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Travel Trends in 2022 – What to Expect, From Spa Breaks for Pets to Energy-Restoring Detoxes and Slow Travel
As the travel industry continues to rebuild itself following the global pandemic, there’s no denying that the way we explore the world has changed forever. However, one thing is for sure – travel is firmly back on the agenda. Based on our unique insight into the luxury travel industry, we explore what’s trending for 2022, from spa breaks for pets to deep-rooted detoxes in Switzerland. Here are the key travel trends in 2022.
PRIVATISED ESCAPES
Not only are journeys becoming increasingly privatised, but hotels are capitalising on a heightened demand for exclusive-use destinations and luxury buyouts. Whether it’s a yacht, private villa or entire island, guests are being drawn not only to increased safety and security, but also the ability to craft entirely bespoke experiences.
Where to go: Velaa Private Island, an ultra-luxe resort in the Maldives’ Noonu Atoll, has invested heavily in new facilities and experiences, as travellers continue to prioritise privacy and seclusion. In addition to a new padel tennis court, KRASH Predator jet-ski and limited-edition watercraft, the island is introducing wellness practitioners to provide everything from integrative body work to sound healing and mind training workshops.
EXPANSION INTO BRANDED RESIDENCES
The demand for high-end luxury residential property has inspired hospitality brands to diversify into branded residences, offering their unique style and expert levels of service as a long-term living solution. Savills’ Branded Residences Spotlight notes that the branded residences sector grew 170% in the ten years to 2020, with hotel brands making up 88% of pipeline developments. As work routines become more flexible and fewer people are confined to their usual schedules, these residences are likely to be acquired by those seeking to split their time more equally between two destinations.
How to do it: The iconic Raffles Hotels & Resorts will bring its unique blend of the intimate and luxurious to branded residences in 2022, with a collection in development at The OWO, the brand’s first opening in London, offering the opportunity to own a piece of history in the Grade II* listed Old War Office building. Across the pond, Raffles Boston Back Bay Hotel & Residences will feature 146 branded residences in a striking new 35-storey building comprising pied-a-terre suites, one-to-three-bedroom homes and magnificent penthouses.
Nobu Hotels (Nobu Barcelona) will open its first branded residences in Toronto in 2022, embodying the Nobu spirit in both design and attitude. Situated atop the original Pilkington Glass Factory, the residences will comprise two striking towers anchored by the city’s flagship Nobu restaurant, with a signature Nobu Hotel at the top of the West Tower.
THE RETURN OF LONG-HAUL
The UK government’s traffic light system has limited which destinations are accessible. Now that many long-haul destinations are an option again, they will become increasingly attractive to travellers in 2022.
Where to go: Fairmont Maldives has already noticed a 20% increase in Q1 bookings for 2022 compared with the same period in 2021, demonstrating increased consumer confidence as holiday seekers count on late-winter escapes to far flung destinations. The island resort is the pinnacle of a luxury long-haul getaway, with stunning over-water accommodation, tranquil beaches and incredible experiences to be had on land and sea, including the soon-to-launch Sustainability Lab, which will allow guests to transform plastic waste into bespoke gifts and souvenirs.
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Travellers will seek out longer holidays in 2022 due to pent-up demand and more flexibility in work routines. This trend will see holidaymakers favouring few long trips over many short ones in order to make the most of each destination.
Where to go: COMO Hotels and Resorts’ Bali properties can be combined to create a twin-centre escape, with extraordinary experiences beachside and in the depths of the Balinese jungle. Starting at COMO Uma Canggu in the country’s bohemian surfing neighbourhood, intrepid travellers can try their hand at surfing with a seasoned guide, while relaxation-seekers enjoy the hotel’s whitewashed wellness retreat, COMO Shambhala Retreat. Next, the jungle awaits at COMO Uma Ubud, flanked by lush rice paddies, the hotel offers unparalleled access to the region’s spellbinding landscapes, intriguing temples and vibrant culture.
DEEP ROOTED DETOX
Already a prominent trend prior to the pandemic, the events of the past two years have undoubtedly heightened the importance of mental and physical wellbeing. In 2022, with fewer restrictions in place, many people will seek to reverse the effects of the past two years on their minds and bodies.
Where to go: Situated in the Swiss Alps, Chenot Palace Weggis offers a Recover & Energise programme, which aims to reduce stress, recharge the body’s all-natural energy and restore its vitality by combining detox treatments with clinically proven and patented neuroscience technology. The programme encourages the body to restore its natural rhythms, reduce chronic stress, improve restorative sleep, and optimise energy levels – the ideal solution for a post-pandemic health reset.
WELL-BEING IN DESIGN
One of the travel trends in 2022 is well-being in design.Studies demonstrate a connection between design and physical health and well-being, inspiring a trend for architecture and design that takes its emotional impact into account. Factors such as daylight, colour, acoustics, indoor air quality and scents are all relevant, and increasingly considered in luxury spaces.
Where to go: CAYO Exclusive Resort & Spa has been intentionally designed to offer panoramic sea views from every bedroom, in order to immerse guests in the surrounding nature. Interiors utilise a muted colour palate to support the Cretan sun and prevent harsh contrasts; designer Gian Paolo Venier says, “I like to think of CAYO’s design as ‘whispered’ – it embraces the natural surroundings rather than forcing itself upon them.”
