Marriott International is spotlighting a collection of destinations that feel especially alive heading into 2026—places where culture hums in the streets, nature steals the scene without even trying, and hotel experiences carry that unmistakable sense of care and storytelling. The selection reads almost like an invitation to rediscover travel photography through landscapes and cities that lean into sustainability, heritage, and striking new interpretations of luxury.
Costa Rica rises effortlessly to the top of the list, partly because its commitment to nature isn’t something imported for tourists—it’s its identity. Resorts like W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal blend sleek design with an easygoing, deeply grounded pura vida charm, the kind that makes long mornings feel like their own reward. Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, folds itself into the Papagayo Peninsula with extraordinary subtlety, offering villas and residences that feel more like secluded sanctuaries than accommodations. A quieter coastal rhythm defines Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, where the marina breeze and Pacific views create days that seem to stretch beyond the clock. The Westin Reserva Conchal rounds things out with an immersive all-inclusive approach that balances wellness, adventure, and calm.
Panama steps confidently onto the 2026 stage with a dynamic mix of modernity and history set against lush tropical backdrops. W Panama captures the capital’s kinetic energy with bold design and a creative pulse that mirrors the city outside its doors. JW Marriott Panama, perched in one of the skyline’s signature towers, brings a sense of serenity to the urban landscape with generous rooms and sweeping bay views. Renaissance Panama adds a quieter, local-infused charm for those who want a city base that still feels human-scaled. Down the coast, The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort, Autograph Collection, blends quiet beaches, nature-focused activities, and environmental awareness in a way that feels both refreshing and intentional.
Colombia’s cultural and natural dynamism also earns it a place among next year’s must-see spots. In the colorful lakeside town of Guatapé, The Brown, Autograph Collection, stands out with a design shaped by the four elements—an imaginative expression set against mountain silhouettes and shimmering water. It’s the sort of place where the landscape and the architecture nod quietly to one another.
Peru appears on the list with the inevitability of a country that effortlessly merges past and present. In Lima’s polished San Isidro district, The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center offers modern comfort anchored by one of South America’s most celebrated spas. Cusco remains a jewel of the Andes, and its heritage comes alive through hotels like JW Marriott El Convento Cusco—built atop Inca foundations within a 16th-century convent—and Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort, where art, architecture, and history move together in a single narrative. In the Sacred Valley, Tambo del Inka deepens the connection with ancestral-inspired wellness rituals and cuisine rooted in native ingredients.
Guyana enters the conversation as an emerging destination for travelers hungry for untouched landscapes and quiet authenticity. Vast rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and rich biodiversity create a sense of discovery that’s increasingly rare. Guyana Marriott Hotel Georgetown offers one of the capital’s best vantage points, while the new Courtyard Cheddi Jagan International Airport provides a seamless, comfortable gateway for exploration. Four Points by Marriott Guyana complements both with smart workspaces, local artworks, and a relaxed, modern atmosphere.
Finally, Ecuador closes the list with its extraordinary compactness—a country where cloud forests, Andean cities, volcanic highlands, and cultural heritage sit remarkably close together. JW Marriott Quito remains one of the city’s most iconic stays, wrapped in lush gardens and offering a tranquil, sophisticated base for discovering the capital’s historic and modern layers.
Taken together, these destinations form a kind of world map of what travel in 2026 is shaping up to be: meaningful, diverse, and deeply tied to place. Marriott’s spotlight doesn’t just highlight where to go—it subtly suggests how to experience these landscapes and cultures with curiosity, respect, and a sense of wonder.