In 2025, travel transcends the simple act of checking destinations off a list; it focuses on discovering immersive and meaningful experiences that inspire, rejuvenate, and foster connections. Travellers are shifting away from crowded tourist traps and gravitating toward mindful retreats, genuine connections, and transformative adventures that create lasting memories. From forest bathing in pristine landscapes to stargazing under clear night skies and embracing the beauty of missing out, our approach to exploring the world is evolving.
1. Forest Bathing — Reconnecting with Nature : The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, has blossomed into a global wellness trend, inspiring travelers to embrace a slower pace and fully engage with nature. Six Senses Bhutan invites visitors to explore serene Himalayan pine forests, taking time for mindful reflection near ancient monasteries. At Six Senses Bumthang, often referred to as the “forest within a forest,” the lodge is thoughtfully constructed around existing pine trees, providing guests with meditative forest rituals and peaceful moments by a trout-filled stream. In India, Amaranth, South Goa, presents a Japanese-inspired forest bathing experience aimed at stimulating the senses through meditative walks and tranquil interludes within lush tropical foliage. This emerging trend underscores the yearning to disconnect, breathe deeply, and find inner tranquility.
2. Townsizing & Detour Destinations — Intimate Escapes Off the Beaten Path : In 2025, travelers are choosing intimate getaways where time slows down and authenticity flourishes, favoring peaceful locations over bustling cities. In India, the VOCO Jim Corbett by IHG embodies this trend with its riverside location, lush forest surroundings, and wellness-focused design, providing travelers an opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature. Conversely, the Udaipur Marriott combines contemporary comfort with royal heritage, inviting guests to enjoy tranquil views of Fateh Sagar Lake while indulging in curated dining and rejuvenating spa experiences. Together, these destinations showcase a rising preference for mindful retreats that harmonize relaxation with cultural richness.
3. Noctourism — Thrilling Experiences After Dark : With travelers seeking new ways to experience destinations, noctourism has emerged as one of 2025’s most captivating trends. Six Senses Bhutan offers guided astronomy walks under the pristine Himalayan skies, where constellations feel close enough to touch, while Six Senses Maldives creates magical after-dark experiences like barefoot dining on secluded sandbanks beneath a blanket of stars or snorkeling among glowing bioluminescent plankton. By transforming nights into playgrounds of discovery, these properties invite travelers to embrace the beauty and mystery of the world after dark.
4. Sleep Tourism — Rest Is the New Luxury : In a world increasingly challenged by burnout and digital fatigue, sleep-focused travel is reshaping the definition of luxury in 2025. The Sleep With Six Senses program provides personalized rest journeys featuring sleep tracking, circadian lighting, temperature-controlled mattresses, and specially curated bedtime rituals designed to help travelers rejuvenate. At Six Senses Vana and Six Senses Fort Barwara, guests find themselves in tranquil retreats where the fresh mountain air and holistic spa treatments work together to foster profoundly restorative sleep. Luxury has evolved; it now embodies balance, recovery, and renewal rather than mere indulgence.
5. Phenomenon Chasing — Witnessing Nature’s Magic : Travelers in 2025 are planning their journeys around rare and extraordinary natural spectacles, seeking awe-inspiring encounters with the world’s wonders. At Six Senses Laamu, guests swim among glowing bioluminescent plankton, transforming the ocean into a shimmering galaxy, while Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives organizes manta ray sightings during migration seasons, creating unforgettable opportunities to witness nature’s magic up close. Phenomenon chasing reflects a deeper desire to be humbled by the extraordinary beauty of our planet.
6. JOMO Travel — The Joy of Missing Out : As digital burnout rises, travelers are embracing JOMO — the Joy of Missing Out — by unplugging and reconnecting with themselves. Jim Corbett Marriott Resort & Spa in Uttarakhand offers dawn safaris, tranquil birdwatching, indulgent spa treatments, and evenings spent under starlit skies, listening to Kumaoni folklore. Cinnamon Life Colombo, South Asia’s largest integrated resort, rises as a true “city within a city.” With the serene Kurundu Wellness Spa and an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean and Beira Lake, it creates space to pause, disconnect, and linger in the moment. Culinary journeys unfold across 12 restaurants celebrating global cuisines, while high-end retail, a vibrant shopping mall, and Sri Lanka’s premier casino ensure that every indulgence and delight lies within easy reach — all under one roof.
