For our overview of some of the most exciting travel destinations for 2025 we wanted to concentrate on five that are very much evolving. Offering an incredible mix of culture, natural beauty and diverse landscapes, they are already on the radar of many discerning travellers. Which one will you choose?
Zanzibar
You might think that Zanzibar is one big island, but the Zanzibar Archipelago, located off the eastern coast of Africa some 20 miles from mainland Tanzania, is actually comprised of some 40 different islands. These are spearheaded by Unguja, a mesmerising combination of beautiful powdery white-sand beaches, verdant forests and mysterious mangrove swamps. On the west coast you will find the beautifully preserved UNESCO-protected capital, Stone Town, while tours of vanilla, nutmeg and black pepper plantations will reveal why the entire archipelago is nicknamed ‘The Spice Islands’. 2024 saw the launch of a number of luxury resort hotels and 2025 promises more of the same. Opening its doors on 1 May 2025 is Jaz Aurora, a luxurious 5-star beach resort boasting 346 elegant guest rooms, unparalleled dining experiences and a wide array of activities.
Kazakhstan
Extending from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains at its eastern border with China and Russia, Kazakhstan is a must-visit for those looking for an unspoilt destination full of diverse landscapes and rich history. Earning a spot in the 2025 Best in Travel ranking compiled by Lonely Planet, Kazakhstan has also been highlighted by the likes of Conde Nast Traveler and the New York Times. The more energetic will love the many hiking trails in Sairam-Ugam National Park, with its turquoise glacier lakes, waterfalls and magnificent gorges, whilst those in search of a culture fix should head to the old capital of Almaty. The Ritz-Carlton opened a hotel in Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital, in 2017 and many others have followed suit. In 2027 IHG Hotels & Resorts will open its first Vignette Collection in Almaty, becoming the brand’s second luxury hotel in Kazakhstan, joining InterContinental Almaty.
Greenland
In 2024, getting to Greenland, the world’s largest and least densely populated island, was a mammoth endeavour. In June 2025 transport links will improve considerably when Nuuk International Airport starts allowing larger aircraft to land, thereby setting the stage for direct flights from the US and Europe. On arrival visitors will find an intoxicating combination of majestic fjords, glaciers, midnight sun, dogsledding, fascinating indigenous Inuit culture and, of course, the legendary Northern Lights. Greenland might be tailormade for the adventurous traveller, but that doesn’t mean forfeiting all of life’s little luxuries. For several years now, Hotel Arctic has been consistently ranked the best place to stay on the island. Located at the base of an ice fjord (a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site) it offers amazing views of the Northern Lights between September and April, particularly from its seven new Aurora cabins with their floor-to-ceiling windows made of heated glass. Meanwhile, there are many options for those who want to visit as part of a cruise. Luxury cruise line Ponant offers new Greenland expeditions for 2025 aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship. (photo credit: Reinhard Pantke)
Armenia
Nestled in the Caucasus region, Armenia might not yet be at the top of most bucket lists, but don’t expect that to last for very much longer. From the lively capital of Yerevan, where you can find iconic spots like the Cascade Complex and the Matenadaran, to the beautiful shores of Lake Sevan, there is so much to see, do and savour. History enthusiasts will delight in the UNESCO-listed Geghard Monastery, which is carved into the cliffs, and the breathtaking Tatev Monastery, which overlooks the Vorotan Gorge. For nature lovers, there are varied landscapes to discover, from the lush forests of Dilijan National Park to the striking red cliffs of Vayots Dzor, where hiking, rock climbing and rafting are just some of the activities on offer.
Bolivia
Known as the “Tibet of the Americas”, Bolivia is home to the world’s highest capital city – and South America’s highest golf course (boasting a high tee point of 3,260m)! The country offers a unique combination of cultural richness and natural wonders, among them the Salar de Uyuni. The world’s largest salt flat, this vast expanse of white, glistening salt stretches across 10,582 kilometres of the Altiplano and can even be seen from space. Bolivia also provides an alternative base for exploring the Amazon rainforest with tours less crowded than those in Brazil. South America’s fifth-largest country also offers an array of incredible accommodation from dome tents under the stars to boutique hotels on the outskirts of busy La Paz.
