Where To Travel in Slow Luxury
The Best Destinations for Slow Luxury Travel in 2025
Slow travel is more than just a way to explore the world—it’s a mindset that focuses on how the destination feels rather than the amount of pictures you take or site-seeing boxes you check. It’s about immersing yourself in a place, savoring the local cuisine, and lingering in moments that captivate us. If you’re ready to embrace intentional and luxurious travel, here are the best destinations for slow luxury discovery in 2025—each offering its own unique charm and unhurried elegance.
1. Tuscany, Italy
The rolling hills of Tuscany will always be the epitome of slow luxury. It is a place where time revolves around good food, fine wine, and breathtaking landscapes while you mingle with the local people. Wander through medieval villages, enjoy wine tastings at family-run vineyards, and learn the art of Italian cooking in a countryside villa. Perhaps you will take a truffle-hunting experience - where you and a local expert (as well as his canine companion) will go out and uncover the secrets of where to find these hidden culinary gems. A private dinner will complete the day as you sample your hard earned delights.
Perched amidst Tuscany’s rolling hills and timeless vineyards, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is a haven of refined luxury and rustic charm. Set on a 5,000-acre estate in the heart of Val d’Orcia, this historic retreat offers exquisitely restored villas, a private winery, and an 18-hole golf course. Guests can indulge in farm-to-table dining, rejuvenate at the serene spa, or take part in curated experiences like cooking classes and wine tastings. With breathtaking views and unparalleled elegance, this Tuscan gem captures the essence of slow luxury and authentic Italian living.
2. Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal’s Douro Valley is a haven for slow travelers. Known for its terraced vineyards and tranquil river views, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites you to savor every moment. Spend your days exploring wineries, cruising the Douro River, and enjoying the simplicity of life in the countryside. We recommend a stay at the Six Senses Douro Valley, which offers an unforgettable blend of nature, luxury, and authenticity. This serene sanctuary combines contemporary elegance with rustic charm. Guests can indulge in holistic wellness at the award-winning spa, savor farm-to-table cuisine paired with world-class wines, and explore the beauty of the valley through curated experiences like river cruises and vineyard tours. We also love their commitment to sustainability and a focus on connection.
3. Provence, France
Provence is where time seems to stand still. From fields of lavender to charming markets and sun-drenched vineyards, the region is a feast for the senses. Take leisurely bike rides, indulge in long lunches, and let the peaceful countryside inspire you. For a luxury stay in Provence that aligns with slow luxury, we recommend Villa La Coste. Nestled in the rolling hills near Aix-en-Provence, this boutique hotel combines art, architecture, and gastronomy with the serene beauty of the Provençal countryside. Each villa is designed with understated elegance, offering private terraces with sweeping views of vineyards and olive groves.
The estate is home to an impressive art and sculpture park, a biodynamic vineyard, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, inviting guests to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture and flavors. From curated wine tastings and wellness experiences to leisurely strolls through lavender fields, Villa La Coste offers a perfect balance of luxury, authenticity, and mindfulness—the perfect blend for a true slow luxury escape.
4. The Cotswolds, England
For storybook charm and pastoral beauty, the Cotswolds are unmatched. This quintessential English countryside is perfect for slow travel, with its honey-colored cottages, rolling hills, and cozy tea rooms. Take long walks through the fields, visit local artisan shops, and enjoy evenings by a roaring fire.
5. The Swiss Alps, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps offer a serene retreat for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re gazing at snow-capped peaks from a luxury spa or enjoying a leisurely hike through alpine meadows, the beauty of the landscape is unforgettable. For slow luxury with breathtaking views, the Bürgenstock Resort is an exceptional choice. Perched high above Lake Lucerne, this iconic resort blends modern elegance with breathtaking natural beauty. Its luxurious rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks, creating an atmosphere of serenity and refinement. The resort’s wellness offerings feature an award-winning spa with infinity pools that seem to merge with the alpine horizon. Guests can take leisurely hikes through pristine trails or simply relax by a roaring fire.
6. The Aeolian Islands, Italy
Nestled off the coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands offer a secluded retreat for travelers seeking understated luxury and unspoiled natural beauty. These volcanic islands captivate with their crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and tranquil charm. Imagine swimming in secluded coves, hiking to panoramic viewpoints with breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean, and dining on freshly caught seafood paired with a glass of local Malvasia wine as the sun dips below the horizon. For the ultimate slow luxury experience, stay on Salina at Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia, where the elegance of vineyard living meets the serene rhythm of island life.
7. Rioja, Spain
For wine enthusiasts and slow travelers, Rioja is a paradise of rolling vineyards, charming villages, and centuries-old bodegas. Here, time slows as you savor private tours at renowned wineries, sample traditional pintxos in quiet squares, and wander through picturesque landscapes framed by the Sierra de Cantabria mountains. To elevate your experience, stay at Marqués de Riscal, a luxury wine hotel designed by Frank Gehry, where avant-garde architecture meets world-class hospitality. With a private driver to guide you, explore the hidden gems of this storied region at your own unhurried pace.
8. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina
Patagonia’s untamed landscapes are a haven for those craving solitude and connection with nature. Imagine standing in awe of towering glaciers, hiking through rugged valleys, or gazing at a sky so clear the stars feel close enough to touch. The region’s wild beauty invites reflection and wonder, making it the ultimate destination for slow travel. For an intimate and immersive experience, stay at Awasi Patagonia, an eco-luxury lodge offering personalized, all-inclusive adventures tailored to your pace. Here, every moment is designed to help you connect deeply with this pristine and remote corner of the world.
9. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca’s Mediterranean charm is a perfect blend of coastal luxury and authentic simplicity. From its turquoise waters and sun-drenched beaches to its olive groves and quaint hilltop villages, the island invites you to slow down and savor every moment. For the ultimate retreat, stay at Belmond La Residencia, a haven of refinement tucked into the artistic village of Deià. This iconic property features rooms and suites adorned with handcrafted furnishings, lush gardens, and views of the Tramuntana Mountains that feel like a masterpiece in themselves. Spend your days wandering the estate’s olive groves, indulging in a spa treatment inspired by local ingredients, or taking a private art tour of Deià’s galleries. For a touch of adventure, let Belmond arrange a traditional Mallorcan boat for a day of exploring hidden coves along the island’s dramatic coastline. Every detail at Belmond La Residencia reflects the heart of slow luxury—elegance, authenticity, and the art of savoring life’s simple pleasures.
10. The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The rugged splendor of the Scottish Highlands is the epitome of slow travel, where dramatic glens, ancient castles, and misty lochs create a landscape rich with history and natural beauty. Imagine hiking through rolling hills, visiting whisky distilleries tucked away in remote corners, and enjoying evenings by a crackling fire with a glass of fine Scotch in hand. For an unparalleled experience, board the Royal Scotsman luxury train, part of the Belmond collection, for a journey that blends opulence with Scotland's untamed beauty. From the moment you step into the train’s sumptuous cabins, complete with mahogany paneling and plush furnishings, you’ll feel transported to a bygone era of elegance. As the train winds through the Highlands, you’ll enjoy gourmet meals crafted with local ingredients, whisky tastings led by experts, and exclusive excursions to explore castles, distilleries, and hidden gems. With only 40 guests on board, the Royal Scotsman offers an intimate and immersive way to experience Scotland’s wild charm at a leisurely pace.
Final Thoughts
Slow travel allows you to embrace the world at your own pace, focusing on meaningful connections and unforgettable moments. These destinations are not just places to visit—they’re places to experience. At Slo Luxe Travel Design, we craft bespoke journeys that honor the art of slow luxury to create trips that leave a lasting impression on your soul.
Are you ready to experience travel at an unhurried pace? Let us create the perfect itinerary. Contact one of our luxury travel designers today!
