Travel Tips

Think you’ve seen luxury? Inside the 7 trendiest hotel escapes redefining travel in 2025

Looking for an extra special getaway? From Maldives overwater villas to Kyoto ryokans and Caribbean private islands, here are 7 luxury hotel escapes where the accomodation is the experience.

Imagine waking up in an overwater villa with the ocean at your doorstep, or sipping champagne by an infinity pool that melts into the horizon.

This year, more and more Aussies are chasing this kind of experience-first travel, where a hotel isn’t just somewhere to crash after sightseeing, it’s the destination itself.

From hidden jungle retreats to private island escapes, we’ve rounded up 7 jaw-dropping luxury hotel escapes that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Whether you’re after indulgence, adventure, or total seclusion, these are the stays you’ll want to book for your 2025 break!

In this article

Maldives overwater villas

If you’re willing to travel the extra mile, the Maldives will reward you with a kind of luxurious overwater villas like:

Soneva Jani
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
SO/ Maldives

Imagine stepping straight from your bed onto a private deck, where the turquoise Indian Ocean stretches before you.

Your morning ritual? Refreshing in the warm sea by simply stepping into it from your own ladder. Your evenings? Watching the feistiest sunsets you’ve ever seen right from the comfort of your plunge pool.

Pro tip: Many overwater villas in the Maldives arrange floating breakfasts, taking your out-of-this-world travel experience to the next level. If sipping champagne and nibbling tropical fruit while chilling in your infinity pool is not paradise, we don’t know what is!

Stay connected while you unwind; Grab a Holafly eSIM for the Maldives before you go!

Santorini cliffside suites

These Santorini’s cliffside suites allow you to get away from the crowds and enjoy views that are all yours:

Katikies Hotel, Oia
Canaves Oia Suites & Spa
Dreams Luxury Suites, Imerovigli

Picture infinity pools seemingly suspended over the Aegean, private terraces that frame the caldera like a painting, and golden sunsets that feel like they were staged just for you.

It’s one of those rare “pinch-me” escapes where the line between dream and reality fades.

Pro tip: Sunsets in Santorini are legendary, but during busy tourist periods, thousands of people flock to Oia for the iconic experience. However, by booking a cliffside suite, you can enjoy the spectacular sunset shades right from your private terrace, drink in hand.

Share your stunning caldera views instantly with a Holafly eSIM for Greece.

Dubai desert resorts

Dubai’s desert is home to some seriously remote luxury hotel escapes, such as:

Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Here you can unwind in your private pool, taking in the endless golden dune vistas. Or you can seek adventure, with camel rides, falconry shows, and 4×4 desert tours.

By heading away from the Middle-Eastern metropolis that most travelers go to Dubai for, you’ll find a totally different experience, and one that not many people encounter.

Pro tip: Make sure you book a room that faces the dunes, not the road. It may cost more, but waking up to views of rolling sand is worth every extra dollar!

Explore the dunes without losing connection with Holafly eSIM for Dubai.

Kyoto ryokan luxury

Japan’s ancient capital is beaming with history and tradition, and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in it than by staying at a luxury ryokan, like:

Hoshinoya
Fufu
The Hiramatsu

Kyoto’s luxury ryokans blend traditional Japanese decor and cultural experiences with lavish amenities and facilities like private onsen baths and multi-course kaiseki dinners delivered straight to your room.

Ryokans in Kyoto are set amidst peaceful gardens or maple-covered hillsides. It’s part nature immersion and part cultural experience, with plenty of activities you can partake in, from tea ceremonies to zazen meditation.

Pro tip: Book during the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season for truly beautiful views.

Navigate your way to tea ceremonies and temples with a Holafly eSIM for Japan.

Swiss Alps chalets

Warm fireplaces, panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, and oversized windows framing the perfect mountain landscape — This is what you will find at these cozy Swiss Alps chalets:

Chalet Zermatt Peak
Chesa Laret, St. Moritz
Chalet Ulysse, Verbier

Here, the peaceful ambience, morning silence, and fresh air melt away every ounce of stress while sparking creativity and inspiration.

But be warned; this alpine adventure might make you want to stay up in the clouds forever!

Pro tip: If you’re visiting Switzerland during the winter (Australian summer), book a chalet with a private hot tub or sauna. Soaking under the stars with the Alps as your backdrop is a surreal experience you’ll never forget!

Navigate the slopes to your chalet with a Holafly eSIM for Switzerland.

Caribbean private island stays

Ever had enough of society and wished you could whisk yourself away to a private island? Well, in the Caribbean, you can!

Archipelagos like Turks & Caicos and the Grenadines host private resorts, including:

Como Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
Petit St. Vincent, Grenadines
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands

Here you can wander deserted beaches, snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, and let your personal butler cater to your every need.

It’s the kind of escape you’d expect only royalty and celebrities to experience!

Pro tip: Without shops or other conveniences around, be sure to pack all the essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and reusable water bottles.

Off-the-grid doesn’t have to mean offline. Grab a Holafly eSIM for the Caribbean before you go.

Bali jungle villas

You don’t have to travel halfway across the world or spend thousands of dollars for tranquillity and indulgence.

Far away from the tourist crowds in Seminyak and Kuta, you’ll find these secluded villas with private pools, open-air living spaces, and panoramic views of the surrounding rice terraces:

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Viceroy Bali

This slow and serene type of Bali holiday involves waking up to the sounds of birdsong, sipping morning coffee on the terrace, and meditating among the tropical greenery. Sign me up!

Pro tip: Ask the resort staff about nearby hidden waterfalls or rice-field walks. Most tourists (who stay in the coastal towns) miss these, giving you an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.

Share your morning vistas with your friends with a Holafly eSIM for Bali.

Pro tips for booking your luxury escape

Book smart: Check which season is best to visit for your chosen destination, both in terms of weather and prices. For example, Bali gets crowded during Christmas and New Year’s, so prices soar, but this also coincides with the island’s rainy season. Generally, shoulder or off-seasons offer the best value without sacrificing the experience.
Check perks: When choosing hotels, don’t just compare rooms; also consider the amenities and services offered. Experiences like cultural activities, spa treatments, or all-inclusive dining can truly elevate your stay.
Stay connected: Even high-end resorts sometimes have patchy WiFi. A Holafly eSIM will ensure you’re always able to access your maps, bookings, or social media, even in the most remote locations!

Stay connected while living the luxury dream with Holafly

Whether you’re floating in a Maldives villa, admiring rice terrace vistas in Bali, or relaxing at a ryokan in Japan, one thing is sure — unreliable hotel WiFi shouldn’t ruin the moment.

With a Holafly eSIM, you join the best local networks, keeping you seamlessly connected even when you’re far from tourist hotspots.
→ Shop Holafly’s global eSIMs and turn your dream trip into a stress-free reality.