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

This summer, Nova Maldives partners with PADI, the world-renowned scuba diving organization. Together, they will host an exciting ocean adventure week from July 13 to 20, 2025. The event will celebrate PADI’s 11th Women’s Dive Day on July 19. It will take place at Nova’s picturesque South Ari Atoll location. Guests will have the chance to explore the pristine waters of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). They will encounter diverse marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks. Furthermore, the week will feature guided dives, marine conservation workshops, and sustainability-focused training. This gives participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of ethical diving practices and become better stewards of the ocean.

PADI AmbassaDiver and Regional Manager: Key Hosts of the Event

PADI AmbassaDiver, conservation advocate, and broadcaster India Black will co-host the Transformative Ocean Adventure Week. She will team up with Matt Wenger, PADI’s Regional Manager for the Maldives. Together, they will bring ocean lovers from around the world. The event will offer a unique opportunity to dive, learn about conservation, and connect with like-minded individuals. Moreover, participants will also promote sustainable diving practices and ocean protection.

Speaking about the event, Abdulla Aboobakuru, General Manager at Nova, said:

“This event embodies everything we stand for at Nova — community, connection, and sustainability. Partnering with PADI and India Black gives us an incredible opportunity to not only showcase the natural beauty of the Maldives but also inspire guests to become lifelong ocean advocates.”

Matt Wenger, with nearly three decades of experience as a PADI Pro, will also lend his expertise. Having overseen PADI’s operations in the Maldives for a decade, he has played a key role in bringing PADI’s services to luxury resorts and emerging local islands. Additionally, Matt’s commitment to sustainability and marine conservation aligns seamlessly with PADI’s Three Pillars of Change. This ensures that responsible diving and environmental awareness remain at the heart of the event.

India Black, an avid storyteller and ocean conservation advocate, will bring her passion for the ocean to the event. Throughout her career, India has dedicated her life to inspiring people to explore the ocean, take care of themselves, and protect the planet. She has rehabilitated sea turtles in the Whitsundays and paddled 110km across Hawaii’s Alenuihaha Channel. India has also championed marine protection initiatives worldwide. For her, the ocean has always been a source of healing and personal growth. She hopes to share that connection with others. With Matt’s expertise in diving and India’s passion for ocean conservation, the event promises to be an inspiring and impactful week for all involved.

India Black, reflecting on her journey, shared:

“The ocean has given me so much — peace, perspective, and connection — and I’m so passionate about helping others find that too. This week is about more than just diving; it’s about learning how we can all play a part in protecting the marine world while building unforgettable memories in it. ”

A Curated Program of Activities and Experiences

Held at Nova’s serene island resort in the breathtaking South Ari Atoll, the event will offer a carefully curated schedule of conservation-focused activities, dives, and educational workshops. These are designed to deepen guests’ understanding of ocean protection. As a result, guests will enjoy a range of experiences, including:

Manta Quest Snorkeling – Embark on a search for graceful manta rays in their natural environment.
Whale Shark Snorkeling – Swim alongside the gentle giants of the Maldives for an unforgettable encounter.
Turtle Quest – Learn about the endangered sea turtles of the Maldives while discovering ongoing conservation efforts to protect them.
Ocean Clean-Up Dive – Take action by helping to remove marine debris from the reef.
Blue Planet Movie Nights – Relax under the stars with screenings of the BBC’s Blue Planet series to foster a deeper appreciation for the underwater world.
Marine Conservation Talks & Workshops – Participate in presentations on whale shark research, coral conservation, and PADI AWARE’s initiatives. Learn more about sustainable diving and marine protection.
Women’s Dive Day Celebration – Celebrate PADI Women’s Dive Day with a special event designed to inspire more women to get involved in diving and ocean conservation.

Supporting Marine Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

Nova proudly supports marine conservation efforts as a partner of the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP). They are also an accredited Responsible Manta Tourism Operator by Manta Trust. At the core of the event is a commitment to sustainable tourism, ocean conservation, and community engagement—values that resonate deeply with India’s mission. India has built a platform encouraging people to venture further, love themselves more, and protect the planet. She hopes to inspire attendees to view themselves as caretakers of the ocean.

India further said:

“My journey with the ocean has shaped who I am today, and I’ve learned that once you truly connect with the sea, you can’t help but want to protect it. I’m so excited to dive alongside Nova’s guests, share what I’ve learned, and hopefully spark that same love for the water in them. ”

This immersive, transformative week at Nova Maldives will certainly leave a lasting impression on all participants. It will encourage them not only to explore the wonders of the Maldives but also to adopt sustainable practices that will help preserve the oceans for generations to come.

For more information, visit here

Top 5 TV-Inspired Destinations to Visit in 2025

1. The Maldives – Where Romance and Luxury Converge

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

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

4. Istanbul, Turkey – Where History and Mystery Meet

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

Set-Jetter Tips to Maximize Your Adventure

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Supporting Marine Conservation and Sustainable Tourism

Top 5 TV-Inspired Destinations to Visit in 2025

1. The Maldives – Where Romance and Luxury Converge

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

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

4. Istanbul, Turkey – Where History and Mystery Meet

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

Set-Jetter Tips to Maximize Your Adventure

Make Your Set-Jetting Dreams a Reality

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A Curated Program of Activities and Experiences

Supporting Marine Conservation and Sustainable Tourism