Design And Travel Shifts That Will Define 2025

The design and travel industries are intertwined in many ways. For example, design can create lasting memories for hotel guests by engaging the senses and evoking emotions, thus directly influencing customer loyalty and decision-making. First impressions are vitally important for guests, and often set the tone for the entire stay. As such, an inviting design is paramount. In addition, design can influence how consumers understand and perceive brands across physical and digital touchpoints.

Innovative design creates lasting memories for guests. Every design element, from spatial layout to material selection, along with amount of open floor space and styles of furniture, contributes to the overall story and atmosphere of a room. Designing environments that engage and excite the senses, along with evoking emotions, are key in hospitality. Also, good lighting changes and transforms a space. Expertly placed lighting adds another dimension to a space.

Skilled and thoughtful hospitality interior design can also have a direct impact on a hotel’s bottom line. By creating a visually appealing space, hotels and resorts can attract more guests, leading to increased stays. Design can often involve the celebration of indigenous culture and local cuisine, thereby setting the stage for a memorable meal. If guests feel comfortable in a hotel’s restaurant, for example, they will likely stay instead of going outside for a drink or dinner.

Hospitality designers WATG, with offices throughout the world, and their interior arm, Wimberly Interiors, are at the forefront of shaping spaces that respond to these trends. Whether it’s creating immersive experiences at iconic resorts or designing spaces that integrate wellness, sustainability and cultural storytelling, their work provides a unique lens on the future of travel. Below is their overview of some of the key trends shaping travel and hospitality in the coming year.

Reviving Legacy: How Iconic Resorts Are Blending History with Modern Luxury

The modern traveler wants a destination that not only tells a story but also invites them to be part of it, blending comfort and luxury with cultural authenticity. This demand is driving a surge in the renovations of iconic resorts in North America. Once renowned for their timeless elegance, these spaces are being thoughtfully designed and refreshed to offer guests a rich, immersive experience that honors their past while introducing a contemporary sensibility. “It is about celebrating the legacy of these properties, while retelling history in a more contemporary, fresh way,” says Margaret McMahon, Global Practice Principal, Wimberly Interiors. The focus is on layering history with modern elements, creating interiors that feel authentic yet vibrant. Gone are the days of stark minimalism. In its place are rich, textured spaces featuring bold accents, vintage pieces and curated elements that reflect the local narrative. The challenge lies in updating such iconic properties without alienating returning guests or losing the magic that defines their charm. She adds. “Part of the experience that the traveler is looking for is to have the hotel itself be part of the journey. So that sense of theater and drama within the property has become just as important, offering an immersive, memorable experience that captivates at every turn.”

Travel Decisions Driven by Stories of a Place

The modern traveler is increasingly driven by stories that offer a deeper emotional connection to the places they visit. These stories, embedded in the design, culture and essence of a destination, tap into the spirit of place, or genius loci, creating a narrative that resonates on a personal level. Travel decisions are no longer just about sightseeing but about immersing in experiences that reveal layers of history, culture and atmosphere unique to a location. Designers play a key role in crafting these experiences, blending natural and built environments, culture and community into a cohesive narrative that transforms travel into a purposeful journey of discovery.

Authentic Storytelling in Hospitality Design

In the design of new and renovated hotels, authenticity and a strong sense of place are key to enhancing the guest experience. Hospitality brands are turning to the unique stories of their locations, incorporating local culture and history into design elements. This narrative-driven approach ensures that every stay feels memorable and immersive, with the hotel’s character reflecting the destination’s essence.

Expansion of Hotel Brands and Residential Offerings

Hotel brands are expanding their scope to offer a more comprehensive range of experiences and services, from boutique, specialized stays to residential options. In response to the growing trend of exploratory travel and bucket-list trips, these brands are creating curated, one-of-a-kind experiences through unique amenities and cultural engagement. Additionally, many properties are now offering residential accommodations, allowing guests to enjoy luxury living beyond their vacations.

Iconic Properties with Historical Significance

Travelers are increasingly drawn to iconic hotels steeped in history. Properties like the Omni Homestead and Hotel Del Coronado not only offer luxurious stays but also provide a window into the past. Guests can learn about the architectural and cultural significance of these landmark destinations while enjoying modern-day comforts, blending history with indulgence.

Luxury Travel is Conscious & Responsible

The definition of luxury travel is shifting towards responsibility, with discerning travelers now seeking experiences that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Thoughtful design, eco-conscious operations, and meaningful connections with the destination, indulgence today must go hand-in-hand with social and environmental responsibility. This trend reflects a growing demand for luxury that leaves a lasting, positive legacy while delivering unparalleled comfort and exclusivity. Think about regenerative design where it results in a better site than when it was first found.

Authentic Storytelling in Hospitality Design

In the design of new and renovated hotels, authenticity and a strong sense of place are key to enhancing the guest experience. Hospitality brands are turning to the unique stories of their locations, incorporating local culture and history into design elements. This narrative-driven approach ensures that every stay feels memorable and immersive, with the hotel’s character reflecting the destination’s essence.

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