Jacada Travel's defining philosophy for 2026 centers on the theme of restorative journeys. Driven by a distinct shift towards intentional living, travelers are increasingly favoring experiences that earn their place on a schedule. The luxury tour operator observes that our hyper-connected lives fragment focus, creating an unavoidable paradox. "We can book a trip to the most breathtaking place on Earth, but if our mind isn't truly present, the experience is fundamentally diluted," says founder Alex Malcolm.

This growing trend reflects a desire among travelers to find deeper connections to the places they visit. The ultimate luxury has become the gift of presence – and the chance to rediscover a sense of awe. 

On journeys shaped with intention, travelers gain the opportunity not just to explore remarkable destinations but also to bring a little bit of the peace they experience back home and into their everyday lives. Crucially, these journeys restore not only the individual but also contribute to the regeneration of ecosystems and communities.

The prize isn't just a photo or a memory, but the rare and beautiful feeling of being fully, unapologetically, there. 

This may manifest through human-led experiences with captivating guides, nature-led immersions that command full awareness, or practice-led rituals that help us reconnect to ourselves. 

With Jacada, clients might enjoy a private breathwork session that ends with a foraging walk in Auckland. Or spend time inside a custom-built apipod in Scotland, where the hum of 60,000 bees mimics sound-therapy frequencies shown to lower anxiety and reduce stress. This vision for travel shaped by reciprocity, care, and renewal comes to life around the world. Examples of these restorative journeys include:

Spirituality, Nature and Ceremony in Japan

In Japan, a destination that has increased in popularity by 21% among Jacada clients year-on-year, travelers can learn about local traditions that have been passed through communities for generations, and uncover the spiritual significance of the country's historic temples and shrines. Engage in a shugendo experience, an ascetic tradition blending Taoist, Buddhist and Shinto beliefs. This ritual begins with purification by incense before a hike to the three secluded waterfalls of the Kirifuri highlands. The journey culminates in the centuries-old takigyo practice – standing directly beneath a cascade of thundering water to purify the body and mind.

Into the Moment in Costa Rica

Forge a deeper connection to the earth with a barefoot grounding practice in Monteverde's ancient cloud forest - an invitation to shed digital noise and rediscover presence. Or take part in a traditional cacao ceremony, where ancient Mesoamerican rituals unfold beside a crackling fire. As darkness falls, join a private nocturnal expedition to witness an ecosystem that breathes and regenerates in the shadows. Finally, leave a lasting legacy through hands-on reforestation, planting trees that directly safeguard vital habitats and the wildlife that depends on them.

Finding Silence and Solitude in South Africa and Namibia

This ten-day journey offers a chance to recharge against a backdrop of wild, diverse vistas and complete seclusion. Step back in time with a San guide for an intimate look at one of the world's oldest cultures. Enjoy a sleepout beneath a canopy of infinite stars in Wolwedans, where the darkness is absolute, and the stargazing is unrivalled. And take a guided stroll through the ancient milkwood forest, perfectly timed to catch the beauty of the morning light.

Culture and Connection in Peru

Head out on a silent guided salt mine hike and guided meditation. This ends in a meeting with a Pampamesayok, or Andean priest, who will honor Pachamama (Mother Earth) with rituals dating back to pre-Incan times. Experience Cusco's sacred traditions on a walking tour, participating in an Andean k'apachi welcome and a private coca leaf reading. And grasp the opportunity to join an expert botanist on a countryside walk to discover Cusco's medicinal flora, ending with a native plant-based drink and insights into the botanical folklore of the Andes.

Other examples of Jacada's restorative journeys include:

In the Stillness of Scotland

A Complete Reset in New Zealand

Awaken your Senses in Tanzania and Rwanda

A Journey through Time and Tradition in Greece

On Jacada's approach to restorative journeys, founder Alex Malcolm says: “It could be as simple as your expert guide taking a moment to bring silence into the wilderness, fully drawing you into the place. When we travel, it's so much more rewarding to bring our presence. Being connected in the places we visit is what makes restorative travel meaningful as well as memorable. My hope is to give you the opportunity to enjoy being present, decoupling from multiple connections and not letting distractions command your attention. Practicing this on a trip allows you to bring back the same approach when you come home, bringing a little bit of that peace into your everyday life.”

For more information on restorative journeys click here. To find out more about Jacada Travel, call 1-646-895-8368; email press@jacadatravel.com, or visit jacadatravel.com.

About Jacada Travel
Jacada Travel is a leader in positive impact luxury travel. Offering bespoke, one-of-a-kind journeys in more than seventy countries across six continents, Jacada sets the benchmark for travelers who appreciate luxury in all its forms. Every trip with Jacada is completely personalized, crafted around guests' personal interests, and driven by the team's honest advice and first-hand knowledge. Jacada's destination experts have been named among the world's top specialists. Three travel designers feature on Travel + Leisure's A-List, while six are listed among Condé Nast Traveler's Top Travel Specialists. Alex Malcolm, who founded Jacada in 2008, continues to lead the brand. His philosophy is shaped by a vision where travel can be a force for positive change. Underscoring this commitment, the Jacada Positive Impact Collection was launched in 2024. It now brings together more than one hundred remarkable properties and experiences, each carefully evaluated through the lens of the United Nations' SDGs. Discover more at jacadatravel.com.