Anna Mariotti

2026 is shaping up to be a special year. Not just because we’re rediscovering the pleasure of slow, meaningful travel — but because three destinations stand out for offering experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Uzbekistan, Kyushu and Sri Lanka each tell a different story, yet all share the same promise: they will surprise you.

Between the ocean and the land lies a place where nature sets the rhythm and luxury reveals itself in silence. On Morocco’s Atlantic coast, a secret lagoon welcomes La Sultana Oualidia, an exclusive hideaway for those who seek harmony, beauty, and peace.

An imperial city of Morocco, Fès is home to one of the largest and best-preserved medinas in the world. Wandering through its alleys is like stepping back in time: artisan workshops, the fragrance of spices, madrasas, and palaces that reveal centuries of history. Within this authentic setting, two properties belonging to the Virtuoso network offer two different, yet complementary, ways to experience the city: Palais Faraj and Fès Riad.

There is a Japan that escapes the usual routes, where mountains smoke, temples rise in silence, and cities tell stories of resilience and cultural fusion. This is Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands — a land of contrasts and surprises. A perfect destination for those seeking authentic emotions, far from the crowds but at the heart of Japanese tradition.