RESORT-STYLE LIVING FOR CITIZENS OF THE GLOBE
CULTURE, TRAVEL, HOTELS
Embracing Travel Trends the Leilani Way
Words: Robbie Woodward
12 Sept 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of luxury travel, there's no destination more enticing than one where each property tells a unique story of culture, exclusivity and unparalleled experiences, redefining what it means to provide exceptional hospitality.
It is, however, a journey. Understanding what guests demand from their travel experiences at any given time should be at the top of our agenda. From eco-conscious travel to private villa escapes, we've rounded up the 2024 luxury travel trends everyone is talking about, so you don't have to.
01. Eco-Conscious Escapes

JALAN RAYA PUNCAK
Sustainability is no longer a trend; it's a lifestyle and should be your legacy. Independent boutique hotels can embrace eco-conscious practices and enhance their environmental footprint more quickly than most. From solar panels and energy-efficient lighting to recycling and sustainable sourcing, going green doesn't just benefit the planet; it resonates incomparably with eco-conscious travellers seeking guilt-free luxury.
It's a win-win, and if you're still unsure, we're fully immersed too. Our very own project humanmade™, is our ongoing commitment to in-destination environmental and conservation causes. We're doing our part to, at the very least, offset our impact on the world and give our planet a chance to keep providing those incredible wonders that made us fall in love with travel in the first place.
02. Wellness Retreats

BAVARIA, GERMANY
We'll pretend you didn't know already, but you did, right? If you have yet to notice, wellness is a cornerstone of the modern luxury travel experience. Elevate your hotel's wellness offerings by incorporating spa integration, mindfulness activities, and healthy cuisine. Guests continue to seek tranquillity, balance, and rejuvenation from their preferred resorts, making wellness retreats an essential addition to your offerings.
If we were to write the list of travel trends every year for the next century, wellness would be on it. Which begs the question: if you're not doing it already, why? Start now! Actually, as is the case with eco-conscious escapes, start yesterday. Your mind and your guests will thank you for it.
03. Exclusive Destination Weddings

LECCE, ITALY
Destination weddings are a dream come true for couples seeking a unique and opulent celebration. Craft unforgettable moments by transforming your boutique hotel into the perfect wedding destination. From exquisite décor to personalised guest experiences, these celebrations become timeless tales of love and luxury.
And you don't need to be a corporate juggernaut to host these special moments, either. In fact, discerning guests are shortening their, erm, guest lists. Choosing to spend their hard-earned on making sure the location is perfect, celebrating with only their closest family and friends. So, the more intimate, the better.
"Sustainability is no longer a trend; it's a lifestyle,
and it should be your legacy."
04. Culinary Tourism

TANNHEIM, AUSTRIA
If romance is the route to the heart, then food is the gateway to the soul. Or is it the other way around? Regardless, gastronomic tourism and culinary experiences are on the rise as travellers look to immerse themselves in the world's most exquisite flavours. You only have to examine the supermarket shelves back home to recognise that native tastes are evolving, and the globetrotters among us are honing in on authentic experiences that deliver the real thing.
You can't just plate up some local fish and be done, however. Dining is an art, but the good news is boutique hotels have the perfect canvas. Ignite culinary passions by collaborating with renowned chefs, infusing inventive flavours, and curating themed dining events. The result? Dining experiences that enchant the senses, creating unforgettable memories for your guests.
05. Private Villa Escapes

BALI, INDONESIA
Personal solitude, hidden sanctuaries, and private space are sizzling keyword search trends as we edge ever closer to a new year. A global shift in the perspective of what guests want from their travel experience has changed. Maybe it was a global pandemic; it's possible that just sped things up a little, but one thing is sure: the desire to feel safe and secluded is inherently personal.
Where better to discover oneself than with a private villa escape? These intimate and luxurious accommodations provide guests with a world entirely their own. Whether it's a romantic getaway or a family retreat, private villas elevate the concept of exclusivity unlike anything else. That's probably why they're sitting comfortably on this list.
06. Stylish Adventures

DUBAI, UAE
We're not talking your run-of-the-mill pony trekking here. We love ponies, of course, and we're not trying to put them out of business, but what guests are really yearning for are elevated escapades worthy of a James Bond movie script. Think luxury vehicles, mouth-watering food hampers, remote and undiscovered locations, but with all the creature comforts and a well-balanced vermouth mix to conclude.
Adventure knows no bounds when luxury meets exploration. Curate adventure packages that redefine wanderlust, offering guests thrilling yet luxurious experiences. From luxury jeep safaris to private yacht expeditions to helicopter excursions, where each moment becomes an extraordinary tale and possibly even the next Bond film. OK, that last bit is a stretch.
07. The Art of Travel

TEHRAN PROVINCE, IRAN
No one thing tells the story of a place more than the artisanal creators who inform a destination's culture and way of life. It goes deeper than pointing guests in the direction of the local craft market to purchase their holiday keepsakes, though. International visitors are fast becoming curators of authentic art and one-of-a-kind pieces that they can tell stories about long after they return home.
Celebrate the world as a masterpiece by infusing art and culture into every guest's journey from the moment they arrive. Showcase local traditions and art scenes, commission makers and creators, and amplify their work in guest rooms. Weave a cultural narrative into every touchpoint, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in the destinations they visit.
The world of luxury travel and the dynamic trends that shape it provide a bevvy of endless possibilities. Embrace these luxury travel trends not as mere features but as gateways to a new era of boutique hospitality. Whether you delve into sustainability, offer wellness retreats, create exclusive destination weddings, curate culinary adventures, provide private villa escapes, infuse adventure into every stay, or celebrate the art of travel — the possibilities are as boundless as your imagination.