Incentive travel is a powerful and memorable way to motivate employees, partners and clients. This year there are even more exciting possibilities for corporate rewards as up-and-coming destinations offer fresh creativity, luxury concepts and unique tailored experiences.
With no better way to drive loyalty, boost morale and recognise performance, we’ve put together our top 8 incentive destinations for 2026. Some are traditional favourites and a few might surprise you. Without the restrictions of a large conference when staying in the UK might feel more appropriate, the sky is the limit with these smaller, exclusive experiential trips.
1. Nikko, Japan
Two hours from Tokyo, Nikko national park is a spectacular natural landscape that feels a world away from the crowded streets of the capital. It is fast growing in popularity as a hot destination on the Japanese tourist trail, particularly since the Ritz Carlton opened on the shores of Lake Chuzenji in 2020. With 94 rooms and suites and spectacular views of Mount Nantai, it’s the only hotel in the iconic chain to boast a spa with a natural hot spring.
Fuelled by the hotel’s exceptional cuisine, any visit will revolve around outdoor adventures, from hiking, skiing and snowshoeing to fishing and paddleboarding on the lake. In spring you can marvel at Japan’s famous cherry blossom, and adventurous guests can choose to combine the scenic tranquillity with a couple of days sampling the cosmopolitan delights of Tokyo.
2. Antarctica
Incentive travel doesn’t get more memorable than a trip to the ‘White Continent’ populated by penguins, seals and whales. Ice breakers and expedition ships now offer responsible excursions through Antarctica’s otherworldly polar landscape in luxurious refinement. The first hybrid electric polar exploration vessel, Le Commandant Charcot is one of the finest, even offering the chance to eat in the only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea! The wellbeing experiences onboard reflect the surroundings, with steaming Blue Lagoon baths on deck, and the chance to try an invigorating polar ritual where guests move between the sauna to snow cabin.
Back on dry land The Cormorant at 55 south is nestled in a breathtaking Patagonian wilderness at the end of the world. Guests usually stay here before they embark on an Antarctic expedition but with nature walks, hikes, kayaking and bird watching on the doorstep, there is plenty to do before you depart.
3. Croatia
A top incentive travel destination, Croatia combines sunshine and Adriatic coastal beauty with breathtaking historic towns to explore. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik is a treasure trove of gothic and renaissance architecture, while Hvar island is dotted with lavender fields, vineyards and secluded coves.
Treat your high performers to a taste of luxury on the Four Seasons yacht debuting in the Adriatic from Spring 2026 with fine dining, elevated entertainment and exceptional spa facilities.
4. London
Don’t dismiss the delights of the capital for corporate rewards and recognition. Create a luxurious London experience beyond the realms of what employees or clients could ever create for themselves starting with an extraordinary hotel stay. 2026 brings a flurry of exciting new openings and top of your shortlist should be the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch opening later this year with signature restaurants ‘Coreus’ by Clare Smyth and ‘Café Boulud’ by Daniel Boulud. With views down the Mall, a ballroom, spa and rooftop brasserie, we think it would make an unforgettable and atmospheric Christmas mini break.
Other exciting new openings include Six Senses London coming to Bayswater this spring bringing with it London’s first magnesium pool and a cryotherapy chamber, and The Newman a luxury boutique hotel in Fitzrovia. Both hotels have a strong focus on wellness with state-of- the-art treatments.
5. Grenda, Caribbean
Further afield, the spice island of Grenada, offers year-round Caribbean sunshine and exceptional diving with the chance to explore an underwater sculpture park. Activities range from private chocolate factory visits, rum distillery tours and jeep adventures, to deep sea fishing and sunset champagne sailing trips The island boasts a wealth of luxury hotels to choose from for incentive trips, including Six Senses la Sagesse , Calabash Hotel and Silversands Resort.
6. Mallorca
A long-time celebrity favourite, the most sophisticated Balearics island is a destination that ticks many boxes with regular flights from the UK, pristine beaches, rich culture and historic charm. A rise in astro-tourism has boosted its appeal further in 2026 as the island is set to experience its first solar eclipse in more than a century.
There are plenty of new luxury hotel openings all overlooking sparkling Mediterranean seas. Jumeirah Mallorca, Gran Hotel Margalida and the Mandarin Oriental are three of the best for 2026.
7. Milan and Northern Italy
Take advantage of the excitement and infrastructure in Northern Italy this year especially after the success of the Winter Olympics. Now that the crowds have departed, It’s the ideal destination for a long weekend starting with a night in Milanese luxury at one of the city’s new hotels like elegant Casa Brera or The Carlton, part of the refined Rocco Forte brand. From Milan, head to the emerald valleys and snowy peaks of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where boutique wellness hotels abound. One of the finest examples is Forestis with its tranquil spa, indoor-outdoor pool, and restaurant with views of pine-clad mountains and spectacular sunsets.
8. Peloponnese, Greece
An emerging luxury destination for discerning travellers on mainland Greece, the Peloponnese is a paradise of mountain villages, kalamata olive groves, secluded coves and sandy beaches. The Mandarin Oriental Costa Navarino and W Costa Navarino have recently opened with other big names soon to follow hot on their heels including the Waldorf Astoria Scarlet Bay, Six Senses Porto Heli and Radisson Blu Resort Mani. For a huge array of water sports, we recommend The Romanos at the Costa Navarino Resort.
Other destinations that almost made our top eight are the southern state country music hotspots of Austin, Dallas and Nashville in the US, as well as some fantastic new hotel openings in and around Belfast and Dublin.
To plan the ultimate incentive travel experiences for your employees, teams and clients, get in touch with Sarah for a free discovery call.
