“Where are you going for the holidays?”
“Nowhere. Just to a resort.”
That sums up one of the biggest travel trends of 2025. Gone are the days when travelers booked a resort near the destination this year, the resort itself was the destination. Think about it. Earlier, a trip to Rishikesh meant white-water rafting, temple visits, a day trip to Haridwar and maybe some café hopping. Now, people are happy booking into a property like Taj Rishikesh, checking in and not stepping out for days. Because why would you? Picture this. Cottages a few steps away from the mighty Ganga, the sound of the river echoing through the hills, an evening aarti at the resort and a traditional Kumaoni thali that captures the mountain spirit. You are getting the full Rishikesh experience without having to battle crowds or traffic.
The shift is clear – people want to slow down. After years of rushed holidays and checklist travel, people are embracing the joy of staying still. They are choosing comfort, scenery and immersive in-house experiences over back-to-back sightseeing plans. Vacations now mean unwinding, reading by the pool, trying local cuisines curated by resort chefs, enjoying a spa therapy or learning pottery or yoga right at the property.
Take Suryagarh, Jaisalmer, for instance. This sandstone property is practically a postcard of Rajasthan. Every corner has the charm of a royal haveli and every meal feels like a celebration of the desert’s flavours. Guests dine under a tree beside an oasis, feed the camels, ride horses or simply watch the sun sink into the dunes as folk singers bring the night alive. There’s really no reason to step outside its golden gates. The resort itself is Jaisalmer. Similarly, Kumarakom Lake Resort brings the essence of Kerala right into its own property. From a private houseboat experience on its luxury boats to a personal chef serving traditional Kerala cuisine as you float through the backwaters of Alleppey, you experience Kerala without really ‘stepping out’. However, premium stays come with premium prices but travellers are more than willing to pay for that kind of curated luxury.
Rina Vaibhav, an avid traveller from Bengaluru, captures it best. “We are already running all the time, from one deadline to another, one project to another. Why would we want to make our vacations feel the same? My husband and I prefer picking one beautiful resort, checking in and just soaking it all in. I know of people who choose cheaper hotels and rush from one sightseeing spot to another. To each his own, but that’s not our style.”
This mindset marks a big departure from the pre-pandemic rush where ‘covering’ destinations was the goal. Today’s traveller isn’t interested in hopping between tourist spots they are chasing stillness, slow mornings and meaningful experiences. Abhishek Daga, Co-founder of Thrillophilia agrees, “Couples and remote workers prefer slow, immersive stays with fewer hotel changes. Domestically, Rajasthan, Himachal, Uttarakhand and Kerala are trending for experiential stays, snow, culture and wellness. And the interesting part is that travellers are choosing trips that match their lifestyle. Food travellers, wellness travellers, hiking and water-sport enthusiasts, the itinerary is being shaped by personal interest, not just destination popularity.” Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings adds, “Slow travel has become a clear choice for multi-generational families and couples who want depth over speed, think Kyoto tea ceremonies, Tuscany long stays, or Kerala backwater cruises.”
Resorts across Goa, Kerala, Andaman and Coorg have caught on. Many have reinvented their offerings from chef-led local cooking sessions and curated nature walks to sound healing retreats and private beach dinners. The idea is to offer guests the essence of a place without them having to leave the property. Travel experts say this trend reflects a deeper lifestyle shift, a conscious step away from the performative side of travel. People don’t want holidays that feel like another race for content or bragging rights. They want rest, rejuvenation and reconnection.
2025, then, was the year vacations became less about doing and more about being. A time when travellers didn’t just check into a resort, they checked out of everything else.
