From remote lodges in Australia to overwater retreats in the Maldives, travellers in 2025 are seeking out destinations that deliver meaningful, experience-led escapes. According to tailor made tour operator Love to Explore, travellers ages and hotels in exceptional locations “such as the Baillie Lodges in Australia” says Ludo Bennett-Jones, Founder of Love to Explore.
“It’s no longer just about ticking boxes – it’s about where you stay, what you do, and how you feel while you’re there. Whether that’s a private game reserve in Kenya or a design-led eco-lodge in Australia, travellers are choosing experiences that leave a lasting impression.”
“Shoulder season bookings are on the rise; in fact we have seen that 28% of trips booked are during these seasons so far in 2025” says Ludo. “Recently, travellers have proven to be open to visiting the Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives and Vietnam, during their shoulder seasons which has been an interesting change in travel habits.”
“We’ve seen a real shift towards destinations that offer something out of the ordinary. This year we have noticed an increase in booking enquiries for lod seen that 28% of trips booked are during these seasons so far in 2025” says Ludo. “Recently, travellers have proven to be open to visiting the Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives and Vietnam, during their shoulder seasons which has been an interesting change in travel habits.”
Reflecting this evolving appetite for memorable travel, Love to Explore has expanded its portfolio with a curated collection called ‘Beyond Our Core Destinations’. This selection introduces discerning travellers to extraordinary experiences including a variety of destinations such as Australia, Southeast Asia, Spain, and Greece all regions that combine deep cultural heritage, natural beauty, and exceptional hospitality.
Below, Love to Explore highlights some of the most in-demand destinations right now and why they’re resonating with travellers.
Australia: Design-forward lodges and bucket-list landscapes
Australia has topped Love to Explore’s booking charts for 2025, with it accounting for 15% of their revenue this year, despite only being launched earlier this year. This surge of interest is driven in part by the Ashes cricket tour which will take place this November. But it’s the country’s new wave of experiential hospitality that’s really drawing travellers in. High on the list are the iconic properties in the Baillie Lodges collection—each one rooted in its environment, and each offering something that feels entirely singular. Guests at Longitude 131° wake up to views of Uluru from their tented pavilion; at Southern Ocean Lodge, the wild cliffs of Kangaroo Island stretch endlessly beyond floor-to-ceiling windows. Meanwhile, Silky Oaks Lodge offers a gateway to the Daintree Rainforest where opulence meets biodiversity.
What is happening in Australia in 2025? Why now? This year will see a whole host of cultural activities in Australia such as the Ashes, which is taking place from 21st November to 21st December, and the highly anticipated Australian Open tennis tournament which takes place in early January 2026.
How: From £15,125 pp for a 15 night trip to Australia, visiting Sydney, Canberra and Tasmania. This includes international and domestic flights, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, excursions and transfers.
Southeast Asia: Vietnam’s rise in popularity continues
Vietnam is fast becoming one of 2025’s most talked-about destinations with an increase of 70% in google searches for tours in Vietnam (Google Trends). With its layered history, extraordinary cuisine, and surreal coastlines, travellers are combining city discovery with a sandy escape. Travellers are pairing Hanoi and Hoi An with beach time in Da Nang or Ninh Van Bay, or venturing north to the rice terraces of Sapa. Upscale accommodation, from heritage hotels to modern wellness retreats is making Vietnam especially attractive to both first-time visitors and returning travellers looking to explore on a deeper level.
Why Vietnam is the hotspot in Southeast Asia in 2025? The White Lotus effect fuels interest in cinematic escapes. With a surge in interest inspired by the “White Lotus effect” a trend toward setjetting. This year includes the Mid-Autumn Festival on 6 October, a beloved national holiday where streets come alive with lanterns, lion dances, and mooncakes, offering a window into Vietnam’s enduring traditions.
How: Prices start from £7,500 pp for a 15 night itinerary through Vietnam, visiting Hanoi, Tu Le, Mu Chang Chai, Hoi Anm Saigon and including an overnight cruise in Halong Bay. Prices include international flights, accommodation, excursions and transfers.
The Indian Ocean: Iconic islands, renewed interest
Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Maldives remain as desirable as ever—particularly for honeymooners and couples marking milestone moments. These aren’t simply beach holidays; they are thoughtfully curated escapes where privacy, wellness, and personalised service take centre stage. In the Maldives, Constance Halaveli offers overwater villas with private plunge pools and a wine cellar boasting 22,000 bottles, delivering elevated travel. Over in the Seychelles, Constance Lemuria is tucked between three pristine beaches on Praslin Island, seamlessly blending natural beauty with comfort and seclusion. And although technically outside the Indian Ocean, The Brando in French Polynesia continues to capture the imagination, an all-inclusive, sustainable private island once owned by Marlon Brando, known for its ultra-luxe villas and pioneering zero-impact ethos.
Why is the Indian Ocean still a trending destination? With the resurgence of interest in conscious disconnection and post-pandemic interest in nature-led and restorative travel, the Indian Ocean resorts are responding by offering device-free zones, wellness retreats, and immersive nature experiences that encourage a break from constant connectivity.
How: Prices start from £4,100pp for shoulder season travel for this Seychelles Island hopping itinerary that includes Lemuria.
Spain: Cultural Charm with a contemporary edge
From vibrant cities to rustic countryside retreats, Spain continues to captivate travellers looking for culture, cuisine, and coastal charm. Interest has surged in Andalusia, Mallorca, and the Basque Country, where historic towns and world-class food offer more than just a beach break. In Seville, travellers fall for the romantic rhythms of flamenco and orange-scented plazas, while Mallorca’s boutique fincas provide serene experiences amid olive groves and vineyards. In the Basque Country, guests can combine Guggenheim visits with Michelin-starred dining in San Sebastián.
Why will Spain remain the cultural hotspot in 2025? Seen as the cultural hub of Europe, Spain continues to grow in popularity, particularly during the shoulder seasons. As tourism surges in the peak summer months, more travellers are opting to visit in the off-peak periods, seeking the same enriching experiences while avoiding the crowds and helping to reduce overtourism.
How: Prices starting from £3,125pp for a 3 night stay at Lasala Plaza Hotel on a bed and breakfast meal plan (San Sebastien), international flights and transfers
Greece: Idyllic islands and authentic escapes
Whether it’s the postcard-perfect Cyclades, the unspoiled beauty of Crete, or the slower pace of Naxos and Paros, Greece remains a top choice for travellers seeking authenticity and charm. Demand is growing for island-hopping itineraries and lesser-known spots. On Santorini, cliffside suites offer incredible sunset views, while Crete balances natural wonders with mythological intrigue. For something quieter, Naxos and Paros welcome guests with golden beaches, local tavernas, and a deep sense of heritage.
Why now? Greece has seen an increase in accessibility with increased direct flight routes, airlines such as Jet2holidays continue to expand seasonal and regional connections across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, making even the smaller islands more accessible than ever.
How: Rates start from £2,590 pp for a 10 night stay in Rhodes, including international flights, domestic transfers and accommodation on a half board basis.
For more information, visit: www.lovetoexplore.com
