As 2025 fast approaches, based on the trends being seen by Coolstays and across the travel industry generally, here are some travel predictions for next year.
Off-season West Country
Skip the crowds- the West Country off-season is chilled and peaceful. The beaches are nearly empty, there’s a seat in all those normally packed out seafront pubs, the most booked-up of holiday homes have availability – and at lower prices. Plus you’re doing your bit to help out those shops and restaurants that can struggle over the colder months. We love this thoughtful UK holiday trend.
Properties with natural pools
Everyone’s heard about the benefits of wild swimming, but what if you don’t fancy rivers, lakes and seas? You need a property with its own natural pool. A growing trend among high-end pads, these pools are usually man-made but contain no chemicals or nasties and look just like naturally occurring ponds, except they’re perfectly designed for your morning dip. All we need is a nice hot summer and we predict demand for these places will be sky high in 2025.
Self-guided retreats
Self-guided retreats are one to look out for in 2025. This growing trend is all about adding a sprinkle of self-care to your next break. You structure your own day, no need to stick to group schedules. Cabins, huts and glamping spots work well for this – anywhere with nature nearby, where you can carve out a bit of peace, quiet and dedicated me-time for some yoga, Pilates, meditation or whatever you fancy.
Places on the water
If you want to really relax you need a holiday by the water. There’s nowhere more calming or peaceful than a cottage by the sea, or a cabin beside a loch. The sound of the surf, the mist over a lake first thing in the morning – it’s like practising mindfulness without even knowing you’re doing it. We predict these perennially popular properties will see even more bookings in 2025.
Madeira
A fabulous warm-all-year climate, verdant landscape nourished by dormant volcanoes and some smart new hotel openings in 2024. Madeira is no secret, but we predict this little Portuguese outpost off the coast of Morocco will be on the up in 2025. There are still plenty of laid-back all-inclusives, but tourism here is changing, with the growing surf scene, incredible scenery, outdoor activities and excellent wi-fi attracting a new crowd.
A-Frames
A-frames are like cabins – only taller, airer and pointier. A-frame architecture gives you soaring ceilings, huge windows and cute Swiss chalet vibes. And they’re currently having a boom, thanks to their sleek, social media friendly good looks. We’ve seen some gorgeous A-frame holiday properties popping up around the UK and Europe, mixing that striking high-pitched design with luxurious contemporary interiors.
Places with a concierge
Is staying in a holiday property with a concierge service a luxury? Yes absolutely. However when there’s a big group of you, a friends get-together, or a family reunion, a concierge can be an absolute godsend. It’s someone to book a private chef, or book you the best restaurant. It means everyone can relax and enjoy their holiday equally, rather than one long-suffering member of the party (normally the one who organised it in the first place) being asked to sort things out. We say next year, let someone else do the hard work.
Anglesey
This beautiful Welsh island should be on everyone’s radar for 2025. You’ll find Anglesey (Ynys Môn in Welsh) on the northwest coast, separated from the mainland by the Menai Straight. It’s a place of incredible natural beauty. Huge swathes of golden sandy beach wrap the coastline, where you can spot dolphins, seals and puffins. The island is also packed with castles, ancient Celtic monuments and magical vibes.
Places with cinema rooms
We’re seeing an increasing number of properties offering this extra – and it’s a good one. Watching movies in your very own cinema room is a fun treat. Throw in a few bags of popcorn and that’s any rainy afternoon taken care of. This is generally a larger property trend, but small places are getting in on the movie action too. They might not have their own private cinema room, but cabins and cottages are installing retractable screens and powerful mini projectors so you can watch films from the sofa or from bed.
Coolcations
Recent summers of searing temperatures across Europe mean that instead of heading towards the sun, people are now trying to get away from it. Colder destinations like Scandinavia and Iceland are becoming more popular. Summer trips here offer pleasant mild weather, as well as the usual great Scandi style and beautiful landscape.