As a fresh year beckons, so do new travel destinations. No matter the season, it’s always nice to escape to go somewhere warm—where the sun shines every day; where the air envelops you in its embrace; where you, quite simply but importantly, don’t need a jacket.

Some destinations are all about surf and sand, meant for laying out in a chaise with the sound of the lapping waves as your music. Others are hot urban destinations, a chaotic display of culture discovered through food and art. All are alluring in their own ways.

Plan your escape to warmer climates in 2026 with these off-the-beaten-path destinations. The hardest part will be choosing which one to visit first.

Valparaíso, Chile

Sitting pretty on the Pacific coast of central Chile, Valparaíso is a hilly historic city that was once an important port. Today it’s a bohemian idyll dotted with colourful public artworks (including many pieces by Un Kolor Distinto) and cheerful houses in bright hues. Poetry fans should not miss La Sebastiana, the home-turned-museum of beloved Spanish poet Pablo Neruda, while foodies should take note of seafood restaurants La Caperucita y el Lobo and La Concepción. For a dose of sand, visit Playa Las Torpederas, and consider staying to watch the sunset.

Where to stay: Palacio Astoreca Hotel offers boutique luxury in a Victorian-style mansion that dates back to 1923. A restoration by architect Matias Klotz brought the building back to life in 2013, and it’s now a charming hotel with just 23 rooms, each one stately and grand, with features like exposed columns, contemporary wallpaper, and standalone tubs. The onsite spa features a peaceful swimming pool, large wooden hot tub, and variety of relaxing body treatments.

Curaçao

Curaçao brims with a warm, welcoming spirit. This small but mighty (population: 156,000) Caribbean island nation is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the result is a delightful melting pot of cultures—over 60 nationalities call the island home, in fact. Excellent contemporary Caribbean food can be found at restaurants such as Caleo and Sal The Kitchen; adventure, meanwhile, exists in various forms—from swimming with dolphins to rock climbing to kayaking through a mangrove forest. Looking for something more relaxed? Explore the island’s pristine beaches—there are more than 35 of them.

Where to stay: Baoase Luxury Resort is the island’s top-tier accommodation. The Bali-themed resort includes a secluded private beach, an array of guestroom options (including impressive swim-up villas), and a delicious onsite restaurant right on the beach. Located a short drive from the historic heart of Willemstad, the hotel is well positioned for exploring the area—or simply lounging in a beach chair all day.

Oaxaca City, Mexico

Vibrating and pulsing with life, Oaxaca City is the urban centre of the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Thanks to its many Indigenous traditions—the region is home to 16 different linguistic groups—Oaxaca is also considered the culinary capital of the country. Which means that eating here is a true delight, whether it’s street tacos with stringy Oaxacan cheese or fine dining at Origen. Mezcal is from here, too, and cocktail bars abound—including moody Selva and expansive Copal. Oaxaca is a design haven, too, with hotels, restaurants, and stores that themselves are works of art, not to mention the many craft and ceramic studios that are found throughout the city, including Piedra de Río and Cooperativa 1050º.

Where to stay: Escondido Oaxaca Hotel is a design-lover’s dream located right in the city, a short walk away from historic sites including the stunning Mexican-Baroque-style Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán and Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Soledad. With architecture by Alberto Kalach and interior design by Lucía Corredor and Carlos Couturier, this modern property is blanketed in soothing earth tones, from soft brown wood to brushed cream concrete. Beauty lies around every corner.

Macao, China

A former Portuguese colony and current Chinese Special Administrative Region, Macao is an intoxicating mix of European and Asian culture. Its Las Vegas-style casino strip is dotted with glittering hotels that rival their American counterparts, but there is so much more on offer here than gambling. History abounds at sights like the Ruins of St. Paul’s and the A-Ma Temple, while Michelin-starred dining can be found at restaurants including Jade Dragon (Cantonese); Litoral (Macanese); and Alain Ducasse at Morpheus (French). For a taste of sweetness, the famed Macanese egg tart can be sampled at many bakeries, but its originator is the popular Lord Stow’s. Macao is the most densely populated region in the world, with about 710,000 people living across just 33 square-kilometres, giving this small place a distinct big-city energy.

Where to stay: The St. Regis Macao offers unparalleled luxury and next-level service. Located right on the Cotai Strip of opulent casinos, the hotel feels like a mini oasis, complete with outdoor pool and hot tub, a dizzying number of onsite restaurants to choose from, and what might be one of Asia’s best spas. Be sure to visit the lobby for classic St. Regis Champagne sabering, and then head to The St. Regis Bar for well crafted cocktails and Cantonese bites. Afterwards, retire to a guest room that is spoiled with creature comforts, from giant soaker tubs to plush bathrobes to branded silk eye masks. Should the need arise for just about anything, take advantage of St. Regis’ famous 24-hour butler service.

Girona, Spain

Found in the picturesque Costa Brava region of Catalonia, Girona is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. This city’s medieval old town features twisting alleyways and grand stone staircases, much of it dating back 1,000 years (and some of it used to film the Game of Thrones series). For more culture, visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, which houses the world’s biggest collection of the celebrated Spanish artist’s work. And when it comes to food, consider the three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca (if you can get a reservation, that is) or the reimagined Catalan cuisine of Can Boix. Girona is located 30 kilometres from the coast, where the epically beautiful S’Agaró beach awaits with twinkling turquoise water.

Where to stay: Palau Fugit is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property found in the old town, but its design is modern and fresh. Rooms are lush colourscapes of hushed greens and pinks, with accents of marble, gold, wood, and tile. Luxurious olive oil bath amenities were made at a local Girona farm, while the natural linens were crafted by hand in Barcelona. Enjoy a massage or relax in the pool, which is located inside a soothing rock cave. A refuge if there ever was one.

Feature image via Adobe Stock.