The Best Luxury Holiday Destinations in the World (2025 Edition)

Choosing where to go next has never been more exciting, especially when the world’s most desirable luxury holiday destinations are evolving faster than ever. Travellers in 2025 want more than five-star hotels. They want meaning, memory-making moments, and journeys shaped around their passions. From ultra-private islands and wellness sanctuaries to culture-rich cities and remote wilderness retreats, the very best places to travel this year promise indulgence with a deeper sense of place.

At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, we believe that extraordinary holidays begin long before you step on a plane. They start with inspiration — with imagining yourself somewhere breathtaking, somewhere that speaks to your idea of luxury. And as we look ahead to 2025, the world is bursting with possibilities.

Below, we reveal the best luxury holiday destinations for 2025 — each one curated for travellers who want beauty, authenticity, and unforgettable experiences. Where will your next story begin?

1: The Maldives – The Timeless Icon of Luxury Escape

Few luxury holiday destinations capture the imagination as instantly as the Maldives. With its luminous lagoons, barefoot-chic villas, and world-leading hospitality, this Indian Ocean paradise continues to set the standard for indulgence in 2025. Yet there is something refreshingly new about the Maldives today: sustainability. More resorts are investing in coral regeneration, eco-innovation, and community-driven experiences, allowing guests to enjoy paradise with purpose.

Why travellers love it in 2025

• Overwater villas designed with open-air living in mind
• Private-island resorts offering total seclusion
• Exceptional spas, wellness retreats, and marine-life encounters
• Fine-dining restaurants with world-class chefs
• Sustainability initiatives that enhance — not limit — the experience

Where to stay: Soneva Jani



Soneva Jani remains one of the world’s most recognisable luxury resorts — a floating dreamscape of whitewashed villas with slides, retractable roofs, and unparalleled lagoon views. Every villa includes a private pool, a dedicated butler, and intuitive service that makes life feel effortless. Dining focuses on seasonal, sustainable ingredients, and experiences range from overwater cinema nights to guided star-gazing sessions.

Guests return year after year because Soneva Jani understands what true luxury means: space, silence, nature, and service that feels personal rather than polished.

Explore more Maldives luxury offers with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel — your next island escape is just a conversation away.

2: Japan – A Journey of Culture, Comfort & Calm

Japan has long fascinated travellers, but in 2025 it shines as one of the most compelling luxury holiday destinations on earth. Here, ancient rituals blend with futuristic innovation. The result is a country that offers not only luxury but cultural immersion — refined, elegant, and endlessly surprising.

Why travellers love it in 2025

• Michelin-starred dining and outstanding culinary craftsmanship
• High-speed rail that makes multi-city journeys effortless
• Serene ryokans offering onsen baths and traditional hospitality
• Exceptional design hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
• Seasonal beauty — cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, winter festivals

Where to stay: Aman Kyoto

Hidden in a private forest at the foothills of Kyoto’s mountains, Aman Kyoto blends meditative tranquillity with exquisite design. Minimalist suites, soothing natural materials, and forest-view hot springs create a retreat that feels worlds away from the city. Dining is seasonal and thoughtful, while the spa draws inspiration from Japanese healing traditions.

Aman Kyoto is perfect for travellers who want luxury with soul — a place to slow down, reconnect, and experience Japan’s quiet magic.

As Japan continues to rise as one of the most exciting luxury holiday destinations, travellers in 2025 are seeking deeper, more intimate experiences that move beyond traditional sightseeing. The country rewards those who slow down, look closer, and embrace its contrasts — serenity beside skyscrapers, ancient rituals beside cutting-edge design. For travellers interested in the cultural significance of Japan’s heritage sites, the UNESCO World Heritage list offers valuable insight into the country’s most treasured landmarks.

One of the most compelling trends this year is the rise of wellness-led itineraries. Travellers are rediscovering Japan’s natural hot springs, forest bathing traditions, and meditative practices. In Hakone, private onsen suites overlook wooded valleys where mist rolls through the cedar trees at sunrise. In Kyushu, remote retreats introduce guests to centuries-old healing techniques, from herbal baths to shiatsu therapies inspired by samurai-era knowledge.

Food also sits at the heart of Japan’s luxury scene. Beyond Michelin dining, travellers are seeking intimate culinary immersion — private sushi masterclasses, tea-ceremony experiences in historic teahouses, and seasonal kaiseki menus prepared by chefs whose techniques have been passed down through generations. The beauty lies in the details: the quiet of a tatami room, the artistry of ceramics, the rhythm of each dish.

Adventure lovers will find just as much inspiration. Hokkaido’s winter wilderness offers dog-sledding, powder skiing, and stays in design-led lodges that pair Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Naoshima’s art island continues to enchant travellers drawn to contemporary museums tucked inside architectural masterpieces.

Japan is a country that turns the simple into the extraordinary. For travellers seeking authenticity, culture, and comfort, it remains a destination like no other.

Discover tailor-made Japan itineraries with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel — curated to match your pace, passions, and preferred level of indulgence.

3: South Africa – Safari Splendour Meets Coastal Luxury

South Africa stands apart as one of the most varied luxury holiday destinations in the world. In a single journey, you can experience world-class wine estates, dramatic coastlines, private Big Five safaris, and rich cultural encounters. In 2025, travellers are seeking more meaningful adventures, and South Africa delivers with depth, diversity, and impeccable hospitality. If South Africa’s wildlife and wilderness capture your imagination, explore our feature on Why South Africa’s Best Safari Lodges Offer the Ultimate Luxury Experience for deeper insight into its most extraordinary lodges.

Why travellers love it in 2025

• Exclusive private game reserves with expert guides
• Cape Town’s art, food, and wine scene
• Pristine beaches along the Garden Route
• Architectural boutique hotels and design-led lodges
• Wildlife conservation experiences

Where to stay: Singita Boulders Lodge

Located in the Sabi Sand Reserve, Singita Boulders Lodge is one of Africa’s most revered safari retreats. Suites are carved into the landscape with floor-to-ceiling glass that opens onto the riverbed, offering wildlife viewing without leaving your private plunge pool. Interiors mix organic materials and contemporary elegance, while service feels both heartfelt and intuitive.

Game drives here are exceptional, with sightings of leopards, lions, elephants, and more. Conservation is at the core of Singita’s philosophy, making every stay meaningful, responsible, and deeply luxurious.

Let Awake & Wander Luxury Travel craft a bespoke South Africa itinerary — from winelands to wildlife — designed around your dream travel style.

Island escapes have always been among the most aspirational luxury holiday destinations, but 2025 marks a shift in what travellers are seeking. While turquoise lagoons and palm-fringed beaches remain irresistible, luxury today means more than a beautiful view. It means privacy, connection, wellness, and the calm that comes from being surrounded by nature.

Across the world’s most exclusive islands — from the South Pacific to the Indian Ocean — resorts are elevating their experiences with tailored wellbeing programmes, private dining hidden in remote coves, and immersive activities that bring guests closer to the natural world. This evolution makes island holidays feel more personal and purposeful than ever.

A major trend shaping 2025 is the rise of “digital detox luxury.” Many travellers long for silence: the chance to switch off, reset, and reconnect with themselves or loved ones. Resorts now offer peaceful, tech-light spaces designed to help guests unwind — think open-air yoga pavilions, meditation gardens, and ocean-facing spas where the only soundtrack is the waves.

Families are also embracing island luxury more than ever. Multi-bedroom overwater villas, private butlers, and bespoke excursions make it easy to combine adventure with indulgence. Children can learn traditional crafts, explore coral reefs with marine biologists, or enjoy stargazing sessions under cloudless skies.

These island experiences remind us that luxury isn’t always grand — sometimes it’s simply the freedom to breathe deeply, slow down, and savour the moment. And for travellers in 2025, that sense of serenity is priceless. Travellers seeking tranquil island escapes may also enjoy our in-depth look at The Oberoi, Lombok — a serene alternative to classic beach destinations.

4: French Polynesia – Where Romance and Serenity Reign

For travellers who dream of faraway beauty, French Polynesia — especially Bora Bora and Moorea — remains one of the world’s most enchanting luxury holiday destinations. The colours alone feel unreal: turquoise lagoons, coral gardens, emerald volcanic peaks, and sunsets that ignite the horizon in gold and rose.

In 2025, more couples and families are choosing French Polynesia for slow, restorative holidays that put connection first.

Why travellers love it in 2025

• Iconic overwater villas with direct lagoon access
• Some of the clearest waters on earth for snorkelling and diving
• Exceptional privacy and wide-open space
• A deep sense of culture, from music to storytelling
• Opportunities for yacht charters and private-island picnics

Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora



A benchmark for barefoot luxury, Four Seasons Bora Bora combines immaculate service with stunning Polynesian design. Villas feature spacious decks, outdoor showers, and postcard-perfect views of Mount Otemanu. Guests enjoy private lagoon tours, rejuvenating spa rituals, and superb dining infused with Polynesian flavours.

It’s the ultimate setting for honeymooners, families, or anyone who wants a luxury escape that feels serene, soulful, and impossibly beautiful.

Browse our handpicked French Polynesia escapes with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel — your dream lagoon getaway awaits.

5: Italy – Eternal Beauty with Effortless Style

Italy remains one of the most beloved luxury holiday destinations because it understands a truth many places forget: luxury doesn’t need to be loud. It can be the warmth of a private vineyard tasting, the elegance of a lakeside villa, or the simple pleasure of a slow breakfast overlooking Tuscan hills. In 2025, Italy continues to inspire travellers seeking art, atmosphere, and timeless romance.

Why travellers love it in 2025

• World-class food and wine experiences
• Architectural masterpieces in every region
• Chic coastal escapes along the Amalfi Coast and Sardinia
• Iconic cities: Venice, Florence, Rome, Milan
• Wellness retreats in the Dolomites

Where to stay: Belmond Hotel Caruso, Amalfi Coast

Perched high above the coastline, Belmond Hotel Caruso is one of Italy’s most breathtaking retreats. The infinity pool alone is worth the journey — suspended between sky and sea. Rooms are elegant and light-filled, with views of lemon groves, cliffs, and the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea. Dining is exquisite, while private boat trips from nearby Amalfi or Positano make exploring a joy.

This is Italy at its most cinematic: romantic, indulgent, and unforgettable. For travellers drawn to Italy’s effortless blend of style and serenity, our guide to the Luxury French Riviera offers further inspiration on Europe’s most glamorous coastlines.

Ask Awake & Wander Luxury Travel to curate your perfect Italian journey — from art-filled cities to sun-soaked coastlines, all crafted around you.

Our Take:

"Luxury looks different for everyone — but the magic happens when a destination feels like it was chosen just for you"
– Awake & Wander Luxury Travel

Booking Protections: Your Luxury Holiday, Fully Safeguarded

When you book a journey to the world’s most extraordinary luxury holiday destinations, confidence is everything. Exceptional hotels, seamless itineraries and personalised experiences mean little unless your investment is safe. That’s why every holiday arranged with Awake & Wander Luxury Travel comes with complete financial and operational protection — a level of reassurance that elevates your entire experience from the moment you enquire.

As a UK-based independent agency, we provide full ATOL protection on all qualifying air-inclusive holidays and Supplier Failure Insurance as standard. Should an airline, hotel or travel partner experience difficulties, your money is safeguarded and your trip remains protected. There are no hidden conditions, no confusing clauses — just transparent security designed to give you peace of mind.

Our team works only with carefully vetted luxury partners across the globe, ensuring every element of your itinerary meets the highest safety, reliability and service standards. From private-island retreats to boutique city penthouses, from safari lodges to overwater villas, you can travel knowing each detail has been considered, confirmed and continuously monitored.

Because luxury isn’t only about where you stay — it’s also about how safe, supported and cared for you feel along the way.

With Awake & Wander, you’re not just booking a holiday.

You’re booking protection, expertise and total peace of mind.

Why Choose Awake & Wander Luxury Travel for Your 2025 Escape

Crafting a luxury holiday is far more than selecting a destination — it’s creating a journey that feels personal, effortless and deeply rewarding. At Awake & Wander Luxury Travel, we take the time to understand who you are as a traveller: what inspires you, what comforts you, and what kind of memories you want to bring home. Because where every journey begins with you, the experience becomes richer from the very first conversation.

Our specialists bring first-hand knowledge of the world’s most coveted luxury holiday destinations — from the calm of the Maldives to the culture of Japan, the wilderness of South Africa, the serenity of French Polynesia and the elegance of Italy. We’ve stayed in the suites we recommend, met the teams who deliver the service, and explored the experiences that make each place unforgettable. This insight allows us to design holidays that feel tailored, thoughtful and entirely unique.

When you travel with us, your journey is curated with meticulous care:

• Handpicked hotels and resorts chosen for quality, atmosphere and authenticity
• Bespoke itineraries shaped around your pace, passions and travel style
• Dedicated personal support from your first enquiry to your arrival home
• Full financial protection including ATOL and Supplier Failure Insurance
• Access to exclusive upgrades, experiences and insider moments that elevate every day of your trip

You deserve a holiday that feels crafted — not packaged.
One that combines luxury with ease, inspiration with reassurance.

To begin planning your 2025 escape, simply call our friendly team on 01495 400011, or use our quick online enquiry form to share your ideas. Prefer to explore options first? Our website’s intuitive holiday search tool helps you discover tailored itineraries and stays as unique as you are.

Wherever you choose to wander next, we’re here to make it unforgettable — beautifully designed, expertly protected, and entirely centred around you.

Frequently Asked Questions