Though these Southwest Germany hotels have hundreds of years of history between them and have already solidified themselves as some of the most adored addresses in European hospitality, this elegant trio is keeping things fresh and fabulous in the new year.
Luxury cruises have long been the epitome of immersive travel, offering epic excursions across the globe. In 2025, the world’s premier cruise lines are elevating the experience with extraordinary itineraries, opulent perks, and intimate ships tailored for personalized journeys. From polar expeditions to Mediterranean wine tours and hidden tropical paradises, these five luxury cruises to book in 2025 will turn your wanderlust into reality.
Slated to open in early 2025, Few & Far Luvhondo is an all-new luxurious eco-lodge in Limpopo, South Africa. Set within the dramatic Soutpansberg Mountains, part of UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, this boutique sanctuary is designed with a biophilic ethos, melding modernity with the surrounding African wilderness. Guests here can indulge in world-class safari dining, embark on immersive wildlife experiences, and rejuvenate with holistic healing treatments that draw from the natural environment.
The highly innovative concept of Canopy, A Tree Top Dining Experience takes dining to new heights – quite literally – as it opens at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. Surrounded by Northern Thailand’s lush jungle and perched nearly 200 feet above the grassland, Canopy speaks to the resort’s eco-conscious ethos and its commitment to showcasing regional flavors.
Featured on Netflix’s “The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals,” Casa Xixim is a private beachfront villa where boutique luxury meets sustainability. Resting along the pristine shores of Soliman Bay in Tulum, this eco-friendly sanctuary offers a serene retreat without compromising environmental stewardship. Every detail here is crafted to balance refined aesthetics with minimal environmental impact, setting a new standard for sustainable, nature-integrated travel.
Banyan Group has welcomed Banyan Tree Veya, Valle de Guadalupe, a next-level well-being resort now gracing the portrait-perfect landscape of Mexico’s wine country. The luxurious new 16-acre property located in the hills of Baja California marks the first full-fledged property for Banyan Group’s dedicated well-being brand, Banyan Tree Veya.
Globetrotters galore may be surprised to hear that the winter season is an ideal time to explore the beauty of Japan. Without the hordes of tourists and cooler temperatures, the holiday season is a sensational time to delve into adventure with Oku Japan’s culturally immersive trekking experiences. Oku Japan is a champion Kyōto-based tour operator offering a new self-guided, winter-oriented trip in Central Japan to its catalog.
Dramatically nestled onto a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is more than a dreamy, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award winner; it is a blissful homebase that goes out of its way to create unforgettable memories for all those who enter. Here are the top nine musts – from booking an appointment with the Fifth Avenue Club Laguna Beach to savoring a 16-course chef’s tasting experience – when visiting.
Situated in an elegantly restored mid-century building in Amsterdam’s vibrant museum district, the newly opened Avani Museum Quarter Amsterdam invites guests to enjoy its refined accommodations, unique experiences, and convenient dining options designed for travelers on the move. As part of Minor Hotels’ upscale lifestyle brand, this opening strengthens the hospitality group’s presence in Europe, contributing to its impressive portfolio of 550 hotels across 56 countries.
Resting on a calm river bed in Wenzhou City, China, the River Island Villa is the latest masterpiece from acclaimed designer Ding Jilin. Inspired by the tranquil surroundings and the river’s gentle flow, Jilin has created a living space that embodies simplicity, nature, and comfort. In a world increasingly dominated by fast-paced living, the villa offers a haven where residents can slow down, unwind, and reconnect with the natural world.
What was once a home for the Duke of Burgundy in 1120 is now Château de Vault-de-Lugny, a five-star luxury hotel in Burgundy, France. After enduring royal upheavals, destruction, and being razed by King Louis XI, the estate was reborn in 1967 when a local family purchased the grounds and transformed it into the opulent hotel it is today. Now, this French retreat, steeped in over 900 years of history, offers Michelin-starred dining and accommodations fit for the kings who once graced its halls.
According to research, travelers deliberately seek total wellness experiences that consider their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Traditional spa treatments have gotten a “makeover,” and spas are now offering more meaningful, rejuvenating escapes. Luxury travelers, in particular, are seeking more holistic wellness offerings, providing hotels and dedicated spas with the opportunity to redefine what a luxury spa getaway can bring for total wellness.
