Where To Travel To in 2025 is a question travels.edu.vn is ready to answer, providing insights into the most thrilling and culturally rich destinations. From bustling cities to serene natural landscapes, our guide helps you discover the ideal location for your next adventure, ensuring a memorable and seamless travel experience with expert advice and curated options. Consider exploring Napa Valley travel packages, wine tour experiences, and unique culinary destinations.
1. For Big City Thrills
1.1 Detroit
After hosting nearly 800,000 people for the 2024 NFL Draft, Detroit is poised to impress even more in 2025. Adaptive-reuse projects are revitalizing neighborhoods, bringing a new sense of energy to the city. Mayor Mike Duggan notes, “It really is a magical time in Detroit right now, and we hope people will come to check it out for themselves.” The reimagined Book Tower downtown features a Roost hotel, Kamper’s Basque tapas bar, and high-end restaurants. According to Dan Gilbert, founder of Bedrock, “Detroit is growing faster than ever with creativity, talent, innovation, and opportunity.” General Motors is investing in Hudson’s, a mixed-use development designed by Shop Architects and Hamilton Anderson Associates, which will house the automaker’s global headquarters and a forthcoming Edition hotel. Ford’s $1 billion investment has transformed Michigan Central into an innovation hub in the Corktown neighborhood.
1.2 Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China
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Foreign travelers are returning to Hong Kong, discovering new cultural attractions, refreshed luxury hotels, and advanced infrastructure. The Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour has seen significant upgrades, including the West Kowloon Cultural District, home to Art Park, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and the M+ contemporary gallery. K11 Musea houses the flagship Rosewood Hong Kong, and the Regent Hong Kong has been newly refurbished. Hopewell and Southside by Ovolo are among the large hotels opening on Hong Kong Island in 2025. High-speed trains connect to Shanghai and Beijing, and many residents visit nearby Shenzhen. According to Discover Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a modern metropolis known for its beaches and mountain views.
1.3 Marrakesh
United Airlines’ new nonstop flight between Newark, New Jersey, and Marrakesh provides U.S. travelers with direct access to this Moroccan city. Stefanie Schmudde of Abercrombie & Kent notes that the new flight will make access much, much easier. New hotels like the Park Hyatt and the newly refurbished Four Seasons Resort are also reasons to visit. Other notable stays include the Oberoi, Rosemary, and the Nobu Hotel Marrakech Riad. The Selman Marrakech, voted the No. 5 hotel in the world by T+L readers, will soon feature a high-end restaurant in partnership with Jean-François Piège.
1.4 Portland
Portland has long attracted outdoor enthusiasts with its parks, the Willamette River, and multiuse trails. Biking has increased by 5 percent since 2022, according to the Portland Bureau of Transportation. New attractions include Cascada, Portland’s first underground thermal springs spa and eco-hotel, which opened in late 2024. A $111 million renovation of the Portland Art Museum will add new galleries and a Mark Rothko Pavilion in 2025. The Portland International Airport’s $2 billion redevelopment offers a new, nature-inspired main terminal, enhancing accessibility.
1.5 Rome
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Rome is preparing for the Jubilee in 2025, which occurs every 25 years. Andrea Grisdale, founder of IC Bellagio, notes that Rome will welcome pilgrims from all over the world, especially around major religious sites in the Vatican. Despite anticipated crowds, Grisdale suggests exploring lesser-known areas of Rome at a slower pace. The Palazzo Talìa will feature 26 rooms, a restaurant, and a wellness center designed by Luca Guadagnino. The Romeo Roma, set in a historic 16th-century palazzo, will include restaurants and a wellness area in partnership with Sisley Paris. The Casa Monti celebrates art and Rome’s bohemian lifestyle. The Corinthia Rome, Mandarin Oriental, Rome, and Rosewood Rome are slated to open in 2025 and 2026. La Minerva, part of Orient Express, is expected to reopen in 2025 with 93 rooms and suites by designer Hugo Toro. The luxury train La Dolce Vita Orient Express will launch in spring 2025, offering itineraries across the peninsula with cuisine from chef Heinz Beck.
1.6 Sacramento, California
The $1.3 billion renovation of Sacramento International Airport is set to be completed in 2025, with terminal expansions, new food options, and better traffic flow. New nonstop flights to Mexico City, Orlando, Nashville, and Austin will also be available. Mike Testa, president and CEO of Visit Sacramento, remarks that Sacramento’s transformation as a food destination and music festival mecca has flown somewhat under the radar. Sacramento is home to 15 Michelin-recognized restaurants and a 2024 James Beard Award finalist in Billy Ngo of Kru. Pachamama Coffee was named Sustainability Pioneer in the 2024 Sustainable Food Awards. The Oakland Athletics will relocate to Sutter Health Park for the 2025–2027 Major League Baseball seasons. Events like the Farm-to-Fork Festival, GoldenSky Country Music Fest, and a new concert venue, Channel 24, offer additional attractions.
2. For Cultural Immersion
2.1 Budapest, Hungary
The opening of the W Budapest in the Drechsler Palace in 2023 has signaled a new wave of cosmopolitanism for the city. Gwen Kozlowski, of Exeter International, says that time and investment have turned Budapest into a very exciting city. Luxury hotels such as the Kimpton BEM Budapest and the Dorothea Hotel have complemented established venues like the Four Seasons. Városliget, or City Park, is undergoing a $1 billion restoration, including new cultural spaces like the House of Music Hungary and the Museum of Ethnography.
2.2 Bukhara, Uzbekistan
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The first-ever Bukhara Biennial in September 2025, titled “Recipes for Broken Hearts,” aims to bring together an international roster of creatives. The event will feature artists such as Laila Gohar, Antony Gormley, and Wael Shawky. Artistic director Diana Campbell aims to highlight Bukhara, whose crafts and folk art traditions have gained recognition on the international stage, according to UNESCO. Larry Ossei-Mensah, a curator and cofounder of Artnoir, notes that the biennial serves as an incredible opportunity for cultural legacies and contemporary ideas to come into contact.
2.3 Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a favorite city in the U.S. In September, the inaugural Food & Wine Classic in Charleston added to the city’s annual festival lineup. The Beemok Hospitality Collection will open the Holy City’s first five-star hotel on the downtown waterfront, The Cooper, in 2025. The Charleston Place hotel will unveil its completed renovations in 2025, and the new American Gardens park will debut in late 2025. The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection, opened in August 2024 on Johns Island, offering luxurious accommodations on the Kiawah River.
2.4 Inverness and the Flow Country, Scotland
Inverness is becoming a big-time destination, serving as the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Chris Taylor, the destination development director for VisitScotland, remarks that Inverness is the perfect base from which to explore the stunning Highland scenery, iconic castles, majestic mountains, and unique wildlife. King Charles III visited the Flow Country, a massive sweep of bogs and peatland added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in July 2024. The Inverness Castle Experience will transform the city’s former prison and courts into a venue for history, music, storytelling, and regional cuisine. Cabot Highlands will offer play on the iconic Castle Stuart Golf Links overlooking Moray Firth, with a second 18-hole course coming soon.
2.5 Lisbon and the Algarve, Portugal
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Lisbon, marked by yellow trams and historic neighborhoods, is gaining attention. Sheree M. Mitchell, a T+L A-List advisor and founder of Immersa Global, says that Lisbon is unlike any other European capital, with an unbelievable amount of soul. New luxury stays, including Six Senses Lisbon, Nobu Hotel Lisbon, The Standard, Lisbon, Kimpton Lisbon, and several Hilton properties, are opening in 2025. Amber Asher, the CEO of Standard International, notes that cool things are happening in Lisbon, and it’s still somewhat affordable. The Algarve region, a few hours away by car, boasts beautiful beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming towns. United has a seasonal nonstop route from Newark Liberty International Airport to Faro for 2025. Luxury cruise line Ponant will debut a 14-day journey in the fall of 2025 that makes a stop in Lagos. The region features high-end stays like Grand House and the Octant Vila Monte, as well as the new Viceroy at Ombria Algarve and the Kimpton Algarve São Rafael Atlántico. Danilo Cerqueira, a T+L A-List advisor and founder of TempoVip DMC Portugal, suggests that the eastern half of the Algarve’s coastline is a hidden gem with a Mediterranean-Atlantic culture and a Moroccan flavor.
2.6 Luxor, Egypt
Luxor, famed for its ancient temples, is gaining attention. Jacqui Gifford, T+L vice president and editor in chief, wishes she had spent more time there. A new nonstop EasyJet flight from London improves access to the city, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Hotels like Al Moudira and the Beit Sabée are enhancing Luxor’s reputation. Nour El Nil operates a fleet of chic dahabeahs, including the newest, Poppee, which sets sail in November 2024.
2.7 Thailand
Thailand is T+L’s 2025 Destination of the Year. New hotels in Bangkok include the Aman Nai Lert Bangkok and The Ritz-Carlton, followed by Six Senses The Forestias and Hyatt’s Andaz in 2025. The premiere of season three of The White Lotus, set in the country, is also highly anticipated for early 2025. Grant Ekelund, a Thailand specialist at InsideAsia Tours, recommends Kanchanaburi, a town in west Thailand with beautiful scenery, cool places to stay, and fascinating history.
3. For Adventurous Travelers
3.1 The Caucasus
Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia are gaining attention. Atlas Obscura and Intrepid have partnered to create a two-week tour through cities like Baku, Tbilisi, and Yerevan. Departures are set for June, August, and September. The tours will visit wineries, bakeries, crafts ateliers, historical sites, mosques, and churches. There will also be time in the countryside, visiting farms, hiking, and exploring the sauna scene.
3.2 Greenland
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Stefanie Schmudde of Abercrombie & Kent confirms that now is the time to visit Greenland. Greenland’s first international airport is slated to open in late 2024 in Nuuk, and two more airports are in the pipeline through 2026. United will become the first U.S. airline to operate flights to the country in 2025. Outfitters are adding new tours that go beyond the southwest coast, offering wildlife watching, trips to the interior, and opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture. Intrepid has added a new 10-day expedition for 2025, and Natural Habitat Adventures will offer a two-week journey combining Greenland and Iceland. HX has nine itineraries, three of which are new, for the year ahead. Viking will sail four new itineraries from Nuuk, and Ponant and Silversea are also promising new experiences.
3.3 Kumaon, India
Shakti plans to open Shakti Prana, a seven-cabin retreat, in Kumaon in October. Founder Jamshyd Sethna promises that you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the tranquility of these Himalayan hideaways. The property offers stunning views of the Great Himalayas and the Ramganga River valley.
3.4 Madagascar
Outfitters like Abercrombie & Kent and Red Savannah are adding itineraries for 2025 that focus on Madagascar’s ecological riches. Samantha Gordon, Red Savannah’s Africa specialist, says that travelers want to see things their friends have not, to be among the first and to feel they are on a true adventure. Emirates has a new service linking Dubai and Antananarivo. New hospitality offerings include Namoroka Tsingy Camp and Voaara. Suzanne Teng, director of global group product at Abercrombie & Kent, suggests that now is the time to visit.
3.5 Nicaragua
A new 75-mile highway is slated to connect 50 towns and beach communities along the Pacific coast by the end of 2025. Luke Maish, CEO of Rancho Santana, notes that the Costanera Highway is one of the most significant projects in Central America in recent decades and will be transformational for Nicaragua. United has doubled the number of flights it offers from its Houston hub to Managua. Resorts like Rancho Santana and Mukul offer access to surf breaks, wellness classes, rainforest hikes, and cultural experiences. Jicaro Island Lodge features nine tree houses in Lake Nicaragua.
3.6 The Philippines
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The Philippines offers sapphire-blue waters, a cosmopolitan capital, and thousand-year-old rice fields. A pro-tourism government has made welcoming visitors a key part of the nation’s economic future. Philippine Airlines has a new nonstop flight from Seattle. Dozen hotels have opened in Manila, including the Admiral Hotel, Okura Hotels & Resorts, and Marriott’s Westin brand. El Nido will open from the Pavilions Hotels & Resorts. Tesa Totengco, a member of T+L’s Travel Advisory Board, suggests that this archipelago of 7,641 islands has a lot to offer if one is willing to go deeper. Nay Palad Hideaway, a rebuild on the island of Siargao, has re-emerged better than ever.
3.7 Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort will add Universal Epic Universe in 2025, with five new lands featuring classic monsters, Nintendo franchises, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, remarks that this will be the exciting culmination of our amazing growth over the past 30-plus years and will transform Universal Orlando into a weeklong vacation destination filled with the most thrilling experiences imaginable. Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, and Universal Terra Luna Resort will also open.
4. For the Food and Drinks
4.1 Colorado’s Western Slope
This stretch of Colorado has a growing reputation for Rieslings and other cool-climate grapes. Ray Isle, executive wine editor of Food & Wine, notes that there’s definitely something there. Carlson Vineyards, The Storm Cellar, and Sauvage Spectrum are upstarts worth seeking out. The Grand Valley AVA may enjoy a hedge against a warming world, situated as it is above 4,000 feet. The hiking, mountain biking, and paddling in this stretch of the Rockies are also top-flight.
4.2 Crete, Greece
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With the Cyclades getting so much attention, Crete, the country’s largest island, is poised for its moment in the sun. New openings include the InterContinental Crete, JW Marriott, and Rosewood Blue Palace. These hotels will serve as great springboards for exploring Crete’s world-class cultural riches, the Palace of Knossos, and the Minoan Palace at Phaistos. The island also has dramatic topography with mountains, gorges, and waterfalls.
4.3 Osaka, Japan
Osaka, a must-visit for anyone heading to Japan, is known for its culinary scene and electric nightlife. Expo 2025, running April through October, will feature the latest in AI-powered translation, flying taxis, robotics, and other tech. The new Four Seasons, which opened in 2024, features 175 rooms and suites. Patina Hotels & Resorts and Waldorf Astoria should open in the spring. The Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka is slated to wrap a major renovation by April 2025 and become the first Vignette Collection property in the city. Air Canada has added seasonal nonstop flights to the newly renovated Kansai International Airport.
4.4 Priorat, Spain
Wine-world insiders are buzzing about this region southwest of Barcelona. Marco Palermo of Authentic Explorations suggests that 2025 is the perfect year to discover it before it truly explodes on the travel scene. Wineries like Perinet and Clos de l’Obac are turning out world-class reds. Clos Mogador and Cellers de Scala Dei have embraced sustainable winemaking practices. Jesus Repetto, founder of Titanium Tours, notes that these wineries are helping redefine what it means to visit a wine region. Restaurants such as Brots and Quatre Molins have nabbed Michelin recognition. Gran Hotel Mas d’en Bruno and Brichs are also on the vanguard. More hotels and villas are coming soon.
4.5 San Antonio, Texas
The first Michelin Guide to Texas awarded 15 stars across the state, acknowledging what many restaurant lovers already know: This state can cook. In the past three years, nine of San Antonio’s restaurants, bars, and breweries have been in contention for James Beard Awards. Chef and restaurateur Jason Dady will be opening Mexico Ceaty in early 2025. The Pullman Market, a 40,000-square-foot dining complex, exemplifies the farm to market ethos. New places to stay include Kimpton Santo and the InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk.
4.6 San Diego
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New openings are further bolstering San Diego’s global culinary cred. Tara Monsod, executive chef of Animae, opened the modern French steak house Le Coq. The city also welcomed its first omakase yakitori restaurant, Yakitori Tsuta. Travis Swikard plans to open Fleurette in La Jolla next year, while chef Elijah Arizmendi is slated to debut Lucien in 2025. Monsod notes that the city is buzzing to be recognized as a true culinary destination.
4.7 Slovenia
Black Tomato is introducing new experiences in Slovenia for 2025. One trip will take wine lovers to three distinct regions, including Primorska, Posavje, and Podravje. Slovenia has impressed the Michelin inspectors, with 63 restaurants earning recognition in 2024, including Hiša Franko and Restaurant Milka. Hotel renovations and openings include Vila Muhr, Wine Paradise Glavinić, and Hotel Bloom.
4.8 Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
El Cielo Resort received 12 awards for its wines at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. A new generation of Mexican vintners is shining a light on local winemaking through trendy wine bars like Bloodlust. The region lies just about 90 miles south of San Diego on the Baja California peninsula and is home to more than 200 wineries and Michelin-starred restaurants. Banyan Group entered the scene this year with the opening of Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe. Peter Hechler, a senior vice president at Banyan Group, hopes that there will be more opportunities for travelers to discover a more conscious and intentional way to discover the region.
5. For Moments on the Water
5.1 Apostle Islands, Wisconsin
These Lake Superior islands are seeing their status as a spiritual and commercial hub for the Ojibwe come toward center stage. Mike Wiggins Jr., the new director of the Madeline Island Museum, notes that Ojibwe history is an ancient history, and it is also a living history that is around us in the present moment. The institution is transforming, with artifacts being incorporated into more contemporary exhibits. Ojibwe chef Bryce Stevenson took a gamble in 2023 by choosing his out-of-the-way home turf as the location for a high-concept restaurant, Miijim.
5.2 Barbados
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Kim Clarke, a manager at The Sandpiper, says that this island promises an unforgettable experience. Harrison’s Cove Eco-Adventure Park offers ziplining and obstacle courses, while the warm sun and crystal-clear waters provide relaxation. Barbados is more accessible than ever, thanks to new daily American Airlines flights from New York and new once-weekly service from Philadelphia. Delta Air Lines is also adding daily nonstops from Atlanta and Saturday flights from New York. The Rockley opened near Bridgetown. The Oistins Fish Fry remains as alluring as ever. Barbados is a frequent turnaround point for Southern Caribbean cruises.
5.3 The French Riviera
A clutch of chic hotels has reinvigorated the region. Hôtel du Couvent is set in a 17th-century monastery overlooking Nice. Other hotels include the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel and a new Mama Shelter. Arev has brought a breath of fresh air to St.-Tropez. Le Mas Candille sits on a hillside just outside the town of Mougins.
5.4 Iceland, by cruise ship
Lilja Dögg Alfreðsdóttir, the country’s Minister of Culture and Business Affairs, notes that cruises are very welcome in Iceland. Cruise line Viking will offer several weeklong circumnavigations in 2025, aboard Viking Mars. Regent Seven Seas Cruises will host a 10-day round-the-country sail on Seven Seas Grandeur, plus other itineraries that include stops in Iceland. Oceania Cruises has a dozen departures in 2025 that will include time in Iceland, aboard Insignia or Marina.
5.5 Nova Scotia, Canada
American Airlines has launched daily service from New York’s La Guardia Airport to Halifax, the capital. The Muir Halifax is an ideal home base, with a 36-foot yacht which does harbor cruises. Sable Island National Park Reserve features towering sand dunes, the world’s largest breeding colony of gray seals, and wild horses. Cape Breton Island is home to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with stunning hikes along cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean.
5.6 Tasmania, Australia
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On Board Tasmanian Expedition Cruises launched its route around the state in the spring of 2024. Justin Meneguzzi notes that traveling by boat means you can follow the coast and sample different parts of what makes the island so special. Silversea will visit the island with a series of Australia and New Zealand cruises, as will Disney Cruise Line. Tasmania has a rich Aboriginal history, a growing art scene, and top-notch wineries.
5.7 Trieste, Italy
Joyce Falcone, the founder of the Italian Concierge, notes that Italians have a saying about Trieste: “I have a cousin there.” Trieste has become an alternative destination for cruise ships, many of which are now barred from docking in the historic parts of Venice.
5.8 Star Seeker
Windstar will add an entirely new 112-cabin ship, Star Seeker, to its lineup at the end of 2025. High-end Horizon Owner’s suites have wraparound terraces, while more affordable Oceanview suites give the more budget-minded a way to get aboard. The ship will spend early 2026 in the Caribbean, later transit the Panama Canal, sail the summer in Alaska, and then continue on to Japan.
5.9 Viking Vela
Viking will launch Viking Vela in December 2024, the first 998-passenger vessel from the line. Torstein Hagen, Viking’s chairman and CEO, notes that the increased cabin count is also aimed at a more sustainable future for the cruise line. The new ship will spend the first part of 2025 sailing in the Mediterranean before heading to northern Europe for summertime sails in Scandinavia and beyond.
6. For Nature Lovers
6.1 Anchorage, Alaska
Kimberly Y. Waller, the chief equity officer for the Municipality of Anchorage, notes that the city is busting open with innovation. The Wildbirch Hotel will open in early 2025, and the Hilton is getting a glow-up. BlueWater BaseCamp offers cabin living in the nearby Eklutna Valley. New routes from Alaska Airlines, Delta, and United are making this city that much easier to get to.
6.2 Bhutan
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Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay is making tourism a priority by positioning the country as a crowd-free alternative to just about anywhere else in the world. The new Tourism Services Portal has intel on tour operators, guides, and hotels. Many can help visitors navigate the Trans-Bhutan Trail. Others can plan a low-key circuit that stops at high-elevation, five-star hotels.
6.3 Deer Valley, Utah
This season will see the opening of Deer Valley East Village, an enormous new add-on to the resort’s already huge amount of skiable terrain around Park City, Utah. The addition will have three chairlifts and 300 skiable acres. There’s also the new Grand Hyatt Deer Valley.
6.4 Fiji
National carrier Fiji Airways is launching nonstop service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Nadi International. Developments in the islands include the opening of Trilogy Villas and the Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa. By mid-2025, there will be a fully renovated Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa. Fiji has announced a responsible-tourism initiative called Loloma Hour. Brent Hill, the CEO of Tourism Fiji, hopes that it’s a program designed to inspire travelers to leave Fiji a better place than they found it.
6.5 Huaraz, Peru
Huaraz is a stunning gateway to the Andes and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural riches of Huascarán National Park. The park contains hundreds of glacial lakes and pre-Columbian archaeological sites. LATAM reintroduced flights between Lima and Huaraz, turning what had been a daylong odyssey into a one-hour flight.
6.6 Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
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This otherworldly stretch of dunes and lagoons was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list earlier this year. Gisele vacationed in the area, and kitesurfers speak of the Lençóis as an untrammeled Shangri-La. The newly opened Oiá is bringing a bit of glam to the dunes.
6.7 Yukon, Canada
Marc Telio suggests that if spotting the aurora borealis is on your 2025 to-do list, then the Yukon should be there, too. Head for Whitehorse, the capital. Raven Inn & Suites is a comfortable, stylish option in town, while a short drive away is the Northern Lights Resort & Spa. Yukon Black Spruce Cabins is another rustic-chic option. A growing number of Indigenous tour operators are setting up shop in the Yukon. Other worthwhile daytime adventures include flightseeing trips over the ice fields of Kluane National Park & Reserve.
7. For Beach Vibes
7.1 Costalegre, Mexico
Careyes beckons with more than eight miles of private shoreline, Positano-inspired casitas, and the largest polo fields in Mexico. The new Chalacatepec International Airport in Jalisco is expected to begin operations in late 2024. An expansion on the Puerto Vallarta airport is also in the works. Xala, a $1 billion development that will house luxury residences and a Six Senses hotel, will open in phases, joining the buzzy Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Cuixmala, Las Rosadas, and Las Alamandas.
7.2 Grenada
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Grenada is taking its place in the spotlight, with a number of new luxury hotels. The food scene in Grenada is also getting attention. WestJet will start offering service from Toronto in November. Petra Roach, chief executive officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority, remarks that Grenada is having a renaissance, and tourism is booming.
7.3 Sanibel Island, Florida
This Gulf Coast destination has made a remarkable comeback since Hurricane Ian. Restaurants, shops, and attractions have reopened. Hotels like Sanibel Island Beach Resort are welcoming guests, and others are reopening in phases. Nature, too, is thriving. The beaches are once again filled with treasures, and sea turtles are nesting. Wildlife is flourishing in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
7.4 Santa Monica, California
2025 marks Santa Monica’s 150th anniversary. New restaurants, shops, and hotels are opening. Ocean Avenue’s Sandbourne Santa Monica, Autograph Collection and the Regent Santa Monica Beach have opened. The Regent features Orla, a new Mediterranean–Middle Eastern restaurant by celebrity chef Michael Mina. Misti Kerns, president and CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, suggests that now is the time to experience the city’s unique, laid-back luxury experiences. Snackville was introduced to the Santa Monica Pier’s Pacific Park, and Pico Roots is shining a spotlight on local microbusinesses.
7.5 St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Annette Mark, head of the country’s tourism board, says that the archipelago has outsize offerings. The 2024 opening of the all-inclusive Sandals Saint Vincent & the Grenadines has helped cement these islands as a go-to destination in the year ahead. Both American Airlines and JetBlue have recently increased their service to St. Vincent. The Bequia Easter Regatta is slated to return in 2025.
