Luxury travel experiences a revival
![Luxury travel experiences a revival](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luxury travel is experiencing a comeback, better than Britney Spears or harem pants. Whether it be a lavish getaway in remote wilderness, or introducing the family to a whole new level of style, there are many ways you can add a touch of luxury to your jetsetting.
1. Experiential
While it can be argued that all travel is experiential, the term is one of the buzzwords for luxury travel. Lynne Ireland, CEO and founder of Inspired Luxury says her clients are focused on true life experiences to create lifelong memories.
“Whether in a city or a remote location, the authenticity of the experience is essential and engagement with the local community is far stronger than ever before,” Ireland said.
Peregrine Reserve taps into this trend with local encounters, the cream of the crop being a dinner with Indian nobility, a prince who is a direct relative of the Maharaja of Jodhpur, on the terrace of their palace in Nimaj.
They are also tapping into the foodie demand with activities such as a paella cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef or sampling champagne vintages in Taittinger’s cellars.
“Travellers at the Reserve end of the scale want all their senses to be enlivened,” Peregrine Reserve general manager Steve Wroe said.
2. Digital Detox
Travellers can be split into two camps: those who desire wi-fi for their social media brags and those who want to switch off and find peace.
Nokia recently found that almost half of 4000 travellers surveyed took two or more gadgets, not including a smartphone, on holiday with them. But for the half that doesn’t, there are destinations off-the-grid enough to not have wi-fi as an option.
“We know people are wanting to relax and technology doesn’t always make that possible so Belmond has identified the Orcaella cruise or Road to Mandalay in Myanmar as a true digital detox, with no or limited wi-fi access,” Orient Express Hotels PR director Australia Caitlin O’Loan said.
3. Set-Jetting
Luxury bespoke travel operator Carrier predicted this trend for 2014.
“Memories matter and hotels are creating new types of immersive or themed experiences so you can relive the place or time of your favourite artist,” a company spokesperson said.
From Lord of the Rings odysseys in New Zealand and Romeo and Juliet homages in Verona, art is inspiring travel.
“Renowned hotels that have served as inspiration for a literary or cinema classic are inviting guests to live and breath their fictional pedigree as part of their overall experience,” the spokesperson added.
4. Intimacy
This is all about staff knowing your name, your preferences and tailoring the experience accordingly.
“The trend in luxury is toward smaller, more personal and more unique experiences,” Alila Hotels and Resorts president Mark Edleson said, with the hotel responding with new intimate properties such as the Alila Jabal Akhdar set to open this year in Oman’s remote mountains.
Private jet tours are coming to the fore as travellers seek the exclusive and the elite. Abercrombie and Kent recently launched Australia’s Last Frontier by private jet, a first of its kind adventure onboard a Fokker aircraft, travelling across the Pilbara, the Bungle Bungles and the Kimberley.
There’s also the Captain’s Choice Tour’s private air voyages with the next one taking off in October this year destined to visit Sri Lanka, Morocco, Israel, Uzbekistan, the Azores, Guatemala and the US.
5. Sustainability
The feel good travel factor is more important than ever nowadays. Whether it’s voluntourism, charity donations, carbon-neutral travel or eco-friendly lodges, people are getting involved.
“Luxury travel will become more focused on the environment with people visiting vanishing ecosystems like pristine mountain lakes, whales migrations and walks through meadows in bloom,” Alila Hotels and Resorts president Mark Edleson predicts.
In October this year the Eastern and Oriental Express will run a special Save the Wild Tigers journey with a contribution from each booking donated to the tiger charity. Travelling from Singapore to Malaysia and Thailand, there will be onboard lectures from tiger experts as well as a charity auction and gala event.
“With only ten years left to save this iconic species from extinction, the clock really is ticking. All profits from our fundraising will go to global and local targeted tiger conservation projects,” Save Wild Tigers CEO Simon Clinton said.
6. All-inclusive
Luxury can be travelling without worrying about doling out cash. Club Med reports that in the past five years the demand for all-inclusive luxury has risen.
In response they have developed 5T Luxury Spaces and recently added luxury private villa and chalet concepts with highly customised service at Plantation D’Albion in Mauritius and Valmorel in the French Alps.
“Guests seek an exceptional experience where every detail of their holiday is taken care of, and the knowledge that they are getting a great value package,” Club Med general manager Australia and New Zealand Madeleine Clow said.
Elements of all-inclusive luxury include architect-designed villas with private gardens, spas and pools as well as a dedicated butler and book pampering sessions or excursions.
7. Remoteness
When we say remote, the meaning is two-fold. First of all, there’s the remoteness of wilderness properties hours away from the nearest towns, surrounded by nature. They include Amangiri in the Utah Desert or closer to home the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa.
Then there are destinations off the beaten path, for an added brag factor. “Increasingly clients are seeking more remote locations such as The Maldives, Mexico, South America and Africa,” Ireland said.
8. Family time
Kids will no longer be relegated to the full-time nanny service of the luxury resort’s kid’s club – unless you want them to be. The trend is leaning toward parents being involved in hands-on activities such as making pizza dough for their own wood-fired pizza at Hotel Caruso on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
La Residencia in Majorca, meanwhile, has an adult and kid-friendly donkey ride that ends with a hillside gourmet lunch at a shepherd’s hut.
“Quality of time is an overriding luxury and we are seeing far more travel with groups of friends and multi-generation families. Villas or exclusive use of smaller properties are popular with these groups,” Ireland said.
9. Shorter trips
Australia is increasingly popular as a short break luxury holiday. Ireland reports that Inspired Luxury’s clientele will take four or five domestic breaks each year in addition to international travel.
“There is a move back to Australian destination travel for short trips during the year to alleviate stress and gain balance in life,” Ireland said.
Peregrine Reserve have introduced a Short Journeys range from three to seven days to cater for time-poor travellers.
“For luxury travellers, time is money. We try to keep trips fairly short, but they can be joined together if the travellers want longer trips,” Peregrine Reserve general manager Steve Wroe said.
Latest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?