There is some good stuff coming online around the world, so let’s just get it out there now: this year is going to be the best year of your life. And that’s for many reasons, including – travel as you know it will be just the tip of the iceberg. Our list, of course, has far-flung and far-reach countries. But if we take artists like Ed Sheeran as an example of yet another excuse to go to Bhutan, or the Olympics about to give an area of Italy another reason to shine, these are all new reasons to hop on a plane. So, without further ado – welcome to your 2025 wish list for travel.
Destination: Dominica, Caribbean
Dominica is one of the last unspoiled places in the Caribbean where you can see nature in its purest form. There’s also a direct flight from New York, so you’ll wake up to fresh island air after a movie and a light nap.
Where to stay: Secret Bay, InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, an IHG hotel
Destination: Bhutan
You’ve been to India and China, but what about Bhutan? Bhutan is nestled between the two, and while it’s quieter on the international scene than its neighbors, the Bhutanese are becoming more open than ever to tourism. A country that measures its GDP by happiness and has golden-roofed temples across the Himalayan mountains makes it a real utopia.
Where to stay: Amankora, Six Senses Bhutan
Destination: Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of those places that holds onto its cultural significance and celebrates its historical achievements even in the midst of a modern world. With so many luxury hotels, we’re willing to bet Saudi Arabia may surpass Dubai one day.
Where to stay: The Jeddah EDITION, Shaza Makkah Hotel
Destination: New Zealand
If you’ve traveled to New Zealand, you know about the Robertson Lodges. They have world-renowned golf courses and acre upon acre of farmland. Under the new management of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the hotels are better than ever, and you deserve to stay in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Where to stay: Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
Destination: Australia
Who knew Australia would make it into hotel relevancy? There’s no doubt that the natural landscape is record-breaking, but hotels aren’t usually synonymous with Australian coverage. It’s time to change that, because the hotels are equally incredible, and you need to know about them.
Where to stay: Qualia, Bedarra
Destination: Rome, Italy
The Jubilee 2025 will turn the streets of Rome into a cultural, spiritual, and religious celebration all year long. It is set on Holy Years, when the Pope absolves all sins of those who take a pilgrimage to Rome. The Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica will open for the year, only to be shut again until the next Holy Year (2050). If you can’t wait another 25 years to be pardoned for your wrongdoings, or just love learning about other cultures, the city will be particularly festive this year.
Where to stay: The Bulgari Rome, Six Senses Rome
Destination: Venice, Italy
We’d say the ‘why to go’ is obvious in Venice’s case, and if not, spoiler alert— it’s sinking. Despite the rising water levels, a slew of luxury hotels are opening, including Nolinski Venezia, Hotel Gabrielli, and Rosewood’s reimagining of Hotel Bauer.
Where to stay: Rosewood Hotel Bauer, Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice
Destination: Seychelles
Off the eastern coast of Africa is the Seychelles. If you look at a map, chances are you’ll not see the island until you’ve zoomed in a few times. But that’s what makes the Seychelles a prime location—it’s a true castaway type of place. Cheval Blanc also opened a hotel there, and you already know how we feel about Cheval Blanc.
Where to stay: Cheval Blanc
Destination: Tunisia
If you think Morocco is incredible, you’re in for a surprise with Tunisia. It’s less crowded with tourists and has the same old-world charm. Medinas blanket the country, with narrow winding streets filled with all the goods of a proper market. The colors are highly saturated, from blue awnings to turmeric-colored sands.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Tunis
Destination: Cape Verde, Africa
Gatekeeping is not in our nature, so we’re letting the secret out: Cape Verde is your new beach destination. A slew of new luxury hotels are opening there, and the islands have all the necessities of a tropical stay: volcanoes (check), clear blue waters (check), and easy island hopping (check).
Where to stay:
Destination: Cortina, Italy
Cortina is a classic. The jetsetters vacation here, so you might just run into a friend. The skiing options are unchallenged, and having the southern Alps as your backdrop doesn’t hurt either. What makes it hot right now is the upcoming 2026 Olympics—let the games begin.
Where to stay: Hotel de LEN, Hotel Ambra Cortina D’Ampezzo
Destination: Albania
Albania is for your fairytale-style European trip. Don’t shy away from the Balkans because they’re equally stunning to the usual European hotspots. Castles, waterfalls, forested mountains, and quaint villages will have you telling friends how underrated the country is as a travel destination. Also, the future first daughter is partnering with Aman to bring a new luxury space to the country.
Where to stay: Kep Merli
Destination: Copenhagen, Denmark
This might be your last chance to eat at Noma. They have some of the most inventive cuisine and three Michelin stars, but who’s counting? (We are). Denmark’s royal history means there is an abundance of gardens and castles to see. But an authentic Danish pastry and a bike ride along a canal should be incentive enough to visit Copenhagen.
Where to stay: Hotel D’Angleterre, Nimb Hotel
Destination: Palau, Oceania
If you’ve never heard of Palau, it’s an independent country between Asia and Australia. Commuting from Tokyo to Palau is a breeze if you’re wondering how to make it onto the Island. The Four Seasons floating resort has arrived to ensure luxury even in one of the smallest countries in the world.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Explorer, Palau
Destination: Iceland
Iceland was off the table in 2024, because of seven volcano eruptions within the year. Well, the eruptions have stopped, and it’s time for Iceland to be back on the grid because it is a once-in-a-lifetime destination, and the northern lights are waiting for you.
Where to stay: Eleven Deplar Farm
Destination: Morocco
Morocco is a place you think you’ll go once but find yourself coming back to. Here, you can live like a king — or at least stay in one of his hotels. There are places where there are just one or two luxury hotels, but Morocco is not one of them.
Where to stay: Kasbah Tamadot, Amanjena
Destination: South of France
The south of France has always been a good idea and always will be. There are new hotels worthy of staying in, like Arav, that won’t break the bank. You come here to indulge; there’s plenty of gourmet food and wine to go around.
Where to stay: Lou Pinet, Arev
Destination: Corsica, France
We have no idea why people haven’t caught onto Corsica’s potential, especially in the summer. For one, it’s a birthday destination for superstar Beyoncé, and many French people go there to pretend they’re Italian — so why can’t you pretend, too?
Where to stay: Domaine de Murtoli
Destination: Britannic, Explorer A Belmond Train
All aboard the Britannic Explorer. The new Belmond train is the first luxury sleeper train in England. This is an instance where you say yes to the scenic route, passing Welsh valleys, the Lake District mountains, and small countryside villages all from the comfort of your train suite.
Where to stay: Britannic Explorer
Destination: Mallorca, Spain
If you’ve danced the night away in Ibiza once or twice, you’ve graduated to Mallorca status. Mallorca is Ibiza’s elegant older cousin. The nightlife is still there, but Mallorca is bigger and offers a balance of wholesome activities like hot air balloon rides, secret beaches, and a village lifestyle.
Where to stay: La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel Mallorca, Mirabo de Valldemossa
Destination: Okinawa, Japan
It could be the tropical beaches or the Okinawan diet; either way, the people live longer here, so they must be doing something right. Nature is also a large part of the culture, and there is no shortage of gardens or groves within the walls of its ancient ruins.
Where to stay: Hotel Shigira Mirage, Shigira Bayside Suite Allamanda
Destination: Scandinavia
We already included Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, in this list. But the other Scandinavian countries deserve some love, too. Scandinavia gets respective praise for being one of the happiest regions in the world. The scenery might have something to do with that. The Scandinavian mountains, plus ferries and railways to soak it all in, make for a soul-warming experience.
Where to stay: Arctic Bath, Juvet Landscape Hotel
Destination: Cuba
Cuba is one of those places that is unspoiled by modern advancement. You can enter a culture that showcases the second half of the 1900s and is far less indebted to a consumerist lifestyle. The slow pace allows you to enjoy the little things, like old-fashioned cars, fresh air, and cigars from the factory.
Where to stay: Paseo206, La Reserva Vedado
Destination: Grenada, Caribbean
Four islands south of Dominica is Grenada, which also happens to have an easy direct flight. For a New Yorker who wants to drop everything and relax on an island somewhere without too much planning, Grenada is a quiet Caribbean oasis.
Where to stay: Silversands Grenada
Destination: Osaka, Japan
You know the old adage about Goldilocks, the one where she’s trying to find comfort in her new self-proclaimed stay? Well, Osaka has the makings of being ‘just right’ in a country of bustling cities. It is the third largest city in Japan and has the perfect balance of modern feats and a quieter stay (relative to Tokyo). Osaka is for the next generation of cool, hip travelers.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, Imperial Hotel Osaka
FAQs
Q: When is Osaka’s high season?
A: Osaka sees the most tourist traffic in the spring, because of the budding gardens and warm weather.
Q: When does La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel in Mallorca reopen?
A: The hotel is closed for the season and will reopen on March 13, 2025.
Q: How many lodges does Amankora have?
A: Amankora has five lodges that guests can visit based on their journey for a multi-destination trip through Bhutan.
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