The new luxury of travel and why honeymoons will look different in 2026

Luxury travel has changed noticeably in recent years. What used to be defined primarily by opulence, a wealth of activities and exclusivity is increasingly shifting in one direction. Namely, luxury travel is now more about retreat, tranquillity and inner peace. This change is particularly evident in honeymoons. Newlyweds increasingly see their trip as a conscious retreat after the wedding.

In the luxury travel segment, restraint is now considered an expression of sophistication. Honeymoons in 2026 will reflect this very aspiration. Remote locations in the world's most beautiful regions, large suites and adults-only concepts create distance from the hectic everyday life at home. The desire for privacy is greater than ever among young couples. After the turbulent days surrounding the wedding, honeymooners in particular feel a great need to retreat and focus on the here and now.

Travel thus becomes less of a sequence of impressions. Rather, it creates a state that combines closeness, time and space. The honeymoon loses its event character and gains depth. And that is a development that is definitely heading in a positive direction!

Despite new travel habits, the Caribbean maintains its special position in the luxury segment. The wonderful nature, the impressive aesthetics of the hotels and, of course, the service culture characterise the holiday experience. For honeymoons, this region offers a reliable setting that allows for change without creating arbitrariness.

In 2026, the Caribbean will be perceived less as a backdrop. It will function as a space where slowing down becomes a matter of course. The Best Sandals Resorts are developing into retreats with a clear attitude, without losing their claim to individuality.

The modern luxury honeymoon redefines service. The focus is no longer on a superficial programme of speed and exaggerated attention. Instead, today it is about being visible as a guest, and that as a matter of course. Processes interlock, transitions remain fluid, and wishes arise not from requests but from observation.

This approach fundamentally changes the travel experience. Honeymooners can fully immerse themselves in the here and now and do not have to waste a moment of their trip on the rest of the organisation. The service takes a back seat, but that is precisely what makes it the cornerstone of the holiday experience. The quality of good service is evident in the ability to give space while at the same time conveying a sense of security.

This type of service is becoming increasingly important, especially for honeymoons in 2026. Couples are not looking for permanent companionship. They value structures that allow freedom but still offer reliability. Luxury here comes from restraint and precision.

Today, preparing for a honeymoon follows different criteria than it did a few years ago. The choice of destination is made much more consciously and expectations are more clearly defined. Couples invest time in considering which environment best reflects their long-term needs.

This has led to a clear change in the programme. The location should be a place of retreat, not a place of activity. This attitude also influences the choice of resorts, service concepts and destinations. Typical features of this development can be clearly seen in a number of areas.

• Adults-only concepts create tranquillity and ensure a relaxed travel experience.

• Large hotel rooms and suites create a retreat without creating distance.

• Cuisine becomes an integral part of the stay and should not be seen as a separate event.

The honeymoon does not mark an end. Rather, it is a transition to a whole new phase of life. For most couples, the trip is a conscious start to a new chapter in their life together. The choice of destination reflects values, expectations and perhaps even priorities.

In 2026, this development is particularly evident. Honeymoons are becoming quieter, more structured and more sustainably planned. The focus is on quality rather than quantity. Places that radiate consistency are gaining in importance because they convey a feeling of stability.

Such trips have an impact that lasts beyond the moment. They create memories that are not tied to individual activities. Instead, the honeymoon becomes associated with the general mood, the time spent together and the magic of a new beginning.

The new luxury of travel does away with extravagant gestures and scenarios. Honeymoons in particular are following this trend consistently. They clearly focus on restraint and places with character. Refraining from overconsumption and extravagance thus becomes a conscious decision.