In the newest travel trend, luxury hotels and operators offer rough and rugged outings
According to a trend report released in June by Adroit Market Research, the global luxury travel market – projected to be a US$355 billion industry by 2025 – is showing an increased preference for adventure travel. Think fly-in safaris, surfing in secret spots and scuba diving in remote archipelagos. This is something that premium outfitters such as Walk Japan, which does multi-day cross-country hikes, and Indonesia’s luxe liveaboard Rascal Voyages have long understood: luxury travellers are looking for physical challenges and jaw-dropping sights few others have experienced.
Luxury hotel brands are also tapping in to this growing interest. The Aman group, for instance, keeps tabs on their guests’ evolving tastes and designs packages accordingly. “Most of our clientele are now more focused on adventure, culture, exploration and deeper discovery,” says Marco Franck, Aman’s managing director for operations in Asia, whose remit includes Amankora’s five mountain lodges in Bhutan.
In September, they invited cyclists participating in the annual Tour of the Dragon – a one-day, 268km mountain bike race – to combine their visit to the kingdom with a 10-day stay spread across the five properties. Starting at US$14,500, the package included meals, private car and guide, race-day support and a trip to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
In Australia, guests can now experience the beautiful Heart Reef with a newly launched helicopter tour (from US$999) that takes them onboard a private pontoon adjacent to the site. For those really looking to splash out, the North Pole Igloo Hotel offers guests a chance to stay in heated glass igloos, with unparalleled views of the aurora borealis. It comes at an eye-watering price tag of US$105,000, but it’s an investment of time, money and daring that top-tier travellers are all too willing to make.
3 exciting exploits around the region
1. Dive secret spots in The Maldives
The Four Seasons Explorer is a luxury catamaran that takes you to secluded dive sites.
2. Explore the Himalayas in a private helicopter
Get a bird’s-eye view of Everest and the Annapurna range on this 10-day tour led by a dedicated sherpa.
3. Feel like an F1 driver in Singapore
Whizz around in a Ferrari or Lamborghini supercar and take in the city’s best sights.
SEE ALSO: Adventure or vacation: More using Southeast Asia getaways to get or stay fit
This article was originally published in the November 2019 issue of Silkwinds magazine
