These are the hand-picked, high-end escapes that need to be on your radar in 2025
Copy link
twitter
facebook
whatsapp
email
Copy link
twitter
facebook
whatsapp
email
Copy link
twitter
facebook
whatsapp
email
Copy link
twitter
facebook
whatsapp
email
Planning your next big trip? With so many destinations and operators to choose from, the decision-making stage alone can be overwhelming. To help out, we’ve gathered an array of enticing options – from Welsh castle weekends to Caribbean villas and off-the-beaten-track Japanese retreats – so you can make smart choices about where in the world you could be heading next.
Uncannily pretty throughout winter and spring, the Caribbean paradise that is Grand Cayman is all about warm, sunny days bristling with adventure and, obviously, those pristine white-sand beaches. Perfect for escaping the bitter chill of the British winter, Cayman Villas’ handpicked home-away-from-home villas and condos supply a sublime blend of comfort, luxury and first-rate privacy. Explore gorgeous coral reefs, sample world-class cuisine or unwind by your very own private pool with glorious ocean views just a brief barefoot stroll away. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family trip or friends’ retreat, Cayman Villas is a great bet for an unforgettable holiday in the sunshine. Book your idyllic escape now and make memories that will last a lifetime. Learn more at caymanvillas.com
Northumberland’s first – and only – five-star hotel, Matfen Hall is a dreamy destination for a splashy spa getaway. Set in just over 300 acres of picturesque parkland scenery, it’s a place where couples, families and friends can relax and unwind. Rich in history, the luxury country bolthole has a plethora of elegant rooms – everything from cosy romantic classics to opulent suites. The Retreat at Matfen Hall has expert therapists eager to provide next-level treatments using premium wellness products from Germaine de Capuccini. The Retreat’s glass-roofed 15m spa pool, alongside the signature whirlpool bath, sauna, steam room and aromatherapy room, all promise a revitalising escape from the worries and stresses of the world outside. Visit matfenhall.com
Fancy a refined retreat in the enchanting Bel Ombre region of Mauritius? For luxurious indulgence, top-drawer wellness and plenty of tee time, swing by Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Wellness Resort. The colonial-style suites are smart and comfortable with tasteful modern amenities, while the locally renowned spa offers rejuvenating treatments in a calm and restorative setting. Golfers love getting stuck into the award-winning 18-hole championship course. Dining is truly elevated here, with enviable meals at Le Château de Bel Ombre, a historic mansion where simple, locally sourced ingredients are alchemised into expertly crafted dishes. Guests can explore the unique local flora and fauna on guided nature walks, and there are water-based activities and fun cultural outings. All in all, an ideal holiday for those seeking upscale luxury and quality time on the green. Learn more at heritageresorts.mu
Weary of outrageous roaming charges? Fed up with fiddly travel SIM cards? Swiss provider Yesim offers seamless, secure eSIM connectivity in 200+ destinations and territories, with flexible plans including fixed data, unlimited usage or pay-as-you-go plans. A single eSIM supports 140-plus countries, so it’s ideal for frequent fliers. The Yesim app simplifies activation, with transparent pricing and handy features like virtual phone numbers, multi-currency payments and a built-in VPN for secure browsing. Customers can also earn 5 per cent cashback on every purchase. With partnerships across more than 800 network operators, Yesim stands for reliable connectivity and automatically switches to the strongest signal to prevent you from getting cut off. Trusted by over a million users and supported by 24/7 customer service with quick response times, Yesim is all about providing dependable calls and internet anywhere. See for yourself at yesim.app
Treat yourself to a sojourn down the south-west coast of Cyprus. Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort is a luxurious spot blessed by abundant natural charms, overlooking the Mediterranean and near Akamas National Park. The resort has 202 stylish rooms and suites impeccably tailored for comfort and elegance, and you can dine on both local Cypriot dishes and adventurous global flavours at a choice of 10 restaurants and bars. The generously proportioned spa by Valmont & Cinq Mondes offers indulgent treatments, poolside chill spots, and cutting-edge fitness gear. A 130m private beach, lively nightlife, boutique shopping, horse-riding and yacht trips mean you’ll never be bored. With an eco-friendly ethos, Cap St Georges is a great getaway for families, couples or solo travellers. For more info and the best rates go to capstgeorges.com
Want more from your holiday? Aside from its spectacular highlights – a working organic farm and one of Europe’s largest open-air cinemas – Creta Maris, the five-star all-inclusive resort in Hersonissos, Crete, which is now celebrating 50 years in the business, has no fewer than seven restaurants and five moreish snack points, not to mention 11 bars, a Blue Flag beach and 16 pools. Kids will love the waterpark and club, and adults will adore the spa and upmarket wellness facilities. The resort offers special events and new features, including an adults-only deluxe area, the Nami wine cellar and the new premium package with concierge service and priority table reservations for all premium accommodations. Learn more at cretamaris.gr
For an intimate, arty escape in Vienna’s cultural heart, check out the Sans Souci Hotel. Just steps from the Museum Quarter and close to Vienna’s historic centre, it’s a delightful base for exploring the city’s countless treasures. Inside, romance flourishes with beautiful details: swim beneath glittering chandeliers in the spa’s serene pool, indulge in a couples massage or toast your sweetheart over a private champagne tasting at Veranda Brasserie & Bar. Here, seasonal plates are paired with gorgeous paintings, creating a feast for both palate and eyes. With elegant rooms designed by London’s award-winning YOO Studio and impeccable service anticipating every need, the Sans Souci is ideal for couples seeking luxury and charm in one of Europe’s most sensuous cities. For more info visit sanssouci-wien.com
Ise-Shima, in Japan’s Mie Prefecture, offers discerning travellers an irresistible combination of natural charm, cultural heritage and luxury experiences. Known as the birthplace of Japanese pearl cultivation – out in pretty Ago Bay – the area is also home to the revered Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s major Shinto sites. Ise-Shima is a must-visit for those seeking a sophisticated escape off the beaten track. Here you can sample fresh seafood impeccably prepared the local way, explore the poetic coastal landscapes, hike the hills or go cycling and immerse yourself in the area’s cultural traditions, before retiring to one of the region’s outstanding luxury accommodations. Ise-Shima offers something for everyone – it’s a standout getaway, even by high Japanese standards. Learn more at iseshima-kanko.jp
The Savoy Group of hotels and its entertainment complex Soho Square have set out to challenge the way you think about luxury in the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm El Sheikh. Each hotel has its own distinctive character, and the entertainment hub of Soho Square will thrill visitors with its dancing fountain, high-end retail stores and dizzying range of restaurants and bars. Each hotel caters to a different kind of traveller – The Royal Savoy is an exclusive, adults-only retreat for couples who want peace and tranquillity. Families can choose between private villas with private pools and the friendly vibes of Savoy, Sierra and Grand Oasis. Blending upscale rooms with diverse leisure options, the Savoy Group stands for a seamless blend of sophistication and entertainment in this sublime, sun-kissed destination – whatever your holiday needs. Visit savoy-sharm.com
Getting tired of the chill this winter? For crackling fires and knockout scenery, take in a fairy-tale castle retreat at Chateau Rhianfa with Great Little Breaks. A UK-based travel operator that specialises in homegrown stays – plus theatre trips and UK rail-inclusive holidays – Great Little Breaks is offering up to 36 per cent off an overnight stay at the Grade ll-listed French-style Chateau Rhianfa. Breakfast here is cooked from local, seasonal produce and you can enjoy a memorable afternoon tea gazing out at the mountains of Snowdonia and over the Menai Strait from the picture-perfect Isle of Anglesey. Offer valid from 3 February to 31 August 2025; for more information subscribe to Great Little Breaks newsletter and visit greatlittlebreaks.com
This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with health and fitness, food and drink, beauty, travel, finance trends and more.
An advertiser provides this content, and while every care is taken in ensuring the content complies with the Advertising Standards Authority and the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (CAP Code), Telegraph Media Group assumes no responsibility in the effect rising therefrom, and readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information. The Daily Telegraph/TMG does not accept any liability for views expressed, pictures used or claims made by advertisers.
