November 2024…/ As 2024 comes to an end, many travellers are looking ahead to their next adventure in 2025. Award-winning bespoke luxury travel agency, Cartology Travel, have updated their predictions for luxury travel in 2025, and the destinations and types of trips they expect to see rise in popularity as the year goes on. From train travel to sea safaris, Colombia to Montana, ski to Sardinia, a host of new openings and different ways to travel are set to dictate travel patterns in 2025.

New openings: Sardinia, Colombia and Montana

Sardinia has been always a luxury destination for those Europeans in the know, but now more than ever this Italian island is gaining broader renown, and is only set to get more interest as several iconic luxury hotel brands open their doors. With Belmond Romazzino opening last summer, and more slated for 2025 and 2026, Cartology Travel have seen an increase in enquiries for the destination, and flew their whole team out this year to experience the island first hand. 

While Colombia has not traditionally been on the luxury tourist trail for those travelling through South America, the Cartology Travel team predict this is about to change. Justin Huxter, Co-founder of Cartology Travel, who recently visited the country, says “Colombia is an amazing country with an up-and-coming food scene, lots of adventure, and an incredible variety of landscapes to explore, so it's perfect for any type of traveller.” Later this year, Four Seasons are set to open their new 131 key hotel in Cartagena, located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, and known for its rich history. The hotel has restored a collection of landmark buildings dating back as far as the 16th century, and will set the agenda for a new chapter for Cartagena.

Montana will see the opening of One & Only's first US resort in 2025, One & Only Moonlight Basin, located in the mountains and promising a wild sense of adventure to all guests. Guests will be able to fully absorb the incredible landscapes on an active trip, whether it be in the summer or ski season. Yellowstone National Park is just a short drive from the resort and offers the chance to see elks grazing and herds of bison, and the glassy lakes in summer are just as breathtaking as the frosted mountains in winter.

Europe tops US travellers' lists for skiing

With the huge terrain and variety of accommodation and dining options across an area such as the Three Valleys, it's no surprise that Cartology Travel's US clients are recognising Europe as a favourable skiing destination.  Having spoken to some of their luxury hotel partners in The Alps, the team have noted a marked increase in the American market, from less than 5% a few years ago to over 20% of guests this season. 

Kathy Boate, CEO of Cartology Travel says, “We are seeing a noticeable rise in North American clients enquiring about European ski trips this winter, most notably to France, and for all of them this will be their first time skiing in Europe.  They can enjoy picturesque mountain towns, a lively après ski scene, and when taking in the cost of lift tickets, private lessons, flights and hotels it's working out to be cheaper too.”

Different ways to safari

With their roots in South Africa, Cartology Travel are experts in all things safari, and specialise in unique Africa trips for many of their clients. With so many safari routes and destinations well-trodden already, there are still some exciting updates for 2025 that will set the agenda for many traveller:

• Pairing Zimbabwe and South Africa, thanks to a new flight linking the famed Sabi Sands of Greater Kruger with the incredible Singita Pamushana in southern Zimbabwe
• Requests for sea and water-based safari, with guests looking to go beyond the traditional safari and requesting to incorporate ocean and river safaris, and to journey further into the waters and away from land
• A continued boom for South Africa, with direct flights from the UK and continued popularity of the direct routes from the US and Brazil; Cartology Travel are expecting more itineraries that pair Cape Town with safari, as well as short hops to incredible beach destinations such as Mozambique.

Ultra-luxury train travel

As sustainability continues to dominate the travel industry, 2025 will see a series of launches that promise to take train journeys to the next level.

In Europe, Accor will launch new Orient Express journeys in Italy, “La Dolce Vita”, while Belmond will launch a new exclusive carriage with artist JR, allowing guests to stay within their very own private art gallery throughout their journey.

Further afield, Cartology Travel are seeing increased interest from clients in both the Rocky Mountaineer on Canada's west coast, and Rovos Rail's Trail of Two Oceans journey across South Africa from Tanzania to Angola, as well as other itineraries traversing through South Africa, Namibia, Victoria Falls and more. As slow travel continues to grow in popularity, so too will these multi-destination luxury train journeys.

Private playgrounds

For many high-net-worth travellers, luxury equates to the ultimate private experience, and Cartology Travel are seeing an increase in large groups and milestone event bookings. Some of Cartology Travel's favourite private properties with a difference include:

• Leobo Private Reserve:  This unique offering in South Africa is an exclusive use villa on its own private game reserve that comes with unlimited activities
• ANI Private Resorts: A collection of luxury private all inclusive resorts, completely with private butlers, ANI has 4 properties:  Dominican Republic (14 bedrooms), Sri Lanka (15 bedrooms), Thailand (10 bedrooms), and Anguilla (10 bedrooms - which can be split into two resorts of 4 bedrooms & 6 bedrooms).
• NOAM Private Retreats:A step above the standard vacation rental, NOAM Private Retreats invite guests to explore some of the world's most iconic destinations enjoying the luxury of their own private playground. From a French castle to a tropical island, are located in Bora Bora, Normandy, French Riviera, Sardinia & Paris.
• Thanda Island: Guests' very own private island in the Indian Ocean, Thanda offers so much more than white sandy beaches and crystal clear tropical. All stays include a catamaran to explore the ocean and are invited to get involved with marine conservation.

All prices are available on request. For booking enquiries visit www.cartologytravel.com or follow @cartologytravel on Instagram.

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About Cartology Travel

Cartology Travel was co-founded by Susan Huxter, who put the South African food-and-wine destination of Franschhoek on the tourist map with her legendary Le Quartier Francais hotel and Tasting Room restaurant. Now she works alongside her son Justin and daughter-in-law Kathy Boate to create bespoke experiences around the world, devising every element of the trip and liaising with some of the best travel partners in the world, including Aman, Belmond and Mandarin Oriental.

Her son, Justin, is the group's African travel specialist, with a deep-rooted knowledge of the continent, which has been recognised in his placement in Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists for 2023, and winning the title of Luxury Travel Designer of the year at the TTG Luxury Travel Awards 2023. With their global team of luxury travel designers, they use their knowledge and expertise to elevate client travel experiences. Clients will feel like a local whilst travelling in the ultimate comfort and security to some of the world's most exciting destinations. Cartology Travel have grown internationally with an expanding team in an increasing number of locations. The company recently celebrated winning Luxury Homeworking Business of the Year (Small) in the TTG Luxury Travel Awards 2024, as well as inclusion in Conde Nast Traveler's 2024 Top Travel Specialists.

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