How bespoke Instagramable getaways are delivering the ‘wow’ factor this Christmas and New Year
If the frantic festivities are too much for you, now is the perfect time to jet off for a relaxing break in the winter sun
As winter’s chill starts to settle in, the idea of sand, sea and sunshine becomes ever more alluring. And as beaches abound in the region, a luxury beach escape makes for a perfect short getaway during the festive season.
According to travel expert Cameron Holland, CEO of Luxury Escapes, resort operators are outdoing themselves in providing holidaymakers with idyllic breaks.
He explains that today’s travellers are less interested in simply ticking places off a bucket list, but instead are seeking out bespoke, personalised and unique travel experiences that are peculiar to a destination, event or culture.
This quest for the “wow” factor – which of course would be eminently Instagramable – is driving operators to leverage uniqueness and exclusivity by connecting visitors to a more authentic local experience. According to Holland, resorts “are staying true to the uniqueness of each place” through their offerings and designs.
At the same time, we want to be indulged. Holland finds that luxury travellers “want to experience personalisation at almost every step” – and technology will increasingly enable providers to anticipate that.
“Picture if you will a hotel researching your social media feed to find out what drink you like, then offering that on arrival,” Holland says. “Providers will walk a thin line on maintaining guest privacy, and not looking too creepy, while delivering on increasing personalised expectations.”
Hongkongers are lucky to be in the midst of this shift.
“In terms of new developments in the luxury travel space, Asia is leading the charge with estimates that upwards of 85 per cent of all luxury hotel investment is occurring in the region,” Holland says. This is opening up new possibilities in established locations like Bali and Thailand, as well as semi-mature destinations in Vietnam, the Maldives and Sanya, as well as new regions such as Myanmar and Cambodia.
Shane Davis, head of operations, Hong Kong Flight Centre, agrees that Asia is a melting pot of cultures and experiences, with endless options. “Whether you are planning a cultural holiday with your family, and want to explore a vibrant city with iconic sites, bustling markets and stunning architecture; a ski resort in the mountains of Japan; or a beach getaway surrounded by aqua blue waters, there are no lack of options for those living in Hong Kong.”
For anyone who has not yet booked their Christmas/New Year getaway, we have rounded up some indulgent choices.
