2025 Trending Destinations
The constant battle for someone lucky enough to travel often is whether to return to a favorite spot or take a chance on somewhere new. From the planning side of things, we get familiar with the most-loved luxury destinations, but it’s also fun to watch momentum build behind places that haven’t been on the international radar as strongly in recent years. Whether it’s shiny onscreen closeups driving visitors to a city or coastline, stark and dramatic images infiltrating the Instagram feed, or the temptation of a lodge (or ship) in the middle of nowhere where screens are totally forgotten, we’re outlining eight destinations that have momentum heading into 2025.
Spain
The best European itineraries combine excellent dining, deep culture, fascinating history, and the opportunity to feel like you’re discovering your own version of the place - stumbling into a coffee shop you wish was in your neighborhood at home, or happening onto a beach that feels like a revelation. Spain has all of these characteristics and possibilities in spades. And while Italy and France have long held the banner for luxury summers in Europe, in recent years, we’ve seen travelers turning to España for multi-stop itineraries: city time among the world-class museums and tapas bars of Madrid or within the meandering gothic alleyways of Barcelona, horseback riding through the orange-scented breezes of Andalusia, and afternoons with toes in the sand in the Balearics or along the Costa del Sol. Spain has a scene if you’re looking for it, but it also offers endless opportunities to make your own way.
some of Our favorite hotels
Antarctica
The southernmost continent is a land of extreme contrasts and unparalleled beauty. Known for its vast, icy expanse, it is the coldest, driest, and windiest place on Earth, with temperatures often plunging below -60°C, but it is also home to awe-inspiring landscapes, including towering icebergs, expansive glaciers, and massive snow-covered mountains that seem to stretch endlessly. Visitors get to observe vast colonies of Emperor penguins, seals basking on ice floes, and migrating whales that gather in its frigid waters. There are no permanent human inhabitants, but research stations are scattered across the continent, where scientists study climate change, glaciology, and marine biology. The season for visiting is brief, centering on December through February, and cruises and expeditions fill quickly, but that just adds to the appeal for the types of travelers who won’t rest until they’ve taken this very chilly plunge.
some of Our favorite ways to visit
Botswana
Botswana, which is approximately the size of France, offers one of the most authentic safari experiences in sub-Saharan Africa, thanks to its dynamic landscapes and focus on top-quality, low-volume tourism. Many of the luxury resorts participate in local outreach programs in which they are required to train and employ residents in exchange for access to the vastly beautiful private reserves. Botswana also boasts a varied terrain; the Okavango Delta, the Linyanti and Chobe area, and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are the three major regions, and each are uniquely stunning. We watched requests for safaris rise steadily in 2024 and lead times for peak season get longer accordingly, and if you’re going to do one safari in your life, Botswana offers the adventure in its purest and most luxe form.
some of Our favorite Lodges
Greece Beyond the Cyclades
The Cyclades are a magical summer vacation spot. Each island boasts its own distinct character and has something unique to offer, meaning you can talk to ten travelers and hear passionate arguments for ten different favorites. But we’re seeing hotel brands bet big on the charms of this ancient nation outside of its most famous island group. Four Seasons will open near Porto Heli, the fishing town that’s also home to Amanzoe (and Six Senses is slated for a 2026 opening nearby). One&Only has opened a mid-century inspired resort on the coast just outside of Athens itself, within striking distance of all the major sites, but with direct access to a beach. And over on the west coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental has opened its Costa Navarino resort, an ancient stone’s throw from the restored historical riches of classical city-state of Ancient Messene. We’re not dismissing the charms of the Cyclades, but there’s now more reason than ever to take your time meandering the mainland before setting off for the islands.
some of Our favorite hotels
Australia
With its ancient Indigenous heritage, natural wonders, and vibrant culture, this continent-sized nation offers an unforgettable experience. Australia's history stretches back thousands of years, with Aboriginal cultures flourishing before European settlement. Known for its biodiversity, Australia is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The physical land offers diverse ecosystems, from sun-kissed beaches to the Great Dividing Range mountains and expansive deserts, and the unique flora and fauna are unparalleled. The return of Southern Ocean Lodge, rebuilt after the 2019 wildfires, and the 2023 debut of the chic Capella Sydney mean that, whichever other wonderous corners of the country you include on your trip, the hospitality anchors of any Australia itinerary are stronger than ever.
some of Our favorite hotels
Varsity Mediterranean
While the first post-Covid travel stampede beat a direct path to the Amalfi Coast and South of France, in subsequent years, we’ve seen travelers keen to return to the Med - but with a different flavor. The fabulous hotels and scenes in Ravello and Ramatuelle are still hopping, to be sure, but we’re also seeing a new wave of requests for islands that used to be a bit more off the beaten track. Sardinia is poised to be the next destination that your entire Instagram feed descends upon come July, with new openings from Cheval Blanc, Belmond, Mandarin Oriental, and Rocco Forte debuting over the next couple of summers. Corsica’s rugged coastline is a major draw, while the “if you know you know” vibes and impossibly romantic hotels on Menorca have it topping many industry wishlists. And for visitors that can’t get the image of the Amalfi Coast out of their heads but have checked Capri off the list, the lower-key Ischia beckons.
some of Our favorite hotels
Paris
The only thing surprising about seeing Paris on a list of trending destinations is seeing it again - after all (say it with me), Paris is always a good idea. The City of Light took its turn on the Olympic stage this summer, and despite a rainy start, she was ready for her closeup. And while strict security, long minimum stay requirements at hotels, and byzantine ticketing systems made attending the Olympics themselves a daunting prospect, the dust (and confetti) has settled, and what remains is a very polished Paree. A bouquet of new hotels, exciting restaurants, and landmarks shined to a gleam (including the newly-reopened Notre Dame) mean our French favorite is looking fabulous - reason enough for us to return.
some of Our Favorite (New) Hotels
Thailand
Following on Mike White’s incomparable dark comic world building in Maui and Sicily during the first two seasons of White Lotus, the topic of where the fictional resort chain would appear next was the talk of the (travel) town. Whispers started in 2023 that White and his team were scouting in Asia, and in early 2024, we got confirmation that a new murderers’ row of spoiled travelers and the hotel staff who orbit them would be touching down in Thailand. Filming locations include Bangkok, Phuket, and Koh Samui, with the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui donning its serif font and floating flower as the eponymous host resort. But Thailand merits a visit outside of any Hollywood intrigue; from bustling Bangkok to tranquil beaches, savoring local cuisine and embracing vibrant festivals, the country is a cultural kaleidoscope and one of our favorite Southeast Asian destinations.
