Destinations that offer security guarantees, open spaces, nature, private villas, pop-up hotels and philanthropic travel are some of the trends in demand by the wealthy according to travel agency Atlantida Travel.
Today’s customers are looking for advice from a travel agency to expedite the arrangements so they can choose from a range of destinations that offer safety and security and are easily accessible. With the pandemic and the rise of environmental concerns, new trends in luxury travel have emerged.
According to Pilar Vivet, executive of Atlantida Travel, an agency specialized in tailor-made trips:
“We started our trajectory based on the deep knowledge of the destinations to be able to advise the client. We do not sell a trip because it is a country but because it is a destination and we have to offer them experiences that can contribute to their lives and that are perhaps the most special details that cannot be captured by a camera, but that are what you take with you”.
Most popular destinations: open spaces and nature
The first post-pandemic destination was clearly The Maldives and from there other destinations such as Costa Rica or Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) were opened and have been sold by the flexibility of the conditions to enter the country. Now more than ever, travelers value open spaces that allow them to have more freedom.
Private Island at Four Seasons Resort Maldives
The national parks and nature make it possible for guests to do multiple playful activities and get to know the world in a relaxed way. In addition, the open spaces make it possible to avoid wearing a mask but at the same time give a feeling of safety that makes enjoyment possible.
Kigelia Ruaha Refuge in Tanzania
Private villas with all the comforts of a hotel
The search for security and privacy is another new trend in premium travel. The private villas offer all the comforts of a hotel without losing an ounce of independence.
Villa Marriott in Finland.
It is a perfect plan to travel with the whole family or with friends in exclusive and private places. Lodging in a luxury house, very spacious and with 24-hour assistance service.
Gili Lankanfushi private resort in Maldives
Pop-Up Hotels, a new way to travel
Another novelty are the ‘nomadic hotels’ or also called pop-up hotels. These are spaces that are created from prefabricated structures in a specific location and are only available for a certain period of time and for guests who pay to have this exclusivity.
Pop-up hotel in the Wahiba Desert in Oman
These types of hotels are not only looking for multi-day events to attend. Now, they are installed in locations where a conventional hotel cannot access, such as in the middle of a national park in Iceland to observe the northern lights or cross the dunes of a desert. Prices range from €300,000 depending on the number of days and people.
They offer you a unique experience not only because of the speculiarity of their spaces (bubbles, tents and even ship containers), but also because of the location and customization of meals, staff and excursions.
Pop-Up Hotel de Tide + Time Camp in South Luangwa
Pop-up hotels are also characterized by their commitment to the environment, since they are enclosures made with recycled materials and leave no trace once they disappear, thus avoiding contamination of the area.
Philanthropic travel
Along with the interest in sustainable travel, philanthropic travel has also arrived. Besides living the experience with all the luxuries and comforts, they allow you to learn more about the culture of each place.
They go beyond the tourist component and are for travelers who want to help causes they believe in. For example, visit an animal reserve in South Africa and donate money for conservation and animal welfare to prevent poachers.
Masaai tribe in Kenya
This trend has already gained great popularity in the United States. In Europe it is not yet fully installed, although in northern countries some travel agencies carry out auctions with their clients. The money raised goes to charitable projects such as the creation of schools in African countries or the maintenance of animal reserves.
Long weekend getaways
Another notable destination this summer has been Greece and other European cities where customers have been able to enjoy the authentic city thanks to the lack of tourists. Also making a comeback are long weekend getaways. They are closer destinations that allow us to rediscover cities in our neighboring countries, which has a special charm.
Hotel Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany
Private airplanes and boats
New trends in luxury travel also involve a change in the transportation of choice. There has been a considerable increase in bookings of private planes and boats. In this way, passengers avoid sharing space with other people and can choose their own schedules. It must be taken into account that in a trip what is sought is comfort and a dream experience and differentiated.
The importance of sustainability and change in hotels
A growing trend is sustainable travel. At this point, agencies are prescribers of presenting the most respectful options to the client. As Pilar Vivet, executive director of Atlantida Viajes, points out:
“It is our job to advise, through the client’s parameters, which is the destination that best suits him and to make him think about which hotels are helping and contributing to improve our planet.”
It is very important to show the client all those options that he/she does not know and that promote more environmentally friendly travel. The tandem formed by agencies and hotels allows us to live unique experiences and, at the same time, contribute to projects that help the fauna and flora of the place we are going to visit.
The coronavirus has highlighted the importance of agencies in providing advice. Many countries have implemented different restrictions, opened and closed borders, changed entry requirements, etc. Atlantida Viajes has had a 300% increase in sales in recent months due to the confidence transmitted to all its customers.
New trends in luxury travel are also evolving and undergoing changes. Even so, the pandemic has created a mentality and a very specific way of traveling, where nature, open spaces and a sense of freedom are the most important things.
Images courtesy of Atlantida Viajes
