Sea-cationing

With the cruise industry predicted to exceed $100 billion in worth by the early 2030s, luxury hotels are adopting many of the same practices that have made their ocean-bound competitors so successful.

The Archipelago in Taiwan has been designed to replicate a cruise ship anchored on land, complete with ocean views, a faux deck and sails. Soft blue lighting creates an underwater atmosphere, while a 10-metre-long whale and dolphin installation pays homage to the local marine life. 

In London, the Sunborn Yacht Hotel – a floating hotel in Royal Victoria Dock – offers 138 guest rooms with vistas of Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena, while South Korea’s Sun Cruise Hotel – an actual cruise ship moored onto a cliff – gives guests the sailing experience without the motion sickness.

Pet-friendly travel

Luxury hotels aren’t just accepting dogs and cats anymore, they are treating them as VIPs: Very Important Pets. 

Pennsylvanian resort Nemacolin has set the standard for this sector high, offering a full-service pet spa, complete with luxury boarding, grooming and on-site veterinary care. 

On Madison Avenue, New York, The Mark treats its dogs to an alcohol-free fragrance by Dolce & Gabbana, while in Tokyo, Hotel Chinzanso boasts a private dog park, city walking guides and handcrafted canine treats.

London is also a hotspot for dog-friendly luxury stays. In 2024, Browns Hotel launched its Best Furry Friends package, complete with dog beds, bowls, chef Adam Byatt's secret recipe dog biscuits, a Dog Walker's Kit (with paw balm/hand cream), and personalised mats. 

The Kimpton Fitzroy London is another must-visit property for dog lovers, with its pet concierge and special pet room service menu ensuring guests’ animal companions receive the full five-star treatment.

Noctourism

With the growing demand for tranquility, it’s no surprise that nighttime exploration is becoming more popular.

A recent Booking.com survey found 62% of global travellers are considering holidays centred around the night – but not in the way you might think.

Rather than clubbing and bar crawling, luxury travellers are seeking more nature and cultural experiences after dark. Demand for astronomy voyages, bioluminescent diving and night safaris is rising, along with after-hours tours of landmark attractions like the Taj Mahal and the Louvre.
 

Luxury rail hopping

With luxury rail officially in its Renaissance, it should come as no surprise that travellers are seeking longer trips on the tracks. 

Advisors are increasingly designing itineraries which feature multiple trains, allowing clients to experience more destinations as well as new brands. 

There’s no shortage to choose from either; last year saw a surge of luxury rail launches, including the Britannic Explorer (Belmond) in the UK, Orient Express La Dolce Vita in Italy and SJourney Luxury Train in Hanoi, Vietnam.