Here’s what we see in our crystal ball…
Making your travel plans for 2017? Here’s what we anticipate the biggest trends of the year to be.
1-Focusing on wellness
Wellness travel has been on the rise recently and is set to boom in 2017. Popular heath and wellness practices, like green smoothies, breakfast bowls, yoga and getting your daily meditation in, are now mainstream and continuing from people’s daily lives into their holidays. Whether investing in a full retreat or wanting to incorporate a wellness aspect (that goes beyond simply heading to the resort spa) to your regular holiday, you won’t have to look too hard to find a range of wellness offerings.
Where to go:
- MesaStila in Central Java: Focusing on wellness, MesaStila offers distinctly Javanese experiences including traditional Pencak Silat martial arts, an array of organic healthy fare, and indulgent therapies at its Hammam Spa.
- Neeleshwar Hermitage in Northern Kerala: At Neeleshwar Hermitage, guests can indulge in a wide range of Ayurvedic treatments guided by the onsite Ayurvedic doctor, such as sandalwood oil anointing to purify the body and spirit, along with other wondrous therapeutic treatments can at the serene spa.
2-Chasing cultural connections
Local experiences are getting even more unique as travellers place more importance on breaking down barriers and making authentic connections versus simply checking activities off a to-do list. At Secret Retreats we know it’s really the people and culture that bring a place to life, which is why all properties and offerings in our collection are independently own and passionately managed.
Where to go:
Inle Princess Resort in Inle, Myanmar – This resort encourages guests to support Inle’s unique cultural and natural identity by buying locally made arts and crafts, enjoying Inthar cuisine, and learning how to cook it. The owner and staff are were born and raised around the lake and are also active contributors to the Inle Heritage Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to preserve the Inle region and help it thrive not only as a place to visit, but work and live.
3-River Cruising
Though the word ‘cruise’ might conjure up images of giant floating cities and all-you-can-eat buffets, river cruising offers a completely different scene, especially in Asia where guests board traditional regional vessels and immerse themselves in the world they’re exploring. Joining a river cruise or chartering your own boat is an excellent way to combine your journey and accommodation while gaining access to destinations you couldn’t otherwise visit.
Where to go:
- Luang Say Cruise in Laos – The 2- to 3-day cruises aboard Luang Say’s custom built luxury riverboats offer a unique opportunity to learn more about life and nature along the legendary Mekong River.
- Lotus Houseboat in Kerala, India – Built to represent heavenly comfort and spiritual enlightenment, this elegant houseboat is an ideal way in which to take a refreshing 1- to 2-night cruise through the backwaters of Malabar to discover the jewel of northern Kerala.
4-Seeking remote destinations
In our increasing busy lifestyles people are trying to find more ways to disconnect from technology and reconnect with places and people while also trying to experience the world’s rapidly changing destinations.
Where to go:
Misool Eco Resort in West Papua – It doesn’t get more remote than this. Set on a private island amid pristine ecosystems, this secluded tropical paradise has powder white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, cockatoos, parrots, baby sharks and turtles all surrounded by a 1,200-square-kilometre No-Take Zone (a former shark-finning camp).
5-Going Green
People are becoming more concerned about how their travels, accommodations and experiences affect local environments. Fortunately, travel operators and hospitality providers are taking note and making changes in their processes and products to reduce their carbon foot print, energy consumption and waste. Secret Retreats Members have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to being green with many properties being leaders in their communities when it comes to supporting sustainable and eco-friendly initiatives.
Where to go:
- Golden Buddha Beach Resort along Thailand’s Andaman Coast – In addition to recycling all their glass, cardboard, paper and cans, this resort offers non-bottled water and draft beers to further reduce their waste from cans and bottles. The resort also maintains organic gardens, a nursery where they grow fresh herbs and vegetables, and sources all other food fresh daily from the nearby market or directly from local fishermen and farmers. Food waste is collected to feed pigs and chickens, and produce compost for the gardens. The resort is also currently working with the island’s authorities to set up micro loans for farmers to produce organic eggs and chickens.
- 4 Rivers Floating Lodge on Koh Kong, Cambodia – Built using only eco-friendly materials 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is committed to preserving the environment and supporting local sustainable tourism efforts. The eco lodge has worked with a number of local establishments and villagers in order to promote the protection of the region’s unique ecological systems and, over the past few years, have noted the return of several wild species of birds and animals to their natural habitats, including the endangered gibbon, signalling the positive impacts of the resort’s conservation efforts.