Not long ago, luxury travelers meticulously planned their trips to see—and be seen. A sunny table at Club 55 in St. Tropez, a front-row lounger at Cala Jondal in Ibiza, an anchor at Nammos Beach in Mykonos—these were yesterday’s symbols of prestige. Today, the scene is changing.
The new trend? Discretion and anonymity. Destinations like Patmos, Corsica, Lake Orta, and Menorca are quietly replacing the traditional hotspots, according to Bloomberg.
Clients increasingly favor places that require effort to reach—a desire for experiences deliberately off the beaten path and far from the crowds. Think Lake Orta instead of Lake Como. Corsica over Cannes.
Patmos rather than Mykonos. Menorca instead of Mallorca. Private island resorts across the Caribbean, like Como Parrot Cay or Jumby Bay, are gaining ground against Saint Barth’s famed haunts.
Corsica: The Understated Riviera
For those seeking French Riviera charm without the throngs, Corsica is emerging as a discreet alternative. Rugged, cinematic, and refreshingly low-key, the island offers pristine beaches, secluded coves perfect for private yachts, and hidden retreats tucked into its landscapes. The digital travel platform Indagare’s Bradley recommends Domaine de Murtoli, a 6,000-acre estate on the southwest coast, where shepherds’ homes have been transformed into secure villas, each with private beach access.
Slovenia: Europe’s Quiet Gem
Tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic, Slovenia has quietly become one of Europe’s most satisfying high-end escapes. Its cuisine is an intoxicating mix of Alpine, Mediterranean, and Slavic flavors, while winemakers in regions like Brda and the Vipava Valley craft natural wines that rival Paris’s finest bars. The scenery is equally stunning: glacier-fed lakes, dense forests, and mountains as dramatic as any in Switzerland.
Lake Orta: Tranquility in Piedmont
As Venice draws Bezos-level followers and Amalfi edges toward overexposure, Lake Orta in Piedmont emerges as a serene alternative. Stay at Casa Fantini, an 11-room retreat where you can rent an electric boat for quiet lake excursions. Days often revolve around visits to the 12th-century basilica with frescoes on San Giulio Island—a tiny enclave home to only a few dozen nuns.
Menorca: The Underrated Balearic
Long overshadowed by Ibiza’s nightlife and Mallorca’s five-star glamour, Menorca is now the unexpected star of the Balearics. Endless hiking trails, relaxed beach clubs, and preserved wetlands that host rare bird species define the island. Two newly restored country estates—Santa Ana and Son Ermità—capture Menorca’s ethos of discreet luxury.
