With evolving trends adding a new dimension to stylish and memorable getaways, 2025 is redefining the luxury travellandscape, and as experienced travellers become harder and harder to impress, the desire for unique experiences that blend comfort, exclusivity, and a deep connection with their destination at an all-time high.
Natural beauty and first-class amenities are still considered as important as ever, but now, it’s all about upping the ante with personalised experiences to ensure that every trip is entirely unique – and that it provides opportunities to create some truly show-stopping content for your Instagram feed, too.
Here, we take a look at some of the most exquisite and Insta-worthy spots across the globe to consider for your luxury trips this year, with each offering the chance to enjoy a thoroughly memorable escape that is tailored just to you and leave with breath-taking photos and videos that perfectly capture the experience.
1. Lake Como
If you’re looking for a destination where you can immerse yourself in classical charm and contemporary luxury then the spectacular Lake Como is just a short flight away, and offers an idyllic escape that is sure to be steeped in opulence. This picturesque area is located at the base of the Italian Alps, and the villas, gardens, and panoramas of Lake Como make it easily one of the best places to travel if you’re looking to create some beautiful photos for your social media feeds this summer.
Check in at a choice of historic five star hotels, with their timeless elegance and sophisticated architecture, and enjoy modern amenities and impeccable service throughout. Taking a private boat tour that visits secluded spots and hidden artistic treasures around the lake is a must and will guarantee some stand-out photo opportunities – all you need is a simple iPhone photo editing app to make a few small tweaks and you’ll have an incredible set of images will almost certainly boost engagement on your carefully curated Instagram feed.
Tailored art and history tours and exclusive cooking classes in which esteemed Italian chefs share secrets of Lombard cuisine are all great ways to spend your time whilst visiting the region. Gastronomy plays a significant role in the Lake Como experience, and its Michelin-starred restaurants offer menus that creatively fuse local flavours with international cuisines – but be sure to book your table well in advance to ensure you don’t miss your chance to dine.
2. Bora Bora
This awe-inspiring island in French Polynesia has become a dream destination thanks to its cyan lagoons, lavish overwater bungalows, and stunning natural landscapes. Private villas and personal pools emphasise Bora Bora’s luxury credentials, where the priority is to provide visitors with privacy and comfort. Customised travel experiences include private boat tours, sunset cruises, and curated dining to make your journey special.
If you’re seeking tranquility and relaxation, this island is a perfect choice. Bora Bora’s globally renowned spas use natural Polynesian ingredients to offer rejuvenating treatments for body, mind and soul, while snorkeling and diving in the coral gardens are an unmissable pastime for adventure seekers preferring active rest.
The island aligns perfectly with the current luxury travel trends towards eco-friendliness and sustainability, with resorts actively utilising renewable energy sources and supporting local communities without compromising comfort.
And best of all, you won’t even need to add filters to the photos and videos you capture here, because the water really is that blue, and the sand that white. A simply stunning destination that promises to add a touch of the ‘wow’ factor to your Instagram feed.
3. The Seychelles
Found in the Indian Ocean, around 1,000 miles off the coast of East Africa, this impressive archipelago of 115 islands is a great option for tourists seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern daily life, and offers pristine natural beauty, sophisticated resorts and private islands that blend stylish design with untouched natural surroundings to provide an immersive and dream-like experience. The beaches are powdery white, and the glittering stars at night offer the chance to create some stunning travel photography compositions. An image sharpener is a great tool to have up your sleeve for creating crisp pictures in challenging illumination conditions, so be sure to download one before you go.
Daring explorers can venture into verdant tropical jungles or plunge into clear waters to witness extensive coral reefs that are teeming with colourful marine life – while participating in wildlife preservation activities can make your luxury holiday both more interesting and meaningful.
Foodies, meanwhile, will find the unique culinary experiences here a delight. A medley of French, African, and Asian influences creates a smorgasbord of flavours, and with private beach dinners offering the perfect chance to enjoy freshly caught seafood and world-class Creole fare, they’re certain to be a highlight.
4. Queenstown
New Zealand is a great choice for experienced travellers looking for niche, unexplored destinations. Queenstown particularly appeals to extreme sports fans who do not want to compromise on opulence, and from bungee jumping and skydiving to heli-skiing, there are numerous opportunities to engage in adrenaline-fuelled bucket list experiences. If you’ve been practicing your action photography, then this is the perfect chance to put your newfound skills to good use, and the views of Lake Wakatipu and the rugged mountain ranges will serve as truly breath-taking backdrops.
The luxury lodges of Queenstown provide a tranquil retreat after an action-packed day, while their spas offer treatments that draw inspiration and ingredients from the local flora. Bespoke services tailored to every guest’s needs will ensure that your stay ticks all the right boxes for your ideal luxury escape – and with eco-conscious practices integral to Queenstown’s appeal, its sustainable properties will ensure the adventures you embark on here are as kind to the environment as they are thrilling.
5. Aspen
Located at the heart of the incredible, snow-peaked Rocky Mountains in Colorado in the USA, the picturesque town of Aspen provides the perfect setting for a tranquil, high-class escape, regardless of the time of the year. The mountains here attract thousands of ski lovers every winter, and with the best slopes and ski resorts in North America found here, it isn’t hard to understand why.
Aspen’s high-end ski lodges and boutique hotels provide ski-in, ski-out access, private instructors, and bespoke après-ski experiences. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and fly fishing in pristine blue rivers, making Aspen a fantastic summer holiday destination for tourists who enjoy active rest. Events like the Aspen Music Festival and the Food and Wine Classic are likely to add depth to your travels, making your summer vacation more enlightening and enriching – and helping your Instagram feed to stand out at a time of year where sun-soaked beach photos are often all there is to see.
