Travelling alone isn’t about being brave anymore — it’s about being free. The best solo trips give you space to think, explore at your own pace, and meet people along the way who make the experience richer. Whether you want to recharge, reconnect, or rediscover your independence, these destinations and hotels offer style, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Travel in 2025 is all about places with personality — smaller hotels, B&Bs, slower rhythms, and a stronger connection to local life. Forget the obvious names; this year it’s about authenticity, design with soul, and destinations that still feel a little under the radar.

Thyme, a living, breathing village in the heart of the Cotswolds. A family affair this country house hotel has sustainability at its heart without compromising on luxury. The perfect combination.

Beige-ification in hotels is a symptom of two things: globalisation and risk aversion. When brands expand internationally, they often prioritise consistency over character. Beige, taupe and cream palettes feel safe – they photograph well, appeal to a wide audience, and avoid polarising design choices.

Thyme and Bertioli, founded by Caryn Hibbert, are part of a unique family of brands centred around the sustainable lifestyle ethos of Thyme, a luxury countryside hotel in the Cotswolds. Bertioli, the natural extension of Thyme, is Hibbert's vision of blending luxury with nature’s rhythms, offering eco-conscious fashion and homeware products inspired by the countryside.