No matter how long it takes the travel industry to recover from the effects of the global pandemic, there's no denying that our approach to exploring the world has been forever altered. One thing is certain, however: travel is once again firmly on the agenda. In this article, we examine what's hot in the luxury travel industry for 2022, from spa breaks for pets to deep-rooted detoxes in Switzerland, using our unique insight.
For those of us who have travel in our blood, can't keep sitting on the sidelines. The year 2020 was completely lost. No spring travel, no summer travel and no holiday travel for my family. 2021 was a small return to form but 2022 can establish a new normal.
EXCEPTIONAL AND EXTRAORDINARY PERSONALIZATION
The pandemic has resulted in a significant shift in the priorities of ultra-wealthy travelers, with factors such as privacy, safety, and dependability taking precedence over the cost of transportation. With an increase in demand for services such as private jet charter, businesses that stood out above the rest were those that not only looked after the flight but went above and beyond by providing well-executed and luxurious concierge services to the client, ensuring they felt protected and well-catered for during the trip.
Businesses outside of the hospitality industry will evolve to meet the 'above and beyond' expectations of the ultra-high-net-worth traveler in the coming year, and they will develop specialties to cater exclusively to this market.
Who is responsible for this: Air Charter Service is a global aircraft charter broker with 27 offices around the world and more than 27,000 flights per year in operation, allowing them to seamlessly cater to any flight requirements. Air Charter Service went above and beyond their customers' flight requirements by establishing an in-house lifestyle concierge team to ensure a seamless door-to-door experience for even the most discerning flyer, regardless of where they were flying from.
As a result of this additional assistance, they have been able to support and expand their business, resulting in a 41 percent increase in inquiries for private jet charter since the beginning of the outbreak in 2019.
ESCAPES WITHIN PRIVATIZED AREAS
Apart from the fact that journeys are becoming increasingly privatized, hotels are also capitalizing on an increase in demand for exclusive-use destinations as well as luxury buyouts and buy-ins. Whether it's a yacht, a private villa, or an entire island, guests are attracted not only by the increased safety and security but also by the ability to create completely customized experiences for themselves.
In the Maldives, Velaa Private Island, an ultra-luxury resort in the Noonu Atoll, has invested heavily in new facilities and experiences as travelers continue to value privacy and seclusion above all else. Additionally, the island is introducing wellness practitioners who will provide everything from integrative bodywork to sound healing and mind training workshops. The KRASH Predator jet-ski and limited-edition watercraft are among the new additions to the island.
EXPANSION INTO RESIDENCES WITH BRANDED NAMES
The high demand for high-end luxury residential property has prompted hospitality brands to expand into branded residences, which offer their distinctive style and expert levels of service as a long-term living solution to meet the growing demand. Branded residences have grown by 170 percent in the ten years leading up to 2020, according to Savills' Branded Residences Spotlight, with hotel brands accounting for 88 percent of pipeline developments in the sector.
As work routines become more flexible and fewer people are bound to their regular schedules, these residences are more likely to be purchased by people who wish to divide their time more evenly between two locations.
In order to achieve this, the iconic Raffles Hotels & Resorts will introduce its unique blend of intimate and luxurious branded residences in 2022. A collection is already under construction in the Old War Office building, which will be the brand's first opening in London and will offer the opportunity to own a piece of history in the Grade II* listed building. Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences, located across the pond in Boston, Massachusetts, will feature 146 branded residences in a striking new 35-story building, including pied-a-terre suites, one-to-three-bedroom homes, and magnificent penthouses.
Located in Toronto, Canada, Nobu Hotels will open its first branded residences in 2022, each of which will embody the Nobu spirit in terms of both design and attitude. Atop the historic Pilkington Glass Factory, the residences will be comprised of two striking towers, one of which will be home to the city's flagship Nobu restaurant, with a signature Nobu Hotel at the top of the West Tower.
RECONSTRUCTION OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY
Inadvertently, one of the benefits of this year has been the recovery of destinations that had suffered from over-tourism. Popular tourist destinations were experiencing an unprecedented influx of visitors, which contributed to the alienation of locals, overburdening of infrastructure, and environmental degradation. As the tourism industry recovers, measures to prevent a resurgence of the crisis are already in place, such as Italy's ban on cruise ships from docking in Venice. Travelers will now look for destinations where they can make a positive contribution.
Thanda Island is the world's only private island, and it is surrounded by a marine reserve that is protected by the United Nations. The island, which is located off the coast of Tanzania, is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of the local environment, supporting the local non-governmental organization Sea Sense by participating in research and projects that aim to protect the region's sea turtles, dugongs, and whale sharks, among other species.
Apart from this, Thanda Island collaborates with the local Park Rangers – who patrol and protect the reserve against illegal fishing – to provide dive training and assistance with boat maintenance, while its Whale Shark Citizen Science program engages the local community by allowing them to participate in the collection of whale shark identification data with the help of a resident marine biologist. Every aspect of the island's operations is environmentally conscious; for example, solar energy is used to generate electricity, dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients, and rainwater tanks help to conserve this precious natural resource.
THE RETURN OF LONG-DISTANCE TRAVEL
The traffic light system implemented by the United Kingdom government has restricted the number of destinations that can be reached. Travelers will become increasingly interested in long-distance destinations in 2022, now that many of them are once again an option for them.
The Fairmont Maldives has already seen a 20 percent increase in Q1 bookings for 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, demonstrating increased consumer confidence as vacationers plan late-winter escapes to far-flung destinations. Featuring stunning over-water accommodations, tranquil beaches, and incredible experiences on land and sea, the island resort is the pinnacle of a luxury long-haul getaway. The resort's Sustainability Lab, which will open soon and allow guests to transform plastic waste into bespoke gifts and souvenirs, is a must-see.
The importance of QUALITY over quantity cannot be overstated.
As a result of pent-up demand and increased flexibility in work schedules, travelers will seek out longer vacations in 2022 to recharge their batteries. In order to make the most of each destination, holidaymakers will prefer to take a few longer trips rather than many shorter ones in the future.
Where to stay: The COMO Hotels and Resorts' Bali properties can be combined to create a twin-center escape, offering extraordinary experiences both on the beach and deep in the Balinese jungle. With a base at COMO Uma Canggu, located in the country's bohemian surfing neighborhood, adventurous travelers can try their hand at surfing with a knowledgeable instructor.
Relaxers can take advantage of the hotel's whitewashed wellness retreat, COMO Shambhala Retreat, which is located adjacent to the hotel. The jungle awaits you at COMO Uma Ubud, which is surrounded by lush rice paddies and provides unrivaled access to the region's spellbinding landscapes, intriguing temples, and vibrant culture.
DETOXIFICATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT
The importance of mental and physical well-being was already well-established prior to the pandemic, but the events of the past two years have unquestionably heightened their significance. Many people will seek to reverse the effects of the previous two years on their minds and bodies in 2022 when fewer restrictions will be in place as a result of fewer restrictions.
Where to go: Located in the Swiss Alps, Chenot Palace Weggis offers a Recover & Energize program that combines detox treatments with clinically proven and patented neuroscience technology in order to reduce stress, recharge the body's natural energy, and restore vitality. The program is designed to help people reduce stress, recharge their natural energy, and restore their vitality. A post-pandemic health reset is made easier with this program, which encourages the body to restore its natural rhythms while also decreasing chronic stress, improving restorative sleep, and optimizing energy levels.
DESIGNING FOR WELLBEING
Design has been shown to have a positive impact on physical health and well-being, which has sparked a new trend in architecture and design that considers the emotional impact of their work. Factors such as daylight, color, acoustics, indoor air quality, and scents are all important and are increasingly taken into consideration in luxury spaces.
Visit: Nobu Hotel is designed in a straightforward and restful manner, combining Scandinavian aesthetics with Japanese minimalism while paying homage to the distinctive elements of its surroundings. As a part of the Nobu ethos, the design concept incorporates the concept of Kokoro, which refers to the connection between emotions and feelings as well as the connection between the spirit and the soul.
The CAYO Exclusive Resort & Spa has been purposefully designed to provide panoramic sea views from every room, allowing guests to become immersed in the natural environment that surrounds them. Designer Gian Paolo Venier describes CAYO's design as "whispered," meaning that it embraces the natural surroundings rather than forcing itself upon them. The interiors feature a muted color palette to support the Cretan sun and avoid harsh contrasts.
FAMILY TRAVEL
Travel restrictions and restrictions on household mixing have caused families to become estranged. Due to the return of travel, families will be planning long-awaited reunion trips to spend quality time together at destinations that are designed to accommodate multi-generational groups.
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, the Maldives' leading family resort, will double its collection of Family Beach Villas by 2022, with spacious bedrooms, inviting communal spaces and private pools and gardens that provide plenty of space for groups to reconnect. The resort provides a wide range of activities for guests of all ages, including yoga and cooking lessons for children, relaxing spa treatments, and adventurous water sports.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM: COVID-19
This is what you need to know about the latest regarding Covid-19 and how countries are dealing with travelers from other nations. For more information for U.S. Citizens, refer to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the State Department Travel Advisories.
The White House clarify restrictions
The White House has clarified the restrictions for international visitors to the United States. When the borders open to non-citizens of the United States on Nov. 8, persons aged 18 and up will need to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination before boarding their aircraft to the United States (with very few exceptions). They'll also have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test done within one day of leaving (a previous rule required it within three days).
Phone numbers and other contact information will be collected by airlines in case contact tracing is required. This is a departure from the previously enforced country-by-country limits.
Mexican and Canadian Travelers
Travelers from Mexico and Canada who have been vaccinated are now allowed to enter the United States. After more than a year of restrictions on cross-border leisure travel, residents of those countries who are completely vaccinated for COVID-19 will be free to visit starting Nov. 8. (Two weeks after receiving the second dosage of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine or the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you are considered fully immunized.)
Travelers vaccinated to the fullest extent possible returning U.S. must produce documentation of a negative COVID-19 test done within three days of their return journey to the United States. They should also get tested for COVID-19 three to five days after returning to the country and wait for symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Unvaccinated Americans
For unvaccinated Americans going internationally, there are various rules in the United States. Unvaccinated Americans who travel internationally must test for COVID-19 within one day of leaving the United States and within one day of returning. They should also get tested for COVID-19 three to five days after returning to the country and keep an eye out for symptoms.
Some European countries have tightened restrictions on unvaccinated tourists from the United States. The European Union (EU) has removed the United States from its safe travel list, prompting certain countries, such as Spain and France, to prohibit unvaccinated leisure travelers from entering the country. (Visitors to France must additionally sign a statement stating that they do not have COVID-19 symptoms and that they have had no contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19.) Because the legislation in different EU nations differ, travelers should do their homework before choosing a vacation and consult the CDC's country-specific advice (as noted below).
Hawaiian Travel
Tourist message: Come to Hawaii. Beginning Nov. 1, Gov. David Ige says fully vaccinated tourists are welcome and encouraged to visit Hawaii. He asked for a halt to non-essential travel to the state a few months ago, at least until the end of October.
Passengers who act erratically on planes risk harsher punishments. The Transit Security Administration (TSA) has broadened the range of civil fines that can be imposed on anyone who breaks the federal mask rule (which is in place until at least January 18, 2022) in airports, on planes, or on other forms of public transportation. This is in part due to an increase in the number of passengers who are aggressive or otherwise disruptive in the middle of a flight. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there have been 4,941 instances of rowdy passenger behavior from mid-January to Oct. 26, with some reports involving physical assault and many of them stemming from disagreements over the mask mandate (FAA).
Cruises
Those who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 problems should avoid cruising. People with a higher risk of severe illness should “avoid travel on cruise ships, especially river cruises, regardless of vaccination status,” according to the CDC.
There are different COVID-19-related restrictions in different parts of the country. Los Angeles County, Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas are among the counties that have made masks mandatory in indoor public locations once again. Unvaccinated visitors from states that have crossed the daily threshold of 15 instances per 100,000 population — now practically the whole country, according to the city's web map — will be subject to COVID-19 testing and quarantine. Everyone above the age of two must wear a face mask indoors at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. There are no limitations in many more areas.
Proof of COVID vaccination
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is now required in more places. Customers who wish to eat indoors at a restaurant, work out in a gym, or drink at a bar must now provide proof of complete vaccination, according to New York City and San Francisco. The Equinox and Ian Schrager's Public Hotel, both in New York City, have established their own vaccination mandates. All guests staying in hotels and vacation rentals in Puerto Rico must present proof of immunization or a negative test is done within 72 hours of their arrival. Cruise ships will not be able to dock in the Bahamas unless all passengers aged 12 and up have proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to update its travel advice for countries all over the world. Many nations, notably the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Ireland, are classified as level 4 — "do not travel" — due to extremely high COVID-19 rates. Level 3 countries include Italy, Canada, and Mexico (high COVID-19 rates); level 2 countries include Poland, Peru, and India (moderate COVID-19 rates). It's worth noting that the CDC's guideline is the same for levels 2 and 3: Before going to these places, make sure you're properly vaccinated.
Travelers should also consult the State Department's recommendations, as some nations may have harsher cautions due to issues other than COVID-19.
Canada Tourism
Canada is now accepting fully immunized tourists from the United States. To avoid a two-week quarantine upon arrival, U.S. tourists arriving by land or air will need to produce proof of full COVID-19 immunization, which may be submitted through the ArriveCAN app or web portal. Two Americans who traveled to Toronto in July were fined roughly $16,000 each for producing fraudulent vaccination documentation. A pre-entry COVID-19 molecular test result will still be required for all travelers.
Canada will allow large ships to sail starting Monday. Following a protracted pandemic prohibition, large cruise ships (those carrying more than 100 people) will be allowed to return to Canadian waters on Monday. Vaccination is needed for all cruise ship guests aged 12 and over.
The CDC dropped their cruising warning level from level 4 (high risk of COVID-19) to level 3 (low risk of COVID-19) (COVID-19 risk is high). It has also stopped specifically advising persons who are completely vaccinated against taking a cruise, unless they are immunocompromised, as previously stated. Those who have not been fully vaccinated should still avoid traveling on cruise ships, according to the CDC. It also recommends getting a COVID-19 virus test one to three days before departure and three to five days afterward, even if fully vaccinated. In public areas on a cruise ship, everyone should wear a mask. Many cruise lines mandate masks and vaccinations. (For more details, see the section below.)
Public Transportation
On public transit, masks must be worn. On airplanes, buses, and rail systems, as well as in airports and bus and train stations, the CDC still requires all passengers to wear face covers.
