TV show filming locations 2025: top 5 holiday destinations to visit

Have you ever watched a show and thought, “I want to be there!”? Welcome to the world of set-jetting—a thrilling trend where travel meets television, letting you step directly into the captivating worlds of your favorite TV shows and movies. Imagine wandering through the very streets, beaches, and deserts that made those stories come to life. In 2025, why not trade the couch for a plane ticket and make your cinematic dreams a reality? From shimmering tropical islands to ancient cities, let’s explore the top travel destinations in Asia and the Middle East that offer unforgettable adventures and the chance to live out your favorite scenes. Here are some of the best TV show filming locations 2025 has in store.

1. The Maldives – Where Romance and Luxury Converge

When you think of paradise, think Maldives—a place where crystal-clear lagoons meet lavish overwater villas. It’s the perfect setting for romantic getaways and cinematic magic. This tropical haven has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, from Bollywood hits to K-dramas, thanks to its unparalleled beauty. Remember the Hallmark movie “Love in the Maldives”? The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, with its mesmerizing underwater restaurant, starred in that story.

And for the Star Wars fans, parts of Laamu Atoll, including Gan and Baresdhoo Islands, stood in for the distant planet Scarif in Rogue One: A Wars Story. Whether you crave romance or an adventure in nature, the Maldives invites you to experience its cinematic wonder firsthand.

Set-Jetter Tip: Want to live the movie magic? Stay at one of the iconic Maldives resorts featured in your favorite films. Or, go all out with a private island-hopping tour to uncover hidden filming gems.

2. Seoul, South Korea – The Heart of K-Dramas

Seoul is a city that feels like it’s pulled straight from the screen, especially for fans of addictive K-dramas. From Squid Game to Crash Landing on You, Seoul is where drama, love, and thrill converge in stunning backdrops. Iconic shows like Goblin and Extraordinary Attorney Woo have made this vibrant city a must-visit for anyone captivated by the world of K-dramas. As you walk the bustling streets and quiet parks, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a scene from your favorite K-drama.

The neon lights of Seoul and its blend of modern and traditional elements create the perfect stage for unforgettable stories. Don’t miss Seongapdo Island, rumored to play a pivotal role in the upcoming Squid Game sequel!

Set-Jetter Tip: Dive deeper into the world of K-dramas with a guided K-drama tour, exploring the filming locations that made these shows famous. Perhaps you’ll even discover some hidden gems along the way.

3. Dubai, UAE – A Playground of Luxury and Futuristic Thrills

Looking for a destination that’s equal parts luxury and adventure? Dubai delivers it all. This dazzling city, with its towering skyscrapers and glittering lights, serves as the backdrop for everything from reality shows like Dubai Bling to action-packed blockbusters like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Known for its futuristic skyline and dramatic desert landscapes, Dubai offers a setting that’s as dynamic as the stories it hosts.

Movie buffs will recognize the city’s ethereal beauty from Star Trek Beyond and Dune, where Dubai’s skyline and sprawling desert created a truly otherworldly feel. It’s the perfect place for fans of sci-fi and grand cinematic spectacle.

Set-Jetter Tip: Go beyond the glitz and glam with a VIP city tour. This will blend Dubai’s ultra-modern wonders with its hidden historic gems—giving you the full picture of this captivating metropolis.

4. Istanbul, Turkey – Where History and Mystery Meet

The allure of Istanbul lies in its ability to transport you to another time and place. The city, with its rich Ottoman history and breathtaking architecture, has served as the perfect backdrop for historical dramas like Diriliş: Ertuğrul, where the streets and palaces come alive with centuries of stories. With its global fan base, this Turkish period drama has sparked a deep fascination with Istanbul’s majestic landmarks like the Topkapı Palace and Hagia Sophia.

And it’s not just period dramas—spy thrillers and fantasy adventures, such as Netflix series: The Protector, have also made excellent use of the city’s Grand Bazaar for high-stakes, nail-biting scenes. Istanbul’s seamless blend of old-world charm and modern energy ensures there’s something for everyone.

Set-Jetter Tip: Enhance your journey through time with a historical drama tour guided by a local expert. You’ll be able to bring Ottoman-era locations to life in a way you’ll never forget.

5. Wadi Rum, Jordan – A Sci-Fi Dream Come True

For those seeking the thrill of a desert adventure, Wadi Rum in Jordan offers a destination like no other. With its stunning red sands and towering rock formations, this surreal landscape has featured in iconic sci-fi films like Dune and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The red desert landscapes of Wadi Rum have even doubled as the majestic setting for Aladdin. The dramatic scenery makes it feel like you’ve stepped into another world—a real-life “Mars on Earth”.

For adventure travelers, the sweeping dunes and rugged terrain are a playground of epic proportions. It’s the ultimate destination for those wanting to experience the thrill of sci-fi landscapes firsthand.

Set-Jetter Tip: Book a night under the stars in a desert bubble tent to experience this cinematic desert in all its glory—creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Set-Jetter Tips to Maximize Your Adventure

As you plan your set-jetting adventures, follow these expert tips to make the most of your journey:

Plan Ahead: Research filming locations before you go. Time your visit to catch each destination in its best light—both literally and figuratively.
Respect Local Cultures: Every location has its own customs and traditions. Embrace the local culture and interact with the destination in a meaningful way.
Capture the Magic: Take a guided filming tour to uncover behind-the-scenes stories. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the locations that brought your favorite shows to life.

Make Your Set-Jetting Dreams a Reality

Set-jetting means more than just visiting filming locations—it’s about stepping into the worlds of your favorite TV shows and movies and creating your own adventures along the way. From the romantic allure of the Maldives to the high-tech wonders of Dubai, these destinations offer more than just stunning visuals—they offer the chance to live the stories that captured your heart.

So, make 2025 the year you turn your screen fantasies into real-life memories. The world of set-jetting awaits—so what are you waiting for? Get ready to embark on your next adventure!

Feature image: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

With so many resorts across the Maldives vying for attention, a new one must do more than offer pretty villas and white sand. It must mean something. Opening on 1 October 2025, Meyyafushi Maldives doesn’t just offer another five-star property. It presents a premium all-inclusive boutique resort purpose-built to rethink what barefoot luxury can look like when design, experience, and sustainability align with intent. Here’s what to keep your eye on, and why you should be among the first through its doors.

What’s the Real Draw of Meyyafushi Maldives?

While many resorts dazzle with overwater villas and buffet spreads, Meyyafushi’s real story lies in how it delivers those features. It’s not the ‘what,’ but the why and how that make it stand out.

Let’s start here:

Its location in Lhaviyani Atoll places it on a naturally formed island ringed by turquoise shallows and coral gardens, just 35 minutes by scenic seaplane from Velana International Airport. It remains remote enough to feel untouched, yet guests enjoy seamless access with dedicated airport hosts who handle everything from luggage to transfers.

Its concept roots in purpose. Developed under the BeKind Hospitality umbrella, the island lives by four pillars of kindness: to the environment, community, guests, and residents. That translates into plastic-free policies, energy-conscious systems, and local cultural inclusion built into the guest journey, not just added on as a theme night.

You don’t just book a stay. You step into a fully immersive experience designed to feel effortless, from sunrise yoga to midnight teppanyaki, curated wine tastings to spontaneous snorkelling with sea turtles.

The Villas Are Designed to Feel Like Home

The accommodation offering remains broad without being bloated. Each of the 95 villas and suites includes a private plunge pool, indoor-outdoor living space, and ocean or beach views, but the layouts tell the story.

Whether you travel solo, with family, or as a group, you’ll find a fit. One-bedroom villas tuck into sandy coves. Two- and three-bedroom beach suites open directly to the shore. Overwater options offer waterslides, personal spas, and even private cinemas. The flagship four-bedroom Presidential Suite feels less like a villa and more like an island estate.

Wherever you stay, the key remains quiet luxury: Maldivian architecture and handcrafted interiors that feel organic, not over-designed.

Dining That Travels Around the World

Ten venues. Twenty-four hours. Zero corners cut.

What does that actually mean?

You can start your morning with a floating breakfast in your private pool, drift into a Mediterranean lunch under Thaana’s vaulted ceilings, and close with a theatrical teppanyaki dinner at Sukun, all backed by fresh ingredients, international chefs, and curated wine pairings.

There’s a 24-hour café for late-night cravings, an overwater wine cellar for serious tastings, and even floating picnics and sandbank dinners for guests seeking something off-script.

Yes, the resort includes it all in its Premium All-Inclusive plan. And yes, it really runs around the clock.

Wellness, Water, and Play, However You Define Them

At Meyyafushi, wellness doesn’t sit quietly in a brochure. It breathes into everything, starting with the semi-overwater Veyoge Spa, where treatments blend age-old techniques with views that calm the mind before the massage even begins.

Daily yoga, hydrotherapy, and fitness sessions remain available to all guests. Longer stays come with complimentary massages, a quiet reward for those who truly unplug.

For those who lean more toward adrenaline than asanas, jet skiing, parasailing, and unlimited access to non-motorised water sports await. Snorkelling gear comes free for every guest. And guests staying four nights or longer enjoy a lineup of guided excursions—dolphin watching, sunset sails, coral exploration—at no extra charge.

When the Kids Are Happy, Everyone Wins

It’s easy to say a resort is family-friendly. Meyyafushi actually makes space for children to be children.

The Kokko Kids Club remains anything but an afterthought. It offers a splash pool, a skate ramp, bowling lanes, and hands-on experiences like cooking and craft workshops. Dedicated kids’ menus, babysitting on request, and multi-room villa categories allow families to travel together without compromise.

And if you plan a special trip with extended family, the Presidential Suite’s four bedrooms, lap pool, and private slide tick every box.

The Only Resort in the Maldives with an Overwater Padel Court?

Yes, you read that right. Meyyafushi Maldives leads the country as the first to build a padel tennis court suspended over the sea. But it doesn’t stop there. It features a multi-sport court, a rock-climbing wall, table tennis, futsal, even a mini bowling alley. And it surrounds all that with nothing but horizon.

If you plan a group wellness retreat or company incentive, you’ll find a conference centre with flexible breakout spaces, event planners on hand, and full island buy-out options for those wanting exclusivity with purpose.

Built Sustainably From the Ground Up

Sustainability doesn’t remain a section on the website here. It forms the foundation.

No single-use plastics appear anywhere on site.
Solar-powered systems and energy monitoring tech integrate into operations.
Local hiring and community programming support nearby islands.
Guest experiences connect you with conservation, not just observation.

Every stay aims to leave a lighter footprint and a lasting impression.

Opening Offers That Reward Early Planners

Right now, those booking ahead of the 1 October 2025 opening can take advantage of these Exclusive Offers:

Exclusive Opening Offer:

30% off room and extra person rates
Booking valid until 31 August 2025
Stay window: October 2025 – 9 January 2026

Family Offer

Up to two children under 12 stay, eat, and drink free
Applies to all villa categories
Green tax and seaplane transfer additional
Stay Window: October 2025 – 9 January 2026

Whether you’re a couple looking to escape, a family planning that once-in-a-lifetime holiday, or a group organising an unforgettable event, these early incentives make the experience more accessible without compromising on quality.

Not Just a Resort, A Return to Intention

Meyyafushi Maldives doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It knows exactly who it serves: travelers who value detail, intention, and a sense of place. From its sustainably built architecture to its experience-led service philosophy, it reflects not just luxury, but values.

Come October 2025, it opens its doors for the first time. The only question left is:
Will you be there to experience it before the rest of the world finds out?

Top 5 TV-Inspired Destinations to Visit in 2025