A Grand (Slam) Time!
The US Open may have just ended, but now is the time to book your trip to the 2026 tournaments.
MELBOURNE: AUSTRALIAN OPEN
January 12 to February 1, 2026
The Scoop: The first major of the year is known for its festive and boisterous vibe (Roger Federer nicknamed it the “Happy Slam”), not to mention the extreme heat. This is Australia’s summer, and court temperatures can get into the 100° F territory. Luckily, three of the stadium courts have retractable roofs.
The Ticket Situation: Similar to trying to snag tickets to an Oasis concert, you have to sit in a queue on the Ticketmaster website and wait (and hope) for your turn. That fiasco will begin in October, but WhirlAway Travel has early access to the Australian Open and can secure your tickets as we speak.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is a luxe haven in the sky, tucked away in the top 15 floors of an 80-story building with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and the Dandenong Ranges. It’s conveniently located in downtown’s CBD (Central Business District), just three miles from Melbourne Park and steps from the city’s best restaurants and shopping.
The A-List Experience: Club 1905—named for the year the Australian Open began—is where the VIP (and VVIP) crowd take in the tournament from the best seats in the house. The membership-only space includes prime tickets to every match (often front-row), three-course meals prepared by Michelin-Starred chef Simon Rogan, and premium cocktails in the private lounge.
PARIS: ROLAND-GARROS (FRENCH OPEN)
May 18 to June 7, 2026
The Scoop: Named not for a tennis player, but for a French aviator, Roland-Garros is the only Grand Slam played on clay courts, which make for lengthy rallies and slower play. Translation: longer matches, which die-hard fans adore.
The Ticket Situation:
WhirlAway Travel’s Jamie Jones has curated several trips to Paris for Roland-Garros, and points out that tickets must be arranged through an authorized broker or directly through Roland-Garros (ticket resale is banned in France). “The box seats, which are called
loges, are for groups of four and hard to come by,” she says. “But we know how to secure them.”
Where to Stay: The Left Bank’s Mandarin Oriental Lutetia is one of Jamie’s favorite hotels in Paris, and she knows which suite has the very best view of the Eiffel Tower. Another stellar choice is the exclusive 1, Place Vendome—the first hotel from luxury jeweler Chopard—while the private townhomes at Saint James are wonderful for families.
The A-List Experience: Are the VIP lounges at Roland-Garros worth it? Jamie has one word: YES! There are different levels of exclusivity so they can get complicated to reserve, but she understands the ins and outs. Another insider tip? Before the championship match, have lunch on one of the city’s chic terraces—Jamie’s favorites are at Loulou, Baronne, and Laurent. “They’re a real vibe in the summer months,” she says. “We’ll make your reservation and arrange for a driver to pick you up and take you right to the match.”
LONDON: WIMBLEDON
June 29 to July 12, 2026
The Scoop: Ahh, strawberries and cream, Pimm’s Cups, and royals sightings. Oh yes, and tennis! Founded in 1877, this is the oldest of the Grand Slams and the only one played on grass courts—said to be kept cut to an exact height of eight millimeters.
The Ticket Situation: This tournament can also be tricky. The most traditional ticket route is the public ballot, run by the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. It’s free to enter, but ticket requests are chosen at random, and you can’t select specific courts or match days. In other words, let WhirlAway handle it!
Where to Stay: We love the Broadwick Soho and The Twenty Two, both buzzy boutique hotels in the heart of the city. The Berkeley London offers a cool, modern vibe (and Michelin-starred dining), while The Stafford London is a jewel box of a hotel that feels British in every way—their afternoon tea must be experienced. For families, The Rubens at the Palace provides spacious rooms and a prime location near Buckingham Palace.
The A-List Experience: Debenture tickets are the most sought-after, granting seats on Centre Court or No. 1 Court for the entire tournament, plus VIP access to private lounges and restaurants. The catch? The tickets are only issued every five years and the process is complex. We’ve got you.
NEW YORK CITY: US OPEN
August 24 to September 5, 2026
The Scoop: The final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open is New York’s summer swan song. The crowds are electric, the people-watching is unmatched, and the signature Honey Deuce cocktail is legendary. As for the late-night matches in Arthur Ashe Stadium? Expect tennis like you’ve never experienced.
The Ticket Situation: Most tickets won’t officially go on sale until a few months before the tournament, but WhirlAway Travel is already tracking VIP seats and premium packages—and the options are plentiful: Luxury suites…The Overlook…Courtside Premier…the 1968 Room. All indeed amazing, but also a little overwhelming.
Where to Stay: On the Upper East Side, the iconic Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel has just been reimagined, and it’s spectacular. A few blocks away, The Mark is where Art Deco design meets celebrity cachet (you never know who you’ll spot in the lobby). Downtown, Nine Orchard is the latest darling of the Lower East Side with perhaps the best rooftop space in Manhattan. Bonus: We’ll get you exclusive perks and benefits at all three properties.
The A-List Experience: The most coveted ticket options are private luxury suites and courtside premier packages, some of which unlock rare on-court access. The Player Café, for one, provides a private courtside experience for up to 32 guests, plus front-row Arthur Ashe Stadium seats, premium bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, chef’s table, and US Open gifts.
