BWH ® Hotels and WorldHotels ™ Spotlight ‘Detour Destinations’ as Vibrant Alternatives to Iconic Vacation Locales

Andrea Thompson

ByAndrea Thompson

July 18, 2025

Trade the tourist trail for six escapes across the world

This year, travellers are increasingly planning detours along their journeys, discovering less crowded, hidden gem experiences that provide welcoming experiences and a deeply rooted sense of place.

With 18 distinct brands that cater to every type of traveller, and more than 4,300 hotels in 100+ countries, BWH ® Hotels, the global hospitality enterprise comprised of WorldHotels ™ , Best Western ® Hotels & Resorts, and SureStay ® Hotels, is inviting travellers to explore its world-class resorts and hotels with six ‘Detour Destinations.’

This curated portfolio of unique properties across the globe aligns with the growing desire of discerning travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path escapes, from relaxing lakefront resorts to city hotels in emerging neighbourhoods.

While travellers continue to venture to globally popular destinations, they are also increasingly adding stops along the way to explore lesser-known locales that offer a fresh perspective and new experiences. Recent data shows that 63% of travellers will likely explore a detour destination on their next getaway. Whether it’s a vibrant beachside escape near Brazil’s iconic dunes and reefs or a heritage stay nestled in the Canadian Rockies, BWH Hotels offers more than a place to sleep; they deliver authentic locations that provide opportunities to recharge and explore new destinations.

Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort Cranbrook, Canada

Tucked in the heart of British Columbia’s mountain range, Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort, WorldHotels Crafted collection, is a charming detour for travellers heading to Banff or Jasper.

With lodge-inspired design, two contemporary restaurants, and the New Energy Wellness Spa, the resort is a perfect stopover for those seeking alpine tranquillity without the tourist crowds of Canada’s better-known mountain towns.

Detour Worth Doing: The Crystal and Sante Fe Railcar Suites offer a rare chance to stay
inside a real railcar—blending historic character with thoughtful, high-end touches.

Hotel Damier, Kortrijk, Belgium

A charming 4-star boutique hotel dating back to the 14th century, Hotel Damier, part of
WorldHotels Crafted collection, offers a blend of classic elegance and modern flair in the culturally vibrant Belgian city of Kortrijk. Guests can marvel over the hotel’s magnificent Rococo façade circa 1769 and enjoy an aperitivo in Sprezza, the hotel’s high-end cocktail bar, which offers signature cocktails, and an exquisite collection of whiskeys, unique rums, and tequila.

Detour with Distinction: Step off the tourist trail and into the heart of Kortrijk, a delightful Belgian city rich in history and design. Just a short train ride from Brussels or Lille, the city is the perfect cultural detour for travellers seeking authenticity, art, and a taste of Belgian hospitality—without the crowds.

Aiden® by Best Western Łódź, Lodz, Poland

Aiden by Best Western Łódź is the perfect urban retreat for travellers craving creativity and ease in the off-the-radar city of Łódź. Blending sleek contemporary design with thoughtful service, the hotel offers 61 spacious, light-filled rooms, sumptuous breakfast, and friendly staff, all at a budget-smart price.

Shopping Detour: Once a central hub for textile production, Łódź’s fashion-forward spirit is on display in the indie boutiques of Piotrkowska Street and striking red-brick Manufaktura, a massive shopping complex filled with galleries, restaurants, and museums. It’s retail therapy with a historic twist.

Majestic Ponta Negra Beach, Ponta Negra, Brazil

The ocean-overlooking hotel is a vibrant coastal detour for travellers venturing beyond Brazil’s tourist-heavy hubs. Located near dunes, reefs, and scenic parks, Majestic Ponta Negra Beach, WorldHotels Elite collection, channels Rio’s energy in a more laid-back, approachable setting with spacious suites, an upscale French brasserie, and unrivalled views of the famous Morro do Careca, making it an ideal beachside escape for travellers craving sunshine, culture and coastal adventure with fewer crowds.

Delicious Detour: Designed by renowned architect Samara Gosson, La Brasserie offers
classic and elegant dining featuring fresh ingredients from the sea and an on-site organic garden.

Dakhla South Bay, Dakhla, Morocco

The upscale coastal Dakhla South Bay, WorldHotels Distinctive collection offers a remote Moroccan oasis where desert meets ocean, perfect for travellers looking to explore the Western Sahara. Ideal for wellness retreats, lounging poolside with unrivalled ocean views, or water sports like kite surfing, this soulful hidden gem offers raw beauty and deep serenity on the Sahara’s edge.

Desert Detour: Visitors can experience the Sahara Desert like never before via 4×4 SUV,
where they can crawl rocky plateaus, dunes, and a mesmerizing lagoon.

SereS Springs Resort & Spa Ubud – Bali, Indonesia

Tucked away from the bustle of Bali’s crowded tourist hotspots, SereS Springs Resort & Spa, a WorldHotels Elite property, offers a serene sanctuary in Ubud.

Surrounded by lush valleys, majestic waterfalls, and the island’s iconic terraced rice fields, this hidden gem features exquisite rooms and villas that blend traditional Balinese design with modern luxury.

Divine Detour: Guests can reserve an opulent private garden villa with its own pool, indulge in spa rituals across a four-level spa, relax in a natural spring soaking pool, or simply unwind and recentre amid the peaceful surroundings, all in Bali style.