From pristine coastlines to hidden European gems, 2025 has been a year of extraordinary discoveries for the House of Coco team. We’ve ventured across continents, uncovered boutique sanctuaries, and experienced the kind of transformative travel that lingers long after the suitcase is unpacked. These aren’t just destinations—they’re the places that surprised us, moved us, and reminded us why we love exploring this beautiful world.
Here are the most interesting places we visited in 2025.
Slovenia via HansJet
Anji McGrandles
Luxury travel is at its finest when every detail feels effortlessly anticipated, and this 48-hour escape to Slovenia delivered exactly that. From door-to-destination via HansJet’s Pilatus PC-12 private jet, the journey showcased Ljubljana’s winter charm—Christmas markets lining riverbanks, twinkling lights reflecting off water, and storybook architecture at every turn. Highlights included dinner at Restaurant JAZ by Ana Roš, Slovenia’s most celebrated chef, and a curated food tour through the Central Market. But it was Lake Bled that truly stole the show: snow-dusted peaks, emerald water, and a church-topped island straight from a fairy tale.
The seamless white-glove service extended even when fog closed Ljubljana airport—HansJet rerouted to Austria and arranged private ground transport without missing a beat. This wasn’t just travel; it was precision, indulgence, and the kind of invisible luxury that makes every moment feel effortless.
Wakatobi, Indonesia with Rascal Voyages
Eulanda Shead Osagiede
Some journeys don’t just take you to new places—they change how you see the world. Sailing Wakatobi with Rascal Voyages was one of those rare experiences. This remote marine paradise in Southeast Sulawesi is so untouched, reaching it requires multiple flights and a 13-hour overnight crossing, but that distance becomes part of the magic. Aboard the traditional phinisi yacht, every detail felt intentional: sea-facing cabins, personalized dining that accommodated dietary needs with creativity and care, and a crew whose warmth transformed the vessel into a floating home.
But the true highlight was meeting Lauda, a traditional Bajau free diver whose mastery of the ocean felt almost mythical. Watching him glide across the reef, spear a barracuda with impossible precision, and surface with calm confidence was a reminder that some worlds aren’t conquered—only entered when you’re ready. This wasn’t just sailing; it was an intimate glimpse into the rhythm of the sea and the people who live in harmony with it.
Sofitel Darling Harbour, Sydney
Lydia Matthews
Sydney is a city that begs to be explored at ground level—sunrise runs along Bondi, sun-drenched pubs on Friday afternoons, bustling weekend markets. But sometimes, you crave a different perspective. Enter Sofitel Darling Harbour, spread across 33 floors of Darling Harbour’s tallest building with floor-to-ceiling windows framing Sydney’s skyscrapers and buzzing harbour.
This elevated staycation delivered on every level: exclusive Club Millésime access on Level 35 with panoramic views, five-star butler service, and daily aperitifs. Mornings began with sunrise swims in the infinity pool followed by Peloton sessions, while evenings were spent at The Rivage pool bar—a slice of the Riviera in the heart of the city. The spa’s de-stress massage was transformative, blending firm pressure with pure calm. Waking up in the clouds, cocooned in the signature Sofitel MyBed, felt like shedding the stress of city life entirely. It’s proof that sometimes the best way to experience a familiar city is from a completely new vantage point.
Fairmount Monte Carlo, Monaco
Baldwin Ho
Approaching the Fairmont Monte Carlo feels like entering the pages of a glamorous novel—photographers cluster outside capturing ultra-high-spec cars navigating the famous Fairmont hairpin turn from Formula One. The hotel itself, celebrating its 50th anniversary with extensive renovations, has been reborn as one of Monaco’s finest institutions. With 596 rooms, it manages remarkable intimacy through its unique ship-shaped structure. The newly renovated rooms feature soothing navy and cream palettes, and guests must choose between breathtaking marina views or the iconic hairpin turn with city and mountain vistas.
Dining is spectacular across five restaurants, from Nobu Monte Carlo’s Monte-Carlo omakase menu (unavailable anywhere else) to Amù’s refined Riviera cuisine. Yet it’s the views that truly captivate—dining on outdoor terraces while gazing into the mesmerizing azure waters of the Côte d’Azur, understanding precisely why this coastline earned its name. On their milestone anniversary, Fairmont Monte Carlo has rightfully restored itself as a place where you can genuinely live like royalty in the Principality.
Mykonos, Greece
Amira Arasteh
Known as Europe’s party capital to some and a place for exceptional Greek cuisine to others, Mykonos proved it can masterfully deliver both. The island knows how to do it all: sun, sea, scandalously good food, cocktails on tap, and dancing until sunrise. Staying at Mykonos TheoXenia, right on the edge of Old Town, offered island luxury with Greek charm—private pools in select suites, poolside bar service, and Michelin-quality dining at Apanemi. The boutique hotel’s proximity to cobblestoned Old Town meant easy access to Mosaic for stunning sushi and ceviche, late nights at Jackie O’s, and dancing at Tabu until dawn.
A move to Once in Mykonos by Ornos Bay brought LA-luxe Greek island vibes, with spa treatments that included white noise meditation, morning yoga with harbour views, and food that never disappointed. A boat day floating between Delos and Rhenia, followed by dinner at SantAnna beach club with its theatrical dessert art, proved that Mykonos isn’t just about the party—it’s about indulgence in every form.
São Lourenco do Barrocal, Portugal
Lauren Kate Hughes
In the rural Alentejo region of Portugal sits a hotel that redefines the farmhouse stay. São Lourenço do Barrocal feels less like accommodation and more like a home from home, where beautiful grounds meet purpose. Extensive fruit and vegetable patches supply the kitchens with the freshest ingredients, while wine produced on the estate flows freely.
This isn’t just a luxury hotel—it’s a living, breathing estate where every element connects to the land. The experience offers genuine immersion into Portuguese rural life without sacrificing comfort or style, creating that rare balance between authentic and refined. It’s the kind of place that reminds you the best hospitality doesn’t shout—it simply welcomes you in and makes you want to stay forever.
Vietnam
Sally Seaton
A luxury journey through central Vietnam unfolded like a love letter to the country’s rich culture and stunning landscapes. Starting in the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An at Anantara’s riverside resort, the adventure moved seamlessly aboard The Vietage—Vietnam’s most exclusive luxury railway carriage with just 12 seats, serving three-course meals, and offering massage treatments as scenery rolled past.
The journey ended at Anantara Quy Nhon’s private beach villas, where sunrise views and fresh seafood grilled on Himalayan salt blocks at Sea Fire Salt created unforgettable moments. From exploring ancient Cham towers to enjoying Michelin Green Star dining at Jardin Secret, every experience balanced contemporary luxury with deep cultural immersion. This wasn’t just travel—it was stepping into Vietnam’s story through thoughtful touches like arrival gong ceremonies, herbal teas at night, and dishes crafted from ingredients grown mere meters from the kitchen.
NH Collection Porta Rossa, Florence
Hannah Tan
Florence is a city defined by its famous streets and galleries, but NH Collection Porta Rossa offers an entirely different lens through which to view this Renaissance jewel. Stepping inside feels like entering another era of Florence—frescoed ceilings stretch overhead, timeworn details hide in unexpected corners, and the interiors whisper stories from centuries past.
The hotel’s location goes beyond convenience—it provides a fresh perspective on the city that extends far beyond the usual tourist trail. Rather than simply visiting Florence, staying here feels like inhabiting a different chapter of it: slower, more intimate, and quietly transporting. The hotel proves that sometimes the most interesting places aren’t the most famous—they’re the ones that invite you to experience a familiar destination in an entirely fresh, almost secret way. It’s Florence beyond the crowds, revealed through layers of history gently wrapped in modern comfort.
Lou Calen, Cotignac, Provence
Jennifer Pearson
Nestled in the heart of Provence between Marseille and Nice, Cotignac remains one of France’s best-kept secrets—and Lou Calen is the jewel that makes it shine. This meticulously restored 17th-century palazzo represents a decade-long labor of love, transforming historic architecture into a sanctuary of refined luxury without losing its soul. The estate sprawls across vineyard-covered hillsides and ancient olive groves, creating an atmosphere where time moves differently. Each of the seventeen rooms tells its own story through thoughtful design, while the courtyard provides a peaceful heart to this remarkable property.
What truly sets Lou Calen apart is its commitment to place—the Michelin Green Star restaurant Jardin Secret crafts menus around what’s growing in the garden that very day, celebrating Provençal terroir with every plate. This is the kind of destination that reminds you why people fall in love with rural France: authentic village life, exceptional hospitality, and the rare feeling of discovering somewhere extraordinary that hasn’t yet been overrun.
Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives Resort, Maldives
CJ Dixon
Finolhu Resort is redefining the Maldives experience by transforming the traditional couples-only island escape into a sophisticated multi-generational retreat where barefoot luxury meets genuine family adventure. Nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, this stunning resort offers something for every age—from the Oceaneers Club and Teens Hut keeping younger guests entertained, to world-class snorkeling with sea turtles and seasonal manta rays, family spa treatments, and creative workshops at the Art Lab. Parents can unwind at the award-winning Fehi Spa while kids splash in the water park, or the whole family can bond over coral tree building with the resort’s marine biologist, contributing to vital reef restoration efforts.
With diverse dining venues ranging from the Arabian Grill to the barefoot-dancing atmosphere at The Crab Shack, plus unique experiences like floating breakfasts in private pools and the romantic Beach Bubble for couples seeking intimacy, Finolhu seamlessly balances sophisticated luxury with genuine sustainability and inclusive programming. Whether you’re honeymooning, celebrating an anniversary, or gathering three generations under one island sky, Finolhu proves that paradise truly can be for everyone.
Xara Palace, Mdina, Malta
Emma Harrison
Set within the ancient fortified walls of Mdina, the ‘Silent City,’ Xara Palace is a 17th-century palazzo where majestic elegance meets intimate charm. This Relais & Châteaux retreat honours its palatial heritage through original artworks, curated antiques, and contemporary pieces by local Maltese artists—from confession boxes and church altar headboards to scarlet eastern rugs and ancient wooden doors.
The Deluxe Suites transport guests to a bygone era of nobility, with beds dressed in sumptuous Parisian fabrics, freestanding baths with views across fields to Valletta, and an abundance of thoughtful touches. Dining at Michelin-starred De Mondion, perched atop honey-hued bastion walls, offers sweeping island views alongside dishes that blend Mediterranean flavours with Malta’s culinary traditions using ingredients from the hotel’s own Xara Gardens. From the attentive staff to the exquisitely designed interiors, every detail exudes elegance, care, and charm, making it one of the most memorable and enchanting experiences imaginable.
As we close the chapter on 2025, these destinations remind us that the best travel experiences aren’t always about ticking off bucket lists or chasing Instagram moments. They’re about the unexpected discoveries, the genuine connections, and those rare places that change the way we see the world—and ourselves. Here’s to many more adventures in 2026.
