Top destinations for 2025 according to National Geographic, Hilton’s record growth, and a new site for fans to vacation like the Real Housewives. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
National Geographic reveals where to travel in 2025
Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express train; photo by Virgile
National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list spotlights 35 awe-inspiring destinations, from eco-conscious getaways to culturally enriching experiences, reports CNN. The roundup, divided into five categories—adventure, culture, nature, family, and community—features both well-known locations and hidden gems, such as Canada’s Frontenac Arch Biosphere, which boasts extraordinary biodiversity, and Spain’s accessible Camino de Santiago route. Other highlights include Bhutan’s ambitious reforestation efforts and the bustling culinary scene in Charleston, South Carolina, emphasizing how tourism can blend exploration with sustainability and local immersion.
The Vessel reopens in New York to mixed reviews
Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock
The Vessel, Heatherwick Studio’s striking architectural landmark at Hudson Yards in New York, has reopened with new safety measures after being closed for nearly three years following multiple incidents. The reimagined experience includes restricted access to upper levels via a metal mesh netting installed to mimic the structure’s honeycomb shape, according to Dezeen. The Vessel’s reemergence aims to balance its allure as a tourist attraction with a heightened commitment to visitor wellbeing, though not everyone is impressed with the result.
Hilton reports record growth
Frenchy bar and brasserie at the Hilton Toronto, with a recent lobby refresh by DesignAgency; photo by Alex Lukey
Hilton is setting records with its hotel openings and pipeline growth, as highlighted in its recent third-quarter report, writes Skift. The company opened 531 hotels, totaling 36,600 rooms in the third quarter of 2024, with significant expansion in the Americas and Asia Pacific regions. As of the end of September, its development pipeline totaled 3,525 hotels in 120 countries and territories for a net room growth rate of 7.8 percent, including properties in 28 countries and territories where Hilton had no existing hotels. Driven by strong demand in luxury and lifestyle segments, CEO Christopher Nassetta credited this momentum to rising travel trends and resilient market conditions, with notable growth in leisure destinations and international markets, reflecting Hilton’s focus on enhancing its global presence while catering to evolving traveler preferences.
Want to vacation like the Housewives?
NICOLEHOLLIS crafted a biophilic design at 1 Hotel San Francisco; photo courtesy of SH Hotels & Resorts
The Real Hotels is a new site that lets Bravo fans book the hotels and villas where the Real Housewives have made reality TV magic. Covering everything from St. John’s Scary Island villa to the chic De L’Europe hotel in Amsterdam where the RHOBH cast stayed, and even a charming Milwaukee guesthouse from the current season of RHOSLC, the website features a searchable map and listings by franchise and location. Each destination comes with a Bravo-esque recap packed with iconic moments and insider jokes. Clearly intended for the Bravo faithful, the site is as entertaining to browse as it is useful for planning a Housewives-inspired getaway.
BD announces 2024 Designer of the Year
The Goodrich-crafted Romer Hell’s Kitchen lobby, a 2024 Gold Key Awards finalist; photo by Read McKendree
Boutique Design has named New York-based firm Goodrich as the 2024 Designer of the Year, an accolade awarded as part of the 44th Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design. Founded by Matthew Goodrich in 2017, the studio has built a reputation for its expertise across interiors, branding, custom furniture, and product design with its portfolio of standout projects, including multiple Gold Key finalist nods. The award will be celebrated at the Gold Key Awards gala on November 11th at Cipriani 42nd Street, wrapping up BDNY. Tickets are going fast, so make sure to purchase yours today!
