Seasonal Practices and Preferences by Our Platform: Insights into Vacation Behaviors and Fads
Vacationing Like a High-Roller: Unpacking the Summer Escapades of the Rich and Famous
When Business Insider asked us to weigh in on high net worth individuals (HNWIs) choosing their summer holiday destinations, we dived headfirst into this luxury travel landscape to suss out the trends that define their opulent getaways. Buckle up, as we delve into their preferred retreats, activities, and unique preferences.
Paradise Found: Dream Destinations
Let's travel the world and explore some of the privileged havens that HNWIs frequent during their summer escapades:
- European Boutique Villas: Tuscany and the South of France are heavenly choices for private villas transformed into secluded resorts. With top-notch staff catering to their every need and unique offerings, the villas ensure an exclusive affair. Some noteworthy spots include the upscale Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany and the chic Villa Marie Saint Tropez.
- South Pacific Escape: Bora Bora, renowned for its indescribable beauty and romance, is a must-visit paradise. Accessible only by seaplane, this tropical utopia boasts crystal clear waters that beckon adventurers from around the world. The Conrad by Hilton and The St Regis Bora Bora offer luxurious overwater villas with captivating sea and mountain vistas, enhancing the exclusivity of this island haven.
- The African Safari Experience: Luxurious safari trips in South Africa provide an unparalleled sense of connection with nature. Exclusive activities include private game viewing decks, champagne picnics near wild elephants, and encounters with rare wildlife. Tswalu Kalahari, hailed as a member of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World, offers premium gastronomic experiences and a first-class spa, while Dithaba Lodge at Madikwe Game Reserve features panoramic views and a secluded experience for larger groups.
- Uncharted Territories: With plethora of resources at their disposal, HNWIs can venture off the beaten path to discover destinations unexplored by the masses. These journeys may take them to isolated islands, forgotten cities, or remote wilderness areas - where the excitement of discovery heightens the appeal of luxury travel.
What Really Matters While You're Away
- Independence and a Personal Touch: The allure of unique, independent establishments has grown among travelers seeking to differentiate themselves. HNWIs appreciate the privacy provided by ample space and subtle attention, ensuring a memorable experience that sets them apart from the crowd.
- Experience the New and Unexplored: First-factor experiences draw in HNWIs who yearn to immerse themselves in something fresh and groundbreaking, not just for themselves but for the entire traveling community. From gourmet-filled private jet tours to gastronomic journeys exploring a nation's secret eateries, creativity in the luxury travel world is at an all-time high.
- World-Class Service: A holiday for the wealthy means no expense spared when it comes to top-tier services. Experts from private chefs to skilled massage therapists attend to the guests' every whim, providing a level of pampering that adds immense value to their vacation.
- Bespoke Experiences: Services go beyond standard luxury offerings, with HNWIs requesting a broader range of tailored experiences. For example, they may seek the guidance of renowned photographers, yoga gurus, or personal trainers to help enhance their vacation.
Luxury and Unique Experiences Don't Discriminate
While the affluent enjoy a more elevated level of lavishness and exclusive activities, there are still similarities with travelers of more modest means in their goals for a getaway. Escape from daily routines, the refreshing discovery of new places, and self-improvement are universally appreciated aspects of any vacation. It's simply that the wealthy can often pay for more memorable and opulent experiences to further elevate their time away from home.
Whatever Floats Your Boat
From short, frequent escapes to extended sojourns, the duration of a luxury vacation varies greatly among HNWIs. For those who continue to maintain busy work schedules, European destinations or luxurious manor houses closer to home remain popular options. For the completely free, the sky's the limit - quite literally, as they cruise the globe or even charter their own yachts for a month on the water.
The Untold Truth About Luxury Travel
A vacation for the affluent can set one back significantly; rates for our favorite retreats start from £375 per night and reach as high as £2,000 per night, not including airfare. The cost doesn't stop there, as HNWIs may splurge on exclusive experiences and fine dining, which can quickly add up. But, as they say, you can't put a price on the freedom the wealthy enjoy while making unforgettable memories abroad.
- HNWIs often gravitate towards European destinations such as Tuscany and the South of France for their summers, opting for exclusive, boutique villas that offer top-notch service and unique experiences.
- Apart from sojourns in exotic locales like Bora Bora or South Africa for safari adventures, some HNWIs choose to venture off the beaten path, seeking out isolated islands, forgotten cities, or remote wilderness areas for a heightened sense of discovery.
- As the luxury travel world evolves, HNWIs are increasingly seeking out first-factor experiences, such as gourmet-filled private jet tours or gastronomic journeys exploring a nation's secret eateries, to maintain a sense of novelty and exclusivity.
