Author | Lightnews

OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 3d

What does it take to rank among The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025? This year’s edition of the showcase revealed that travellers are looking past the polish and towards culture, communities, and stories that lie beyond hotel walls.

Here are our thoughts on the just announced World's 50 Best Hotels 2025

Returning to London for its third edition, the ceremony showed that Asian and European hospitality continue to dominate. But what actually makes a 'Best' hotel?

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 4d

While much of Mykonos has succumbed to “Cycladic clone chic” – all whitewashed cuboids with infinity pools – Mykonos Theoxenia stands apart, proudly embracing its 60s modernist roots from its perch beside the island’s iconic windmills.

@visitgreece.bsky.social

OutThere reviews the OG luxury design hotel in Mykonos' pretty old town

Mykonos’ original 1960s luxury hotel has had a sensitive revamp and now offers a refreshing alternative to the island's more ostentatious newcomers.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 6d

As one of the first resorts to grace Moorea – the second-largest of French Polynesia’s Windward Islands, after Tahiti – this Sofitel resort serves as an idyllic base for honeymooners and anyone drawn to its postcard-perfect serenity.

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OutThere reviews a classic Sofitel hideaway in tropical Tahiti

The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort easily ranks among the finest hotels in the Islands of Tahiti.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 10d

In recent years, the cuisines of the African diaspora have proudly claimed their place in mainstream Parisian gastronomy. In honour of Black History Month, let’s meet the chefs leading the charge.

Eat of Africa | Travel inspiration from Paris, France | OutThere magazine

African food in Paris? Mais, oui: meet the makers and shakers behind the cuisines experiencing never-before-seen popularity in the French capital.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 11d

Traversing the wild corners of rural Canada calls for somewhere warm and welcoming to return to, and Hotel Zed Tofino fits the bill. Proudly Rainbow Registered and brimming with colour, quirk, and youthful energy, it’s the perfect home base for discovering Vancouver Island.

@hotelzed.bsky.social

OutThere reviews a 'rainbow-registered' hideaway on Vancouver Island

Hotel Zed Tofino is a warm and welcoming base to explore Vancouver Island's natural wonders.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 12d

Days at Nayara Gardens swing between exhilaration and perfect calm. One moment you’re gliding through the canopy on the world’s longest jungle zip-line, the next, you’re melting away stress in a plunge pool with views of Costa Rica’s majestic Arenal Volcano.

@visitcostarica.bsky.social

OutThere reviews Costa Rica's luxurious jungle hideaway

Nayara Gardens offers tons of adventures in Costa Rica – but just as much rest and relaxation.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 17d

Goldmoor Inn leans into its romantic, schloss-like charm, yet what truly sets the 18-suite guesthouse apart are its quality comforts, acclaimed restaurant, and location in this seriously scenic spot just minutes from Galena, the crown jewel of northwest Illinois.

@enjoyillinois.bsky.social

OutThere reviews the schloss-like hideaway in Galena, Illinois

The schloss-rhapsody aesthetics might be laid on thick, but Goldmoor Inn delivers quality comforts – and an unrivalled location just minutes from Galena.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 19d

There’s something wonderfully full-circle about visiting Stockholm through the lens of ABBA. This is the city that helped launch the pop group into global fame, after all, and it still wears that legacy with pride. Here we’ve gathered the must-visit ABBA landmarks for visiting fans.

StockholmLGBT: Take an ABBA tour through Stockholm | OutThere magazine

If you’re visiting Stockholm and wish to follow in the platform-booted footsteps of ABBA, these are the places to know.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 19d

This ultra-luxe urban resort is the buzz amongst OutThere travellers in Bangkok, thanks to its dreamy riverside setting, Michelin-starred dining, and tailored cultural experiences. It’s no surprise it took the No. 1 spot at The World’s 50 Best Hotels Awards 2024.

OutThere reviews Capella's opulent Bangkok riverside sanctuary

Proudly perched on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Capella Bangkok epitomises refined luxury and was recently named one of the world's best hotels

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 26d

Etched into Oia’s volcanic cliffs, Andronis Boutique Hotel distils the spirit of Santorini at its most sophisticated. Its cave-carved suites spill down the caldera, offering private plunge pools and front row seats to the island’s world-famous sunsets.

@visitgreece.bsky.social

OutThere reviews an intimate Oia cliff-side hotel in Santorini

Perched on Oia’s cliffs, Andronis Boutique Hotel is pure Santorini magic: private plunge pools and breathtaking caldera views...

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 27d

As funding cuts continue to impact marginalised voices in the arts, these queer artist residencies – each set in scenic, rural regions in Switzerland, Italy, and the UK – are emerging as sanctuaries for resistance and restoration.

How queer creative residencies are signalling resistance in the face of defunding

From Italy to the UK and Switzerland, queer artist residencies allow creatives to 'make without expectations'. Their survival is crucial in an increasingly conservative climate.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · 27d

Occupying one of the city’s most iconic Art Deco landmarks, Pendry Chicago feels like a conversation between two eras: the roaring twenties that gave birth to its gilded walls and the modern twenties that have restored their sparkle for a new generation of travellers.

@pendryhotels.bsky.social

OutThere reviews the Chicago hotel in the historical Carbon and Carbide building

While other hotels on the Magnificent Mile lean into more of a business-travel sensibility, this stylish place to stay offers a more boutique, residential feel.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Oct 3

Japan’s first Edition hotel is a playground of modern indulgence. Housed in the upper floors of the Tokyo World Gate tower, the hotel pulls in a fun-loving crowd with its sociable public spaces and minimalist rooms with some of the best views in the city.

@editionhotels.bsky.social

OutThere reviews one of Tokyo's most hedonistic and style-forward hotels

A design marvel, a sanctuary in the sky and a buzzing hive of international energy in Tokyo, this is arguably one of the most exciting places to stay in the Japanese capital.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Oct 2

Many hopeless romantics find themselves content with the endless charms of Thailand’s capital, but it always pays to have a few nearby escapes on standby for when you need to sweep someone off their feet. From queer-popular coves to ancient towns, here are some of our favourites.

Go Thai Be Free: Romance within reach | OutThere magazine

No matter your love language, this handpicked list of romantic getaways near Bangkok will sweep you off your feet.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Oct 1

Relais & Châteaux Hotel Bülow Palais puts you near the centre of Dresden’s ornately preserved Baroque Quarter, while providing a haven from its well-trodden streets. A cigar room and acclaimed restaurant are just some of the indulgences that await behind its storied walls.

OutThere reviews Dresden's historical Hotel Bülow Palais

The Relais & Châteaux Hotel Bülow Palais offers a heritage feel with a contemporary touch.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Sep 25

Not a single tree was felled during the construction of Taj Exotica. The all-villa, Andaman island resort exists in harmony with its natural surroundings, opening up to one of Asia’s most breathtaking beaches and the abundant marine life beyond.

@tajhotels.bsky.social

OutThere reviews the Andaman Islands' leading eco-resort, Taj Exotica

A holiday at the Taj Exotica is like stumbling upon a secret castaway island. You wouldn't be too wrong, except for the luxuries that await.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Sep 24

In conversation with The Experientialist, Kalindi Juneja, CEO of PoB Hotels, discusses her journey as a woman in leadership and her mission to shape a hospitality industry that reflects the diverse world we live in.

@thepcagency.bsky.social

OutThere meets PoB Hotels CEO Kalindi Juneja to discuss diversity in hospitality

Kalindi Juneja is responsible for keeping PoB Hotels ahead of the curve, and an unwavering commitment to diversity forms an integral part of this.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Sep 23

Carved into the limestone cliffs of Corfu’s northeast coast, this awe-inspiring Ultima property is often likened to a ’superyacht on land’ for its privacy and personalised service. There’s no better place to surrender to the Ionian islands’ timeless rhythm.

@visitgreece.bsky.social

OutThere reviews Corfu's super luxury clifftop villa

Corfu may not be the first place that comes to mind for ultra-luxury escapes, but Ultima Collection's exclusive villa presents a very different island vibe altogether.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Sep 22

Boasting a rooftop bar locals rave about, a buzzy bistronomic restaurant, and easy access to Paris’ most famous landmarks, Hôtel Dame des Arts is an unbeatable base for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the city’s Latin Quarter.

@parisjetaime.bsky.social

OutThere reviews Paris' stylish 6th arrondissement poster child hideaway

A hotel that is subtle, clever and architectural, making it a perfect example of modern, Parisian hospitality, this chic address also boasts some of the city's best gastronomy.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Sep 16

Infused with pan-african personality, Kisawa Sanctuary brings a new dimension of high luxury to Mozambique. A holistic wellness centre and dedicated marine research hub are among the many highlights of this beachfront sanctuary.

#OutThereReviews

OutThere reviews the ultra-luxe Mozambican hideaway "on a level of its own"

A hotel with a fine end goal, to fund Africa’s first permanent ocean research centre, Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies, this remote resort is a 10/10 on any scale.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Sep 12

In a century-old red-brick warehouse on Canal Street, LEVEN channels the spirit of Manchester’s Gay Village with an urban hotel concept rich in soul and style. Unlike the city’s cookie-cutter chains, it pulses with individuality and a sense of belonging.

@manchesterpride.bsky.social

OutThere reviews the Manchester Gay Village hotel that you'll just want to move into

For visitors looking for a hotel that plugs into Manchester’s current, this fun-loving and seriously stylish address believes that travel should be lived, not just consumed.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Sep 12

Our friends at #UltimaCollection just raised the bar for the winter ahead. ✨

Introducing: Ultima Promenade Gstaad + some bold new partnerships across their portfolio of private villas, chalets, residences and hotels.

This is luxury, evolved. Are you in?

Outstanding spaces + illustrious locations = moments of joy

Extraordinary private homes and boutique hotels in the world’s most illustrious locations

www.outthere.travel

OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Sep 10

Artist, activist, writer, and BAFTA-nominated presenter, Sophie Morgan has become a global force in the fight for accessible travel. After her powerful contribution to our Icons of Inclusion event, she rejoins us to discuss the next steps toward a barrier-free travel industry.

Sophie Morgan shares her insights on the state of travel for disabled people

Accessibility campaigner, TV presenter and travel writer Sophie Morgan talks us through her bugbears around accessible tourism, and where she sees progress.

www.outthere.travel

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Sep 9

If there were a place to get truly out there in Costa Rica, it’s Origins Lodge. Whether you’re sinking into your private plunge pool or savouring exceptional dining, every moment at this retreat is framed by the sights and sounds of the country’s untamed north.

@visitcostarica.bsky.social

OutThere reviews Costa Rica's leading luxury jungle escape

A hidden-away jungle lodge with soul and sustainability at its core, this nature-first hideaway encapsulates immersion in Costa Rican nature like nowhere else.

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OutThere | Experiential Journeys @outtheremag.bsky.social · Sep 5

Costa Navarino, Greece is where serious sustainability meets serious style with a side of sun, soul and tzatziki 🇬🇷

In partnership with Costa Navarino

Costa Navarino: The Mediterranean destination redefining sustainable luxury

Golf, gastronomy and Greek soul – Costa Navarino is the Med’s sustainable escape.

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