Modish Muse Magazine
William Grayson Jr.
May 1, 2025
Where to go?
As summer 2025 beckons, the allure of discovery calls louder than ever. From secluded oases to cultural hotspots reimagined, this season’s travel trends blend escapism with purpose—think cool mountain retreats, under-the-radar islands, and destinations where fashion and culture collide. Here are seven places to fuel your wanderlust, curated with the sophistication of a Vogue edit and the soul of a true explorer.
1. Kyoto, Japan: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Luxury
Kyoto’s cherry-blossom-lined streets and geisha districts remain timeless, but 2025 brings a fresh wave of luxury. The Capella Kyoto, designed by Kengo Kuma near Kenninji Temple, promises omakase dining and zen gardens, while the Tadao Ando-designed The Shinmonzen offers a boutique haven in the heart of the city’s historic geisha district . Pair temple-hopping with Dior’s Fall 2025 collection showcase at Tō-ji Temple, where heritage and haute couture intertwine .
Pack: Flowing silk dresses and minimalist sandals for kaiseki dinners.
2. Melides, Portugal: The Understated “Hamptons of Europe”
Dubbed the “Hamptons of Portugal,” this coastal-artistic enclave lures A-listers like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with its olive groves, whitewashed villages, and unspoiled beaches. Skip the crowds of Comporta and embrace slow living at Melides’ fish markets and artisanal shops. For a luxe stay, book Gundari, a cliffside retreat blending raw beauty with avant-garde design .
Pack: Gauzy linen separates and oversized sunhats for golden-hour strolls.
3. The Inner Hebrides, Scotland: Whisky, Wilderness, and LVMH Chic
Scotland’s rugged isles are having a moment, thanks to LVMH’s transformation of a historic Islay hotel near its Ardbeg distillery. The 2025 redesign by Russell Sage Studio promises a moody seaside escape with whisky-centric bars and hikes across peat-strewn landscapes. Don’t miss the Tiree Music Festival, a Gaelic revival celebration in the Hebrides .
Pack: Tweed blazers and waterproof boots for misty adventures.
4. Siwa Oasis, Egypt: Desert Mystique Meets Sustainable Luxury
Escape Egypt’s tourist trails to this Berber-inspired oasis, where freshwater springs and ancient ruins meet cult stays like Adrére Amellal. With whispers of new boutiques opening, Siwa’s raw beauty—think palm groves and starlit dinners—is poised for a 2025 renaissance .
Pack: Earth-toned kaftans and handwoven baskets for boho desert glam.
5. Tasmania, Australia: Art, Ecology, and Island-Hopping
A haven for intrepid travelers, Tasmania blends avant-garde art (hello, MONA, the world’s most provocative museum) with eco-luxury. Sail via On Board’s sustainable vessel to King Island’s Kittawa Lodge or unwind at Saffire Freycinet, where private Tasmanian Devil sanctuaries meet coastal hikes .
Pack: Tailored jumpsuits and reef-safe sunscreen for yacht-to-gallery transitions.
6. The Black Forest, Germany: Fairytale Charm with a Grown-Up Edge
Swap Mediterranean heat for Baden-Baden’s chic spa culture. The Brenners Park Hotel, freshly refurbished in 2025, offers thermal baths and Michelin-starred dining. Hike evergreen trails by day, then indulge in Black Forest gateau at a timbered chalet .
Pack: Structured trench coats and heeled ankle boots for casino nights.
7. Gstaad, Switzerland: The Ultimate “Coolcation” Escape
With European summers growing hotter, “coolcations” reign—and Gstaad delivers. Stay at The Alpina Gstaad, EarthCheck Gold-certified, for alpine hikes and glacier visits. August brings the Züglete festival, where flower-crowned cows parade through valleys .
Pack: Technical knitwear and raffia totes for eco-chic apres-hike lounging.
The Modish Muse Travel Edit: What to Wear
Channel resort 2025’s key trends: leopard-print midis (a neutral, per Vogue), boho blouses from Chloé, and sequined skirts for sunset cocktails . For sustainability, opt for linen co-ords (Next’s SS25 collection nails this) and carbon-neutral experiences like Victoria’s orca whale-watching .
Whether you’re drawn to Kyoto’s poetic temples or Tasmania’s wild shores, 2025 is about traveling with intention—and impeccable style. As the world shifts, so do our itineraries; let these seven destinations be your compass.