Personalization is a key trend in 2019; today’s travelers need new ways to feel special. Highly personalized itineraries, amenities and individually curated experiences are increasingly in demand.
In 2019, Velaa Private Island’s signature restaurant Aragu will introduce new, personalized tasting menus based on personal preference. Each day begins with the arrival of carefully selected ingredients; diners then select their choices and wait for the magic to begin.
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay’s dedicated ‘Guest Experiences’ team are island experts that tailor bespoke bite sized Ibizan offerings. Offering bespoke journeys, tips and ways to explore the island, the skilled Experience Makers can design yacht trips to allow for a day of cove hopping, along with personalized hiking routes and curated bamboo bike tours.
2019 Trend - Authenticity is Everything 2019 brings with it a strong desire to feel and live like a local. Travelers now want to peel back the layers of a destination, and luxury increasingly means authentic experiences.
On the Northern Croatian peninsula of Istria, an area long famed for its white and black truffles - travelers can live like a local and become truffle hunters for the day. Setting off with a sharp-nosed hound and a local truffle hunter, they will search for the famous white truffle deep in the Motovun Forest. Following the hunt guests will dine on truffles with the local truffle hunter in their home and with their family.
2019 Trend - The Next Big Thing Experiential travelers are looking for the next big thing to explore, away from the crowds; from discovering an ‘off the beaten track’ destination to exploring lesser known areas and surprises surrounding a popular area.
Allowing guests to explore unchartered territory, The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain is launching a series of boat trips designed to discover the hidden enclaves and sandy inlets of the Kingdom of Bahrain, along with gourmet picnics and a personal butler. One of the most delightful experiences is on Jarada island – or the ‘hidden island’ – an enchanted, deserted strip of pristine, white sand, only accessible for two hours per day before the tide gently washes over and covers it completely.
2019 Trend – Water Wellness Water has long been a draw for travelers seeking beaches and water sports but 2019 means travellers are seeing H2O in a whole new light. Wellness through water is one of next year’s big trends.
Responding to this, Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives are launching Ocean Healing Retreats which incorporate wave meditation, sound healing on Dream Island (a beautiful and deserted patch of white sand a couple of minutes boat ride from the resort) and underwater yoga at their submerged restaurant, 5.8 meters under the sea.
2019 Trend – The Sweat Crawl A healthy hangover? Yes, it’s possible. The biggest fitness craze of 2019 will be the sweat crawl, in which organised groups jog between studios to take part in different workouts, rather than the pub crawl, where it’s unlikely you’ll exercise anything - especially self-control.
In 2019 guests can begin the day by stretching it out with ocean facing yoga at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach and then take it indoors for a ‘Surf-Set” – a challenging, core strengthening workout on a surfboard, followed by a run into a roving boot camp along Miami Beach before jumping into an RXS radical kickboxing session with a PT.
2019 Trend - Power Plants If 2018 was the year when vegan food went mainstream, 2019 looks set to be the year that veganism wins over even the most hardened carnivores.
Showcasing their untouched coastal location, Aiyanna Ibiza is a beach restaurant within the Northern region of the island that offers a modern take on fresh, healthy food where plant-based dishes dominate. Sourced from the restaurant’s own vegetable garden with bold flavors and organic produce, Western Mediterranean food meets East with mezze sharing platters and an array of vegan options.
2019 Trend - Frictionless Travel - Technology Supports Seamless Holidays In 2019, travelers are seeking top experiences without the hassles associated with traveling. Soon to come are room-access using a phone, real time luggage tracking via an app, and a robotic concierge who can communicate with guests in their mother tongue.
Jumping on this trend is one of Europe’s sexiest hotels, Nobu Hotel Marbella which gives guests the distinct air of a VIP before they even set foot in the hotel. Collected from the airport in chauffeured Tesla cars, pre-check in is all sorted, so on arrival guests can go straight up to their rooms without having to waste any time at reception.
2019 Trend - Micro Travel 2019 will be the year of 'bite sized travel' - squeezing in curated travel itineraries into shorter time frames. Travelers will take more weekend trips in 2019, thanks to better flight routes, transport, on-demand car rentals along with a desire to fit in more experiences into a fixed vacation day allowance.
British Airways has just launched their first ever year-round service from Gatwick to Palma, making Zafiro Palace Palmanova in Majorca ideal for micro-trips. A luxury hotel with extended season opening dates, it is conveniently located just 20 minutes from Palma airport and designed with every type of traveler in mind, ideal for both families and couples.
2019 Trend - Plastic Not so Fantastic Travelers in 2019 will continue to seek out hotels with strong eco-credentials; they increasingly want to ensure that their interactions on holiday are sustainable. Additionally, 2019 will bring heightened interest in animal related experiences such as visiting animal protection facilities or observing animals in the wild.
Starting with the launch of akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok in 2018, AKARYN Hotel Group is set to become Asia’s first single-use plastic free hotel group by summer 2019. Sustainable initiatives include glass straws, stainless steel water bottles with refillable stations on each floor, tote bags in bedrooms to discourage guests accepting plastic bags when shopping and amenities are packaged in celadon.
As the national symbol of Thailand, elephants are beloved and cherished, with thousands each year traveling across the world to see them. AKARYN Hotel Group has launched a signature activity at akyra Manor Chiang Mai, where guests can interact with this magnificent animal whilst contributing to its conservation and welfare.
2019 Trend - Bringing Outdoors In In 2019, hotels will be increasing all-season terraces, showcasing gorgeous indoor plants and panoramic views. This trend in hotel design will help guests to enjoy the great outdoors from the luxury and comfort of their rooms, creating memorable experiences that highlight natural beauty.
The newly opened Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi has embraced this trend with the launch of their luxury Tented Jungle Villas – a unique alternative to overwater accommodation. Nestled in the heart of the resort’s lush interior jungle and burrowed in flora, dressed in island-style interiors these safri-style tented villas offer a true luxury castaway experience. Guests can pull back the tent and sleep under the stars as well as enjoy private cinema screenings with a jungle backdrop.
2019 Trend - The Instagram Influence The Instagram effect continues unabated - travelers are looking to find the most captivating backdrops. Photos are no longer just for memories – they are to ensure bragging rights across half a dozen social media portals.
Launching their own ‘Insta-Tours’ Centara Grand Beach Resort and Villas Hua Hin offers guests the opportunity to take a family photo tour or try their luck with a special “Selfie Treasure Map” which features ten Insta-worthy locations around the property and local area as well as prizes for the best family photographs posted on Instagram.
2019 Trend - Tourism to Soar in Turkey Up 69% for 2019 (according to ABTA Holiday Data), Turkey is set to be one of next year’s hottest destinations.
Vice President of D-Resorts, Turkey’s most luxurious hotel group, Alexander Regelmann affirms: ‘We are looking forward to a positive year ahead, welcoming guests from across Europe and further afield to our collection of luxury hotels here in Turkey. Our upcoming season is set to be the highest in years, mainly because we are a destination that consistently offers outstanding quality, luxury and value for money.’
But whatever travel trend you choose in 2019, Fox PR wishes you transformational enjoyment at each and every destination…