Determining where to travel to in 2025 is not an easy task. From sandy beaches, polar fjords and superb wildlife, our hot list includes a bit of luxury for everyone. Enter the new year with a blank slate for brilliant adventures and open your mind up to a whole new level of luxury.
We’ve chosen places you may have skipped on your last Euro Summer, places that are close to home but mostly, destinations that will surpass your idea of luxury. These are the destinations that are being reshaped by stand-out hotels, tours and cruises, exhibiting bespoke details that will take your breath away.
If ‘where to travel in 2025’ is on your mind, take a look at these destinations crawling up our must-visit list.
A few of the destinations on the top 10 include the Fari Islands in the Maldives, Ninh Thuan in Vietnam and Valletta in Malta. These are simply a few of the 10 unique destinations our staff would ‘jump’ at the opportunity to visit in 2025. Keep reading to uncover what makes these destinations so exceptional—whether it’s their unparalleled luxury, thrilling adventures, or tranquil ambience. Let this be your sign to turn your 2025 dream trip into a reality.
1. Surin Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Go For: Serenity, seclusion, white-sand beaches
Best Time to Visit: November to March for sunny and dry weather
Where to Stay: Amanpuri Thailand
Here you’ll find an excellent spot for sunbathing on white sand, with the Andaman Sea glistening before you. The calm, blue waters are great for snorkelling, kayaking and taking a well-deserved dip in the ocean. The palm-lined coast makes for great shade as you stroll, walk or lie on the beach. Some options to get to Phuket are with Singapore Airlines, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific that leave from the major cities in Australia.
Our top hotel pick is no doubt Amanpuri Thailand, promising its guests serenity, seclusion and its own private beach. With an exceptional Holistic Wellness Centre and top tier restaurants, you’ll find luxury in all parts of this haven.
2. Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Go For: Crystal clear waters, showstopping sunsets, snorkelling
Best Time to Visit: May to October when there is little rain, little humidity and it’s sunny
Where to Stay: Six Senses Fiji
The Mamanuca Islands are an archipelago in Fiji, consisting of about 20 different islands. With idyllic beaches, showstopping sunsets and plenty of reefs to explore, this is a place you’ll want to visit. A little bit closer to home, the Mamanuca Islands is an easy place to get to, with direct flights to Nadi daily.
A short 35 minute speedboat transfer or helicopter trip will get you to Malolo Island where Six Senses Fiji welcomes its guests. This intimate stay sings luxury, with your own Guest Experience Maker, and Pool Villas that will make you never want to leave.
3. Fari Islands, Maldives
Go For: Picturesque beaches, one-of-a-kind experiences, top luxury hotels
Best Time to Visit: December to April, when it is dry season
Where to Stay: Patina Maldives
Next on the list are the Fari Islands, an unbelievable part of the Maldives. With picturesque beaches and stunning coral reefs, you’d never guess this archipelago was man-made. Spend your days escaping the ordinary, indulging in the sun, sea and superb hotels scattered around the islands. It’s not as hard as you may think to get here. Singapore Airlines will take you there, usually making it a 16-20 hour journey depending where you leave from Australia. That’s quicker than getting to Europe!
Our personal favourite, Patina Maldives, presents stunning architecture, restaurants and diverse accommodation options. Enjoy your own private pool in one of the villas, the immersive soul-healing Spa, or the gastronomical journey you’ll find at all 12 dining spots.
4. Ninh Thuan, Vietnam
Go For: The iconic Vinh Hy Bay, local cultural influence, beautiful terrain
Best Time to Visit: April to June for the Summer
Where to Stay: Amanoi Vietnam
Southeast of Vietnam is the coastal province of Ninh Thuan, known for its iconic bays, immersive culture and beautiful terrain. Beyond the white-sand beaches and clear waters, you’ll find the ancient temple of the Po Klong Garai, the one-of-a-kind Nam Cuong Sand Dunes and plenty of Vietnamese eateries. Although Ninh Thuan is not as quick or easy to get to, the privacy and natural beauty make up for it. We’d suggest flying into Cam Ranh International Airport, and then it’s a 1.5 hour drive to the province of Ninh Thuan.
Set on the majestic hills overlooking the iconic Vinh Hy Bay lies Amanoi Vietnam. Its secluded location provides more room for a clifftop restaurant and pool and various pavilions, villas and residences that peep above the treeline.
5. Valletta, Malta
Go For: Preserved architecture, lively culture, breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea
Best Time to Visit: Shoulder seasons (March and April or October and November) to avoid crowds and explore at pleasant temperatures
How to Visit: The Athens to Malta cruise with Emerald Cruises
The tiny capital of the Mediterranean island nation of Malta feels not so small when you’re immersed between the Fortifications of Valletta. Whether you’re after a private guided walking tour around town, or maybe a private day charter off the coast of Malta- there is so much to see here.
If you’d prefer to combine Valletta with other destinations, and you’re after an ‘unpack your bags once’ kind of holiday, why not consider a cruise? Spend 11 days sailing from Athens to Malta along the Mediterranean and not miss a single bit of island life on your next Euro summer trip. Onboard this Emerald Cruises luxury yacht, there is room for just 100 guests and a range of award-winning suites. World-class amenities like a Marina Platform and infrared sauna, with all included meals, beverages and Wi-Fi- this is the cruise to take.
6. Bergen, Norway
Go For: The biggest Fjords in Norway, colourful wooden houses, panoramic views of the Northern Lights
Best Time to Visit: June to August for milder weather and the days are longer, end of September and end of March to see the Northern Lights
How to Visit: Bergen to Copenhagen cruise with Silversea Cruises
Surrounded by the most beautiful Norwegian fjords, Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage City for many reasons. With colourful wooden houses on the old wharf, situated between the two biggest fjords in the country, Bergen is nothing short of incredible. In the winter time, discover the thrill of the Northern Lights on a private tour- just don’t forget a coat or two!
In the milder month of July, get the most unique experience onboard luxury cruise line Silversea. You’ll embark from Bergen, but also continue to charming coastal towns of Norway down to Copenhagen. The ship is a new world of luxury, with sumptuous suites, cutting-edge technology, an outstanding wellness concept and eight dining options.
7. Sardinia, Italy
Go For: World-class golf and tennis courts, pristine beaches, quaint villages
Best Time to Visit: June to September to enjoy the beaches, keep in mind the middle months are the most crowded
How to Visit: France and Italy Cruise with Scenic Cruises
Another island gem nestled in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is an incredible slice of Italy that needs to be on your next Euro Summer ‘hot list’. Golf nuts will be excited to set upon the Pevero Golf Club which boasts glorious views of the turquoise sea. This sophisticated Italian island has over 1,800km of unspoilt coastline and gorgeous beaches that’ll make you feel relaxed the moment you arrive.
Escape the chaos and crowds of the typical Mediterranean summer and choose a luxury cruise instead. Scenic offers a magnificent 8 day voyage through France and Italy that hops from the beautiful beaches of Italy (including Sardinia) and stops in Monaco and Nice. Onboard the intimate ship, enjoy 10 culinary experiences, multiple swimming pools and 9 bars and lounges to relax in.
8. Ouarzazate, Morocco
Go For: Visiting iconic movie scenes from the Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Cleopatra, iconic clay residences, gateway to the Sahara Desert
Best Time to Visit: Shoulder seasons (March and May or September and November) to avoid crowds and explore at a pleasant temperature
How to Visit: Splendours of Morocco Tour with Abercrombie & Kent
Nicknamed the ‘door of the desert’ Ouarzazate in Morocco is known for its huge Kasbah Taourirt and is a top place to visit for film buffs. Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Cleopatra have iconic movie scenes set in this city. Take a private camelback ride day tour through the Sahara Desert, or tour the filming locations of the iconic movie scenes.
If you’re after an in-depth discovery of Morocco, why not take a tour with Abercrombie & Kent? Their 12 day Splendours of Morocco tour starts in Casablanca and circles around to several stunning towns in the country, including Ouarzazate. With all luxury accommodation included as well as private transfers and most meals, you truly won’t have to lift a finger on this tour.
9. Okavango Delta, Botswana
Go For: Plethora of wildlife, one of the seven-wonders of Africa, beautiful remote areas
Best Time to Visit: June to October when it is dry season and at the start the vegetation is still green
How to Visit: African Safari Tour Botswana Style with Abercrombie & Kent
A truly underrated yet superb destination in Africa, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the best places to view legendary wildlife. This vast inland river delta has sprawling grassy plains that flood and become a lush animal habitat. You’ll get up close and personal with a myriad of species like elephants, buffalos, hippos, and wildebeests just to name a few.
In our opinion, the best way to see the Okavango is by doing an African Safari Tour with Abercrombie & Kent. Think guided bushwalks, private helicopter tours, game drives, river safaris, private viewing of Victoria Falls and canoe trips. You’ll be staying in hand-selected luxury accommodations with meals provided each day.
10. New Orleans, The USA
Go For: The distinctive music scene, vibrant nightlife, Spanish architecture
Best Time to Visit: February to May when the weather is milder, and a lot of the festivals and events occur. Later in the year is hurricane season.
How to Visit: Music of America with Tauck
Renowned for its distinctive music scene, New Orleans is a popping town in Louisiana. With round-the-clock nightlife, a vibrant live music scene and endless events and festivals- New Orleans is for the free spirited. Indulge in custom high-end shopping experiences and make your own perfume, or take a private walking tour of the Garden District- the city’s grandest neighborhood.
If you’re a music lover, we would recommend the Music of America tour with Tauck. This 9 day journey takes you from Nashville to New Orleans, exploring the origins of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, jazz and country music across the South. You’ll attend private jazz performances, have a guided tour of Elvis’ Graceland and stay in venues like the Four Seasons and the Ritz-Carlton.
Any of the mentioned stays, cruises or tours can be booked with one of our Luxury Travel Specialists. Get in touch with them here and discuss all the finer details of our picks of go-to destinations in 2025.
