Expert’s Eye: Sarah Casewit’s Top Destinations

By AHL on 10.28.25

Sarah Casewit has a seasoned eye for journeys that feel cosmic, creative, and deeply alive. With more than 15 years in luxury travel, and a lifetime spent between Marrakech, Buenos Aires, and Mallorca, her global network of artists, hoteliers, and storytellers opens doors most travelers never even see. Her latest list spans Norway’s Northern Lights, Mallorca’s solar eclipse, Kazakhstan’s wild steppes, Utah’s red-rock canyons, and Italy’s Olympic peaks. Each destination is an invitation to connect, recharge, and see the world with fresh eyes – or better yet, hers.

NORWAY

Wild landscapes, dramatic fjords, and Arctic wilderness — Norway keeps delivering on its promise of unparalleled natural beauty. From Oslo to the Lofoten coast and fjord-side retreats, sleek, sustainable hotels blend high design with climate-conscious operations, immersive experiences, and a refined appreciation for Nordic life. In 2026, the Aurora Borealis reaches its zenith during the peak of Solar Cycle 25 (Nov 2024 – March 2026), promising some of the most frequent, dazzling displays in over a decade. Pair this celestial show with the midnight sun and equinox phenomena in March, and it’s pure magic. The year also welcomes new openings, including Six Senses Svart — an icon of regenerative luxury. In October and November, Sarah’s newly launched Auroras & Orcas experience offers travelers a bespoke eight-day journey centered around daily whale safaris and front-row views of the Northern Lights.

KAZAKHSTAN

Vast steppes, snow-capped peaks, and otherworldly desertscapes — Kazakhstan is emerging as Central Asia’s frontier at its most captivating. While neighboring nations draw travelers for their architectural treasures, here the grandeur of the land itself steals the scene. With visa-free entry for dozens of countries, a surge in sustainable tourism, and new infrastructure across regions like Katon-Karagay, Zaysan, and Mangystau, Kazakhstan steps into 2026 as a world-class destination for eco-minded adventurers. For the second chapter of Sarah’s Alchemia Journeys series, renowned Kazakh artist Aigana Gali designs a multidisciplinary exploration of her homeland — an immersive passage through art, landscape, and spirit. And with new routes connecting Almaty and Astana to Tokyo, Singapore, and New York, the gateway to Central Asia has never been more open.

MALLORCA, SPAIN

Quietly captivating for years, this Balearic island is stepping into the sun. The rugged coastline and golden interiors are set to host a new wave of openings, from the Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra to Son Valentí. Each offers a fresh take on Mediterranean ease. Sarah’s bespoke itineraries reveal the island’s layered charm, from vineyard picnics to hidden calas and artist ateliers tucked in the Tramuntana hills. The year’s most spellbinding event in August 2026 will bring a rare full solar eclipse at sunset. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime view, charter a private yacht from Port de Sóller, where guests will view the sky shift to twilight over the sea, with live music and a curated feast under the fading sun.

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY

All eyes are on Cortina d’Ampezzo in 2026, as the Dolomites’ crown jewel hosts the Winter Olympics from February 6–22. But beyond the global spotlight, this Alpine enclave is entering a new era of sophistication. Fresh openings like the Mandarin Oriental Cristallo and the long-awaited return of Hotel Ancora promise a blend of Italian glamour, mountain serenity, and world-class hospitality. Between ski runs and Michelin-worthy meals, Cortina’s beauty lures travelers year round—from snow-dusted peaks in winter to flower-filled meadows come spring. When you’re seeking both excitement and elegance, here’s a reminder that Italy’s most cinematic landscapes aren’t only by the sea.

ZION, UTAH

U.S. travel is having a moment, and you’ll want to add Zion National Park to your list. Red-rock canyons, emerald pools, and sweeping desert vistas set the stage for wellness-focused escapes, geothermal spa retreats, and eco-conscious resorts that harmonize with the landscape. Spring brings a vibrant burst of desert marigolds, slickrock paintbrush, western columbine, and evening primrose along trails like Weeping Rock and Riverside Walk. With new openings such as Open Sky and Zion Canyon Hot Springs — and more to come — visitors can experience the American Southwest with a new generation of style, surrounded by the awe-inspiring beauty that has drawn travelers here for generations.

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