Your wanderlust wonder list for 2025: the 25 coolest places to travel

The new paradise: Sumba, Indonesia

This Indonesian island is the paradise-esque destination on so many travel insiders’ lips right now. And for good reason — still under the radar versus the country’s well-trodden Lombok and Nusa Penida, and double the size of frenetic Bali, but with around a quarter of the population, it remains largely unspoilt. It’s a place where wild horses and buffalo roam free and you can find stretches of white sand beach to chill on without anyone else in sight. “It is an island gem that you’ll immediately fall in love with and want to keep all to yourself,” says travel writer and author Gina Jackson. “It’s long been touted as one of the best surf destinations in the world, but there’s lots more to get stuck into, from local villages to getting deep within the wilderness: the island’s ever-changing landscape is home to rugged mountains, waterfalls and dense rainforest.” Choose from Nihi, “something of a Sumbanese legend!”, or look at sleek, local art-filled Cap Karoso and the elegantly rustic The Sanubari. Hayley Spencer

An elite ayahuasca experience in Costa Rica

Some people seek to bring home souvenirs, others a mind-altering experience. If that sounds like you, add one of Behold’s exclusive ayahuasca retreats to your 2025 bucket list. To attend the brand’s Central America trip you have to apply to be vetted to join a small group of seven to 11 — which the company says ensures a safer, more secure atmosphere. The guides and facilitators have decades of experience to ensure you feel fully supported as you embark on three plant medicine ceremonies, combined with plant medicine healing, as well as yoga and meditation over six days. Dates are available throughout the year, with luxe accommodation set against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s stunning Nicoya Peninsula. You might just bring home a new perspective from the jungle. behold-retreats.com HS

The hippest hotels in Amsterdam, Netherlands

2025 is a big year for the Netherlands’ capital, as it celebrates its 750th anniversary in October. Plus, the return of direct Eurostar routes from February (with a brief hiatus in March) will make it even easier to nip over for a weekend escape. Summer is a great time to go, as festivities will include a major party in June. Though the city and especially its De Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets) are a treat year-round, thanks to chic boutiques and vintage shopping, world-class museums such as the Rijksmuseum — with its healthy collection of Rembrandts and Van Goghs — and a lively food and drink scene. The Dam also has a wealth of brilliant design-led stays, such as the sleek Conservatorium in the museum quarter and the city’s original five-star stay, The Pulitzer. Plus, this year a new Rosewood throws open its doors in the historic Palace of Justice building in June, while grand dame De L’Europe has unveiled 14 chic new suites designed by local leading names in art and design. It’s time to shake off any stag and hen stereotypes of this city for good. HS

Live The White Lotus life in Koh Samui, Thailand

In February Emmy-winning class parody The White Lotus will return to our screens for a third series, and while the plot lines evoke a holiday from hell, the location promises to be paradise defined. Previously Maui, Hawaii and Taormina, Sicily have triggered “The White Lotus effect” of travellers flocking to the same shores as the cast — especially at the Four Seasons hotels, which serve as the real-world locations for filming. With Koh Samui, the second largest of Thailand’s islands, chosen as the next backdrop for the show, expect a legion of copycats to visit this year. If you want to be among them, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui has availability throughout the year (for now) — and failing that, there are often deals to be had at family-friendly Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort. HS

Why royalty and the glitterati love Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

This corner of Sardinia was the place for the glitterati to be seen in the Sixties and Seventies. Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Princess Margaret were regulars, and it was immortalised in iconic photos by Slim Aarons. Now it’s set for a renaissance, says travel writer Mary Lussiana. “Costa Smeralda is gearing up to become a hotspot this year. The Belmond Romazzino hotel, which opened in 2024, will soon be joined by a Cheval Blanc, a Rocco Forte hotel and a Mandarin Oriental — making this the latest destination for luxe-seeking travellers,” she says. Stretching across 10km of coastline in the north-west of the island, its golden coves and crystal waters are postcard perfect. And its main town of Porto Cervo retains all the charm of its heyday, where yachts jostle in the harbour and streets are lined with high-end boutiques and bustling restaurants. La dolce vita indeed. HS

An unexpectedly cool city break in Ghent, Belgium

Avoid the throngs and consider a second city or “detour destination” over a capital city. Mr & Mrs Smith co-founder and CEO, Tamara Lohan, shouts out medieval city Ghent, in Belgium, which saw four times the number of bookings versus 2023 in the last quarter of 2024. “The city’s rich heritage and cutting-edge culture are paired with exceptional local dining and art, from the famous Saint Bavo’s Cathedral to the quirky independent galleries dotted throughout town,” says Lohan. Book into 1898 The Post hotel — a chic restored former post office in the heart of the charming old town, which is moments from landmarks such as the Gravensteen Castle and the Korenmarkt square. HS

Trendy cocktails and history on a budget in Sarajevo

If it’s cheap airfares and the promise of unique culture that you’re after, book a return to historic Sarajevo asap. Skyscanner reports a 45 per cent price drop over the past year to the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanks to new routes. The London Standard contributor Suzanne Moore has long been fascinated by the “Jerusalem of Europe”, which she calls “a crucible of history”. It is famously the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, which led to the First World War. But it has much more to offer than remnants of the past. “Go for its incredible people. Go to watch the moon rise over the mosque. Go for its wonderful little sausages (cevapi). Go to smoke shisha in the old town. Go drink a cocktail in a trendy bar. Go for its amazing soul,” implores Moore. This isn’t a place known for its luxury hotels, but all the better for travellers on a budget. İsa Begov Hamam Hotel offers rooms from £100 and has a tranquil hammam. HS

4x4 driving tour of Oman

In the Middle East, come autumn, a groundbreaking new all-inclusive experience in Oman between The Malkai’s three tented pavilions will immerse guests in the country’s unique heritage, culture and soaring landscapes. Starting in Barka near Muscat, heading to the Al Hajar mountains and then to the majestic Sharqiya Sands desert, guests will be chauffeured in a Land Rover, with their own personal guide. A completely unique trip. themalkai.com HS

Glacier walks in Greenland

Do unspoilt, off-the beaten track destinations really still exist? In Greenland, yes. Its capital Nuuk finally got its own international airport at the end of last year, a huge step in making it more accessible — and yet the vast island still only has 56 miles of paved roads. But from the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre (which overlooks the area where its ice cap meets the sea) to flower valley trails, Viking ruins and glacier walks, there is a huge, and wild, area to explore. As higher temperatures are making us rethink where we want to spend our summers, travel companies are reporting a rise in people wanting to spend time in northern European states, and cooler, more adventurous destinations. Smart explorers are heading for Greenland, whether that’s on a cruise (look at sailing with HX or Ponant) or with a travel company such as Discover the World, which offers 11 different trips to the island. Harriet Addison

Mamma mia! The Orient Express… in Italy

Hot on the heels of Rome’s sexy 2023 openings — including Six Senses, Bulgari and Romeo — the first Orient Express hotel lands in the Italian capital this spring. A 17th-century palazzo, La Minerva has been re-envisioned to combine Roman flair with exotic luxury. Set just steps from the Pantheon and with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, Orient Express La Minerva will be the perfect bookend to a journey on opulent new 18-suite train La Dolce Vita, which also launches this year with multi-day Italian itineraries and food from three-Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck. laminerva.orient-express.com Alicia Miller

River rafting through bamboo forests in China

China is trending this year as adventurers finally look to return post-pandemic, particularly to off-piste destinations beyond tourist stop-offs Beijing, Xi’an, Hangzhou and Shanghai. Your cue to visit under-the-radar Anji County, nestled beside the latter two cities, comes with the opening of SALT of Anji in spring. Encircled by verdant peaks and dense bamboo forests shaped by rivers and lakes, the property takes an immersive approach to the landscape and culture, mimicking its serene surrounds with forest tones, natural materials and fluid forms. Head to nearby Huangpu River for paragliding, kayaking, fishing and river rafting. saltresorts.com AM

Read our full guide to 2025’s best new hotels here

White sand beaches in Okinawa, Japan

Japan remains one of the world’s most captivating countries for globe-trotters, having been named Conde Nast Traveller’s readers’ choice of 2024. While frenetic Tokyo has had a major moment in recent years, tranquil Okinawa archipelago is emerging as a must-visit. Notable for its coral reefs, sub-tropical forests and white-sand beaches, it is ripe for exploration. And 2025 is a great time to visit, given that Skyscanner reports that fares have plummeted 39 per cent in the past year. Walk Japan offers the six-night Yaeyama: Okinawa Voyage tour in June, which will appeal to those looking to embrace the trend for “soft travel”, used to describe getaways which enable a slower pace of life and the chance to experience a country like a local. The tour will see participants traverse the island’s incredible land and seascapes on foot, as well as by kayak, sea paddle board and with a snorkel. Or for something more sedate, Rosewood’s idyllic new outpost on the southern Miyako Island opens in March. Bliss. HS

Luxe solo backpacking for grown-ups in Sri Lanka

For a small island, Sri Lanka’s landscapes are vast and varied. It is even possible to spot wild Asian elephants and humpback whales in a single day. But it’s not just great for wildlife. Little-visited ancient temples, monolithic hand-carved Buddha statues and fascinating archaeological sites dot lush empty landscapes, while Sri Lanka’s diminutive size ensures solo travellers can experience a lot in just a couple of weeks. To get to grips with the country, head to the Cave Temples at Dambulla and climb the incredible rock fortress of Sigiriya, before spending a day strolling around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Then head down to Yala National Park for leopard, sloth bear and elephant spotting. A stay at Wild Coast Tented Lodge is not to be missed. Round off the trip of a lifetime with a few nights in one of the country’s south coast towns for a spot of surfing (I like Madiha). Lydia Swinscoe

Bolivia, the affordable solo travel destination

There are no direct flights to Bolivia, which makes it an even more intrepid place for adventurers. With its cactus-strewn desert plains in the south, steamy Amazon jungle to the east, and psychedelic-coloured lakes and mind-blowing salt flats, you could spend months exploring. If time is limited, stand-out places include Sucre, a beautiful city with photogenic colonial architecture; Potosi, the highest city in the world; and Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. The capital La Paz also makes a great stop-off since it’s home to plenty of good places to eat and drink. In terms of accommodation, in Sucre, bed down on a budget at Mi Pueblo Samary, and in La Paz, Atix Hotel is worth the splurge, though affordable by London standards at £126 per night. LS

Read our full guide to 2025’s best destinations to travel solo here

Barefoot luxury in Montana

It was only a matter of time until luxe resort brand One&Only expanded to the USA, and in summer 2025 it’ll do so in style, amid the Rocky Mountains of Big Sky, Montana. Nestled in a resort with year-round adventures (skiing in winter, hiking and mountain biking in summer), the biggest draw is undoubtedly the dramatic surrounding wilderness; world-famous Yellowstone National Park is day-trip distance away. But a close second is the unbridled luxury localism that O&O is known for. Here that means moonshine whiskey tastings in a “shack” in the woods; soaking in a window-lined spa overlooking the trees; or munching a “forest to plate” fine-dining menu. oneandonlyresorts.com AM

Multi-destination adventures in India

Get bored of staying in one place? Some of 2025’s most thrilling five-star launches are designed to give you more mileage for your money with multiple locations, including Shakti Himalaya which requires you to hike between a number of accommodations. Book into a tour which includes nights at the stunning, refurbished retreat Shakti Prana lodge in Kumaon (opening October) and the brand-new Shakti Panchachuli which boasts spectacular views of the Himalayas’ peaks. shaktihimalaya.com HS

Back to basics ‘earth luxury’ on a farm in Devon

Caitlin Owens, who knows her way around luxury after working at Four Seasons London and for Relais & Châteaux in Switzerland, is revamping her family’s Dartmoor farm to create a new regenerative accommodation experience in South Devon. From this spring, eight earthy-luxe suites in a converted farmstead will feature beds using wool from the farm’s own sheep, while field-to-fork dining stars garden and pasture bounty. From £500, fowlescombe.com AM

Go tiger spotting in Bandhavgarh

Is a safari on your wish list for 2025, but the location still tbc? From January check in to the new Oberoi Vindhyavilas in Bandhavgarh, one of India’s Bengal tiger-spotting hotspots — where you can also catch sight of deer, wild boars and jackals. A 20-acre resort set adjacent to the national park reserve that’s defined by rivers, hills and forest, the Oberoi has just 21 tented suites inspired by royal caravans — plus two exclusive-hire villas with private swimming pools. Intimate dining experiences with live grills, set under the stars provide a chance for you to trade wildlife-spotting stories with fellow guests and make memories to last the distance. From £797, oberoihotels.com AM

It’s even easier to get to the Maldives now

It can’t be just us whose feeds are awash with smug pictures of colleagues and friends who’ve splashed out on a trip to the Maldives to escape the dreaded London winter. In 2025, a swish new terminal at its Velana International Airport aims to make it even easier for international visitors to jet in. As well as the dazzling azure waters, promise of year-round sun and immaculate over-water accommodation, there’s now a burgeoning ultra-luxe wellness scene to recommend it. Guests have access to alternative healers from around the globe at hotels such as The Nautilus, located at the stunning Baa Atoll, and the St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, on the small island of the same name. If you can’t beat them, join them, we say. HS

Gen Z are flocking to Rio de Janeiro

Noticed a mass exodus of young people in the capital recently? It’s because they’ve abandoned London’s dreary winter for the white shores of Rio de Janeiro. What started with the nation’s iconic football jerseys becoming a Gen Z fashion staple has evolved into a TikTok-driven PR campaign promising a life of baile funk-soundtracked sunsets, caipirinha-fueled street parties (known as blocos) and magnificent carnival celebrations — and young people are eating it up. The hundreds they’ll pay for flights will be offset by the affordability of life in Brazil’s self-proclaimed “marvellous city”, where tube commutes are replaced by sunrise mountain hikes and surfing, and mundane supermarket meal deals are swapped for colourful açai bowls. The chic set are staying at Fasano in Ipanema; everyone else stays in Airbnbs. Jordan Page

Music history at a converted studio in Manchester

We’ve been waiting more than two years for the arrival of Mollie’s Manchester, set in the famed Granada Studios where the Beatles made their first TV appearance. Finally set to debut in late summer, it will come complete with its own diner, live music venue and art space — plus rooms dressed in trendy terrazzo and coddling oak. Choose from snug formats for a one-night crash, more spacious suites or bunk-bed-style arrangements sleeping four. From £120, mollies.com AM

Read our full guide to 2025’s best UK hotel openings here

Singapore finds its cool

This is the year that Singapore officially shakes off its reputation as a stopover. Yes, its super-swish airport is a treat when you’re in transit, but the opening of an ultra-cool new outpost from American brand The Standard is a reason to stay on in the Garden City. Bringing buzz to the leafy Orchard Road area, it is a breath of fresh air versus the casino-like hotel locales such as Downtown Core and Outram. Expect to see younger tourists prowling the city with their Anthony Bourdain food guides, taking advantage of cheap eats at the local hawker centres, where a platter of the region’s beloved chicken rice can be acquired for an easy £7. Plus, Singapore Airlines launched a five-times weekly direct service from Gatwick, making it easier than ever to fly direct (and less likely you’ll only be there on your way to Bali). Maddy Mussen

Kayak trips and camel rides on the beach at a Middle Eastern palace

Originally built as a palace, and later turned into a 390-room luxury hotel, the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, proudly stands on the shores of the Persian Gulf. It overlooks its own 1.3km private white sand beach in the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi. This is a true escape for a brief foray into ultra-opulence. Inside the labyrinth of rooms — each one decorated to the highest spec (the hotel even has its own gold leaf specialist) — you’ll find crystal chandeliers, marble columns and hundreds of water fountains. With leisurely pools bookending the hotel, lush gardens and the glistening Gulf as a backdrop, and 11 restaurants including Michelin-starred Hakkasan, it’s another world. If lying on the private beach isn’t entertaining enough, there are also sunset kayak trips, camel rides along the beach and a 24-hour butler for every whim. Rooms from £465, mandarinoriental.com Ped Millichamp

A wellness escape in… Bayswater

Wellness super-brand Six Senses lands this year in the former Whiteleys shopping centre building in Bayswater, which has had an astonishingly glam makeover. Hyde Park and Notting Hill are at your fingertips for exploring, though frankly the real draw lies indoors: a sprawling spa space complete with 20m indoor swimming pool, relaxation room and techy fitness equipment. Expect destination restaurants too. sixsenses.com AM

An ecstatic dance retreat in Bavaria

At the Gaga Retreat, Schloss Elmau in Germany, the goal is to use dance as a form of expression — and as a powerful way to release emotions and somatic stress. The word Gaga refers to this movement language, and this retreat is packed with it. It invites guests of any ability, from amateurs to professional dancers, to explore improvisation. There is also the option to move in other ways: through yoga, in their gym, or by walking around the extensive grounds. Expect to leave both more limber and, if you’re lucky, having experienced a sense of catharsis. The retreat will take place March 16-20. schloss-elmau.de Madeleine Spencer