Want to get ahead of the travel pack? The hot travel trends and destinations are already forming for next year, from the safari scene to ultra-luxe hotel openings, active pursuits and top destinations. If you’re looking for the best luxury vacations to book, here’s your starter’s guide. Wild, unspoiled nature and low formality are two things that will set the tone, says the founder of trend forecasting website Globetrender, Jenny Southan. “Sometimes when people are investing a lot in a trip, it can create a lot of pressure,” she explains. “When everyone is in a relaxed state of mind then time together becomes more enjoyable.” From hotel merchandise to padel games, here are some of the top trip styles and places to travel in 2025.

1. The “it” hotel

One of the top trends Jenny has noticed is what Globetrender is calling “hotel hotlisting”. “High-net-worth travellers are chasing new hotel openings around the world to tick off, and in so doing may find themselves exploring places they hadn’t considered before,” she explains. Some of her top openings to watch in luxury vacation destinations for 2025 include the Corinthia Bucharest in Romania, Six Senses Papagayo in Costa Rica and One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana. Luxury Gold’s tours tick off many of the most sought-after hotels on the planet: your hotel hotlist might include Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, at Argentina’s Iguassu Falls (the Grand South America tour), South Africa’s striking Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa (Spectacular South Africa), and Ireland’s Ashford Castle (Castles & Kingdoms tour).

Brazil’s Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, by Iguassu Falls, might make your hotel hotlist

2. Accessible safaris

Safaris are for everyone – or they should be. Jenny points to a leader in this field – Ximuwu Lodge, in South Africa’s Klaserie Private Nature Reserve – as a pioneer of accessible safaris. Ximuwu’s vehicles are adapted for wheelchair users, as well as its lodge bedrooms, pool, corridors and communal areas; there are mobile ramps to access wildlife hide locations, strategically positioned for optimal lighting so all visitors can capture great images of the Big Five.

3. Nature for family bonding

Some of the best luxury vacations for the year ahead will be in naturally bountiful nations, says Jenny. “Nature-based retreats trump cities, for example. And less formality will enable everyone to feel more relaxed than white glove service,” she observes. “The emphasis will be on time together as a family – not leaving your children in a kids’ club all day, or with a nanny. In Italy, the Borgo Egnazia hotel is organising ‘Family Happiness Breaks’, for example.” Whether nature immersion means rugged National Parks or white sand beaches to you, think about getting the family out to an outdoors-focused destination such as Norway, Ireland or Australia.

National Parks like Banff in Alberta, Canada, could be the place for your next family vacation

4. Padel in paradise

Luxury vacation destinations are getting sporty with the latest fitness trends. “We have identified a trend for ‘Racketeering’, whereby people are seeking out hotels and resorts where they can play tennis and other popular racket sports, such as padel and pickleball,” says Jenny. Even the billionaires are at it. “Necker Island, Richard Branson’s resort in the British Virgin Islands, recently installed new padel and pickleball courts, while other high-end properties and cruise ships are following suit. Unlike tennis, padel courts are smaller and the games are easier to master. Plus they’re social,” says Jenny. 

5. The screen-inspired trip

“Nantucket on the US east coast and luxury Thailand will be big due to ‘jet setting'”, says Jenny – the two destinations feature in new Netflix show The Perfect Couple, starring Nicole Kidman, and the upcoming series of The White Lotus respectively. Other inspiration for 2025’s best luxury vacations will be the upcoming film Paddington in Peru and the Mediterranean island of Malta, which served as a location for both Jurassic World Rebirth and the highly anticipated Gladiator II. For southeast Asian serenity, White Lotus style, try Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Indochina itinerary; for Paddington worthy landscapes, book Treasures of the Incas.

6. Winter sun outside the box

New openings in classic locations such as the Seychelles will be big for next year, says Jenny, who cites the new Cheval Blanc in the islands as one of the most exciting openings on her radar. A Four Seasons is also coming to Belize, putting this less well-trodden Latin American destination on the luxury map. “I saw that Bahrain is promoting itself as a winter sun holiday destination,” she adds, “and there are a number of new luxury hotels opening on Saudi Arabia’s Red sea coast”. Get ahead of the high-end travel crowd by booking less obvious winter sun destinations before everyone else gets there.

Ancient spa practices from Cambodia to India will inspire wellness trips

7. Wearable hotels

One huge travel trend in the hospitality world is luxury merchandise, says Jenny. “More and more luxury hotels are jumping on the ‘shoppable stays’ trend, where they launch highly covetable branded merchandise, fashion apparel, sports gear and homeware. These are often in partnership with couture brands such as Dior and Fendi, but also the likes of Lacoste and Superga,” she says. “Pioneers include the One&Only and Four Seasons groups, as well as Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Marbella’s Puente Romano Beach Resort, the Beverly Hills in LA, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua in Lake Como.” 

8. South America for digital nomads

South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Colombia are emerging as the new digital nomad destinations, Globetrender has found. Good value living costs, sunshine, nature and vibrant communities are all thought to be draws for the world’s wealthy entrepreneurs -and where the working-from-abroad crowd goes, the luxury travellers will follow. Some of the best luxury vacations for 2025 can be found in magical Peru, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. See the best of the Latin American continent on Luxury Gold’s epic, 23-day Grand South America tour.

9. Authentic spa destinations

Tapping into historical spa and healing practices will be a big trend of 2024, say Jenny and Globetrender – they recently reported on the Skjol bathing ritual you can experience in Iceland. In terms of the best luxury vacations, the world’s top spa destinations will include India for Ayurvedic practices (the luxe hotels on the Imperial Rajasthan tour have you covered), Peru’s Inkaterra lodges for ancient medicinal treatments (Treasures of the Incas) and Cambodia and Laos for steam baths, meditation and massage (Inspiring Indochina).

10. Fabulous rail journeys

Taking the train will be a core part of the luxury experience in 2025, says Jenny – going on recent Globetrender reports of The Vietage train’s new experiences in Vietnam, and champagne catering on Belmond’s luxury trains in Singapore and Europe. Bucket-list rail experiences abound in Luxury Gold’s itineraries: from Switzerland’s mountain scenery aboard the Glacier Express to Norway’s Flam Railway and Japan’s iconic bullet trains, you can ride the rails in style on several continents.

Does 2025 mark a big milestone for you and your partner? If you’re searching for anniversary trip ideas to make sure you properly mark the occasion, you’re in the right place – whether you’re looking to spoil them with a luxurious weekend away or take the trip of a lifetime together, we’ve rounded up 21 locations that will help you feel the love wherever you are.  

Read on to discover the best anniversary vacation ideas for your next romantic trip away, from eco-retreats to wineries, secluded coasts and pristine beaches. 

Romantic anniversary trip ideas for 2025

Italy 

Speak the language of love as you immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds and tastes of Italy on our Ultimate Italy journey. Across 12 unforgettable days, you’ll get behind-the-scenes access at some of Italy’s most incredible locations, celebrating your anniversary with some of the finest Italian food. Get a little zesty with lemon granita and a meal at the Michelin-starred Le Monzù in Capri, sample local wine with vineyard owners, and savor decadent gelato with a World Champion Gelato maestro. Taste truffle-infused cured meats and olive oils in Umbria, and even learn how to roll pasta by hand with a professional Italian chef in Tuscany. You’ll take home memories of delicious meals shared, and maybe a tip or two on how to recreate the Italian magic at home. 

Experience it on: Ultimate Italy

England 

Many a romantic story has been set in England, likely because the country’s charm has a certain quaintness about it. Perhaps it’s the winding country roads, architecture steeped in history, or the prestige of the Royal Family. On our British Royale journey, you’ll even visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Let the “marriage of true minds” meet in Stratford-upon-Avon as you visit the bard’s home, and amble through the Tudor cottages and medieval buildings that line the cobbled streets. Continue your next chapter in the Lake District, where you’ll stay in the five-star Grand Hotel & Spa. 

Experience it on: British Royale

France 

When it comes to anniversary trip ideas Paris is always up at the top, why not make 2025 the year you explore outside of the French capital? On Luxury Gold’s Ultimate Southern France tour, you’ll spend your romantic vacation soaking up the 1950s glamour of St. Tropez as you dine at La Magdeleine for a Michelin Star meal. From private concerts to accompany dinner to a chauffeur-driven ride in a vintage car through the countryside to an acclaimed winery for a private tour, and even stay in a luxurious hotel built within the medieval walls of Carcassonne. France knows how to do romance wherever you are in the country, and with Luxury Gold you’ll see it all. 

Experience it on: Ultimate Southern France

Red Rock, Arizona

Imagine an anniversary trip filled with hot air balloons, hiking, and unforgettable natural beauty. If that sounds like the way you want to spend your romantic holiday, then head to Red Rock national park, Arizona. You can see the namesake geology either on horseback, on foot, or on a hot air balloon ride (which has to be the frontrunner if you’re looking to make an impression). Let nature do the talking as you watch the sun set over these incredible rock formations. 

Related reading: The 30 Most Beautiful Places in the World You Need to Visit

Fiji 

Treat your partner to the beach vacation of dreams with a romantic trip to Fiji, a tropical island paradise. You can let your worries float away amidst the beautiful beaches, private island resorts, award-winning hotels and sensational cuisine. There are ample opportunities to create memories on these islands, from a beach picnic to scenic flights over the archipelago, or venturing out to swim beneath the waterfalls. 

Prague 

Perhaps not top of the list of anniversary trip ideas, Prague shouldn’t be overlooked – the City of Spires, is one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Dive into its history as you begin Luxury Gold’s Harmony of Central Europe tour in the capital of the Czech Republic, immersing yourself in the architecture and atmosphere of Prague Castle as a Local Expert takes you through its thousand-year history. Head back to your hotel, the ornately-decorated Neo-Renaissance NH Collection Prague Carlo IV or take a romantic moment across the iconic Charles Bridge, where countless proposals have taken place. 

Experience it on: Harmony of Central Europe

Hawaii 

Forget about choosing between beachside relaxation, lush natural landscapes, and active adventures – an anniversary trip to Hawaii has it all. Embrace your adventurous side together with a trip to the active Kīlauea volcano, or seclude yourself in a luxury hotel with a private pool. Have romantic dinners by the ocean, take a boat out at sunset, and relax in one of Big Island’s many hot springs. 

Related reading: Skip The Jacuzzi and Brave the Ice Bath: Industry Insider Joanna Moran Reveals Her Top Spa Secrets

Banff, Canada 

The azure lakes, glaciers, mountains, and alpine meadows of Banff make a scenic backdrop for any occasion, but particularly for an anniversary trip. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest national park, the perfect place to reconnect with nature – and each other. Journey with Luxury Gold’s Majesty of the Rockies tour and stay at the 5-star Fairmont Banff Springs Resort nestled deep within the park, and ride the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird’s eye view of the Rockies. As you unwind to the calming sounds of rushing waterfalls and bubbling mineral pools with spa treatments, take a deep breath, then let the scenery take your breath away. 

Experience it on: Majesty of the Rockies

Kyoto, Japan 

Kyoto is certainly one of Japan’s most romantic cities, with its atmospheric streets, numerous temples, and cherry tree-lined canals. Travel on Luxury Gold’s Majestic Japan journey and see one of the country’s most sought-after sights: the Geisha. You’ll witness a performance by a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, skilled in the art of classical dance and entertainment, as you savor traditional Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine. Marvel at stunning temples, and take a quiet stroll together through a grove of bamboo and maple trees. 

Experience it on: Majestic Japan

The Maldives 

As far as romantic resorts go, the Maldives has got to take the cake. There are over 1,000 islands, and there are numerous luxurious hotels to choose from. This tropical island paradise has everything you’ll need for a secluded, mindful anniversary trip; private villas, secluded beaches, and dinners on the beach. In the day, there are colorful coral reefs to explore, diving excursions for the more adventurous, and spa treatments to unwind with. 

Isle of Skye, Scotland 

Let your love run wild with an anniversary trip to rural Scotland, where you’ll find some of the most remote landscapes in the world. Feel like you’re on the edge of the world on Isle of Skye, where you can try oysters straight from the sea. Brave a dip in the Fairy Pools, a series of natural pools and waterfalls at the foot of the Cuillin mountains, and take long, romantic walks along the island’s rugged coastline. 

Australia 

There’s so much to explore across Australia, you won’t be short of anniversary trip ideas in this diverse country. Whether you want a wild trip into the Outback or a city trip to Sydney, you can see the breadth of Australia’s beauty on Luxury Gold’s Inspiring Australia journey. Make romantic memories as you watch the colorful sunset and sunrise over Uluru, experience the magical sound of the digeridoo, visit (and taste) Australia’s wine region, and cruise around Sydney harbor.  

Experience it on: Inspiring Australia 

South Africa 

Celebrate your anniversary with a walk on the wild side: a South African safari. On Luxury Gold’s Spectacular South Africa tour, you’ll head to Kruger National Park, staying in a luxury suite in the Lion Sands Lodge where you can glimpse wildlife from your deck, and relax in your plunge pool after each exciting day. But you won’t need to search for the Big 5 from your room – you’ll venture deep into the heart of one of the world’s largest game reserves on a thrilling three-day safari, experiencing six game drives in a private, open-air safari vehicle as you lay eyes on lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and more. Finish your stay here with dinner under the stars of the Kruger sky, courtesy of Lion Sands’ expert chefs.  

Experience it on: Spectacular South Africa

Amsterdam 

Spend your anniversary walking and cycling through the charming streets of Amsterdam, a city that often gets left out of the conversation when it comes to anniversary trip ideas within Europe. With its cosmopolitan cafes and magical art history, you can take things slow here. Take a canal boat at sunset and see the city from the water, or book your trip during tulip season (between March and May) to witness the colorful flowers in full bloom. You can spend your time wandering the streets and admiring Amsterdam’s quirky architecture, or sitting by the canal with a celebratory spritz in hand. 

Maine, New England 

Discover the craggy coastlines and secluded beaches on your anniversary trip to Maine, one of the best couple vacations in the U.S. thanks to its slow pace and calm nature. Nature plays a big part in what makes Maine special, with it beaches, mountains, and vistas. Watch the sun go down behind a picturesque lighthouse, and celebrate your anniversary with an unforgettable meal – Maine balances being a quiet coastal retreat and a culinary destination. It goes without saying you need to try the famous Maine lobster, known for their sweeter taste.

California  

What better way to toast to your anniversary than with a glass of something delicious? Head to California’s Wine Country in the northern San Francisco Bay Area and travel through the rolling hills, brimming with vineyards. It’s not just wine that draws couples here, but luxury hotels, Michelin star restaurants, and unique architecture across the region. You’ll come home with newfound wine knowledge, rose-tinted memories, and a bottle of something special to remember your anniversary trip with. 

Bavaria, Germany 

The land of fairytale castles, Bavaria is the place to treat your partner like royalty. Based in southwestern Germany, you’re spoilt for views in Bavaria with its countless castles and stunning natural scenery. You can tour famous castles like Neuschwanstein, or take it one step further and stay in one of the several historic castles that have been converted into hotels. Make sure to mark your anniversary by taking the Romantic Road, a route between Würzburg and Füssen that can be driven in 1-2 days, passing iconic castles and sparkling lakes, winding through Franconia’s wine country and Bavaria’s beer territory against a picturesque backdrop of the Alps. 

Norway 

Escape to one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world for your anniversary: the Norwegian fjords. Stay in the heart of Geiranger on Luxury Gold’s Timeless Scandinavia journey – as you gaze at the magnificent fjords and mountains from your room at the Hotel Union Geiranger, you’ll hardly want to leave your hotel. But it’ll be worth it for one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world on the Flåm railway, taking you 866 meters up the mountainside, weaving in and out of tunnels and past dramatic waterfalls.  

Experience it on: Timeless Scandinavia

New York City

Want to indulge in a weekend of culture and curiosity? Take your partner on an adventure to New York City, where you can wander round world-famous art galleries during the day, and toast in award-winning restaurants and rooftop bars by night. Visit some of the city’s most iconic destinations as you walk through Central Park, go shopping on Fifth Avenue, catch a show on Broadway, and take your time through the halls of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Go big for your anniversary in the Big Apple! 

Lima, Peru 

If food is your love language, then look no further for anniversary trip ideas – head to Lima, Peru’s capital city, a stop on Luxury Gold’s Treasures of the Incas journey. Dine on the country’s specialty, ceviche, in one of Lima’s 30 Michelin star restaurants, and cheers to the occasion with pisco sours. When you’re not sampling the city’s gastronomic delights, head to Parque del Amor (Love Park) for unparalleled Pacific Ocean views, and make sure to stock up on Peruvian chocolate to surprise your partner with on your special day.  

Experience it on: Treasures of the Incas

New Zealand 

Journey to New Zealand on Luxury Gold’s Southern Drift tour, and lose yourself (but connect with each other) during your stay at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat. This 5-star haven is surrounded by pristine wilderness, combining New Zealand’s wild landscapes with impeccable luxury. You’ll feel also though you’re the only guests in this boutique hotel, with mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, and coastline on you doorstep should you wish to venture out. 

Experience it on: Southern Drift

Plan your perfect anniversary with a Luxury Gold journey – where will you celebrate?

The best luxury resorts in the world are of course glorious places to stay, but there is so much more to them than their guest rooms – they’re gateways to destinations, and they’re entire destinations in themselves. Whether they happen to be located in the middle of national parks, private white sand beaches, wine country, ski slopes, cities or small towns, they tell a unique story about their place. Here are 10 of our favorites right now.

For billabong swims and hammock time: Silky Oaks Lodge, Queensland

Forty ‘treehouses’ sit snugly in the world’s oldest living rainforest, surrounded by fronds and vines, ferns and mosses. It’s hard not to think of Eden as you lie in your hammock following a dazzling blue Ulysses butterfly or a chattering of palm cockatoos with your eyes. Guests have the chance to learn about the Indigenous culture of the local Kuku Yalanji people who have lived in the Daintree Rainforest continuously, and have a deep connection with it.

 

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For tranquility and connecting with nature: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel

In the mountains of north Japan, this tranquil ryokan is the only resort built on the shore of the Orase Gorge, part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, a protected area teeming with lushness: beech, katsura and Japanese horse chestnut trees, plus over 300 species of moss. Rooms overlook the stream and waterfalls; it’s an unparallelled vantage point for witnessing the changing seasons. Lots of significance is placed on the onsen experience in the hot springs from Mount Hakkoda – the concept behind the resort is “Keiru slow living”. Stay here on our Majestic Japan journey. 

For sumptuous living in the city: The Leela Palace, Chennai

One of the best luxury resorts on our Essence of India journey, this is almost five acres of sheer opulence and romance where the Bay of Bengal meets the Adyar river. There are brunches fit for royalty, sea-view sundowners, marble corridors, chandeliers and silk ruching wherever you look, even a cake shop, whose counters are filled with handcrafted macarons, chocolates and cheesecakes. Rooms and suites are haven-like, golden and glorious but it’s worth tearing yourself out of them to lounge by the enormous pool. 

 

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For icon status in the great Canadian outdoors: Fairmont Banff Springs

Known as Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies” this world-famous resort with its steep copper roofs, dormers and gables, is located in the majestic Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides absurd levels of beauty and various walking trails, the park itself offers opportunities for horseback riding, rock climbing, biking, glacier walking and skiing. On the resort itself, there’s a 27-hole championship golf course and an award-winning spa, not to mention wildflower cocktails in the timeless Rundle Bar. 

Stay here on our Majesty of the Rockies journey.

 

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For serenity (and celebrity) by the beach: Copacabana Palace, Rio

As far as world class locations go, Copacabana Beach is hard to beat. This imposing white Carrara marble icon has been in situ since 1923, when French architect Joseph Gire took influence from the Negresco in Nice and the Carlton in Cannes. Since then, celebrities passing through have included Walt Disney, Brigitte Bardot, Princess Diana and Madonna. Away from the high energy of the beach and the city streets, the interiors offer soothing white linens, mahogany furnishings and arguably the best balconies in the world. 

This hotel is on our Classic South America journey.

 

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For Tuscan frescoes and flowers: Four Seasons Firenze

This is an urban retreat of Florentine proportions, housed across the 15th-century Palazzo della Gherardesca and the 16th-century convent, La Villa. The creamy interiors feature frescoes, paintings and sculptures, plus elaborate floral displays and golden light seemingly sent from the heavens. The Renaissance theme continues through the Michelin star restaurant, wine cellar and into the relaxation center, with its ancient Italian spa treatments and garden-based yoga. All a 15-minute walk from the Duomo.  

For English charm and Swiss hospitality: Hotel d’Angleterre, Geneva

On the shore of the glittering Lake Geneva, the Angleterre is a grand old dame to behold, but – as one of the best luxury resorts in the world – it’s also more intimate than you might expect. No two rooms are the same – there’s masterful quilting and upholstery, with playfulness coming through in the occasional leopard print cushion, striped drape, silk-covered wall or original Miró sketch. There’s afternoon tea, of course, plus decanters of port, cognac and whisky. It’s a masterclass in refined luxury, and it’s best enjoyed as part of Majestic Switzerland. 

For easy living in The Big Easy: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

At the edge of the French quarter, the swish Maison Blanche building which occupies a whole city block is a retreat from the hubbub, but a very assuredly New Orleanian one. After a dinner of farm-to-table Louisiana cuisine (blue crab beignets, seafood gumbo, shrimp and grits), guests can listen to jazz musician Jeremy Davenport playing the lounge named after him, while sipping Davenportinis. It’s always a joyful stop on our Southern Grace journey. The spaces are ritzy and glamorous – lots of black leather and velvet.

 

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For untouchable private island solitude: Song Saa, Cambodia

This is the kind of unfathomable paradise we couldn’t not put on a list of the best luxury resorts. On Cambodia’s Koh Rong Archipelago, 45 minutes by speedboat from Sihanoukville, Song Saa is arranged across two small islands. It’s got everything you’d expect – palm-thatched villas with four-poster beds and sea-view plunge pools and an open-air spa made up of various pavilions, and plenty you’d never dreamed of too (it’s surprisingly family-friendly!). The owners are committed to the environment – they’ve set up a marine reserve and employ conservation staff.

For stylish safaris with heart: Londolozi, South Africa

In the Sabi Sand Game Reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park, Londolozi is all for healing the land. The Varty family behind it believe it “should inspire a desire to live in deeper connection with each other and the natural world”. Each of the exquisite camps tells a story – the Founders camp honors the past, Tree Camp is lantern-lit, and sanctuary-like, and Varty Camp is the heart and soul – it’s been hosting family-friendly campfires for over 100 years. The rooms and suites are richly layered under thatched roofs, each with expansive decks on which to do yoga, bathe or sip champagne.

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