2026 Editor's Choice Awards

Great Outdoors Winner: Hisa Raduha, Slovenia

Wanting to get out in the great outdoors has been a growing desire for many of us since Covid times, and it seems as though this trend is here to stay in 2026. But finding somewhere remote enough to really disconnect from reality for a few days isn’t so easy when everyone else is trying to do the same. My advice is to head inwards and upwards, to a unique mountain retreat in the little-discovered Slovenian Alps.

At Hisa Raduha, five cleverly crafted forest suites sit on the wild banks of the Savinja river. They’re elevated on stilts and are decked out in rustic-chic wooden interiors, with hot tubs and wood burners to keep things cosy. The friendly Breznik family are the stewards of this lush riverine hideaway, and they’re brimming with knowledge about nearby cycling routes, mountain hikes and hidden waterfalls. Go for wild swims or rafting rides on the river, then return to swing in hammocks and tuck into exquisite home-cooked meals served in the main house. A wholesome, good-for-the-soul treat – ideal for a new-year reset.

Runner-up: Sarinbuana Eco Lodge, Indonesia. A tiny, self-sustaining eco-retreat nestled high in the lushly forested mountains of central Bali, where few other visitors reach.

Affordable Winner: Perivoli Country Retreat, Greece

You don’t need me to tell you that travel costs, like everything else, are on the rise. But you might want to know where you’ll get good value for money – especially if it’s somewhere you wouldn’t expect. Our Director, Michael, a born-and-bred Grecophile, sings the praises of the Peloponnese, in the far south of the mainland, where you get scenic beauty that matches the Greek islands, but without Greek-island prices.

Perivoli Country Retreat, located above a small village near the harbour town of Nafplio, is incredible value. Great coastal views, a large pool, and Greek history are all wrapped into a neat, affordable package here, with room prices hovering just above the £100 mark, even in peak season. Families are warmly welcomed, and staff are fantastic with kids. Plus, ancient sites Mycenae, Epidavros, Nemea and Tiryns are within easy reach, as is the beach and the region’s rolling Tuscan-like hills. What more could you want?

Runner-up: Douar Samra, Morocco. A colourful guesthouse for hikers in one of the highest villages of the mighty Toubkal Massif, with half-board rates that never exceed £100.

Romance Winner: Wild North Crofts, UK

In keeping with 2026’s theme of disconnecting on holiday, romance comes in the form of holing up in a true wilderness this year. And you don’t need to cross oceans to find it. In Scotland’s far north, where snow-topped mountains give way to aquamarine seas, and shimmering Northern Lights sightings aren’t uncommon, the beauty of rugged nature will steal your heart.

Cosy up together at Wild North Crofts, where walls of glass drink in those astonishing views. The smart, open-plan interiors all gaze outwards, and there are roll-top baths both indoors and out for soaking up the scenery. But you don’t need to worry about other people looking in because, up here, at the end of the country, you’re completely invisible to the rest of the world.

Runner-up: Jalakara, India. The epitome of romance: A boho-chic hideaway on a coral-ringed tropical island with some of the most spectacular beaches on earth.

Family Winner: Fawakay Villas, Morocco

As a new parent myself, I’ve come to understand the need to travel a little differently when you’ve got kids in tow. But that needn’t stop you from visiting somewhere exotic. It takes less than 4 hours to fly to Marrakech, and yet the scene that greets you when you step off the plane is a complete contrast to Europe – your kids will be fascinated. Instead of staying in the heart of Marrakech, which can be a sensory overload, head to the outskirts, where dusty villages in leafy surroundings provide an oasis of calm.

10km from the city centre, Fawakay Villas nestle among rose gardens, bougainvillaea and vegetable patches, where a resident donkey, tortoises and a peacock roam. There are various accommodation options which can suit family sizes of 2-8, and kids are well cared for, with an array of activities on offer (treasure hunts, arts and crafts shack, table tennis), as well as a kids’ menu and a big pool.

Runner-up: Country Kids, France. A converted, all-inclusive farm in southwest France, with apartments (for 4-12), outstanding childcare, a petting farm, and sociable meals.

City Winner: The Rebello, Portugal

The beauty of stylish Porto is no secret, and it continues to remain popular thanks to plentiful budget flights that are affordable even in peak season. But instead of staying with everyone else in the Ribeira, try crossing the iconic Dom Luis Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the famous Port lodges lie. Here you’ll find new-kid-on-the-block The Rebello, which enjoys a rare, panoramic view of both sides of the city – Porto Tonicos on the terrace here are obligatory.

The hotel is housed in an old factory, so the interiors mix industrial edge with contemporary comfort and original art. There are three restaurants headed up by a Michelin-trained chef, a Roman-inspired spa, an indoor pool, and a bunch of extremely spacious suites that verge on apartment-size. It’s genuinely family-friendly too, with an excellent kids’ club that includes a nursery, playroom and cinema. Drop the kids off and go out for a romantic meal one evening – the pre-arrival guide is stuffed with excellent restaurant recommendations that are off the tourist trail.

Runner-up: Hotel Boutique Triana House, Spain. Art Deco meets Andalucia’s Moorish past at this boudoir-esque B&B set among Seville’s best restaurants and most authentic flamenco venues.

Eco Winner: Castara Retreats, Caribbean

With global environmental threats always on the rise, being eco-conscious isn’t just a trend, it’s a mindset that’s here to stay. When it comes to travel, this could mean choosing to stay at places that give back to the environment and local community. In somewhere like the Caribbean, tourism is an important part of the economy, so boycotting it isn’t necessarily the answer. Instead, we can look for places that are working towards making tourism more sustainable.

Like Castara Retreats, on the unspoilt north-west coast of Tobago, where a cluster of treehouses peek out from the jungle, gazing directly over a 300m-long, golden-sanded bay. Forty local villagers were employed to assist with the construction of this unique hideaway, and staff are stakeholders in the business. To combat environmental concerns, they carry out extensive tree and shrub planting, and wastewater is carefully managed to avoid damage to the beach and reef. Spend your days on boat trips, diving excursions, birdwatching tours or learning about how chocolate is made, appreciating and protecting all that’s beautiful in this part of the world.

Runner-up: El Sol, Costa Rica. Charming rustic cabins near Monteverde’s cloudforest, where local conservation efforts are supported and all-organic food is served.

Foodie Winner: La Dama del Porto, Italy

Italy will always win when it comes to good food. But allow us to leave the fine-dining guides to Michelin; those who know us will appreciate that we’re more about under-radar places – ones that haven’t yet been recognised by the masses. So our 2026 foodie find lies on the shore of Lake Maggiore, at a little restaurant-with-rooms serving delectable food and gleaming lake views.

It’s astonishing – and pleasing for us! – that La Dama del Porto is so affordable. The five simple-yet-chic rooms here all have private balconies overlooking the water, yet prices start from under £100.  But the hotel’s story began as a restaurant, loved by locals for its superb, fresh, Italian fare, with dishes inspired by regional traditions – like Milanese meatballs or lake fish ragu. Go for the tasting menu to experience the best of it, and dine outside on the suntrap terrace if you can.

Runner-up: Boschendal Farm Cottages, South Africa. A historic wine estate with luxury cottages and farm-to-table food – plus a brand-new restaurant for 2026.

Wellness Winner: Instants d’Absolu Ecolodge, France

Focusing on wellness is a top priority after any Christmas/New Year binge, so stick with that fresh-headed January mindset and get booked into a wellness retreat to keep the momentum going. Resetting among nature is the theme of the year, so try some soul-cleansing in France’s little-explored Auvergne region, where pristine pine forests, lakes and volcanoes create a wild landscape of elemental beauty.

The owners of Instants d’Absolu Ecolodge invite us to embrace their slower pace of life here. At their lakeside farmhouse, the ethos is inspired by African eco-lodges, with an emphasis on conserving and appreciating the surrounding wilderness. The Nordic-inspired spa offers a range of holistic treatments, as well as a hammam, sauna and alfresco hot tub, and there’s limited Wi-Fi so you can truly disconnect. When you’re feeling revived, walk through pine forests, hike to volcano summits, or sit and watch deer, fox, badger and birds on this migratory corridor. Solo travellers, this one’s for you.

Runner-up: Es Raco d’Arta, Spain. A rustic-chic retreat in a vast estate of forest and farmland, offering daily yoga and meditation sessions, a programme of outdoor activities, and an otherworldly spa.

New Hotel Winner: The Brecon, Switzerland

With each summer that passes, I’m more and more tempted by an Alpine escape. Why? Because it’s sunny but not unbearably hot, the scenery is phenomenal, there are stunning wild swimming opportunities in empty lakes, and – best of all – very few crowds. And then of course there’s winter in the Alps, which we all know is spectacular. So, you’ll understand why the opening of a brand-new plush hotel in the heart of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland got us excited.

Imogen, from our marketing team, knew The Brecon was going to be her favourite stay of the year before she’d even been (it was). This brand-new, effortlessly cool Alpine retreat is in the tranquil village of Adelboden, one of the best-kept secrets among European skiers. It has easy access to the slopes, but also comes with a brilliant spa, a panoramic pool, and an abundance of retro charm. Best of all, stays are all-inclusive, and the food is high quality, with afternoon teas and four-course dinners served alongside wine, cocktails, and endless Champagne – cheers to that!

Runner-up: Vinte-Quinta da Boavista, Portugal. Stylish cottages (for 2-6) with hotel perks in a serene wine estate, just an hour north of Porto and yet well off the tourist trail.