The World’s Greatest Places of 2025 list from TIME is more than a bucket list—it’s a window into how, and where, we want to travel next. This year, TIME shines a spotlight on accommodations that push boundaries, celebrate local culture, and redefine what it means to stay somewhere special. From jungle lodges in Madagascar to reimagined icons in New York, the hotels and resorts on this list represent the future of hospitality.
In Bodrum, Türkiye, Maxx Royal Bodrum stands tall among TIME’s top picks for 2025. It’s not just the luxury that earned it a spot—it’s the hotel’s striking architecture and sustainability vision that make it a standout on the Aegean coast. Representing Türkiye on a global stage, this resort reflects a broader shift toward eco-conscious design and authentic guest experiences.
TIME’s Most Exceptional Places to Stay
The 2025 list travels across six continents, featuring everything from high-altitude observatories to desert sanctuaries. In Saudi Arabia, Shebara Resort on the Red Sea is recognized for its futuristic design and commitment to preserving coral reefs. Zimbabwe’s Mbano Manor Hotel, located near Victoria Falls, offers an elegant fusion of heritage and nature. Meanwhile, Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico brings wellness to the wine country with its tranquil, immersive retreat.
Some picks are remote escapes. On São Tomé and Príncipe’s Príncipe Island, Bom Bom offers secluded beauty amid one of the world’s most biodiverse islands. In Namibia, the NamibRand Nature Reserve provides stargazing like nowhere else, blending minimal impact tourism with maximum natural wonder.
Urban innovation also made the list. Populus in Denver is the first carbon-positive hotel in the U.S., setting a bold new standard for urban sustainability. The HX Grand Greenland in Nuuk is another visionary space—an Arctic cultural center and hotel in one. And in New York City, the iconic Waldorf Astoria reclaims its status after a major transformation, reminding travelers why the classics endure.
Asia brings thoughtful design and cultural depth. In India, Raffles Jaipur and the Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife Resort offer luxury with local character. Nepal’s Community Homestay Network flips the script entirely, inviting visitors to live like locals through family-run stays that preserve tradition and support rural economies.
Unexpected Destinations and Eco-Minded Retreats
Many of TIME’s selections are refreshingly under the radar. In Albania, Alpeta Agrotourism & Winery pairs hospitality with family-run winemaking in the hills of Roshnik. The Brecon in Switzerland is a 9-room mountain escape designed for digital detoxing. In France, Hôtel de la Plage on Cap Ferret is a coastal haven blending casual style with culinary finesse.
The Caribbean isn’t forgotten. Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines makes the list with its lush surroundings and elevated all-inclusive offering. Over in the British Virgin Islands, Peter Island Resort returns to glory after years of restoration following hurricane damage. And in Turks and Caicos, The Farm at Seven Stars Resort & Spa impresses with its sustainable dining and spa experiences rooted in local ingredients.
Other standouts include The Ranch Hudson Valley in New York for its holistic health programs, The Lodge Wadjemup on Australia’s Rottnest Island for its Indigenous-led design, and QT Singapore for its bold, artistic flair.
What ties these places together isn’t a single aesthetic or location. It’s intention. The World’s Greatest Places of 2025 aren’t just photogenic—they’re forward-thinking. They embrace the values travelers are prioritizing today: sustainability, immersion, and storytelling.
Where will you stay in 2025? With TIME’s top picks leading the way, the choices are richer—and more meaningful—than ever.
