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We want to let you in on a little secret: next year’s destinations speak with their heart. Together, they encompass the hidden sides of familiar sites and new territories that we’re excited to be pioneering.
“So, here’s your list of where to go – and why to go – next year.
Why we love it: cozy, uncrowded, and full of history– southern England offers a gentle and bohemian alternative to the well-trodden Cotswolds.
You have probably heard, and perhaps been, to the United Kingdom’s cozily charming Cotswolds. This year, however, we’re encouraging travelers to cast their eyes south.
An easy train ride from the bustle of London, you’ll find a coastline without the crowds – but no less of the charm. With fresh seafood, cozy pubs, and glorious vistas, southern England – encompassing Dorset, South Devon, Somerset, and the New Forest – serves all the beauty of the Cotswolds, albeit with a refreshing coastal twist.
Throughout its history, southern England has been pen pals with the literary crowd– being the home of Agatha Christie country and the inspiration for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Today, it continues to be the home-away-from-home for artists and the boho set– lured by its pubs, panoramas, and cultural panache – and slower pace of life.
Tom, our co-founder, spent his childhood summers here – and continues to visit with his daughters. In fact, it was here – over 20 years ago – that Tom and co-founder James, sipping pints along the Jurassic Coast, worked on the early business plans for Black Tomato.
Black Tomato has a host of new, culturally rich experiences in southern England. In Devon and Dorset, we offer guided fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast and privately guided exploration of the prehistoric “Nine Stones” circle. In Somerset, there are Jane Austin-inspired adventures and a private tour of Stourhead Gardens (of Pride and Prejudice fame).
Why we love it: For accessible, water-born adventures into parts previously unknown, the Brazilian Amazon is all bliss, no undertow.
As Latin America surges to the top of savvy travelers’ wish lists, Brazil is reemerging as the premier destination for elevated expeditions.
The Brazilian Amazon is at the heart of this renaissance, where a region once seen as rugged and remote has been transformed into a sanctuary for exclusive, waterborne experiences.
For ease of access, buzzy Sao Paolo introduces Latin America’s first ever private terminal in a public airport, Terminal BTG – repositioning Brazil to become a major getaway for luxury travel. New ultra-private boat charters offer customizable itineraries through untouched reaches of the Rio Negro and Tapajós – areas previously inaccessible to guests traveling at this level.
Unlike traditional Amazon cruises, these tailored journeys — ideal for families and groups — unfold entirely on your terms, opening accessibility to areas previously not available. We’re talking about private cabins and setting your own pace. This is a notable shift from Amazon discoveries in other parts of Latin America, where boats are shared experiences with rigid itineraries.
The Rio Negro near Manaus offers a completely unique Amazon cruising experience – where its naturally acidic, nutrient-poor blackwater reduces mosquitoes, while boats feature spacious decks and well-appointed cabins that allow you to enjoy river, wildlife, and views. Exclusive experiences include blackwater swimming through the coves of the tannin-rich Rio Negro, sunrise canoeing through flooded forests, greeted by howler monkeys and morning birds. You can also tack on a coastal moment in Alter do Chão, dubbed the Caribbean of the Amazon: ideal for Tapajós River cruising, with its clear waters and white sand.
Put simply: no one does the Amazon like this. And without the right partner, no one can. This is an experience built by insiders, made for the discerning few.
Why we love it: Indigenous roots and modern moves make Taiwan a perfect “bite size”, always-on escape that’s easy on school calendars.
Whilst Taiwan may seem “just” a layover en route to other parts of Asia, we believe it warrants singular exploration in 2026, offering a fresh perspective on East Asia that melds indigenous culture with modern innovation.
Taiwan has rich culinary roots and reverence for the natural world, feeling approachably exotic and easily accessible, especially from the West Coast. This “bite sized” destination is easy to navigate and offers a lot of variety for families, from cities to beaches and national parks. Additionally, its year-round appeal makes this a destination that chimes with school calendars: it is always on.
At Black Tomato, we’ve had our boots on the ground researching remarkable new regenerative experiences in Taiwan’s National Parks through authentic experiences and interactions with local communities. These include time with the Balau Balau tribe: an indigenous people protecting their way of life through global worldclass skills.
Elsewhere, in Kenting – another of Taiwan’s National Parks – we’re designing encounters with indigenous people there who have learned to adapt their ways of life to protect the world around them– where they’ll provide meaningful storytelling for our family travelers, who can learn directly about their lifeways and their stewarding of native wildlife and protected species.
Lots of luxury investment is coming into the country’s hotel scene. 2025 kicked this off with Capella Taipei and is set to be followed by Capella Kenting and Six Senses Taitung in 2027. For now, accommodation is already supremely comfortable – with many properties making use of the country’s abundant hot springs, as well.
Why we love it: with its vineyards, views, and vibes, this chilled-out coastal escape will be a winner with gourmands, families, and bon-viveurs.
In Valle de Guadalupe, which many locals consider the Tuscany of Mexico, wine is king. North of Guadalajara, this region is brimming with artisans, craftsmanship, and a rich indigenous culture– cementing it as one to watch for 2026.
An easy flight makes it pair beautifully with the more bustling hub of Mexico City. Banyan Tree’s recent opening has elevated the region’s hotel offerings to top standards. While it previously didn’t fit the bill for the luxury traveler, that has now changed, and it’s ideal for families with older children, food-forward couples, and even solo travelers.
In Valle de Guadalupe, there is a confluence of classic and modern wineries to visit – from iconic vineyards to innovative projects that showcase the trend-setting nature of the area. The food scene is elevated, with ample opportunities for culinary travelers to undertake high-level gastronomic experiences with emerging chefs, where local traditions are remixed and reimagined.
At Black Tomato, we’re going to be debuting new experiences, including privately guided, exclusive access to renowned winemakers that are not open to the public. We will also be tapping into the region’s beautiful blend of arts, culture, and natural worlds– from fishing village traditions and seaside “catch & cook” experiences to museums and cultural corners of Ensenada and Tijuana. Excitingly, Chable is set to debut a property here by the end of 2026.
Why we love it: This is a wide-eyed celebration of American diversity, from corner to corner and chapter to verse.
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, families are reimagining what it means to journey across home soil. No longer considered a convenient alternative to Europe– America is taking on the weight and wonder of the historic Grand Tour — reimagined in shorter, high-impact chapters. From private ranch takeovers in Montana and heli-picnics over the Grand Canyon to music-fueled road trips through the Deep South and multi-generational gatherings in Hawaii’s hidden valleys, these week-long sojourns are stitched together over time to create an evolving family narrative.
The impulse is rooted in a desire to immerse in quintessential Americana — cowboy culture and national parks, Indigenous histories and jazz legacies, coastlines and surf breaks — while balancing recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature and each other. For parents and children alike, each trip becomes both a marker of tradition and a window into the vast, diverse story of the U.S.
Black Tomato is curating these experiences with the same cultural fluency and access once reserved for international expeditions: private ranger days in Yosemite, bear watching in Alaska, sunrise rides at Haleakala, or skippered private boat rides across Lake Powell. The result is a series of journeys that transform the American landscape into something more than a backdrop, but a cultural pilgrimage and a legacy of exploration– written one chapter at a time.
Why we love it: even the smallest and best-known destinations have their secrets and mysteries. In 2026, we’re celebrating the Switzerland you don’t know about. Yet.
For 2026, we’re casting our eyes on the lesser-known parts of Switzerland, where the valleys are untrodden, the cheeses unknown, and the wines un-exported. This is an expression of soft travel – mindful and demure – at its most memorable.
At Black Tomato, we’ve set our eyes on 3 distinct regions worthy of deeper exploration. Vallée de Joux, surrounded by the stunning Jura mountains, is the heart of the watchmaking industry. We’ll be setting clients up with a watch-making workshop in a town with 300 years of tradition (including manufacturers like Audemars Piguet), as well as hiking and biking in the Jura mountains– soaking up sweeping views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and Mont Blanc.
Head to the delightful Appenzell region in Eastern Switzerland for cheese, folk music, yodeling, and stunning mountain scenery. A highlight experience is a private workshop where you’ll learn the art of making Appenzeller: a cheese produced using centuries-old techniques whose distinctly herbal recipe is a closely guarded secret. There’s also hikes from Wasserauen to Seealpsee for scenic viewpoints that include mountain meadows, waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Alpstein range.
Finally, head to Ticini, a unique blend of Swiss mountain-culture and Italian lifestyle, which remain unknown to many outside of the country. For experiences, think guided hikes in the in Verzasca Valley, or take the funicular to Monte Brè and explore Bellinzona’s Castles. Here, you’ll find three incredibly well-preserved medieval castles dating back to the 13th–15th centuries – all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Why we love it: With its beaches, reefs, and blossoming biodiversity, 2026 is Panama’s year to step into the sunlight.
Panama is primed for its moment in the sun next year – coming full circle as a destination where our co-founder Tom did his first research trip, 20 years ago. This unsung Latin American hero has long been overshadowed by its neighbors, but rivals them with its rich culture, wildlife, Caribbean and Pacific seas – not to mention being an easy flight from the US and perfect for families.
In early 2026, a new train will connect much of Panama, opening accessibility to areas that typically require more effort. At Black Tomato, we have a lot of newness in Panama– from snorkeling in remote islands to glamorous new villas and exclusive-use set ups.
In the San Blas islands, a stone’s throw from Panama City but relatively inaccessible until now, we’re thrilled to debut an extraordinary new Blink glamping in an area previously lacking accommodation. This will be embedded in and fully staffed by the Guna community, offering an authentic window into Panama’s indigenous peoples and opportunities for snorkeling, spear fishing, and a decidedly desert island experience.
Immersed in wild luxury on Panama’s Pacific Coast, and nestled within the Reserva Ecológica Panamáes, Black Tomato has exclusive access to three extraordinary, fully staffed villas: Puerto Escondido, Playa Panamáes, and Playa La Miel. Each sits on a secluded stretch of coastline where jungle meets the sea with access to nearly 2.5 miles of beaches. Ideal for multi-generational groups and families – travelers staying here can observe coral reefs, dolphins, whales, and nesting sea turtles. Surrounded by 450 acres of verdant estate, this area is a haven for biodiversity. These exclusive new Black Tomato properties give you immersive access to Panama’s most biodiverse coastal landscapes.