The A to Z of what's hot in travel for 2025

A – All-Inclusive

Forget everything you thought you knew about all-inclusives. Long gone are the days of questionable buffets and overcrowded pools; these holidays are being snapped up for their all-in-one simplicity. If you want everything taken care of, it doesn’t get much better than Jumby Bay Island in Antigua. Your stay comes with all-day dining, rum cocktails and Taittinger on tap, water sports, a fantastic kids club and more. In Europe, we recommend MarBella, Mar-Bella Collection in Corfu, where your meals, fitness programmes, activities and entertainment are all part of the deal. All-inclusive? All sorted.

B – Babymoons

Move over honeymoon; babymoons are taking centre stage this year. Expect to see glowing parents-to-be showing off their baby bumps on tranquil beaches or vineyard retreats. It’s all about squeezing in one last hurrah before the sleepless nights begin. As for where to go, Passalacqua is one of our top picks – a gorgeous and intimate 18th-century villa on the shores of Lake Como. If you want to escape a little further away, Mauritius at One&Only Le Saint Géran is a great choice, where private beaches, kayaking through mangroves, and oceanside naps are all on the agenda. And we can think of few better spots to relax than Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc along the Côte d’Azur (but the kids’ club is so good you’ll be tempted to come back with the little one).

C – Coolcations

In 2025, the “coolcation” trend is still gaining steam as travellers ditch scorching hot destinations for fresher air and fewer crowds. Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Canada offers alpine charm with mountain views, a stellar pool complex, and summer golf. Over in Oslo, The Thief is an arty hideout packed with international art, designer furniture and Nordic treats so good they’ll make you forget about the Med. With its waterfront location, you can jump into the Oslo Fjord or stroll to the buzzy Aker Brygge district for a city-meets-nature experience. For a more intimate escape, Ett Hem in Stockholm offers just 25 stylish rooms and suites, designed to feel like a welcoming home.

D – Dog-Friendly Airlines

Flying with your dog just got even better thanks to K9 JETS, the world’s first private jet service dedicated to pets. New routes this year include London to Toronto, Paris to New York, and Dubai to Singapore, meaning your furry friends can now travel comfortably across continents in the cabin with you, with chew toys and comfy seating. On the ground, pet-friendly hotels are rolling out the red carpet: Kimpton Fitzroy London welcomes pets of all sizes at no extra charge, with perks like pet beds, bowls and a nightly wine reception where pets join the fun. At La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa, small dogs up to 22 lbs can enjoy chic walks near the Champs-Élysées, while Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park treats pets to cosy beds, treats and prime access to Central Park.

E – Electric Transfers

Gas-guzzling SUVs and awkward hotel shuttles are so 2024; this year is all about arriving in style with electric transfers. Four Seasons has teamed up with Lucid Group to give guests access to some of the sleekest electric vehicles on the road. At Four Seasons Napa Valley, Houston, Miami, Silicon Valley and Baltimore, you can borrow a complimentary Lucid vehicle for a spin or hop in a chauffeured house car for stress-free cruising. Plans are in action to roll out this partnership across more Four Seasons hotels in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

F – Flight Extras

Flying in 2025 is practically a mini holiday in itself as airlines are rolling out premium perks that make your journey as exciting as the destination. Singapore Airlines has teamed up with Lalique for first-class amenity kits, while Delta One has partnered with Missoni, and Emirates with Bulgari. Meanwhile, Michelin-starred chefs are taking airplane food to new heights: Air France’s La Première cabin offers a Savoyard-inspired menu from Emmanuel Renaut, and Brussels Airlines now serves Arabelle Meirlaen’s creations on long-haul flights.

G – Green Michelin Stars

Green is the new gold in the world of gastronomy, and Michelin’s eco-focused Green Stars are hotter than ever. From Spain to China, restaurants earning these awards aren’t just serving exquisite meals, they’re doing it sustainably. For travellers who want to enjoy planet-friendly plates, Herdade da Malhadinha Nova in Portugal offers dishes crafted from organic estate ingredients. Over in Hampshire, Heckfield Place’s restaurant Marle showcases produce from their Fern Verrow farm. And at Le George in Paris (housed in the fab Four Seasons Hotel George V), even the vegetable waste from their dishes feeds a Versailles garden.

H – Hong Kong

After a quiet spell, Hong Kong is back in a big way, and travellers are flocking back to see what’s new. The West Kowloon Cultural District is the place to be, with museums like M+ showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art and the Hong Kong Palace Museum housing treasures from across China. Over at Rosewood Hong Kong, you’ll find harbourside views from most rooms, a wellness centre that feels like a sanctuary, and perks for your furry companions. For something more artistic, The Upper House pairs sleek bamboo and limestone interiors with an art collection that’s worth the stay alone.

I – Italy

Italy is gearing up for a big year with a host of hotly-anticipated hotel openings; the Corinthia in Rome, Airelles in Venice and The Lake Como EDITION all have us eager to check in. In the meantime, it’s Italy’s classic hotels that keep us coming back year after year. In Rome, firm favourites include Hotel de Russie with its enchanting garden, Six Senses and its incredible spa, The Rome EDITION with its buzzing rooftop bar, and Bulgari with its opulent suites and jewel-toned interiors. If you prefer to be away from the action, Castello di Reschio in Umbria, Hotel Il Pellicano in Tuscany and Masseria Torre Maizza in Puglia are the perfect spots to unplug from the rest of the world.

J – Jet Lag Cures

Jet lag might be a universal annoyance, but the fight against it is evolving. InterContinental Hotels has teamed up with the Timeshifter app to create customised plans to help travellers stay on track. For those needing an extra boost, products like BYNACHT’s Heavy Jet Lag Balm are designed to tackle the physical toll of long flights, while HumanCharger’s light therapy device claims to reset your internal clock.

K – Kyoto

Kyoto combines ancient traditions with a modern edge, offering a city where you can stroll through temple-lined paths in the morning and shop at bustling markets by lunch. New hotels are adding to its appeal. Six Senses Kyoto, which opened recently, focuses on serene stays surrounded by the city’s cultural landmarks. Capella Kyoto, set to open in 2025, is bringing Japanese artistry to life with thoughtful design, curated artwork, and its location near iconic spots like Kenninji Temple and Kiyomizu Temple. If you want a proper ryokan experience, Sowaka Kyoto is housed in a 100-year-old former teahouse, with wooden craftsmanship, tatami floors and traditional gardens.

L – Longevity

This isn’t your average spa weekend – welcome to mega-wellness. Longevity travel focuses on the long game, with cutting-edge programmes designed to optimise health and vitality for years to come. Lanserhof resorts in Sylt, Lans and Waakirchen offer tailored diets and advanced diagnostics to enhance physical and mental performance, while Chenot Palace in Switzerland employs genetic testing and hypoxic training for a high-tech health overhaul. Patina Maldives takes a sensory approach with its Flow programme, combining biohacking, tailored nutrition and therapies like sound immersion and vagus nerve massages to boost immunity and reduce stress.

M – Montana

Montana’s "Big Sky Country" more than lives up to its name, with sprawling peaks, winding rivers, and outdoor adventures as far as the eye can see. This summer, One&Only Moonlight Basin opens its first U.S. resort, offering year-round activities like skiing, fly-fishing, and hiking. Olson Kundig designed the space to highlight the epic surroundings, complete with six dining options and a wilderness-inspired wellness centre. The state is already home to Montage Big Sky, with standout restaurants, a luxurious spa, and service that’s already raising the bar for mountain retreats.

N – Northern Lights

Good news for aurora chasers: 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year. With the sun at its solar maximum, expect dazzling Northern Lights displays across not just the Arctic Circle but also parts of Europe and North America. Iceland’s Hotel Rangá and Canada’s Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge are classic picks for aurora viewing, with wake-up calls and dark-sky locations to guarantee a front-row seat. Keep an eye on the forecast – you might even catch the lights in places like Germany or the UK.

O – Off-Grid Experiences

For those dreaming of an escape that’s far from the rest of the world, off-grid luxury is having a moment. Think remote, but with a soft bed and someone else cooking dinner. In Utah, Amangiri sits in the middle of red rock country, blending into the landscape so well you might miss it. For a more tropical option, you won’t get much more remote than the Seychelles. And lucky for us, Cheval Blanc Seychelles has just opened, offering a fantastically private and peaceful escape 45 minutes from the tiny international airport.

P – Portugal

Portugal continues to bask in the spotlight, and with good reason. Lisbon is buzzing with new openings, with Six Senses Lisbon and The Standard in the works. Between the yellow trams, historic streets and fado music, the city is as magnetic as ever. Just south of Lisbon you'll find the ornately decorated Vermelho Melides, Christian Louboutin’s first-ever hotel. New on the scene is the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, tucked into Portugal’s green hills. Opened in October, it offers hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course and plenty of space to stretch out and breathe.

Q – Quietcations

Sometimes the best way to find yourself is to shush the world for a bit. Quietcations are all about ditching the noise and embracing the stillness. At Rancho La Puerta in Baja California, phones go silent, Wi-Fi is limited, and even dinner comes with a side of hush – silent meals encourage mindful appreciation of food. Over at Six Senses Kaplankaya in Bodrum, long-time champions of forest bathing, yoga, and connecting with the outdoors, they’ve added contemplative labyrinth walks. These geometric pathways invite you to step mindfully, reconnect, and let your thoughts wander freely.

R – Rail Travel

Luxury rail travel is picking up speed. Belmond’s Britannic Explorer, launching in July 2025, will offer three-night journeys through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales, with Michelin-starred menus, gorgeous cabins and a wellness suite. It joins Belmond’s iconic British Pullman for scenic day trips, the Royal Scotsman sleeper train with Highland views and a Dior Spa, and the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which connects Europe’s most glamorous cities. For those looking further afield, Belmond also offers exciting routes across Asia and Peru. Beyond Belmond, La Dolce Vita Orient Express whisks passengers through Italy’s landscapes on eight incredible routes, with decor celebrating 20th century Italian design.

S – Season-Stretching

It’s official – the off-season is the new on-season. Travellers are trading peak-season crowds for quieter escapes, discovering that timing is everything. St Tropez in winter (November to February) swaps its summer buzz for crisp skies and sunny days. The new AREV hotel, open year-round, offers inventive ways to enjoy the Riviera’s calmer months. In Bali, April and May deliver temple-hopping without the throngs, with resorts like COMO Shambhala Estate and Alila Villas Uluwatu offering seasonal steals. Meanwhile, Los Cabos’ May-June shoulder season means serene beaches, warm waters, and luxurious stays at Montage Los Cabos with no one to steal your sun lounger.

T – Thailand

Thailand is the destination on everyone’s radar this year, and nowhere is buzzing more than Koh Samui. Thanks to its starring role in the upcoming season of The White Lotus, the island is set to become the destination everyone’s talking about. The Four Seasons, featured in the series, is a standout, but Six Senses Samui and Banyan Tree Samui, also deserve a spot on your list. Beyond Koh Samui, some of our favourite spots include The Siam and Capella in Bangkok, Trisara and the Rosewood in Phuket, and Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai.

U – Uruguay

Uruguay is shaping up as a hot ticket for 2025. Montevideo balances 18th-century architecture, asado grills, and tango-filled nights, while Punta del Este’s beaches bring coastal charm. For something more rugged, explore gaucho culture or relax on a mountain estancia with a mate in hand. Check into Estancia Vik José Ignacio for an art-adorned retreat with activities like polo and outdoor pursuits. Or choose Hotel Fasano Punta del Este, a sleek hideaway with bungalows and a fab spa near Punta del Este.

V – Vegetarian/Vegan-Friendly Travel

Plant-based menus aren’t just a trend – they’re a smart way for hotels to connect with travellers who care about sustainability. Millennials are driving the change, and they're looking for more than just a salad. At Almanac Vienna, Donnersmarkt serves up Austrian Alpine-inspired dishes that prove you don’t need meat to make a meal memorable. Over in Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental's vegan afternoon tea is the type of thing your Instagram account has been waiting for. And in Bali, Kubu at Mandapa’s extensive vegetarian menu might just convert the most die-hard carnivores.

W – Wildlife Experiences

It’s gearing up to be another big year for wildlife adventures. Classic safaris still reign supreme, with Singita lodges across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Rwanda setting the gold standard. For something a little different, head to Brazil’s Hotel das Cataratas, the only accommodation within Iguassu National Park, where jaguars and toucans roam alongside the world’s most dramatic waterfalls. In Malaysia, The Datai Langkawi offers butterfly walks and mangrove tours with a marine biologist. Or, for a Galapagos adventure, Pikaia Lodge has its own giant tortoise reserve. Over in India, Aman-i-Khas takes offers twice-daily safaris in Ranthambore National Park, the best place in the country to see wild tigers in their natural habitat

X – Xigera Safari Lodge

Xigera Safari Lodge certainly makes the most of its Okavango Delta location, with suites that overlook floodplains and wildlife wandering past your window. The interiors are a showcase of African design talent, with handmade furniture and striking art pieces curated from over 70 artists. Outside, a range of activities includes glass-bottomed mokoro rides and starry nights on the Baobab Treehouse. For food, you’ll find plant-based cuisine alongside locally inspired dishes. Whether you’re in the library, pool or yoga pavilion, every detail feels like it was designed to match the Delta’s natural drama.

Y – Yachts

Four Seasons is taking its legendary service to the seas, and their new yachts launching in 2026 are worth the wait (though we’re predicting they’ll book up this year). With just 95 suites, each with panoramic windows and private terraces, it’s a floating escape designed for ultimate privacy. Routes range from the secluded coves of the Greek Isles to the sun-soaked waters of the Caribbean, Capri, Monte Carlo and more. A 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio ensures you won’t lift a finger, unless it’s to sip your drink. Joining the luxury fleet in 2026 is Orient Express Silenseas, the world’s largest sailing yacht. Featuring 53 suites (including a 900-square-metre Presidential Suite), two pools and a speakeasy bar, this 220-metre vessel promises an one-of-a-kind journey.

Z – Zanzibar

Zanzibar is making waves as one of this year’s hottest destinations. At Zuri Zanzibar, a private curl of powdery beach meets bungalows hidden among a lush spice garden. Hammocks sway in the breeze, and teak walkways guide you to three distinct restaurants and four bars. Over on the eastern coast, Zanzibar White Sand offers ultra-private villas in tropical gardens where local fish and homegrown vegetables are paired with the island’s famous spices. If you’re up for diving, kitesurfing in the Indian Ocean or just stretching out on a sun lounger, it’s an ideal wind-down after an African safari.