The demand for elevated travel experiences is on the rise, with high-net-worth individuals expecting increasingly lavish and novel offerings from the destinations they visit.
According to the 2024 Virtuoso® Luxe Report, travelers are increasingly comfortable venturing further afield, demonstrating a committed sense of adventure and urgency for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in far-flung locations. More than 60 percent of advisors surveyed expect travel demand and spend per trip to increase in 2024.
Adapting to this, hotels and destinations are offering experiences that are more bespoke and brag-worthy than ever before – from next-level activities and exclusive access permissions to truly exceptional locations.
Milan: Go Behind the Curtain at the World’s Most Famous Opera House
Gran Meliá’s latest luxury hotel opening, Palazzo Cordusio (pictured), truly holds the key to Milan’s rich culture and iconic landmarks. Residing within a nineteenth century icon, just a stone’s throw from the Duomo, the property is perfectly positioned to experience the city’s copious offerings. The hotel’s exclusive “La Scala and its Secrets” tour invites guests to experience the Milanese icon through a different lens, taking visitors beyond the globally renowned theatre’s walls by venturing backstage and beyond. Delve into the history of those who have shaped the story of the world’s most celebrated opera house, where the figures of Toscanini, Puccini and Roberto Bolle come to life through stage costumes, paintings and sculptures. Guided by the theatre’s esteemed staff, explore the historic boxes, gallery, and witness how the stage mechanism works first-hand. Enriched by a delicious break in the historic Cova pastry shop, guests can continue tradition which dates back to 1817 when Antonio Cova opened “Caffe del Giardino” next to La Scala. Price available upon request. Visit melia.com/milan/palazzo-cordusio-gran-melia
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab: Glide Across the Arabian Gulf
One of the world’s most luxurious hotels, renowned for its dedication to going above and beyond for guests, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab partners with Beno Yachts to facilitate exceptional experiences atop the shimmering Arabian Gulf. Guests can charter a vessel for two to four hours, alongside a professional crew including a dedicated butler, to glide across the waves with views of the iconic Dubai skyline. For the ultimate luxury, Santorini is a 115ft yacht with five luxurious cabins, plus a jet ski for adrenaline-fueled zips across the water. Guests can also exclusively hire Chef Piero Revoredo, a specialist in Peruvian cuisine, to craft delicious canapés and sharing menus that seamlessly cater to their individual preferences. Private rental of Santorini is £3,180 per hour for up to 80 guests. Visit www.jumeirah.com/burj-al-arab-jumeirah
Thanda Island: Explore East Africa in Luxury
Nestled within Tanzania's Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, Thanda Island — the world’s only exclusive-use private island surrounded by a protected marine reserve — is a place where dreams become a reality. In line with the discerning travellers’ desire to harness authentic experiences from the places they visit, Thanda’s warm community of staff makes guests fall in love with the destination by curating an itinerary of once-in-a-lifetime activities to be enjoyed in complete privacy. With its own resident helicopter, guests of Thanda Island can enjoy private birds eye tours of East Africa; take a short trip to Zanzibar to explore the islands’ legendary history as the center of the spice trade, and discover the old city of Stone Town; or take an excursion to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania’s thriving harbor capital, to delve into the culture of the mainland at its bustling markets. Rates start from £26,000 ($33,300) per night for whole Island hire, sleeping 18, minimum five nights. Visit https://thanda.com/thanda-island/.
Monaco: A Night at the Museum
Experience the grandeur of Monaco with an exclusive nighttime adventure at the Oceanographic Museum. Available to guests of Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, this private tour transforms the museum into a personal playground, offering a unique glimpse into its secretive nocturnal life. Set against the dramatic backdrop of a cliff, the museum—a symbol of conservation and education—reveals its hidden corners and intimate secrets under the glow of a flashlight. Spanning 6,000 sq. ft., it houses over 6,000 marine specimens from the Mediterranean and tropical waters. Starting from £2,026 (€2400) for one to four people. Visit Visitmonaco.com
Newport Beach: Californian Tour in Sky High Style
For once-in-a-lifetime views, adrenaline-seekers staying at the destination’s newest hotel, Pendry Newport Beach, can take to the skies on a private helicopter hosted by Maverick Helicopters. The two-hour experience includes 60-minutes of breathtaking views from every angle, as the tour soars north from the coastline of Newport Beach and across Los Angeles, before returning back to John Wayne Airport. Spot all the best sights, from SoCal’s beautiful homes and pristine beaches to the Hollywood Sign and Santa Monica Pier. Guests meet on the front drive of the hotel, and the charter includes luxurious return transfers to the helipad, located just 15 minutes from the resort. Socal & LA Private Helicopter Charter is for up to six guests and costs £3,523 ($4,499). Visit visitnewportbeach.com
