Discover the latest trends in luxury travel that you may not know
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We can say many things about the pandemic, and you may expect that lots of them will be negative. Yet even though the travel industry's disastrous situation during 2020 and early 2021, there are some positive outcomes we can come across. Some of them are the end of overtourism, the consciousness about travel's impact on nature and society, and the evolution of travel.?
The tourism industry reinvented itself differently, so luxury trips are not the exception. But, how has luxury travel changed aside from the GOAT experience that we recently talked about? That's why to showcase the latest 5 Luxury Travel Trends that you may not know because luxury is not about bragging anymore; it has evolved.
Privacy is the new travel necessity for everyone.
Severe lockdowns and mobility restrictions help us realize that traveling is more than a desire; it's a need. Hence, we've become a bit hermit because of the fear of being surrounded by infected people, haven't we??
We're craving to wake up in that destination we've been dreaming of, yet we want to avoid crowds and safeguard our health. As a result, private and small tours are rebounding.?
Private tours allow people to be within their bubble with friends and family. As Jenny Southland stated (CEO of Globetrender), being safe and secure is a top priority for everyone. Also, it can be the most suitable way to experience a destination without the crowd or the need to be seen.?
We certainly passed from the overtourism era to a small and minded tourism period. So, everyone is looking for private trips, a travel option reserved mainly for wealthy travelers. Still, people want to be secluded and support sustainability offers. Indeed, according to Serge Drive, CEO of This is Beyond, there is a benefit that luxury travel brings to destinations: higher income with less impact on the environment.
The desire for an ocean escape
After one year confined to our houses, the desire to feel the sea's fresh air is captivating. Yacht charters are increasing steadily, as the yacht broker Edmiston reports. High-end travelers find the sea as a safe way to reunite and enjoy family and friends. Indeed, they consider charters to be on their way to becoming a lifestyle choice, rather than just a holiday. (Private Travel Trends: 2021-2022)
Although the idea of sailing the ocean fascinates many travelers, there is a rise in expedition yachts because of the opportunity to visit remote locations with comfort and luxury style. In that way, travelers can enjoy iconic and isolated destinations such as the Galapagos Islands in South America or the Adriatic Sea in Europe.?
But that's only the beginning. An excellent example of the evolution of sea travel experiences is the autonomous, eco-friendly floating suite of Anthenea. A pod that is entirely fed by solar panels that provide it up to 6 days of autonomy, equipped with three living spaces with 360 views at the solarium and the crystal underwater observatory.
This eco-deluxe accommodation option is capturing the attention of hospitality businesses that look to offer a unique experience in remote destinations without affecting the environment. It can be either a single or a pod network that can host ocean lover travelers in exotic destinations.?
Time to experience the freedom of driving curated journeys?
Driving is a synonym of freedom for many of us, and many hospitality companies are taking advantage of that. How so? By offering luxury road trips to curated and pre-mapped routes, with custom vehicles, pit stops, and five-star service support.
When loneliness and safety are the needs of travelers, high-end hotels have devised signature brand experiences for wealthy travelers to hit the road. Five-star hotels have taken the time to curate and design "supercharged road trips" as Globetrenders defined this way of travel.?
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A high-end traveler can board a Jaguar or a Land Rover to follow a route that indicates where to stop to get breathtaking photos or enjoy a private lunch. The key is that a concierge will constantly support the traveler while on the road through an app.?
A great example is "The Scenic Route With Four Seasons." Launched in May 2021, aiming to renew the spirit of travel among wealthy travelers looking to experience Europe in meaningful and different ways.?
According to the Grand-H?tel Du Cap-Ferrat’s General Manager, Fran?ois-Régis Simon,?
"There's nothing like a road trip to immerse yourself in the art of travel – taking the time to contemplate natural wonders at your own pace, discover hidden gems, taste local gastronomy, and create meaningful memories along the road." (Four Seasons)
The Four Seasons designed six journeys that connect 13 properties of this global luxury hotel chain. The routes are:?
But, if you think that this driving experience is only possible in Europe, you're mistaken. Black Tomate Luxury Travel Company partnered with Auberge Resorts Collection and Mercedes Benz to offer a series of road trips in the US connecting with local and unique experiences. The routes are to New England, Colorado & Utah, Napa & Santa Barbara, and Napa & Carmel.?
Debuting with Private Jets Experiences
If traveling on a private jet was reserved for rich and famous people, COVID-19 added a new segment of travelers that used to travel in first-class and business cabins on commercial airlines. This new trend comes from the need of avid travelers to prevent contact and touchpoints. Many of these first-time travelers have considered flying privately, but used to think that it was an extravagant way to travel. Not in vain LunaJets reported that in May 2021, one-third of their flights were booked by first-time travelers, when it used to be 10% in pre-pandemic.?
Private jets have become a necessity for high-end travelers looking for privacy, travel flexibility, and a reliable solution to travel restrictions. Passengers want to avoid the bureaucratic and lengthy process of traveling with commercial airlines. Also, the risk that their flight will be canceled or rescheduled, as well as the fact that infected people onboard the aircraft forced them to quarantine.?
Living on hotel homes
Another thing that COVID-19 helped us with is remote working. Since the pandemic, many companies have realized we can work from everywhere and be equally productive. In contrast, we have a blink of an eye for balance between work and life, and that's how the term “workation” was born.?
Many people decided to travel the world, adopt a digital nomad life, and stay longer in homes that offer luxury hotels' treats and services at exotic destinations. This is a business opportunity that high-end hotel chains have adopted.?
For example, Relais & Chateaux now have several villas that offer travelers four to five bedrooms that come with private butlers, sommeliers, and dining services among private sea-view pools.?
Another great example is the Ritz-Carlton Maldives villas in the Fari Island, which opened in June 2021 and was thought to pamper workationers during their extended stay. This ultra-luxury property offers privacy, exclusiveness, exotism, and relaxation, and it's accessible on a 10-minute seaplane ride.?
Luxury travel has become more meaningful and innovative, as evidenced by the reinvention of ocean experiences. From the exclusiveness of private trips to the reinvention of road trips, private jets are rocketing in demand, and hotels are becoming new homes. Five trends set a new path for enjoying and designing luxury travel experiences. Indeed, we can use them as an inspiration to adapt them in other travel segments such as mid-range travelers, families or solo travelers.
Which one of them have you heard or known about?