8 Destinations That Inspire Awe, According to a Luxury Travel Advisor

In the world of high-end travel, the word luxury is often overused. For Kanku Michelsen, a luxury travel advisor who specializes in intentional journeys, the term has shifted away from gold-leafed opulence and toward something much more profound: Awe.

Before launching her travel advisory business, Michelsen spent years coaching C-suite executives through periods of uncertainty. She helped them navigate pivotal career decisions and identify what mattered most when the stakes were high. Today, she applies that same philosophy to luxury travel, focusing less on where clients want to go and more on how they want to feel when they get there.

“For some, luxury may mean privacy, access, and beautiful surroundings,” Michelsen says. “Increasingly, though, I find it is about something more; it is about my clients having experiences that are deeply connected to their surroundings… that feeling of awe is subtle, powerful, and often hard to define. It is, however, where truly exceptional travel lives.”

I first met Michelsen at Virtuoso Travel Week, the industry’s premier gathering of luxury travel professionals. Since that initial meeting, Kanku Michelsen has regularly shared her insights with me, offering a window into a world where travel cultivates personal transformation.

For her, the most successful itineraries begin with understanding what a client hopes to feel when they get there. That approach comes at a time when many travelers are rethinking what makes a trip successful.

According to a 2026 Travel Guard survey of 1,022 U.S. travelers, 97 percent regretted at least one trip they had taken. Two-thirds said they would travel differently if given the chance, while one-third said they would choose an entirely different destination or experience.

“The world travelers are navigating is far more complex than it was pre-pandemic, and that has raised the stakes considerably,” shares Misty Belles, Vice President of Global Communications for Virtuoso. “Advisors are now managing geopolitical considerations, shifting entry requirements and the realities of more people crossing borders than ever before – steering clients toward the right destinations at the right time and away from the crowds.”

“Our 2026 Luxe Report reflects that, with more than two-thirds of Virtuoso advisors saying they expect travel demand to rise this year, and the majority expect clients will spend more per trip. People are turning to someone who can deliver an experience worthy of that investment – professional travel advisors.”

For advisors like Michelsen, understanding why someone wants to travel is crucial before determining where they should go. Through that lens, Michelsen has identified eight destinations around the world that prioritize connection, perspective, and presence over the accumulation of amenities. Together, they reflect what she believes many luxury travelers increasingly seek: experiences that feel emotionally resonant rather than simply exclusive.

For a Raw Connection to Nature

As luxury travelers become increasingly connected to technology and busier with demanding schedules, demand for destinations that foster a stronger connection to the natural world continues to grow. Virtuoso's summer booking data shows particularly strong growth for outdoor destinations, led by Colorado, followed by Montana and Wyoming.

“It’s evident in other ways as well. We’re seeing it through what we call ‘Crowd Control.’ Comfortable climates, open space and the freedom to experience a destination without the crowds are all helping define luxury travel.”  

According to Belles, places such as Iceland, Norway, Greenland and Antarctica continue to attract travelers. “Destinations where Mother Nature dictates the agenda, not the traveler,” states Belles.

Concerns about climate and environmental conditions are playing a growing role in trip planning, according to nearly half of the advisors surveyed. “Nature isn’t just a backdrop – it’s the main attraction and a genuine source of restoration," says Belles.

Le Lyrial Expedition | Antarctica

Antarctica is a bucket-list destination for the intrepid traveler, but Michelsen maintains that the choice of vessel dictates the depth of the encounter. She recommends Ponant’s French-inspired Le Lyrial for its yacht-like intimacy.

What draws Michelsen to Antarctica is its ability to shift perspective. Rather than focusing on sightseeing, she views the continent as a destination that encourages travelers to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. The emotional impact, she says, often comes from the scale, silence, and rawness of the environment itself.

The Expert Insight: Michelsen suggests that the passage across the water is a primary narrative of the trip, rather than a mere precursor to arrival. “With a smaller number of guests, everything feels quieter, more personal, and intentionally paced… There is space to slow down: a glass of wine on deck as icebergs drift past, or simply time to sit in silence and truly absorb where you are.”

Sasakwa Lodge | Serengeti, Tanzania

Within the private 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserve, Sasakwa Lodge places travelers in the heart of the Great Migration without the surrounding noise of other tourists. Designed with the silhouette of a stately Edwardian manor, its true beauty lies in how it complements the ruggedness of the wild savanna.

For Michelsen, the lodge succeeds because every aspect of the guest experience is designed to keep the Serengeti—not the service itself—as the focal point. “They seem to understand one of the most difficult balances in safari luxury hospitality: how to deliver an extraordinarily high level of attentiveness without ever disrupting the feeling of being immersed in the wilderness itself.”

The Expert Insight: “The lodge features attentive, ‘invisible’ staff, including dedicated butlers focused on creating personalized experiences to make your stay feel truly exceptional.”

For a Deeply Personal Stay

Belles believes meaningful travel starts with understanding what a traveler hopes to gain from a journey, whether that is connection, celebration, restoration, or personal fulfillment. “A great advisor digs into the why behind a trip.” The destination often follows naturally from that conversation.

“This is where the importance of human connection comes into focus. Because advisors build a genuine understanding of a client over years – becoming specialists in them, learning their travel preferences over the course of many trips – they can read between the lines,” explains Belles.

"Travel is now curated around moods, interests, personal stories, even family heritage,” continues Belles. “Advisors are essentially translators of intention: they take a feeling a client may not even be able to fully articulate and turn it into an itinerary that lands exactly right."

Ett Hem | Stockholm, Sweden

Ett Hem, which translates from Swedish to “A Home,” occupies a meticulously restored 1910 townhouse in the residential Lärkstaden district of Stockholm. Originally a private residence designed by architect Fredrik Dahlberg, the aesthetic avoids the sterile atmosphere of a commercial hotel, opting instead for a tactile environment of Gotland stone, oak, brass, and velvet.

Michelsen sees Ett Hem as an ideal fit for travelers seeking intimacy rather than grandeur. 'The clients I would feel most confident placing there are usually the ones expressing a desire for something more intimate, immersive, and emotionally connected rather than overtly formal or traditionally grand.'

The Expert Insight: “A place where hospitality feels instinctive rather than orchestrated,” Michelsen says. “Imagine a place where the chef spontaneously prepares a spectacular dinner just for you to enjoy after a day of sightseeing.”

Le Bristol | Paris, France

While Paris is full of “Palace” hotels, Le Bristol’s 190 rooms and suites are uniquely decorated to evoke the grandeur of an 18th-century French estate amidst the bustle of the Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Every room features authentic Louis XV and Louis XVI furniture, rare wood paneling, and original prints. On the sixth floor, the hotel’s unique indoor swimming pool resembles the prow of a luxury yacht. Guests swim while observing the Sacré-Cœur in the distance and the Parisian skyline.

For Michelsen, the lasting memory often comes from the contrast between Paris's energy and the calm that awaits inside the hotel. The property creates a feeling that every detail has been thoughtfully anticipated, allowing guests to retreat into quiet elegance while the city continues just beyond its doors.

The Expert Insight: “Once inside, everything softens as your surroundings become quieter, more personal, effortlessly refined. While it carries the weight of Parisian history, it feels more like a stay in a grand home.”

Secret Bay | Dominica

Secret Bay’s owner, Gregor Nassief, grew up on the island, and this all-villa resort is a love letter to Dominica, designed to be tucked away in the rainforest canopy. Conceptualized by celebrated Venezuelan architect Fruto Vivas, the resort sits atop a dramatic cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The villas are elevated on stilts, suspended within the trees to capture the sea breezes and mimic the silhouette of the surrounding forest. Notable categories include the Zabuco Honeymoon Villas, which provide 360-degree views, and the Ylang Ylang Villas, shaped like the petals of their namesake flower.

Michelsen believes Secret Bay appeals to travelers who value privacy, authenticity, and a deeper connection to their surroundings. The resort's secluded setting and thoughtful service create an experience that feels intentionally removed from everyday life rather than merely exclusive.

The Expert Insight: The villas at Secret Bay embody architectural marvels, handcrafted from the ground up. This manual assembly ensured that no heavy machinery disturbed the delicate ecosystem of the clifftop. “Each villa has been meticulously carved and nestled into the landscape… every detail has been thoughtfully and meaningfully considered,” shares Michelsen.

For Slowing Down and Being Present

One of the strongest trends advisors continue to see is a growing desire to disconnect from constant stimulation and create space for reflection. The luxury traveler's mindset is shifting from what Virtuoso describes as "FOMO to Slow-mo."

"Without question, we are seeing a preference for slowing down," says Belles. “River cruisers are asking for longer times in port so they can wander through neighborhoods; safari-goers are choosing smaller camps for unhurried days and more intimate game drives; travelers are lingering longer in a single region to really absorb the food, wine and culture rather than racing through a checklist.”

Virtuoso's own data supports the trend. Summer bookings increased by 22 percent, matched by a 22 percent increase in trip length. And travelers no longer want luxury for its own sake – they want experiences that are meaningful, restorative and savored. Slowing down is how they get there.

Sublime Comporta | Grandola, Portugal

Located an hour south of Lisbon, Sublime Comporta occupies a 42-acre estate that consists of several distinct cabanas modeled after the traditional fishing huts of Comporta. The resort prioritizes ecological harmony over artificial resort structures, a tribute to the slow-paced, artisanal heritage of the Alentejo region. Set among ancient pines and sand dunes, it is the epitome of barefoot luxury.

'It feels like a place where travelers can finally become present again, which is increasingly rare in luxury travel,' says Michelsen. The appeal lies not in a packed itinerary but in the permission to slow down and fully absorb the surrounding landscape.

The Expert Insight: Michelsen is particularly impressed by the resort’s biological integration, specifically the chemical-free natural pond. “The stunning pool integrates seamlessly into the pine forest, creating a serene, living ecosystem… it gently draws your focus to what matters most: the moment, the setting, and the people you share it with.”

Kilchoan Estate | Knoydart Peninsula, Scotland

Accessible only by boat, this remote 13,000-acre territory on the Knoydart Peninsula is for those who want to truly unplug in the Scottish Highlands. Under the stewardship of Katrin and Christoph Henkel—who also revived the ghost town of Dunton Hot Springs in Colorado—the Kilchoan Estate embodies a philosophy of preservation and deep stillness. The estate encourages guests to engage directly with the peninsula’s biodiversity. Guests participate in wild swimming in the lochs, sea kayaking along the coast, or mountain biking across the estate’s private tracks.

'The clients who tend to thrive in places like these are usually seeking a deeper sense of disconnection from everyday life and a stronger emotional connection to their surroundings,' says Michelsen. For those travelers, the boat journey to the estate becomes part of the experience rather than an inconvenience.

The Expert Insight: Michelsen observes that the physical effort of arrival enhances the subsequent decompression. “It is a fully inclusive getaway only accessible by boat, a journey in and of itself that encourages its guests to decompress from the get-go.”

Borgo Santo Pietro | Tuscany, Italy

Michelsen draws the collection to a close with Borgo Santo Pietro, a thirteenth-century villa located in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. This 300-acre estate revolves around a symbiotic relationship with the land and evolved from a medieval healing stop for pilgrims into a world-class luxury retreat that operates as a fully functional, organic farm. Hand-painted frescoes, silk tapestries, and antique clawfoot bathtubs adorn the interiors.

What resonates most with Michelsen is the continuity between the land and the guest experience. Ingredients harvested from the estate appear on the dinner menu, artisans dedicate their work to caring for the property, and many of the same botanicals find their way into spa treatments. 'The luxury is not separated from the environment; it exists because of the environment,' she says.

The Expert Insight: Michelsen values how the estate’s bounty permeates the guest experience. “There is a gardener, cheesemaker, baker, fermentation specialist, and even a butcher… the spa experience is intrinsically tied to the estate itself. Botanicals are foraged directly from the property… where the estate’s land quite literally becomes part of the ritual.”

Whether it’s the silence of the Antarctic or the scent of foraged herbs in Tuscany, Michelsen believes the best trips are the ones that leave a mark on the soul. “What sets [these places] apart,” she concludes, “is the remarkable sense of harmony they create with their surroundings.”