Set in the foothills of the Galgiriyawa mountains, the village of Ulpotha hums with ancient rhythms. It’s completely off-grid – no roads, no electricity – just forest, rice paddies, and a way of life that hasn’t changed in centuries. Reaching it feels like stepping into another time.

Lulu Townsend, Marketing Director, The Hotel Guru
@the_hotel_guru

A tranquil wine region on the shores of Lake Iseo, near Milan, it’s a relatively young wine region by European standards, producing exceptional sparkling wines worlds apart from Prosecco and Asti. With scenic lake views and rustic authenticity, Franciacorta remains an undiscovered gem for many wine enthusiasts.

Kirsty Woodgate, Founder, Weekend Wine Life
@weekendwinelife

Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Petén Itzá, Bolontiku Hotel blends sustainable luxury with Mayan heritage. Its ‘Luxury Rewilded’ ethos offers authentic experiences, swimmable lake access, a Temazcal lodge, and proximity to ancient ruins – redefining luxury through nature, culture, and deep respect for Guatemala’s rich traditions.

Hans Pfister, President and CoFounder,
Cayuga Collection
@cayugacollection

This underrated city offers beautiful golden sand beaches, fascinating museums and historical buildings, and delicious food. While the city is ideal for escaping the crowds, it is surrounded by beautiful green landscapes and natural parks like Cabárceno that offer an even more tranquil atmosphere. It is also a great base to explore the north of Spain, as it isn’t far from more popular cities like Bilbao.

Cristina Reina, Spanish Travel Blogger
@mylittleworldoftravelling

Colombia is an amazing country with an up-and-coming food scene, lots of adventure, and an incredible variety of landscapes to explore, so it’s perfect for any type of traveller. Later this year, Four Seasons are set to open their new 131 key hotel in Cartagena, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, and known for its rich history. The hotel has restored a collection of landmark buildings dating back as far as the 16th century, and will set the agenda for a new chapter for Cartagena.

justin Huxter, Co-founder of Cartology Travel
@cartologytravel

Living in Morocco, I’m always looking for hotspots away from the crowds and northern Morocco is perfect for this. Travellers can discover remote beaches (at Fiermontina Ocean), enjoy traditional breakfasts in quaint villages like Dchier and explore ancient gardens with some of our expert specialists. Stay at the new Royal Mansour Tamouda Bay for access to one of the best beaches in Morocco and visit over the weekend to experience 3-Michelin star chef Quinque Dacosta’s paella.

Alex Wix, Founder, Wix Squared,
@wix_squared

Uzbekistan is a rising star for 2025’s adventurous travellers. Our recent survey shows demand is growing for lesser-known spots like Uzbekistan, with 40% of solo travellers choosing off-the-beaten-path destinations for “more meaningful and authentic experiences.” The country’s wild landscape and undiscovered cultural richness make it an attractive, yet relatively new destination for those seeking something truly different.

Clarissa Cappelletti, International Country Manager, WeRoad.com
@weroad

One of the places at the top of my list for this year is Pınaraltı Bay in Fethiye. The bay can only be accessed by boat but those who make the journey are treated to a beautiful place where the Aegean and Mediterranean breezes meet, and where home is Yazz Collective, a luxury hideaway that seems to have mastered the concept of getting away from it all while having everything you might possibly need with its pristine beaches, eco-chic design and soul-soothing experiences.

Marco Rosa, Managing Director, Plateau International,
@plateauinternational

Tucked between jungle and sea on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, Uvita is an off-the-beaten-track gem for 2025/26. Think waterfalls, national parks, and whale watching without the crowds. Its iconic whale-tail beach, laid-back surf vibe, and lush rainforest trails make it perfect for travellers craving natural beauty and a slower pace.

Sean Thompson, Head of Marketing, My Luxury Hotel
@myluxuryhotel

Tucked deep in Zambia, North Luangwa is open June to October and reached only by bush plane and track. Just a few tiny camps host eight guests apiece. Black rhino thrive here – but it’s the expert-led walking safaris, criss-crossing the Mwaleshi River’s sandy bends, that steal the show.

Chris McIntyre, Managing Director, Expert Africa
@expertafrica