It’s been a long year. Here at Harper’s Bazaar, we’ve delivered countless breakdowns of today’s fashion landscape, spoken with some of the most fascinating people in film and music, given you our notes on the year’s most exciting literary releases, and reported the facts on culture-shifting political moments.
This holiday season, we’re celebrating our wins, coping with our losses, and looking to the new year ahead. In the spirit of joy, and a fresh start, our editors have rounded up the happiest destinations they dream of escaping to in 2025. We hope you’ll be inspired.
Las Vegas
“Once the ball has dropped and we’ve run in the New Year, those winter months can often feel slow and dreary, so I think it’s important to take a small trip to help fight the winter blues. This January, I’m heading to Las Vegas for the first time with some friends, where we’ll be taking part in a national LGBTQ+ kickball tournament. Of course, I’ll be there less for the competition and more for the slots and sights. As a New Yorker, I don’t always get exposed to a whole lot of nature, so I think the journey to the Mojave Desert will be a welcome escape. Not to mention, if it’s too chilly for many outdoor excursions, there’s plenty to do indoors at our hotel, the Flamingo Las Vegas, from watching RuPaul’s Drag Race LIVE! to hitting the casino and more. As they say, what happens in Vegas.”–Joel Calfee, editorial and social media assistant
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
“Every holiday season, I typically head home to Los Angeles, where I soak up as much sunshine (and inhale as many In-N-Out burgers) as I possibly can. While I love spending time in my hometown, I also plan on spending my 2025 in other West Coast destinations, too. The top of that list is Carmel-by-the-sea, a charming coastal town located on the Monterey Peninsula. Every turn looks like a scene straight out of a postcard or a Hallmark movie, with scenic hiking trails and beachside vistas. The town itself is also walkable, with paths that will take you through cozy coffee shops and boutique inns or residential streets dotted with fairytale cottages.”—Chelsey Sanchez, associate editor
Tokyo, Japan
“Japan is truly one of my favorite places in the entire world. The food, the culture, the landscapes, the shopping! And, I feel really lucky to be going back there this holiday season. Normally I pitch up at either the Janu hotel in Tokyo which a class act, from the beds to the decor, and I try to get in line at Shin Udon—though, beware, it’s a heinous nine-hour wait, usually. I kill time looking at the vintage book stores, going to temples, and exploring the Mogi Folk craft shop on the outskirts of the city.”—Lynette Nylander, executive digital director
Madrid, Spain
“I am definitely that friend who will find a way to get to Europe at the drop of a hat, and I’m not ashamed. I spent a big part of the summer in Paris this year, and elsewhere in France at castles in Le Mans and Massignac (shoutout to the fabulous Domaine Des Etangs), but when it came to planning my new year travels, I easily gravitated to Spain. I have loved Barcelona ever since I watched Penélope Cruz and Scarlett Johansson live out their steamy, romantic summer there in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, but when I’m looking to blow off steam, eat croquetas, and get cultured, Madrid is the way to go. Because I prioritize travel so much, I’m also a crazy points lady (Delta and AmEx Travel for life), which is why I’ll be staying at the super-cozy new JW Marriott located at the heart of the city—and just a couple of wine bars away from the Palacio Real, the home of my my royal style guru, Queen Letizia. While in town, I love to catch a soccer match, sit in on a flamenco show, shop for vintage leather jackets and trinkets at Mercado el Rastro on Sundays, and enjoy the nightlife. My favorite tapas and wine bar is Viva Madrid, and for a good cocktail and great jazz (or deejay set, if you stay late enough): The Jungle Jazz Club by Amazónico.”—Rosa Sanchez, senior news editor
Grand Cayman
“This year I would love to go to the Palm Heights hotel in Grand Cayman. I would do absolutely nothing but go to the beach, hit the spa, peruse the boutique, and finally finish a book or two. My idea of true heaven!”—Faith Brown, social media manager
Dominican Republic
“This upcoming year will usher in the final year of my 20s and I made a promise to myself to close the decade with flair. With my 29th birthday officially arriving in May, you’ll find me waist-deep in one of the 23 pools at Excellence El Carmen, an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic. While I can’t imagine growing tired of basking in the sun, slathered in my SPF 100, if I did, I could always fill my time with the scuba diving, tennis, yoga classes, cooking lessons, and more offered at this luxury resort.”—Sarah Olivieri, senior designer
Québec City, Canada
“Last spring, my boyfriend and I visited Montreal for the first time, and ever since we've been eagerly plotting our return up north. This winter, we’re hoping to visit Québec City to take in the colonial French architecture, eat many pastries (and poutine), and just embrace the cold season with some joie de vivre. As for stay, what’s better than a castle? Not only does Fairmont’s Le Château Frontenac look as if it’s emerged straight from a fairytale, it is centrally located, with best-in-class amenities to make sure our trip is pure bliss.”—Michella Ore, fashion commerce editor
Connecticut
“Christmas in Connecticut isn’t just a classic holiday movie, but my real-life holiday experience every other year. It’s my husband's home state and I’ve (secretly) enjoyed getting to explore and experience New England as someone who grew up in the Arizona desert. Whenever we want to do a staycation of sorts or escape the extended family for a night or two, we love visiting the nearby Delamar Hotel properties in Greenwich and Southport, where you can share an amazing seafood dinner at their house restaurants, La Plage and L’Escale, and stay cozy (with our two-year-old Labrador mix in tow since the hotels are all dog-friendly) in spacious suites that overlook all the charming seasonal wonder Connecticut has to offer. We’re already daydreaming of visiting their newest location alongside the Mystic Seaport come the spring for the warmer days ahead.”—Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Turks and Caicos
“One of my favorite places to visit is Turks and Caicos, and I hope to make my third trip in 2025. There’s nothing like spending a few days on the island, which boasts gorgeous, crystal-clear ocean waters and silky-smooth sandy beaches. The Ritz Carlton in Turks and Caicos offers a sunset catamaran experience where they serve sushi on board and a glass of champagne as you take in the beautiful sunset scenery—what's better than that? Turks also offers a wide variety of water sports at your fingertips, from jet skiing to snorkeling and even parasailing, so you can choose your own adventure. Personally, I like to just spend lazy afternoons laying on a beach chair, deep in a good book, and drifting away as I listen to the ocean waves.”—Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead
Antibes, France
“This year, I would love to visit the renowned Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes again. It’s magical—the view of the Côte d'Azur, the smell of the French air (which you can now take home with you, thanks to Dior), and everything in between. Its storied history speaks for itself; you’re immediately transported into a Slim Aarons photograph upon arrival. I would indulge in the property’s amazing amenities and go straight to the cliffside pool and vintage diving board, where I would spend most of my time in between lunch at the Eden-Roc Restaurant and dinner at The Grill. Pure bliss!”—Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion and accessories editor
Hudson Valley, New York
“I love New York City, but once or twice a year I really need to just get out to the woods and let myself be surrounded only by trees and birds and good food and no cell service. In 2024 I escaped to Twin Farms in Vermont for a solo weekend, and all I did was eat homemade bread, take long hikes, and read by the lake—which was a dream. In 2025, I’m hoping to find my way to Wildflower Farms in the Hudson Valley, where I plan to do the exact same thing. I also can’t wait to check out their spa, saunas, and fitness classes—to burn off all that bread I’ll be eating.”—Rosa Sanchez
Mallorca and Sardinia
“For the past few summers, I have been fortunate enough to island-hop in Europe with friends, always ending our adventure in Ibiza. This past year, we added Mallorca to our itinerary, and I fell in love with the Spanish island. We stayed at Zafiro Palace Andratx, which has the look and feel of a charming beachside resort, but is close enough to the main town so you spend hours wandering the European cobblestone streets. This upcoming year, we are planning to return to Mallorca (the island is so big, we barely scratched the surface) and extend our trip to another buzzy Mediterranean island: Sardinia. I have my eye on the rustic, farmhouse-style Cascioni Eco Retreat, Arzachena to stay at—it looks like the perfect balance of a relaxing seaside getaway and a local Mediterranean experience.”—Katie Intner, associate beauty editor
The Greek Islands
“I am dreaming of an early summer trip to Greece because it’s been years since I’ve been. It’s a magical place filled with incredible food, sublime landscapes, spectacular colors, and truly wonderful people. I’ve been to Crete and Mykonos but would love to visit Patmos, Milos, and Sifnos.”—Brooke Bobb, fashion news director
Kauai, Hawaii
“My husband and I visited Kauai for our honeymoon and have been plotting our return ever since. While the weather on the island is consistently hot, with temperatures into the 90s, we found it nearly impossible to stay indoors—despite the luxe accommodations of our stay at Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club. Stunning views, hikes through lush rainforests, and relaxing on surf-friendly beaches make the trip a dream, along with all the fresh, local food in the area. I highly recommend taking a sunset dinner cruise with Capt. Andy’s to soak in the natural beauty of the island, and not heading to the airport before having at least one shaved ice—a true Hawaiian delicacy.”—Tiffany Dodson, beauty commerce editor
Oxfordshire, England
“I’ve always wanted to explore the Cotswolds, ever since I lived in London for a short time for school—but even more now that I visit twice a year for London Fashion Week. There’s something so dreamy about the countryside beyond the city. I would love to visit Soho Farmhouse in Chipping Norton this year. I imagine that I would enjoy boating around their lake, visiting the stables and going for a horse ride, and head to their Wellness Barn to reset. Perhaps I would venture off-site to Daylesford Organic farm and book a cooking class. My idea of a true escape!”—Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen
The Hamptons, New York
“My favorite thing about being in New York during the winter is escaping to local hotspots, like the Hamptons, during the off-season. One of my favorite spots to say at is EHP Resort & Marina in East Hampton. The resort has a Mediterranean feel, but with cozy cottages that makes the property feel like a second home (a girl can dream, right?) The hotel also has one of my favorite restaurants out east, Si Si. The food is simple yet delicious and it's located right on the water, so you have a front-row view to the breathtaking sunsets (even during the colder months).”—Katie Intner
At Sea!
“When I’m really in need of some rest and relaxation, only being by the ocean will do—and yes, I'm talking about yachting. Stepping on board the Ilma, one of the latest offerings from the the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, will quickly change anyone’s previous notions of water-bound vacationing. It has multiple pools, a full luxury spa and gym, fine dining, and even an on-board boutique filled with everything from Bulgari jewels to Hermès Birkin bags. Every yacht within the Ritz Carlton collection embarks on specific routes, so you can stay closer to home, try a Caribbean excursion that starts in San Juan, Puerto Rico, or go further abroad with trips that take you to Barcelona, Rome, and Lisbon.”—Bianca Betancourt
Milan, Italy
“I studied art in Milan as a teenager, so it’s a very nostalgic place to me. I haven’t been in a few years, but I am planning a trip with my mom for Salone del Mobile, and can’t wait to get a detoxing post-plane massage at the Bvlgari Hotel’s spa, and to visit my favorite aperitivo spot, Camparino, at the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. In terms of my go-to city-centric hotels, the super-cool Casa Brera offers a boutique and artsy experience, while the Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá takes a more lavish approach and has the most striking view of the Duomo.”—Rosa Sanchez
