Trailblazing Travel: 25 off-the-beaten track places to visit in 2025

Blaze your own path next year by considering these underrated destinations that are overlooked by most Australians but offer fresh and often more meaningful travel experiences.

With the new year upon us, many of us are planning where we want to head next. Be the person at the dinner table telling stories about intrepid journeys to far-flung lands, from the vast landscapes of Mongolia to the wild beauty of Norway’s Arctic North. Why not swap out your favourite destination, such as Bali, for an off-grid paradise like Sumba. Or simply take a detour while visiting iconic destinations, such as Barcelona, to stay in a new hilltop hotel overlooking the charming medieval town of Girona. We understand travelling to largely undiscovered places can be a vexed issue, but by spreading the love and load of tourism in a respectful way, we can also have a positive impact on these communities. Here’s to happy, mindful travelling in 2025.

1. Madeira, Portugal

Well known for its fortified wine, this Portuguese island is closer to Africa than Europe but has drawn comparisons to Hawai’i for its lush interior landscape, dramatic ridges and coastlines, and crystal-clear seas.

an aerial view of Madeira Island — A scenic mountain staircase crisscrosses the island. (Image: Getty/Aleh Varanishcha)

Madeira is paradise for keen walkers, with more than 1000 kilometres of tracks following 15^th-century stone irrigation systems known as levadas all over the island.

hiking to Pico Ruivo, Madeira Island — Lose yourself in a sea of clouds at the peak of Pico Ruivo. (Image: Getty/Borchee)

Dominating the luxe accommodation landscape, Savoy Signature is a collection of seven properties around the island, with its most recent openings The Reserve, a luxe and exclusive stay within Savoy Palace, and laid-back boutique hotel NEXT.

2. Girona, Spain

Located in Catalonia on the Costa Brava, Girona is a quieter alternative to nearby Barcelona. The medieval city is a rabbit warren of winding, narrow streets and comprises one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Europe.

a panoramic view of Girona and Cathedral in Catalonia, Spain — Girona is where architecture blends with nature. (Image: Getty/bloodua)

Elevating your experience here literally and figuratively, the new five-room Hotel Esperit Roca is perched atop Sants Metges mountain.

The luxe stay harmonises with the surrounding environment through its natural design and boasts sprawling views over this enchanting city.

a bathtub inside Habitacio Junior Suite Empordà, Hotel Esperit Roca — Soak up the rugged landscape from your private tub at Hotel Esperit Roca.

3. Sumba, Indonesia

Just 50 minutes by plane from Bali lies an off-grid paradise of dense jungle, unspoiled surfing beaches and plateaus of rice paddies. Slated as the new Gili or Komodo islands, Sumba is a natural beauty with rich Indigenous culture.

the Cap Karoso resort in Sumba Island — Cap Karoso is set within a dense jungle.

Many of its residents live in traditional huts and practise Marapu, an endemic religion that follows ancient practices such as animal sacrifice and rituals performed by shamans.

the poolside chill spot at Cap Karoso resort in Sumba Island, Indonesia — The luxe eco retreat sits ocean-facing on a tropical landscape.

While this island feels lost in time, the new modernist Design Hotel, Cap Karoso, brings contemporary design and cultural experiences with luxury hospitality.

4. China

Aussies have been timid to return to China post-pandemic. But a recent poll by the Global Times Institute found that nearly one-third are interested to learn more about a country that, in recent years, has been bathed in a negative light. And there’s never been a better time with the announcement of a handy 30-day visa-free travel policy for Australian citizens.

an aerial view of the Hangzhou, Grand Canal in China at night — The Grand Canal runs from Hangzhou to Beijing. (Image: Getty/zhaojiankang)

What visitors find beyond its mega cities and world-famous sites is a country blessed with dramatic landscapes of mountains, gorges and meandering rivers, ancient tribal villages, millennia-old temples, Imperial palaces and 59 World Heritage sites.

an aerial view of Fanjingshan Mountain, Guizhou, China — Fanjingshan is China’s fifth-largest Buddhist mountain. (Image: Getty/outcast85)

5. Dolomites, Italy

The wildly beautiful Dolomites in the northern Italian Alps is now home to Cammino Retico, a seven-day hiking trail that does a 168-kilometre loop through soaring limestone peaks, across plateaus, undulating valleys and past alpine lakes.

a woman standing at Lago di Carezza in Dolomites, Italy — Take in the beauty of the Insta-famous Lago di Carezza. (Image: Getty/Oleh Slobodeniuk)

Along the way, hikers can stay in more than 50 accommodation options in the 10 remote villages the route connects to, from a farm stay in Cesiomaggiore to a villa within the walled city of Feltre.

a scenic mountain landscape surrounding Val di Funes, Dolomites, Italy — Be rewarded with panoramic views over Val di Funes. (Image: Getty/ Dieter Meyrl)

6. Seychelles

Made up of 115 tiny islands off the East African coast, Seychelles is a paradisical scene of white-sand beaches, azure waters and lush vegetation punctuated by palm trees.

a white-sand beach with giant boulders at La Digue, Seychelles — Etched on La Digue island are huge granite rocks. (Image: Getty/Diamond Dogs)

Considered the Galapagos of Africa, it’s a biodiversity hotspot with raised coral atolls, including the Aldabra, which is home to more than 150,000 giant tortoises, and underwater reefs reaching depths of the Grand Canyon.

Venture to this staggering region with Aqua Expeditions, which will cruise to rarely visited destinations such as the Seychelles and Tanzanian Islands in East Africa for the first time in 2025.

a giant tortoise on the sand, Seychelles — Aldabra is home to a thriving population of giant tortoises. (Image: Getty/Chalabala)

7. Batumi, Georgia

Wedged between Europe and Asia, Georgia is a country of contrasts. Its landscapes range from semi-arid deserts to Europe’s highest mountain range, it has a blend of medieval history and Soviet influences, is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world, and is the birthplace of wine.

Drawing design mavens to the Black Sea gem of Batumi – a port town and one of UNESCO’s Creative Cities – is the recent opening of ROOMS, a 1970s-style bolthole in a renovated 19^th-century building in the town’s historic quarter.

the exterior of Rooms, Batumi, Georgia — Settle into this 1970s-style bolthole. (Image: Design Hotels)

8. Rwanda

The recent opening of Bisate Reserve is another reason to add the East African nation of Rwanda to our travel lists. This luxe four-villa lodge is an evolution of Wilderness Rwanda’s Bisate experience near Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.

a rainforest lodge at Bisate Reserve, Rwanda — Stay in a rainforest lodge at Bisate Reserve. (Image: Felix Studios)

Expert-guided gorilla encounters, nature trails and birdwatching are some of the experiences on offer, with every stay anchored around conservation, contributing to reforestation and rehabilitation initiatives, local community upliftment and the preservation of mountain gorillas.

a mother and baby gorilla in the wild, Bisate Reserve, Rwanda — Mountain gorillas move freely in the wilderness. (Image: Felix Studios)

9. Chiloé Island, Chile

Off the coast of Southern Chile, Chiloé Island is the second largest island in South America. Its intense biodiversity from verdant forests to rich wetlands drew the attention of Charles Darwin and its isolation has shaped a unique cultural identity.

an aerial view of Chiloé Island, Chile — See the misty green isles of Chiloé. (Image: Unsplash/Jaume Galofré)

With a design inspired by the colourful stilted fishing houses, known as palafitos, luxury hotel Tierra Chiloe has a shingle-clad exterior that is typical on the island with locally made handicrafts, carvings, rugs and the like filling its interior.

colourful palafitos houses perched on stilts at Chiloé Island, Chile — Palafitos houses are perched on stilts. (Image: Getty/chaolik)

10. Tonga

Award-winning wildlife photographer Craig Parry has pointed his lens towards Tonga for more than a decade and he wants to share the magic with other passionate adventurers and photographers in 2025. Parry will join guests on two small-group tours from Vava’u that include guided whale swims to capture majestic humpbacks underwater as they migrate through the Kingdom of Tonga.

a humpback whale swimming in the blue ocean — Swim with the humpbacks in Tonga. (Image: Getty/Philip Thurston)

11. Adirondack, New York, USA

The Adirondacks is a vast wilderness region in northern New York, which has often been overlooked for its more famous neighbour the Catskills. But a new rail trail is shining the spotlight on this region of glacier-carved mountains, conifer forests and shimmering lakes.

a mountain road in Adirondack High Peaks — Take the scenic mountain road leading to the Adirondack High Peaks. (Image: Getty/aoldman)

The multi-use Adirondack Rail Trail covers 54 kilometres between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake, and will accommodate bikes, wheelchairs and strollers as well as snowmobiles, cross-country skis and snowshoes during winter.

the view of Lower Ausable Lake from the Indian Head Lookout in the Adirondack Mountains, New York — Dramatic views of Lower Ausable Lake await. (Image: Getty/lightphoto)

12. Colorado, USA

Astronomy enthusiasts, tin-foil-hat wearers or anyone with a curiosity about our galaxy should add Colorado to their travel wish list.

a starry night over Monarch Lake in the Colorado Rocky Mountains — Stargaze the pristine night skies over Monarch Lake. (Image: Getty/bauhaus1000)

One of the planet’s best stargazing destinations, the state is home to 11 DarkSky International Parks, six DarkSky International Communities, and even a UFO watchtower in the San Luis Valley, which is deemed a hotspot for alien activity.

the view of the Milky Way in Colorado — Swap the city lights for the twinkling Milky Way. (Image: Getty/Adventure Photo)

13. Mongolia

It’s a destination on the rise with millennial travellers increasingly seeking out untouched experiences. Intrepid has curated a Trans-Mongolian Railway Adventure that enhances accessibility for these explorers.

the Trans-Siberian Railway train, Mongolia — Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway with Intrepid. (Image: Supplied)

The 11-day adventure traverses Mongolia’s vast landscapes and dives into its rich cultural heritage and nomadic culture, taking in its beauty from the steppes of Khustai National Park to the dunes of the Gobi Desert.

wild horses in Hustai National Park, Mongolia — Wild horses graze at Hustai National Park. (Image: Getty/Ondrej Prosicky)

14. Amazon, Peru

The Amazon – its snaking river, dense rainforest and exotic wildlife, including macaws, howler monkeys and jaguar – is the stuff of travel dreams. Abercrombie & Kent helps travellers realise this dream with the launch of its luxe Peruvian Amazon riverboat, Pure Amazon, in 2025.

the Peruvian Amazon riverboat of Pure Amazon — Sail Peruvian waters onboard Pure Amazon.

The all-new boutique boat will offer three- and four-night cruises along South America’s mightiest river. Pinch-me experiences include guided nature walks to spot sloths, paddling on lagoons in search of the elusive pink river dolphins, fishing for piranhas and visits to remote Amazonian communities are included.

a bedroom facing the river aboard Peruvian Amazon riverboat of Pure Amazon — Take in the views of the Amazon from bed.

15. Pakistan

Pakistan, a seldom-visited part of the world, is emerging as a spectacular trekking region, home to five of the world’s highest peaks, as well as narrow valleys and teeming rivers.

a blue river flowing through Karakoram mountain — A turquoise blue river flows through Hunza Nagar valley. (Image: Unsplash/Jawad Sarwar)

Daring to venture to this geographically forbidding place – where the locals are warm and welcoming – Intrepid has launched a 10-day tour that treks through the Karakoram Mountains.

the Karakoram mountain range in Pakistan — The rugged mountains encompass India, Pakistan, and China. (Image: Getty/mantaphoto)

16. Southern India

Southern India has long been an antidote to the steamy north, with travellers and locals seeking respite on beaches such as Goa and in the serene backwaters of Kerala, a colossal web of waterways dotted with languidly moving kettuvallams (houseboats), which you can experience with CGH Earth’s Spice Coast Cruises.

a traditional houseboat along the Kerala backwaters — Hop aboard a Kettuvalam along the Kerala backwaters. (Image: CGH Earth Experience Hotels)

On the east coast, the city of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) was listed as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel experiences for the year ahead for its Gallic architecture, French history, spiritual centres and coastline.

a boatman sitting at the edge of the Spice Coast Cruises houseboat on the river, Kerala Backwaters — Sail down the river on a traditional houseboat. (Image: CGH Earth Experience Hotels)

17. Lithuania

Lithuania is rich in natural beauty with its diverse landscapes including forests, lakes, sandy dunes and the Baltic Sea. It’s also a feel-good place to travel to with its capital Vilnius named the European Green Capital of 2025 for its strong commitment to sustainability.

an aerial view of the Vilnius Old Town, Lithuania — There is a sense of novelty about the Old Town. (Image: Getty/iiokua)

The country in northeastern Europe is also known for prioritising the happiness of its residents. promoting initiatives concerning clean air and water, biodiversity preservation and green spaces, of which more than half of the city is covered with; the other half is packed with cobblestoned laneways and spires.

old colourful townhouses in the center of Vilnius, Lithuania — The medieval town of Vilnius is filled with heritage architecture. (Image: Getty/ ewg3D)

Its second-largest city Kaunas has also recently earned a UNESCO designation for its unparalleled Art Deco architecture.

the Kaunas Old Town in Lithuania at night — Unearth the mystique of Kaunas Old Town at night. (Image: Getty/Krivinis)

18. Malta

For a small island nation, Malta sure packs a punch. This laid-back Mediterranean idyll lies 80 kilometres to the south of Italy and experiences some 300 days of sunshine a year.

turquoise blue waters lapping against a golden sandy beach at Ramla Bay, Gozo, Malta — Soak up the golden Mediterranean sun on Ramla Bay. (Image: Getty/kparis)

There are three inhabited islands, Gozo, Comino and mainland Malta and its fortified capital Valletta is one of Europe’s smallest and most walkable capital cities.

boats moored at Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta — A dazzling teal lagoon sits between Comino and Cominotto islands. (Image: Unsplash/
Mike Nahlii)

Join Explore Worldwide’s eight-day Malta and Gozo Discovery to delve into the rich history of the capital and enjoy languid time on unspoilt Gozo.

the Dwejra lagoon on the island of Gozo — Dwejra is a seawater lagoon on Gozo Island. (Image: Getty/Karina Movsesyan)

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19. Norway

Norway has become nirvana for those seeking a slower pace of travel, untamed landscapes and hyperlocal experiences. The Salten District in the Arctic North is a stand-out for ‘natural therapy’.

the port of Bodø, Norway at night — Bodø is renowned as Norway’s new cultural capital. (Image: Getty/Ruben Ramos)

Salstraumen leans heavily on its natural beauty and local produce, with Manshausen Island the very definition of wild luxury.

a house on a hill by a lake in Saltstraumen, Bodø, Norway — A lake house is set on Saltstraumen, home to the world’s strongest tidal current. (Image: Unsplash/Secret Travel Guide)

Its main hub, Bodø, was given the title of European Capital of Culture for 2024 for its flourishing performing arts scene and lively network of small bars and restaurants.

northern lights in Bodø, Norway — Get a chance to see the northern lights in Bodø. (Image: Unsplash/Joshua Kettle)

20. Whanganui, NZ

Across the ditch, this UNESCO City of Design is a storied place with a creative legacy, from historical Maori art and craft to the visionary architects who created the city’s landmarks.

the Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, New Zealand — Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery is a significant cultural opening in New Zealand Aotearoa. (Image: Supplied)

After its $70 million redevelopment, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery – which holds more than 8000 items of national and international significance – has reopened after almost a decade of anticipation.

women dressed in traditional clothing at the gallery opening of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery — Gain insight into Māori culture and heritage. (Image: Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery)

21. Hamburg, Germany

To liken a hotel to a bunker would usually suggest a drab experience but it’s anything but in Germany’s second city.

Hamburg Hochbahn train and Landugsbrücke clock tower from above — Take the Hamburg Hochbahn train. (Image: Getty/Alexander Bagno)

St Paul Bunki is a 50-metre-tall former Nazi bunker in Hamburg housing REVERB, a colourful Hard Rock Hotel, a food-sharing restaurant with live music, funky bar and cafe.

the Warehouse district Speicherstadt in Hamburg, Germany — Hamburg is the world’s largest warehouse district. (Image: Getty/nantonov)

It’s centrally located to explore the cool city of Hamburg, an affluent city nestled between the River Elbe and the North and Baltic Seas that boasts a happening nightlife.

Hamburg at night — Get a sense of the city’s ritz and glitz. (Image: Getty/Rudy Balasko)

22. Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is an intoxicating mix of old and new. Its city skylines are dominated by blue-domed mosques, piercing minarets, intricately tiled mausoleums and bustling bazaars that contrast with cosmopolitan buildings and a mélange of cultures and ethnicities due to a political and social shift after Soviet rule.

Shah-i-Zinda or Shohizinda (The Living King), a necropolis in Samarkand, Uzbekistan — Marvel at Uzbekistan’s old Islamic architecture. (Image: Getty/monticelllo)

Travelling the ancient Silk Road trading route from Tashkent to the blue-tiled city of Samarkand, then onto 2000-year-old Bukhara is the stuff of bucket lists.

a man walking down the sidewalk in Bukhara, Uzbekistan — Take a leisurely jaunt through the vibrant streets. (Image: Unsplash/AXP Photography)

Crooked Compass is a boutique tour company specialising in off-the-beaten-track tours, with 10 itineraries that cover Uzbekistan’s treasures and one that takes in the wonders of the five ’Stans.

a blue-domed mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan — Samarkand is home to impressive blue-domed mosques. (Image: Unsplash/AXP Photography)

23. Namibia

Named for the ancient Namib Desert, which stretches along its entire 1500-kilometre coastline, Namibia is a vast and sparsely populated land, home to the rugged wilderness of Damaraland and the Kalahari Desert teeming with resilient wildlife.

African lions in Kalahari desert — Sunbathing lions are a common sight in Africa. (Image: Getty/EcoPic)

Australian touring specialist Wendy Wu Tours has just launched its first foray into this diverse African nation.

acacia tree skeletons in Deadvlei — Remnants of Acacia trees in Deadvlei. (Image: Getty/jacobeukman)

The 12-day tour includes highlights such as a safari in Etosha National Park, a visit to semi-nomadic Himba village and the otherworldly red dunes of Sossusvlei.

Bushmen rock paintings in Brandberg mountain, Namibia, Africa — Learn the meaning behind the engravings along the ancient walls. (Image: Getty/Smitt)

24. Costa Rica

Travel + Leisure named Costa Rica its Destination of the Year for 2024. But Americans are already in the know (three out of four tourists here are from the United States). Yet few Australians have experienced la pura vida (the pure life) of Costa Rica. This country is blessed with dense rainforests, pristine beaches, and thriving national parks.

an aerial view of Andaz in Costa Rica — Andaz Costa Rica Resort is nestled atop a hill overlooking Culebra Bay.

It’s a cultural melting pot, from the Costa Rican cowboys or ‘Sabanero’ inland to the vibrant Afro-Caribbean cultures on the east coast. And, up on the North Pacific coast, countless beaches and a host of new luxury resorts, including the Andaz at Peninsula Papagayo and Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique (slated to open in March) make for the perfect sun-and-sand escape.

boating along the river in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica — Go paddle-boarding or kayak up the river at Peninsula Papagayo.

25. Bacalar, Mexico

Just south of the sugar-white coastline of Tulum lies the quieter enclave of Bacalar. This laid-back town with simple comforts is within reach of the Lagoon of Seven Colours, named so for its staggering hues. Here you can swim, kayak and unwind in the overwater hammocks, or snorkel the stromatolites around the edge of the adjoining Cenote Cocalitos.

a hut in the middle of Bacalar Lake, Mexico — Lake Bacalar is also called the Lagoon of Seven Colors. (Image: Getty/diegocardini)

Alongside the lagoon, sustainably built Boca de Agua offers ‘treehouse’ accommodation nestled in lush jungle. Bacalar is around a 2.5-hour drive from Tulum, but the new Maya Train, which operates between Cancún and Campeche, will eventually connect through to Tulum and Bacalar – so travellers can easily hop between the paradisiacal destinations of the Yucatan Peninsula.

daybeds on Bacalar Lake, Boca de Agua, Mexico — Laze by the lake on a daybed at Boca de Agua. (Image: Design Hotels)

Need more inspiration? Here are the 50 greatest travel experiences to have on the planet right now.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

Trailblazing travel: 25 off-the-beaten track places to visit in 2025