The 2025 travel hot list

Get in, it's sweltering! Hot hotels, hot experiences, what's on my list for 2025, and my budget hotel picks for those who need to ball on a budget

Jan 12, 2025

Fora (the agency that backs my boutique travel agency) recently released their 2025 Hot List for hotels, locations, and travel experiences.

Here are my picks from their list, along with a list of spots I’m dying to check out and a *bonus list* of budget hotels I’d personally recommend, under $300/night, for when you want to feel fancy without spending like you’re a member of the royal family.

Hot hotels 📈

These are the luxe hotels that clients are lusting over and travel advisors are having trouble finding availability at. There’s a frenzy on social media, and everyone is adding these places to their vision boards.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

Perfect for: White Lotus fans looking enjoy a quiet beachside oasis surrounded by tropical gardens.

What makes it special: A Michelin recommended main restaurant; a robust activities list, including a yacht trip to the nearby Angthong Marine Park’s 42-island archipelago and an elephant sanctuary visit.

Perks when booking through MindHoliday:

$100 or $200 food + beverage credit depending on room category, complimentary breakfast daily, a room upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Twenty Two, New York

Nothing like elaborate wallpaper and four poster beds

Perfect for: Travelers wanting to feel like a celebrity while staying in this exclusive member’s club, restaurant, lounge, and hotel housed in the former Margaret Louisa home. The Twenty Two in London is known to be the pick of many A-listers, including Tom Cruise, Kylie Jenner, and Kate Moss, so I’m expecting the same of the NYC location.

What makes it special: unbelievable food and gorgeous well appointed rooms, a tranquil respite within the city where you can unwind and recharge.

Perks when booking through MindHoliday:

A room upgrade whenever possible, complimentary welcome drinks, complimentary breakfast.

Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco

Perfect for: Those looking for an authentic Moroccan countryside escape with all of the luxury extras.

What makes it special: When Richard Branson explored Morocco in the 90s, he fell in love with the property, bought it, and renovated it extensively after it fell into ruin. At the same time, Branson bought the property’s insane collection of art and artifacts, which were at the time gathering layers of dust in a giant warehouse. He brought the art back to the property in order to give the rooms the splendor they deserve.

Perks when booking through MindHoliday:

$100 food / beverage credit, complimentary breakfast daily, a room upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Gundari, Greece

Perfect for: Travelers looking to connect with mother earth while making a health and wellness pilgrimage.

What makes it special: Gundari is Folegandros island’s first secluded luxury resort, set on 80 acres of land next to soaring cliffs looking out on to the Agean sea. Holistic wellness is the hotel’s focus, with a killer spa, and workshops for meditation, energy healing, yoga, and sound baths.

Perks when booking through MindHoliday:

$100 food / beverage credit, complimentary welcome drink per guest, a room upgrade whenever possible, welcome treat upon arrival.

COMO Alpina, Dolomites

Perfect for: Luxury seekers who crave an intimate alpine retreat combined with world-class service and stunning natural surroundings.

What makes it special: A laid back yet luxurious retreat where new design meets the rustic charm of the Dolomites, making each moment feel indulgent yet cozy. Think jaw dropping views, excellent spa services, and unreal food.

Perks when booking through MindHoliday:

Daily breakfast, VIP status as a guest, and early check-in/late check-out when available.

Amanyara, Turks + Caicos

Perfect for: Nature lovers looking for a restorative wellness retreat (located on an 18,000 acre nature reserve).

What makes it special: Its exceptional tennis program, including top of the line racquet/shoe rentals, courtesy of Babolat and K Swiss. They’ve even collaborated with Novak Djokovic, appointing him as Aman’s first Global Wellness Advisor. In the past, Amanyara has hosted sports clinics for guests taught by Maria Sharapova, Frances Tiafoe, and more.

Perks when booking through MindHoliday:

$100 food / beverage credit, complimentary breakfast daily, a room upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

La Mamounia, Marrakech

Perfect for: Romantic souls looking for a dreamy retreat. The blend of lush courtyards, serene pools, and sumptuous suites sets the scene for unforgettable moments. Think of it as the luxurious Moroccan version of a Parisian love nest, with a bit more flair.

What makes it special: Sensory overload, but in the best possible way. Think vibrant mosaics catching the sunlight, orange blossom wafting through the air, the sound of bubbling fountains. The hotel engages all of your senses, turning a simple stay into an almost cinematic experience — picture a scene that could easily belong in a lush period drama, but with the comforts of 21st-century luxury.

Perks when booking through MindHoliday:

$100 food / beverage credit, complimentary breakfast daily, a room upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hot destinations 🔥

These are the locations travel advisors anticipate being red hot this year. Our bookings to these destinations are projected to soar through the roof, whether its because of social media/TV popularity or because they’re places that never go out of style.

New York City - You can always find a reason to come to NYC. From world-class museums to Broadway shows and unbelievable dining experiences, there’s something for everyone.
Thailand - Why watch “The White Lotus” when you can live it?
Mediterranean Islands - Under-the-radar islands are big right now. Think Folegandros in Greece, Sardinia in Italy, and Formentera.
Morocco - United now flies direct to Marrakech from EWR. For East Coasters, Marrakech has officially become a long-weekend destination.
Dolomites - The Dolomites are having a huge moment rn due to the breathtaking hiking, verdant hills, and adorable villages.

Hot experiences 🎟️

Ultra-luxury travelers are always looking to one up their last adventure, and I think that most will start gravitating towards 5-star experiences of a lifetime.

Eastern & Oriental Express (A Belmond Train), Southeast Asia
It seems like everyone and their mother is cruising to Antartica…

What’s on my list for 2025… 📝

These are either trips I’ve planned or am (fingers crossed) planning to plan!

Taking a trip to Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido, staying at the Hotel Escondido in Oaxaca and Terrestre in Puerto Escondido.
Visiting the Lofoten Islands in Norway for the hiking and the midnight sun! Will probably stay in cozy airbnbs.
Finally visiting Palm Heights in Grand Cayman, after two cancelled reservations…
Dying to go to Slovenia, but haven’t done a lick of research yet. Send me your recs!
Corsica has been on my list forever, and I want to go there with family!
Fire Island was one of our favorite places we visited last year, and we are dying to back, this time with our son, once he’s done with sleep away camp. It’s so family friendly, relaxed, and beautiful!