In 2025, travellers are not only taking the road well-travelled, they’re also taking detours to experience new places. This encourages you to see more destinations that are less well-known and crowded than the classic tourist spots as an add-on or the main destination.
We have put together a list of ideas for you to take inspiration from below.
If you like Thailand try Cambodia
Thailand is known for its Golden temples and spectacular beaches it is an incredibly diverse country. If you are wanting to immerse yourself more into the culture and history, then visit Cambodia. It has stunning temples like Angkor Wat which is a must see at sunrise or sunset. Both countries are rich in food and culture and are famous for their friendly locals. Overall Cambodia is a less touristy and less developed country whilst still being nice and easy to travel around.
Located in the countryside of Siem Reap, Phum Baitang (meaning green village) is a heavenly retreat which is perfect antidote to a day spent exploring the spectacular Angkor Temples. You can also twin a stay in Siem Reap with one of the isylicc southern Cambodia islands, staying at one of our favourite resorts, The Royal Sands on Koh Rong.
If you like Bali try Lombok
When visiting Indonesia the island of Bali is not something to miss however its neighbouring island Lombok is blessed with untouched beaches, waterfalls and tiny villages. It is only an hour and a half boat or a short flight from Bali with far fewer inhabitants (and tourists), Most of the population are farmers or fisherman who have stuck to their traditional methods which adds a unique charm to the unspoilt island. It makes for a great combination with Bali or as a destination in its own right.
Lombok gives you a chance to discover a very unhurried way of Indonesian life – deserted beaches, lush rainforest and sleepy villages are very much the order of the day here. Direct flights from Singapore make it the perfect twin-centre holiday, failing that fly from Bali or ramp up the adrenalin levels a little and take a speedboat across the Bali Sea.
The Oberoi Beach Resort is a beautiful resort tucked away on a private beach amongst acres of tropical gardens and the setting is, quite simply, beautiful. The sunsets are arguably the best in Asia – we’ll let you decide.
If you like Vietnam try Laos
The urban side to Vietnam is very fast-paced. In contrast to Laos which is less touristy and more laid back, you can enjoy the Laotians leisurely pace of life. Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos, is the country’s best example of its old-world charm with its colonial homes and Buddhist temples it is like stepping back to an Indochina of past. Further beyond Luang Prabang’s charm lies a side of Laos that could hark back to even older times. Explore its virgin rainforest and you’ll find hill tribes untainted by civilisation and aromatic coffee plantations.
Bordered by the lush forest of the Laos countryside on the outskirts of beautiful Luang Prabang, Rosewood is an intimate gem surrounded by serene mountains with a captivating outlook. Offering total immersion in the cultural and spiritual history of this gentle corner of northern Laos.
If you like Dubai try Oman
Dripping with glitz and glamour with its iconic skyline Dubai is a futuristic paradise with pockets of its heritage. To discover more Arabian culture – visit Oman where their culture is everywhere from their sandstone cities to sun-baked rugged mountains its heritage has barely wavered over the centuries. Oman is the traditional Arabia you’ve always imagined and is a perfect location to indulge on a luxury holiday.
With an almost biblical location, Six Senses Zighy Bay’s natural beauty of its surroundings makes it the perfect destination for an Oman wellness or yoga retreat.
If you like Indonesia try the Philippines
Indonesia is a popular paradise captivation a mix of cultures, traditions, religions and landscapes. However, if you would like to venture somewhere less developed and more remote then the Philippines is an excellent alternative. For a country boasting upwards of 7,000 idyllic islands, the Philippines barely registers as a place for a luxury holiday. We’re not really sure why, because it’s a stunning array of islands surrounded by world-class diving and landscapes. The scenery and beaches are so beautiful and their rainbow reefs make it a fantastic place to dive with each island being so different and unique they won’t disappoint!
Miniloc Island, part of the El Nido Resorts group, is a charming resort tucked within a small bay, surrounded by jungle-clad limestone cliffs in the magnificent Bacuit Bay. The vibe here is laid-back luxury with a rustic Filipino village feel. A stay at Miniloc Island is all about exploring the pristine and spectacular environment of impressive Bacuit Bay both on land and underwater.
If you would like to find out more about these incredible countries then contact our experts today!
