A BIT SPECIAL?

If there’s one travel experience poised to take centre stage in 2025, it’s Greek island hopping. This journey is more than just a holiday; it’s a rich exploration of history, nature, and culture, seamlessly intertwining ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and idyllic beaches. With convenient ferry connections, a variety of island experiences, and a growing emphasis on sustainable travel, journeying between Athens, Santorini and Crete is the perfect way to discover Greece.

What makes Greek island hopping so popular?

More accessible than ever

Enhanced ferry schedules, new direct flights, and streamlined travel logistics have made island hopping easier than ever. Travellers can smoothly transition from the historic streets of Athens to the breathtaking caldera views of Santorini and the sun-soaked beaches of Crete in one effortless journey.

A perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation

Each destination offers its own unique charm. Athens is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, featuring the iconic Acropolis and a lively street scene. Santorini exudes romance with its picturesque, whitewashed villages, dramatic cliffs, and mesmerising sunsets, while Crete serves as an adventurer’s haven, offering stunning beaches, hiking paths, and ancient Minoan ruins.

The rise of ‘slow travel’ and authentic experiences

In 2025, travellers are moving away from hurried sightseeing to embrace deeper, more enriching experiences. Greek island hopping allows for immersion in local culture, whether it’s savouring traditional Cretan dishes, wandering the quaint streets of Oia, or uncovering hidden beaches.

Sustainable and eco-friendly travel

With an increasing focus on sustainable tourism, ferries present an eco-conscious alternative to short flights. Many Greek islands are adopting green practices, including eco-friendly accommodations and organic farm-to-table dining options.

A social media sensation

Let’s be honest—Greek island hopping is a dream for Instagram and TikTok. From Santorini’s famous blue domes to the lively marketplaces of Athens and Crete’s crystal-clear waters, every moment is a visual delight. In 2025, more travellers will be on the lookout for shareable experiences, and Greece offers that in abundance.

Make 2025 your year for island hopping in Greece

With easy access, varied landscapes, and an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation, Greek island hopping is more than just a getaway – view our offer here.

Padel. It’s the activity everyone is talking about.

 Having surged in popularity in the past year, the world’s fastest growing sport* is now taking a holiday. And by that we mean a 5-star holiday!

Luxury resorts are offering everything from padel coaching to organised tournaments, interspersed with all the high-end comforts of a lavish getaway.

With this in mind, here at Travel Seen we thought we’d dive into the padel craze with all you need to know about the game; as well as offering our very own, exclusive:

Portugal Padel Package!

What is padel and why is it so popular?

A racquet sport played on a court about two thirds the size of a traditional tennis court, padel is like a mixture between tennis and squash.

With a net in the middle, players can bounce the ball (which is smaller than a tennis ball) off the walls of the enclosed court, using their solid racquet.

You play in doubles and the idea is to get a good rally going to give the padel game some pace – which makes it all very social and certainly one of the reasons why it’s so popular.

It’s a game that’s easy to pick up – particularly if you’re familiar with tennis or squash – and this supports it’s rise in status.

What’s more, celebrities the world over from Eva Longoria to David Beckham, have been picking up their padel racquets and taking to social media to promote their love for the support; which has certainly done wonders for padel’s PR.

Padel and travel

“I jumped on the padel bandwagon last year and have totally fallen in love with the sport,” says Travel Seen Founder Jen Atkinson.

“Padel feels like the new golf – in that it’s a sport you’d happily centre a holiday around.

“Rather than just flopping on a beach, it gives you an activity with likeminded people that nurtures your physical and mental health. Thus creating an experiential holiday – which is a key travel trend for 2025 and beyond.

“Because I’m time poor, what I find hard is getting a group together for a padel holiday.

“If someone organised a tournament, some padel coaching, all at a luxury resort with plenty of sunshine, great food and accommodation; well, that’s the dream.”

Jen, your wish is our command: CHECK OUT TRAVEL SEEN’S LUXURY PADEL PACKAGE HERE!

Padel in Portugal

Short-haul Portugal is a year-round favourite destination for British luxury travellers, so when we were looking for the perfect spot for our exclusive padel package, we looked no further.

This 3-night getaway from 15^th to 18^th May 2025 will see you staying at the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura on a half board basis. May is a dreamy time to visit Portugal, with temperatures hovering around 23C – ideal for playing padel.

Flights have been budgeted from Manchester airport (and the package includes transfers). But other airports can be arranged.

The trip includes coaching and a tournament within your group at the Vilamoura Tennis and Padel Academy, with time for you to enjoy the resort’s luxury facilities too, which include direct access to Vilamoura Beach and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Portugal Padel Holidays with Kids

 If you’ve got kids in tow, Portugal has many resorts ideal for families which also boast their own padel courts.

Quinto do Lago is a fab option for active kids, with The Campus featuring four outdoor padel courts equipped with the latest technology and court floodlights, as well as two indoor Padel courts for year-round play.

Martinhal Sagres is another excellent option. It has indoor and outdoor heated pools and free use of the tennis and two glass paddle courts in winter, which you’ll find at the Club 98 Sports Centre. The Martinhal’s padel courts are kept in tournament condition, and all equipment including rackets and balls can be rented on site. There is even a Padel Academy for 12-16 year olds.

Tempted to book your own padel holiday? Start a chat with Atlas, our Travel Butler; and he’ll put you in touch with a member of the Travel Seen team.

In a world that glorifies fast-paced itineraries and jam-packed schedules, slow travel is a breath of fresh air. It’s not about cramming in as many sights as possible—it’s about immersing yourself in a destination, soaking up its culture, and forming meaningful connections with the people and places you encounter.

Slow travel encourages travellers to move at a relaxed pace, opting for longer stays in one place rather than rushing from city to city. It’s about experiencing a destination through the eyes of a local, indulging in authentic cuisine, wandering through hidden alleyways, and allowing spontaneity to guide the journey. This mindful approach not only reduces stress but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the world.

So where are the best destinations for embracing slow travel?

Tuscany, Italy

The rolling vineyards, mediaeval villages, and sun-drenched landscapes of Tuscany make it a dream destination for slow travellers. Spend your days meandering through charming towns like Montepulciano or San Gimignano, savouring long lunches with a glass of Chianti, and taking leisurely bike rides through the countryside.

Kyoto, Japan

A city steeped in tradition, Kyoto invites visitors to embrace a slower rhythm. Stroll through bamboo forests in Arashiyama, witness the changing seasons at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and sip matcha in a centuries-old teahouse. Kyoto’s emphasis on mindfulness and simplicity makes it the perfect place to pause and reflect.

Santorini, Greece

While often associated with bustling summer crowds, Santorini offers a different charm in the off-season. Stay in a cliffside villa, watch the sun set over the caldera without the rush, and take the time to explore its lesser-known villages like Pyrgos and Megalochori, where traditional Greek life unfolds at an unhurried pace.

Ubud, Bali

Nestled in the heart of Bali, Ubud is a haven for those seeking a more intentional way of travelling. Wake up to the sounds of nature, spend your mornings practising yoga in a jungle retreat, and fill your days with slow walks through rice paddies, temple visits, and soul-nourishing Balinese cuisine.

The Scottish Highlands, Scotland

For those craving a remote escape, the Scottish Highlands offer a rugged and tranquil retreat. Drive along winding roads at your own pace, explore ancient castles, and cosy up in a countryside inn with a book and a dram of whisky. The beauty of the Highlands lies in their ability to make time feel irrelevant.

Slow travel isn’t just a way to explore—it’s a mindset. It’s about cherishing the journey, embracing the unexpected, and allowing yourself to truly be present. So, where will your slow adventure take you next? If you are looking to plan your next trip, please call us on 0333 305 9912.

Bookend your travels with a luxury airport lounge and you’ll start and finish your holiday in style.

After all, the journey is just as important as the destination.

To inspire your next getaway, below we’ve listed Travel Seen’s top five airport lounges, featuring everywhere from Qatar to the Caribbean. Plus our suggestions of what to wear while you’re lounging in luxury…

London, UK

Airport Lounge:

Located in the Upper Class Wing of Terminal 3 at London Heathrow Airport, Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse has a comfy, laidback vibe. The menus here work for whatever time of day you’re travelling, with hearty breakfasts, light lunches, scrumptious afternoon teas and elegant dinner dining served alongside an excellent drinks and cocktails menu.  There’s even a children’s menu for young VIPs offering a good selection of kid-friendly faves that includes a yummy chicken curry.

What to wear:

If you’re using the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse that means you’re travelling long-haul, so comfort is key. We suggest this cotton Celine hoodie to keep you cosy when the temperature drops at higher altitudes during your flight, and which is super comfy and forgiving for travelling in.

Doha, Qatar

Airport Lounge:

The Al Mourjan Business Lounge South at Doha Airport has the feel of a luxury resort, making it a restful stop while you’re waiting for your connecting flight, or on your way home. Food options range from a deli to à la carte dining, and there is excellent provision for families which includes a children’s nursery and private areas with their own couch and widescreen TV.

What to wear:

Visitors should be mindful of local customs when visiting Qatar, and dress appropriately. A modest dress option for your visit to the Doha airport lounge is this ME + EM dress, which is light and cool for the Middle Eastern temperatures, but respectfully covers your shoulders and knees.

Hong Kong, China

Airport Lounge:

Hong Kong airport is a common stop for UK travellers heading east, and luckily it has The Pier to add some layover luxury to the journey. This superior lounge experience offers an in-house spa, cocktail bar, shower suites, The Retreat (private suites where you can relax with a drink and view of the runway), and the elegant Dining Room with its fancy à la carte menu.

What to wear:

Match the vibe of chic luxury at The Pier wearing these wide leg trousers from Reiss in a fresh lemon shade. The timeless tailoring makes them comfy for travelling in but smart enough for this luxury lounge experience. Ideal for a post-dinner wander around Hong Kong airport’s Sky Garden in the sunshine.

Dominican Republic, Caribbean Sea

Airport Lounge:

The VIP airport lounge at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic has plenty to recommend it. But the stand out feature? An infinity pool with views of the runway… just the ticket for squeezing every last bit of Caribbean sunshine out of your holiday!

What to wear:

Don’t forget to pop your swimsuit into your hand luggage when flying through Punta Cana! We love this classic, sculpting, one-shoulder Eres swimsuit. It’s perfect to wear to capture an airport lounge, Insta-worthy shot of you watching the planes landing whilst swimming in the VIP infinity pool.

Vienna, Austria

Airport Lounge:

Regardless of airline or class of travel, all passengers can access the Vienna Lounge at Vienna Airport’s Terminal 1 for an additional cost.

Named the world’s best airport lounge, it boasts views of the airfield, artwork from world-renowned artists including Klimt, a family area, and of course excellent dining options, with Austrian wines to boot!

What to wear:

Taking you seamlessly from your luxury Vienna hotel, to the airport lounge and then the plane, we love this classic black women’s bomber jacket from Austrian designer Helmut Lang. Its soft, “lived in” feel makes it great for travelling in, and its roomy, utility shape ensures there’s space for layering.

Inspired by this collection of the world’s most luxurious airport lounges? Don’t forget that your Travel Seen specialist can pre-book your lounge access as part of your 5-star holiday package. Call us on 0333 305 9912.

Film and television sets have always been hugely inspiring for holidays.

Long before the birth of the internet, wanderlust was stirred in cinema audiences and TV viewers; who saw new and exciting places around the world come alive for the first time on their screens.

Today visiting those destinations we see in our favourite series and blockbuster films is within easy reach. So we thought we’d put together a few of the Travel Seen team’s favourite, iconic filming destinations to inspire your next luxury holiday:

Tennessee, US

From Walk The Line to Nashville, the southern state of Tennessee is awash with filming locations. In what would have been Elvis’ 90^th year, there’s also plenty going on in 2025 if you’re looking for another excuse to visit the region. Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS movie was actually filmed on the Gold Coast of Australia! But there are numerous real-life locations in Memphis you can visit to see where the icon grew up and began his famous music career.

Jamaica, Caribbean Sea

Of the many movies and television shows that have used the Caribbean island as their set, the most famous to come out of Jamaica is surely James Bond.

It was on this easygoing island that Ian Fleming retired after the war and set up home to write his spy series.

Much of 2021’s No Time To Die was filmed on the island, and super fans of 007 shouldn’t miss a visit to Dunns River Falls of Ursula Andress and Sean Connery fame.

Morocco

The dreamy backdrop of Morocco with its bustling markets, quiet deserts and rocky mountains have been used extensively as locations in film and TV.

Most famous are probably Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation, and Sex and The City 2.

Somewhat ironically, one of the world’s most famous cinematic productions of all time, Casablanca, wasn’t actually filmed in its namesake in Morocco at all; but on set at a Californian studio!

Croatia

From Captain America to Robin Hood, Star Wars: The Last Jedi to Game of Thrones; beautiful Croatia is often chosen by production teams for its wealth of diverse landscapes in a small area.

For a Dubrovnik stay that’s a luxurious base for exploring this epic city and its coastline, ask your Travel Seen expert for a tailormade quote with Adriatic Luxury Hotels collection. Hotel Dubrovnik Palace is a great spot close to the city, or for oodles of 5-star amenities within walking distance of the city walls try the Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik.

Rome, Italy

Pretending you’re on the set of an iconic movie is just one of the many reasons to book a 5-star stay in Rome. From the Trevi Fountain in La Dolce Vita; to Castel Sant’Angelo in Roman Holiday; The Spanish Steps in The Talented Mr Ripley; to Piazza Navona in Eat, Pray Love; there are famous film sets scattered across this great city.

Add some celebrity-level luxury with a stay at Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie.

Have another iconic filming destination in mind for your next holiday? Speak to our team on 0333 305 9912 for inspiring hotels, the best flights and huge savings on your luxury travels.