Traveling to an exotic yet remote island is the best way to spend your holiday in 2026. The Financial Times has captured the essence of the ultimate island getaway by highlighting a sailing voyage on the Aliikai in their "50 holidays to take in 2026" feature.
Published on January 1, 2026, and penned by travel writers Tom Robbins, Fiona Kerr, and Claire Wrathall, the prestigious publication recommends exploring the Spice Islands by phinisi as a premier October destination.
The Aliikai, a beautiful phinisi yacht boasting seven cabins fitted with ensuite bathrooms, offers the perfect vessel for this journey. The voyage navigates the Maluku archipelago, a region stretching between Timor and West Papua that is made up of more than a thousand islands.
The area was once globally renowned as the Spice Islands because it was the exclusive source of coveted spices like nutmeg, cloves, and mace. In the 15th century, the Spice Islands (also known as the Banda Islands) were visited by the Portuguese, who sought to purchase nutmeg directly from the locals.
At the time, nutmeg was as valuable as gold. Sailors had to endure months at sea to acquire this precious cargo, causing prices to skyrocket by the time the spices reached Europe. In the early 17th century, the Dutch invaded the Banda Islands and established a strict spice monopoly.
In 1667, the Treaty of Breda ended the Second Anglo-Dutch War and featured one of history's most fascinating territorial swaps: the Dutch surrendered New Amsterdam (now New York City) to the English in exchange for full control over the nutmeg-producing Spice Island of Run in the Banda Islands.
Beyond its rich history, the destination is also celebrated for its breathtaking tropical beauty. Most of the islands are heavily forested and mountainous, with peaks rising to over 3,000 metres. Guests can marvel at volcanic landscapes, relax on powdery white beaches surrounded by turquoise waters, and visit traditional fishing villages.
For those seeking adventure below the surface, the area is renowned for its exceptional snorkelling and diving across vast coral reefs. Travelers have the rare opportunity to spot magnificent marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and migrating schools of hammerhead sharks.
Experience Travel currently offers a week's cruise through this breathtaking region on the Aliikai, allowing guests to experience the magic of the Maluku archipelago firsthand. Read more on the Financial Times’ article.