Simple pleasures: how 2025 trends show that the real luxury is time

The Hilton Annual Trends reveals for 2025: More than 1 in 5 travelers plan to getaway for self-discovery or mental health when traveling for leisure, leaning into “Soft Travel,” or travel that encourages simplicity or spontaneity.

Soft travel is not to be confused with slow travel which focuses on cultural immersion, experiences and spending more time in a destination to do so. Both soft and slow travel are on the rise and compliment each other, and luxury travel is responding accordingly with digital detoxes, sleep retreats, and hosting experiences like women groups river cruises.

Luxury means something different to everyone - regardless of where you'll go or how you want to spend your time- with the rise of AI in daily lives, the role of the human travel advisor will be more valuable than ever.

Wander Women

If you can sea it, you can be it

Virtuoso cites that 71% of its solo traveller clients are women. Interestingly, 47% of them are also divorced, separated or widowed, indicating that many women are hitting the road after being tied to a partner or raising a family.

Aurora Expeditions launched a new Antarctic Women-Only voyage for February 2027 on the Sylvia Earle. This new voyage to Antarctica is designed by women, led by women, for women. Solo travelers can take to the rivers – luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways eliminated single supplements on 39 European departures as part of a promotion in March 2024. Similarly, Uniworld River Cruises is planning a women-only cruise departing August 2025 on Burgundy and Provence. Uniworld will also debut the Emilie in 2026 on the Danube, with design that takes inspiration from the paintings of Gustav Klimt.

The first ever first American woman mega-cruise-ship captain Kate McCue of the Celebrity Beyond knows that being first means helping those who come next. Captain McCue now has a first officer who she met through social media. She’s from Kenya and studied in Egypt, and she couldn’t get a position on a cruise ship. Through the power of social media, they were able to get her a position, and she’s thriving. Social media is also a great tool to introduce women to the industry, to show them what day-to-day life on a ship is like and the opportunities that exist here. Knowledge is power.

Vacationing versus traveling

Silver Bullet Wellness

According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is predicted to grow by 16.6% annually, reaching US$1.4 trillion in 2027, but a new sub-trend for hyper-specific “cures” is taking the form of Silver Bullet Wellness – sending clients home with healthy habits and a roadmap for longevity.

For time-poor professionals, burnt-out parents or even retirees who want “bang for their buck” when it comes to wellness, it’s becoming increasingly desirable to book mind and body boosting retreats that provide laser focused adjustments to the way they think, live and nurture themselves. There are even spas emerging that are dedicated to healthy life extension programmes, as longevity takes over from skindeep anti-aging therapies.

Take medi-hotel Clinique La Prairie in Switzerland, which debuted a new week-long “Brain Boosting Programme” in spring 2024. Firstly, participants undergo MRI brain scans, abdominal and chest ultrasounds, and gut health analyses. These are then followed by cognitive check-ups using memorybased brain training methods, screenings for heavy metals and inflammation, and assessments of how well the body’s sensory and perceptual markers are working. Book Clinique La Prairie with MVT to receive 300 CHF equivalent credit to be utilized during stay, applicable towards Spa Treatment, and daily breakfast for two, and more.

In the city center of Milan, the Portrait Milano boasts the new Longevity Spa, a perfect place for rebalancing your energy flow. During your stay give yourself what your body and mind need most, either new vitality, mobility, sleep or simply some well-deserved care.
Your MVT advisor has access to exclusive experiences like the Your Spa Break package:

80-minute massage at The Longevity Spa per stay
Access to The Longevity Spa and its pool, wet area and gym
Amenities upon your arrival for a warm welcome in your room
Portrait Breakfast
Milanese aperitif served in the Bar, Giardino, Ristorante

Regent Santa Monica

California Dreaming Grand Opening

Poised along a coveted coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Regent Santa Monica Beach celebrates the allure of unexpected harmony through contrasts, delivering inspired stays with a seamless blend of serenity and a touch of decadence.

The resort will feature sumptuous and tranquil rooms and suites, beach butler service, a stunning beachfront pool deck, a destination spa and wellness center, unforgettable epicurean experiences, and an artisanal marketplace.

In celebration of the highly anticipated grand opening in 2024, enjoy an exclusive 24% savings on your reservation this year and enhance your stay with a $240 credit for use at any of our dining destinations, Guerlain Wellness Spa, or toward resort fees or parking.

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Go Guided

Collette

Travel with trust. Because this is your trip - something you've planned for and dreamed about. You should feel confident in your journey every step of the way. Choosing Collette comes with benefits that take your guided travel experience to another level.

Discover new ways to travel with Collette in 2025.

Celebration of Roses

Tauck

Stay in a historic landmark hotel steps from glamorous Rodeo Drive as you indulge in the celebrity-oriented five-star service of the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel that pampers your imagination with movie-set locations during your four-night stay. Take a trip back in time to when the talkies made history on a guided tour of Warner Bros. Studio and visit The Huntington, where rare books, art and gardens promise a feast for the senses. Stop to smell the roses at the Parade Barn, where a behind-the-scenes visit reveals make-up secrets of the Rose Parade floral stars. Attend an exclusive "Hollywood Glamour" New Years Eve party... the 137th Rose Parade from premier Grandstand seating... have lunch at a four-generation family-owned winery... visit the Academy Awards Museum, Peterson Automotive Museum or LA County Museum of Art as you choose – and have lunch at a sought-after beach club oceanfront in Santa Monica or optional tickets to the 112th Rose Bowl Game® in Tauck's optional reserved seats, picnic lunch in hand.

Most searched US City

📍New York

Saks Fifth Avenue New York City Flagship
Private Shopping Luxe Holiday Experiences

The global fashion authorities & trendsetters, Saks Fifth Avenue have re-design retail and the private shopping experience. The Fifth Avenue Club at the NYC Flagship is the ultimate birthday or Christmas gift- experience.

This year, the Fifth Avenue club is hosting ultra-luxe holiday experiences, that can be only be booked with an MVT advisor.

Dinner and a Show of a Lifetime

Enjoy an exclusive holiday shopping experience at The Fifth Avenue Club at Saks, where you’ll be styled for a debut meeting with stars from Cabaret, Moulin Rouge, Hadestown, or Little Shop of Horrors.

Package priced at $8,500 includes:

$5,000 Saks Fifth Avenue Gift Card
Styling done by a Fifth Avenue Club Consultant
Professional Makeup Application
Lunch or dinner for two at L’Avenue
Car Service to the Broadway show
Enjoy an exclusive Broadway for two show followed by a private meet and greet with the cast

These types of itineraries are available only through booking with an MVT travel advisor.

Sustainable travel for good

📍 Carlton St. Moritz

The Carlton Hotel by The Tschuggen Collection is located in the midst of impressive natural scenery and they are convinced that climate change and environmental protection is the greatest challenge of our lifetime. That is why they have launched a partnership with the my climate foundation and have been completely climate-neutral from 2019 onwards. They also offset unavoidable emissions by financing myclimate climate protection projects in Switzerland and in Rwanda.

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Far Away yet close to home: the Seychelles

Situated a few degrees shy of the equator in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles are known for ribbons of loamy white sand spiked with the archipelago’s trademark pink boulders. The granite is a remnant of the lost continent of Gondwana, and in places the singular ecosystems and abundant endemic species inspire allusions to the Garden of Eden. This far-flung locale has some 100 islands to choose from, so the natural question is, where to start? Here are our six favorite spots.

Raffles Seychelles’ 86 villas are among the islands’ largest, sitting on a steep hillside overlooking Anse Takamaka beach. Four restaurants, a spa with 12 open-air treatment pavilions, and a robust kids’ program are among the resort’s numerous temptations. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a $100 resort credit.

Fifth largest of the Seychelles, Félicité is robed in takamaka trees, coconut palms, and fruit trees, and surrounded by healthy reefs, making it a fine base for kayak and snorkel excursions to uninhabited neighboring islands. Its largest beach, Grand Anse, is frequented by nesting sea turtles – hatchlings emerge October through February.

Six Senses Zil Pasyon is Félicité’s one and only roost. Each of the one-bedroom pool villas feels as though it’s been uniquely molded into the rocks and vegetation; the spa is equally woven into the landscape, with five treatment rooms accessed via a swing bridge. Multibedroom private residences are available higher on the slopes. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a $145 resort credit.

Adults-only cruising

Virgin Voyages

No kids. No buffets. No forced formality. No made-up charges. Yes, the perfect-sized ship. Yes, the destinations you actually want. And yes, the most awarded ships for a vacay with your crew (or on your own).

New Cruise Ships

Norwegian Cruise Line will welcome the 3,500-passenger Norwegian Aqua, its third Prima Class ship, next April. Rather than the car track other Prima vessels have, the Aqua will sport an “aqua coaster.” It will also introduce new bilevel suites in its popular ship-within-a-ship Haven category.

In early 2025, AmaWaterways will become the first major cruise line to sail down Colombia’s Magdalena River. The 60-passenger AmaMagdalena, the line’s newest ship, will sail a pair of seven-night itineraries and feature a heated pool on the sundeck and Latin American cuisine in the main restaurant.

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Here comes the sun

New Sanctuary Collection from Princess Cruises

The Sanctuary Collection is a brand new concept on Princess Cruises newest ships: the Sun and Star Princess. Picture this- a tranquil, adults-only deck with poolside relaxation, craft cocktails, wellness classes, and private cabanas.

Plus, exclusive dining for Sanctuary Collection guests with a custom chef’s menu, no reservations, and award winning service.

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Adults-only fun & Kids sail free

Royal Caribbean

Don't worry if it's cold when you are cruising the world's oceans, Royal Caribbean has you covered- literally! Discover the Solarium, a relaxing indoor-outdoor retreat just for our adult guests. Perfectly positioned at the front of every Royal Caribbean® ship, the crystal canopy area presents fantastic views and stays warm while you enjoy swimming pools, whirlpools and lounge area, as well as cascading lagoons on select ships.

Plus not to mention all the thrill-seeking fun right out side your door- and kids sail free- a Royal Caribbean is a win win for the whole family.

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the celebrity flora

Go to the Galapagos

Cross these faraway islands off your bucketlist. Adventure cruising meets luxury and design on the Celebrity Flora, en route to the Galapagos.

MVT guests will enjoy 1 complimentary specialty dinner for two when booked in a Veranda, Concierge Class or AquaClass stateroom on most 2023 voyages - or 1 complimentary specialty dinner for two PLUS $75 USD shopping credit per-stateroom when booked in a Suite on most 2023 voyages.

Door-to-door Luxury Cruising

Silversea Solo Cruising

Cruising is one of the best ways to travel solo. Every voyage includes a champagne Welcome Reception, to make it easier to meet and mingle with solo travelers, and on select voyages, Gentlemen Hosts will be on board to greet solo guests.

There are thousands of reasons for sailing with Silversea, but from now until the end of February. We think you’ll like $4,000 savings on Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fares, or $2,000 per guest, with a 15% refundable reduced deposit best of all.

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Complimentary Caviar

Why Sail with Seabourn

Seabourn welcomes you to all-inclusive, luxury cruising refined to its purest form.

Experience a private yacht-like atmosphere with all ocean-front suites and welcome champagne & complimentary spirits & caviar!

Overall, cruisers are getting younger: 86 percent of Gen Xers and 88 percent of millennials who have cruised before say they plan to cruise again.

Rivers & Oceans

The Viking Exploration

Journey into the heart of Europe, Asia, Egypt, the Upper and Lower Mississippi, and beyond on a culturally immersive scenic cruise.

Traveling by river, beyond the reach of roadways or larger cruise ports, you will discover the true nature of fascinating lands and the people who call them home.

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ULTRA-LUXE WELLNESS RETREATS

Scenic

Scenic proudly unveils three Wellness Retreat Cruises designed to deliver a harmonious blend of luxury and profound rejuvenation, providing guests with an unparalleled opportunity to renew body, mind, and spirit while traveling. As a brand synonymous with effortless elegance, Scenic is poised to offer a journey of self-discovery that reflects its commitment to opulence, sophistication, and transformative experiences.

Flights included

Go to Greenland on HX

Introducing the first-ever roundtrip Greenland expeditions from Newark.* The only expedition cruise itineraries designed and managed by Greenlanders.

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Travel Trends 2025