Source:
https://scmp.com/magazines/style/travel-food/article/3016009/why-these-5-luxury-travel-destinations-should-be-every
Style/ Leisure

Why these 5 luxury travel destinations should be on every Gen X-er’s bucket list

Forget millennials, Gen X-ers are the new ‘it’ demographic, crushing their bucket lists one flight at a time. Here’s five luxury destinations to make the children green with envy

Move over millennials, Gen X-ers are the new “it” demographic as they have more money, energy and a sense of adventure.

There has been a lot buzz around a new group of travellers that the industry finds itself catering to more and more; millennials are out and Generation X-ers are the new “it” demographic of travel.

When it comes to travel this group, aged 45 are up are living their best life; discovering the world and crushing their bucket lists one flight at a time.

Why is this particular group so keen to travel and what experiences are these travellers looking for?

In short, younger Gen X-ers have ditched the mindset that you need to be retired to travel and older Gen X-ers, particularly in Asia, are enjoying a higher life expectancy and as their children are out of the nest, they have even more disposable income. Regardless of their age, they all have a few things in common. They are affluent, wealthy and able to spend on experiences that often combine luxury, wellness and adventure.

We’ve highlighted 5 Gen X bucket list destinations around the world that are growing in popularity.

1. Borneo

Borneo is Asia’s largest island and home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests. The island offers everything from mountain climbing to the peak of Mt Kinabalu to rainforest trekking, it’s home to some of the regions most diverse dives, and a trip here wouldn’t be complete without a visit to see the endangered orangutans.

Where to stay: With Gen X-ers sparing no expense on well-being and privacy, they would be likely to appreciate the private beach, expansive spa and yoga pavilion at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa. The resort also owns STAR Marina which offers water sports, cruises, private charters, fishing and diving.

Places to Explore: Mt Kinabalu, Maliau Basin, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

2. Uzbekistan

Central Asian nations are attracting Gen X-ers as they are still largely unexplored. Uzbekistan is known for its rich culture, picturesque mosques, rugged landscape and historical importance on the Silk Road.

While most tourists find the metropolitan attractions of Tashkent to be enough, active travellers will also find appeal in cycling through the various backdrops, skiing in the mountains, exploring ancient trade stops and camping in Asia’s fifth largest desert, the Kyzylkum Desert.

Places to Explore: Aydar Lake, Chimgan Mountains, Amir Timur Museum, Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Bukhara City

3. Kenya

Africa has a lot to offer Gen X-ers looking for the ultimate escape, but we think Kenya has some of the continent’s best safaris and offers a variety of wellness, cultural and adventure activities. The 13,747-sq-km Tsavo National Park is a “must see” as it is home to several large mammals including dust-red elephants, rhinos, buffalo, waterbucks, Hirola and lions and over 500 species of birds.

Where to stay: Glamping is available at H12 Kipalo Hills. The exclusive camp sits on Mbulia Hills with views on the conservancy and Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance.

The camp organises custom game drives at Tsavo West and East National Parks, guided bush walks and cultural visits to local villages. Additional wellness activities include boat trips, mud baths, cooking classes and fishing.

4. Camino de Santiago







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Perfect for the no-frills Gen X-ers with time on their hands, a pilgrimage along routes of the Camino de Santiago is one of the unique spots on our bucket list. Camino de Santiago is a network of pilgrimages that lead to Spain, and takes patrons to the shrine of apostle Saint James The Great. There are many routes to take and the average trip takes around 35 days if you are walking 25km a day.

With adventure and exploration the main focus, travellers will find an authentic experience when it comes to accommodation. Using what is known as a “pilgrim’s passport”, travellers collect stamps along their journey to represent their stays at hostel-like accommodation.

Where to stay: On the last stop of the walk, travellers may opt to stay at the five-star Hotel Parador Santiago De Compostela. Originally built as a religious work and located in the plaza across from Cathedral of Santiago de Campostela, the hotel still gives complimentary stays to a few pilgrims.

5. Costa Rica

Tropical hotspot, Costa Rica, is great for Gen X-ers with an abundance of breathtaking views and wellness-oriented activities. Hit the beach for some horseback riding, kayaking, snorkelling or paddle boarding.

Las Catalinas is ideal for those who want a feel some fresh air in their lungs again. The car-free town offers more than 40km of hiking and biking trails and beaches. Locals also host a weekly night bike ride that departs a few steps away from the hotel.

Where to stay: If that sounds a bit on the energetic side, however, then head over to the Santarena Hotel for an alfresco tipple. The hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, has a rooftop pool terrace that serves up gin flights with four mini G&Ts.

Places To Explore: Punta Penta Trail, MTB Riding Trail, McHenry Peak Loop, Connect Ocean Drive Aquatic Center & Academy

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