07.10.2024
News 2025/2026
What's up and coming in travel with The Ultimate Travel Company
ULTIMATE HOT DESTINATIONS FOR 2025
MADAGASCAR
With improved infrastructure and increasing flight connections, including newly launched Emirates flights from September 2024 between Dubai (DXB) and Antananarivo (TNR), Madagascar is becoming more accessible to international travellers. With pristine white sand beaches, friendly locals, ancient trees and plenty of wildlife, it really is a must visit. New eco-lodges and boutique hotels are popping up across the island, providing comfortable and sustainable accommodation options for eco-conscious tourists. The recently opened Tsara Komba by Time + Tide and the Mandrare River Camp located in the heart of Madagascar's wild and remote southeast, as well as Masoala Forest Lodge - on a rainforest covered peninsula of the northeast coast.
THE GALAPAGOS
2024 saw a decline in travel to the Galapagos but UTC have predicted 2025 will be the year to make the trip once again. &Beyond recently launched The Galapagos Explorer, an all-new 38m (124 ft) expedition yacht that seeks to exclusively explore the Galapagos’ diverse islands uncovering all its wild creatures, with turtles, reptiles, seals and many sea-birds. With space for only 12 guests on board, the elevated guest-to-staff ratio makes the Galapagos Explorer the most exclusive and intimate yacht operating in the islands. The first 7-night East itinerary, which showcases the best of the Galapagos, departs on 17th June 2024. 7 night cruise from £10,950 per person in a luxury cabin including international flights.
SRI LANKA
Normally, if you were looking for a 2025 trip to Sri Lanka, most places to stay and top guides would be fully booked. UTC has identified that due to slow recovery, Sri Lanka is still an option for 2025, especially with some exciting new openings on the horizon. Amongst tea bushes, high up on a hill near Nuwara Eliya, Goatfell is a recently renovated four-bedroom tea bungalow hotel from Teardrop Hotels. Similarly tucked away in the cool climes and quiet hills of Hatton, overlooking the stunning Castlereagh Reservoir, Uga Halloowella opens at the end of 2024. 5 nights all inclusive from £3,175 per person including flights and transfers (based on two people sharing).
NEW OPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD
UGA HALLOOWELLA, SRI LANKA, DECEMBER 2024
Uga Halloowella, located in Sri Lanka's iconic hill country, is an eco-friendly bungalow enveloped by lush tea estates, that has been lovingly restored to its former glory by a collaboration between Uga and renowned Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte. Developed with environmentally friendly, biodegradable materials the bungalow is accessible via helicopter, only 136 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport and a stone's throw away from the incredible Pekoe Trail - one of Asia’s best kept secrets. 5 nights all inclusive from £3,175 per person including flights and transfers (based on two people sharing).
MAXA, BOTSWANA, MARCH 2025
Through a partnership with the Mmagamka Trust and members of the Bukakhwe tribe who live in the village of Gudigwa, Ker & Downey Botswana’s new Okavango Delta property will open on the 20th March 2025. Nestled under a canopy of towering Ebony trees, Maxa overlooks Maxa Lagoon within the Okavango Delta. The philosophy of Maxa centres around exploration, learning and the freedom to be immersed in nature. The design is complemented with handmade local furniture which lends a creative spirit to the decor and lighting. In a culinary twist, a central feature of the main area is a termite mound that originally helped form the island.
MBAMBA, APRIL 2025
Mbamba, Natural Selection’s new camp by Unchartered Africa will open in April 2025. This classically styled, under canvas camp sits in the shade of a stand of large leadwood trees in one of Botswana’s most game-rich and beautiful concessions, NG12, in the northern Okavango Delta. Superb game viewing year-round, this private concession is home to an impressive density and variety of wildlife, including rare and sought-after species including endangered African wild dogs and lions. Every bit an Uncharted Africa camp, it offers a blend of exceptional guided wilderness experiences and classic safari style. Well suited for families and larger groups, this is an ideal camp for those looking for comfort, affordability and an epic wildlife experience.
SUYIAN LODGE, & BEYOND, JULY 2025
A new retreat in northern Kenya’s Laikipia region, the lodge will offer breathtaking views of the diverse Suyian Conservancy, home to over 100 mammal species. Inspired by the ancient Rock Sanctuary, Suyian Lodge blends raw, earthy materials with contemporary design, reflecting the Afro Wabi-Sabi philosophy and incorporating Samburu cultural elements. Each suite features outdoor terraces with private plunge pools and sunrise views. With furniture crafted by Kenyan artisans, the lodge promises a sophisticated yet intimate wilderness experience, making it a must-visit destination.
AQUA EXPEDITIONS, NEW ASMAT & NEW GUINEA CRUISE, NOVEMBER 2025
A new voyage to West Papua – one of the most uncharted destinations in all of Indonesia, rarely visited on board New Guinea cruises. Sail to the Asmat region, inhabited by its namesake indigenous tribe who are known for their rich cultural heritage. Encounter stunning wildlife, hidden lakes and cave systems; as well as visits to traditional villages to gain an insight into local customs and rituals. Beyond this, the waters surrounding Momon and Triton Bay offer incredible snorkelling and diving sites to view sparkling coral reefs and rare marine life including whale sharks. With a grand legacy as the former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle, Aqua Blu is the first ever long-range ocean explorer yacht permanently based in East Indonesia. 15 individually designed suites are accompanied by innovative cuisine curated by renowned chef Benjamin Cross, drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s fabled spice trade route.
The brand new New Guinea and Asmat itinerary launches in October 2025. 7 night cruise from £11,740 per person including international flights.
NEW 2025 ULTIMATE GROUP TOURS
This new tour to the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan, a land of peace and tranquillity behind the peaks of the Himalayas is timed for The Rhododendron Festival in Lamperi. A celebration of nature’s resilience and beauty, highlighting the vibrant blooming of over 46 species of rhododendrons that adorn the Himalayan landscape, the festival not only showcases the floral splendour of Bhutan, but also immerses visitors in the rich tapestry of cultural traditions and ecological awareness. Traditional Boedra and Zhungdra songs relating to nature are performed by the local community before hikes in the botanical park to see different rhododendron species and engage in the ecological richness.
The rest of the tour includes visits to Tamshing Monastery, Chimi Lhakhang (the acclaimed fertility temple) and Gangteng Goempa – one of the oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. Take in Punakha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyall in the 17th century and views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other famous Himalayan peaks.
Dates: 30 March - 15 April 2025
17 days from £9,780 pp all inclusive. Flights from £750 from London flying BA to Delhi in Economy Class including taxes.
With an exciting new cultural project Go! 2025 in the works, UTC have noted an increase in interest for Europe's hidden gem. This new tour combines charming cities and towns and unspoiled countryside, where mountains, valleys, lakes and vineyards are dotted with ancient villages, monasteries, castles and palaces. Embark on day excursions to Piran on the Adriatic coast and the tiny town of Ptuj in Lower Styria, famous for its rich wines, before marvelling at the Julian Alps in Bled.
Other details included in the tour involve visits to the Postojna Caves with their spectacular caverns and underground canyons and a trip to the medieval Castle of Bled, with plenty of sightseeing and a nearby charming open-air market for al fresco lunches.
Dates: 10th September - 17th September 2025
8 days from £3,780 pp all inclusive (apart from meals for own arrangements). Flights from £310 from London flying BA in Economy Class including taxes.
UZBEKISTAN: TREASURES OF THE SILK ROAD
A major crossroads on the iconic silk road, Uzbekistan is home to ancient culture, heritage and history. UTC’s Treasures of the Silk Road Tour explores architecture and ancient sites of Khiva, Samarkand and Bukhara, which were the world’s most important trading centres for millennia. Explore the old city of Bukhara with its bazaar streets and trading domes, mosques and madrassas, and take in the scenic Takhta- Karacha Mountain Pass. With most nationalities getting a visa free one month stay, the destination is ideal for those seeking an easy adventure, with UTC at the helm for activities and suggestions.
The trip also includes tours of Khiva and UNESCO World Heritage citadel Ichan-Kala, filled with Emir’s palaces, mosques, madrassas and impressive walls. Also on the agenda is a visit to Ayaz Qala, Khovrenko Winery - one of the oldest wineries in central Asia - and a trip to the colossal 14th century Bibi-Khanim Mosque.
Dates: 3rd May - 15th May 2025
13 days from £3,975 pp all inclusive. Flights from £670 from London flying Turkish Airlines via Istanbul in Economy Class including taxes.
ULTIMATE TRAVEL TRENDS 2025
SUPER-LUXE ROBINSON CRUSOE MULTIGENERATIONAL TRIPS
The post-covid realisation that travellers may not have all the time in the world, has had a lasting effect on the type of family holidays now being booked. A combined urge to spend more quality time with children and grandchildren, and to book a trip enticing enough to encourage the whole family to come along, has led to enquiries for blowout multigenerational family trips to exotic locations around the world becoming the norm for operators like The Ultimate Travel Company. ‘Last hurrah’ holidays, with no expenses spared, where children learn something but also enjoy it tend to manifest in the shape of African adventures - think luxury lodges, Big Five game drives and community experiences at Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa with the Ultimate South Africa itinerary (21 days from £12,545 pp inc flights).
DARK SKY TOURISM
Staggering statistics indicate the extreme loss of the natural night worldwide, with light pollution increasing every year. Paired with a global pandemic that reintroduced many to the joys of nature, dark sky tourism is rapidly gaining popularity. Many tourists are seeking out the stars, heading to destinations where nature is at its finest, in particular untouched landscapes where the cosmos still reigns free - with natural phenomena ranging from eclipses, the milky way, and the Northern Lights. National Parks: Utah & Arizona ( 20 days from £6,945 pp inc flights) explores some of the US’s darkest skies; remote locations and elevation aid the incredible visibility of glittering stars, twisting constellations, and even galaxies.
SILENT TRAVEL
With modern life becoming increasingly fast-paced, and technology at our fingertips twenty-four seven, many travellers are opting for holiday destinations where they can unwind, get back to nature and disconnect technology, away from social media or work pressures. UTC have noticed tourists leaning more towards destinations with untouched, unrefined landscapes, with activities geared more towards getting back to nature, mindfulness and rejuvenation. Take in secluded reserves, unspoiled rainforests and extensive savannahs with the Guyana's Experience (20 days from £10,925 pp inc flights). Immersed in nature, escape the noise of modern life and join a leisurely cruise down the Rupununi River to rural Guyana to meet the Macushi people. Guided night safaris through Iwokrama Forest are also on the table, along with visits to tropical rainforests and towering natural waterfalls.
INCREASED DIGITAL NOMADISM
The rise of ‘digital nomadism’ has led to employees leveraging remote work to travel to multiple countries or even live in locations across the world for periods of time. In response to this rising trend, UTC has noticed that countries such as Croatia, the Bahamas and Indonesia are adapting their visa policies to appear more welcoming to digital nomads. Indonesia welcomes online workers with a 60-day stay, extendable for up to 6 months, offering travellers the chance to work remotely whilst discovering the beauty of the isle.
CARPE DIEM CELEBRATION TRAVEL
A notable trend to watch for this year according to UTC is Carpe Diem travel, where travellers combine major celebrations with exciting or once in a lifetime adventures to mark new beginnings and ends, from milestone birthdays, death, divorce or celebrations of a life. Destinations such as India, Tanzania, Papua New Guinea and Nepal all encourage these celebratory pilgrimages, with a popular option being a guided group charity trek to towering summits, from Mount Everest to Mount Kilimanjaro (10 days from £3,385 pp flights included) in Tanzania. Graded a ‘4’, this thrilling once-in-a-lifetime adventure follows a route that does not require any mountaineering skills, simply requiring groups to be experienced walkers and physically fit due to steep terrain.