From emotional healing to culinary adventures and remote rail journeys, discover the defining luxury travel trends of 2025.
Lightfoot's latest insights reveal a more intentional, reflective traveller; someone seeking not just destinations, but connections and lasting transformation. Travel is now about more than where you go — it’s about why. We've identified the shifts shaping the luxury landscape, from regenerative travel and immersive wellness to the reawakening of China and the rise of slow journeys. Here’s what’s inspiring discerning explorers in the year ahead.
Timing
is Everything
Travellers are becoming more conscious of when they travel — not just where. Think dawn temple visits in Cambodia or midnight glacier cruises in Norway. Night time is no longer downtime. “Cool-cations” to polar or alpine climates are also surging as luxury travellers seek fresh air, quiet beauty — and a break from the heat.
Generational
Shifts
Younger generations are redefining luxury with a focus on authenticity, sustainability and story. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are shaping travel dreams through anime, adventure and social media. At Lightfoot, we design multi-gen journeys that feel personal — from Costa Rican eco-retreats to pop-culture pilgrimages in Japan — ensuring every generation is inspired.
Travel
as Therapy
Luxury travel is becoming a vehicle for healing. In 2025, journeys are designed to create space — not just escape. At Aerial BVI in the British Virgin Islands, guests experience equine therapy, guided introspection and purpose-led retreats that gently nudge emotional breakthroughs. Elsewhere, slow safaris and spiritual pilgrimages offer deep perspective.
Travel
by Taste
Food is a lens on culture, and travellers are digging deeper. In Bolivia, chefs are reviving indigenous ingredients — amaranth, aji, wild tubers — in poetic, place-rooted cuisine. Paired with Explora's new journey through the Uyuni Salt Flats, it’s a flavourful dive into heritage, nature and soul. 2025 also marks Bolivia’s bicentennial.
The Rise of
Rail and Sail
Slow journeys are having a moment. On land, the Belmond Britannic Explorer revives rail elegance across the UK, and Vietnam’s first luxury train, Vietnam Luxury Express, brings nostalgic charm to the Mekong. On water, Rascal Voyages sails Wakatobi’s reefs, Aqua heads to Tanzania, and Seas4Life links marine science with purposeful liveaboard luxury.
Asia's
Luxury Newcomers
Asia is bursting with beautiful new addresses. Park Hyatt Tokyo reopens with cinematic flair, India’s Oberoi launches Rajgarh and Vindhyavilas, and Sri Lanka’s Kalkudah Beach House embraces coastal charm. Vietnam’s Namia River Retreat charms near Hoi An, while NIHI is launching on Rote Island, and Aman unveils exciting Maldives plans.
Europe's
Fresh Finds
Europe is in bloom. Milan is set to welcome Six Senses, Amsterdam hosts Rosewood, and Corinthia Bucharest joins the scene with grandeur and grace. In Austria, Mandarin Oriental Vienna offers refined elegance, while Airelles Venice brings classic romance to the lagoon. For something quieter, Château de la Commaraine in Burgundy offers wine-country charm with heritage appeal.
China
Rediscovered
China is back — with a 173% rise in inbound travel. Visa-free access, simplified payments and generous tax refunds are drawing visitors to its temples, trails and teahouses. Now is the perfect time to return — to wander the walls, taste the tea, and see this vast, complex country in a new light.
Adventure
with Purpose
Adventure is evolving — less adrenaline, more intention. Travellers are hiking Patagonia or cycling ancient routes through Italy and Spain, finding clarity in challenge. Natural spectacles — solar eclipses in Chile, whale sharks in Western Australia — offer wonder with a sense of place, and perspective. It’s about awe, not just activity.
Tranquil
and Transformative
The new luxury? Stillness. Places like Bhutan, Slovenia and Uruguay are calling with calm landscapes and slow rhythms. And people aren’t just visiting — they’re returning. Travellers are deepening bonds with communities, contributing to conservation, and valuing connection over conquest. This is travel that gives back — and leaves space to exhale.
Inspired? Contact your Lightfoot Travel consultant about crafting your own transformative journey in 2025. Let us guide you to the destinations and experiences that will move you most.
Photography credits: Image 1 & 11 Canva, Image 2, Image 3, 5, 9 & 10 Unsplash, Image 4 Aerial BVI, Image 6 Belmond, Image 7 Aman, Image 8 Corinthia
Let us plan your
bespoke adventure
Lightfoot Travel creates tailormade itineraries throughout the world. Get in touch to plan you bespoke adventure.
Enquire Now
