarity, and long-term wellbeing through medical wellness retreats, mindfulness programs, and purpose-driven escapes.
“One significant trend among high-net-worth travelers is the increasing use of private air travel and yachts, transforming the journey itself into a luxurious experience. For instance, Ritz-Carlton now has three superyachts, offering a meticulously curated food and beverage experience. Similarly, Four Seasons has introduced private branded jets, elevating the travel experience to new heights,” says Bob Kharazmi, founder and CEO, Global Hotel Advisors LLC, a WLCC Board voice on global hospitality strategy. “Another growing trend is the focus on wellness. Travelers are increasingly seeking experiences that blend spa retreats, medical-wellness vacations, mental health, and mindfulness escapes.”
Women are driving one of the most influential behavioral shifts in high-end travel. In 2026, solo female travelers will prioritize independence, safety, discretion, and deeply restorative experiences, prompting leading brands to rethink service design around anticipation and empowerment.
“Luxury travel in 2026 will see a surge in solo women travelers seeking what I call ‘Intentional Restoration’ – wellness-focused experiences that blend absolute safety with complete freedom,” says Neen James, WLCC Board Member, author of Exceptional Experiences, and client experience expert.
“The most discerning properties will master the balance between attentive service and respectful distance, creating environments where women can explore, recharge, and indulge without compromise. This means anticipating unique needs – from strategic room placement to curated wellness experiences and trusted local connections – while honoring the independence that defines these journeys. When brands think like a concierge rather than a bellhop, they transform solo travel from a logistical challenge into a liberating, legacy-defining experience.”
Access, rather than ownership, is becoming the new currency. Bespoke private membership clubs are reshaping how high-net-worth travelers experience the world, offering hyper-personalized itineraries and entry to destinations and events unavailable to the general public.
“The demand for experiential travel through bespoke private membership clubs is a powerful global trend that will accelerate significantly in 2026,” says Kassie Smith, real estate development leader at KS Global, contributing to WLCC’s strategic perspective. “These exclusive clubs specialize in crafting highly personalized destination journeys, granting members access to exotic adventures, private resorts, and coveted global private events. Key drivers include the rise of wellness and medical tourism and exclusive access to elite experiences.”
Mobility and neo-nomad living
As travel increasingly merges with lifestyle, mobility is redefining how global leaders move, live, and work. Private aviation, yachts, and mobile residences are transforming mobility itself into a statement of freedom, exclusivity, and control over time.
“Neo-nomad living represents the next frontier of luxury – a lifestyle where mobility becomes the ultimate privilege,” notes Alexander Chetchikov, president of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce. “These mobile residences allow global leaders to carry their world with them, blending freedom of movement with impeccably tailored comfort and the privacy of a truly personal sanctuary.”
Cultural immersion and gastronomic exploration
Alongside these global shifts, destinations offering authentic cultural immersion are emerging as leaders. Culinary discovery and storytelling are becoming central pillars of the journey, transforming restaurants and local heritage into essential components of the travel experience.
“2026 will be defined by a shift toward experience-led journeys, where travelers seek deeper meaning, emotional connection, and authentic cultural engagement,” says Iyad Rasbey, vice president, Destination Tourism Development, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “Ras Al Khaimah is naturally aligned with these expectations, with its unspoiled landscapes, generous space, and inherent sense of place that modern travelers increasingly prioritize.
“The Emirate’s intentionally curated hotel pipeline – including upcoming openings from Anantara, Sofitel, SO/ and the landmark Wynn Marjan Island – reflects this movement toward premium, experience-driven hospitality. Ras Al Khaimah is rapidly emerging as a leading destination, propelled by a clear strategy and a hospitality inventory that is steadily shifting toward the upper-upscale segments.”
This destination-led evolution is also visible across the wider Middle East. “It’s a space where Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC are now taking a leading role,” said Ahmed Alajmi, chairman and founder of Takara Hospitality Group, sharing insights aligned with WLCC’s global destination outlook.
“Riyadh is emerging as a global destination for high-value travelers, driven by landmark developments and a rapidly expanding dining landscape. The arrival of Ziba and Sold Out in the heart of the capital reflects a pivotal shift in which restaurants are no longer complementary to travel but an essential part of the luxury journey. As journeys increasingly revolve around culinary and cultural experiences, Saudi Arabia is setting the benchmark for next-generation luxury.”
A global outlook
Across the WLCC Board, a shared perspective is emerging: luxury travel trends in 2026 will be defined not by extravagance, but by intention, access, wellbeing, and emotional resonance. From solo journeys and wellness-led escapes to neo-nomadic lifestyles and immersive cultural experiences, the future of travel reflects a deeper desire for meaning, freedom, and connection.
The World Luxury Chamber of Commerce continues to serve as a strategic forum where these global trends are identified and shaped by the leaders driving the industry forward. Readers are invited to join the WLCC Community to receive curated news, expert insights, and exclusive updates from the world’s leading minds.
