7 Resort Travel Trends in 2025

Pack your bags because 2025 is set to be a huge year for travel.

We take a look at seven resort travel trends that will shape how we’ll be vacationing in the new year.

1. Soft Travel 

Skip the packed itinerary with each detail planned down to the minute; soft travel is the new trend.

Resorts are leaning into the idea of soft travel — getaways that promote simplicity and ease for guests. This includes everything from offering seamless and contactless check-in and check-out and easy mobile booking to relaxing sunset cruises and meditation classes. 

More than ever, travelers are looking to escape their daily hustle and overly-scheduled lives. They want a vacation that offers more room for relaxation, spontaneity, and simple experiences that bring joy.

Guests don’t want overly complicated schedules or experiences — think star-gazing, listening to live music on the pool deck, or walking quiet nature trails.

2. Generational & Nostalgic Family Vacations

In 2025, we’ll see resorts offering more family-friendly vacation experiences. With Gen Z already on the cusp of starting their own families, the industry will likely see five or more generations traveling together.

Also dubbed legacy vacations, resorts will want to offer experiences that can include the entire family as well as offer supervised kid-centric activities so the adults can slip away for their own excursions.

Nostalgia is also big with families, as 58% of travelers revisit a favorite childhood destination with their own kids. They want their children to experience the joy and fun they had in their own childhood.

Resorts can tap into this trend by offering memorable themed rooms as well as connected rooms so parents and kids can have their own separate spaces.

3. All-Inclusive Resorts

Travelers are all about all-inclusive resorts.

One of the biggest trends of 2025 (especially among younger generations), all-inclusive resorts will see a surge in popularity for their all-around convenience. 

With everything included and luxury amenities, guests are finding all-inclusive resorts a less stressful travel experience, especially when it comes to the booking process. 

4. Sleep & Spa Holidays

Travelers are not throwing around the phrase “rest and recharge” lightly.

Resorts are embracing the sleep tourism trend, where guests are willing to pay a premium for accommodations and resorts that offer sleep-focused amenities like high-quality mattresses, blackout curtains, and complimentary sleep masks. 

Along with getting a good night’s rest, spa services remain popular for travelers who want to prioritize wellness and relaxation.

We’re sure to see resorts up the pampering with:

• Spa Facilities
• Saunas
• Jacuzzis
• Wellness Offerings like Yoga or Meditation

5. Solo Travel

Going solo is on the rise.

Making up over 10% of bookings and with a reported 75% of Gen Z and millennials planning a solo trip in 2024, solo travelers are set to be a driving force in 2025. 

With comfort, safety, and wanderlust as top priorities for solo travelers, we’ll likely see resorts accommodate with visible and rigorous security systems, more ‘tables for one’ in resort restaurants and bars, curated social events, like cooking classes or group hikes along with tour excursions.

Whether in partnership with a tour company or their own tour operation, offering guided outings is a great way for solo travelers to mingle with like-minded travelers while exploring and experiencing the area safely.

6. Waterside Getaways

Whether an ocean, lake, or beautiful pool deck, travelers are making water the main attraction.

We expect to see resorts capitalize on what’s being called ‘coolcations’, where the trip focuses on water recreation and escaping the heat. Everything from boating and fishing to swimming and jet skiing will be great resort offerings for guests.

Resorts can even offer the following water wellness options:

• Ice Baths
• Float Baths
• Aromatic Soaks

7. Restaurant Revival

We’re seeing resorts make in-house restaurants a standout attraction on their own.

Resorts are investing more in their restaurants including:

• Welcoming Renowned Chefs
• Rotating Menus
• Offering In-season Local Dishes
• Creating a Beautiful Ambiance.

Providing delicious room service options from a well-known chef or popular restaurant also encourages guests to take the leap and book the room.