As good as they can be, some pre-packaged trips can seem cookie-cutter, with emphasis on dotting the itineraries with well-worn touristy destinations. Though tried and true, and likely comes from companies that have done this a thousand times, the discerning traveller wants something new, fresh, and separate from the throngs of other tourists.
Rather than off-the-shelf experiences, affluent travelers often look for fully customized itineraries, exclusive access to experiences, and attention to the minutest details. These can come in the form of wellness-focused getaways, adventure-based customization, or cultural immersion. There’s no shortage of out-of-the-way retreats to fit any niche. While there, the “secret” is to ask the staff about local or private excursions that can treat you to something new. Typically, they’re local and knowledgeable, and can provide helpful tips on the kinds of things you might enjoy.
Mizata By Antiresort in El Salvador is an example of such a trip, where the concierges can direct you to personalized experiences. Tucked away from the crowds and the beaten path, it’s about 90 minutes away from the San Salvador airport. The accommodations are an integral part of the experience. Choose between a beachfront bungalow or a charming treehouse, both steps from the sandy shores. For a full-day adventure, embark on a waterfall hike at Tamanique, or hike around an active volcano, for excitement and breathtaking views. Take in a thrilling four-hour ATV ride through the lush Salvadorean jungle, making stops to taste fresh coffee beans, starfruit, mango, and pomegranate fresh from the trees. And what would a wellness retreat be without a variety of on-site massages, to relax after a sweaty ride through the jungle. Surfers, whether amateur or elite, will find paradise here with some of Central America’s most consistent waves.
From surf to sand, high-end travelers are now exploring what was once forbidden territory – and that includes Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has opened up for foreign tourists, welcoming them to a mesh of modern and antiquity. Northwest of the country is AlUla, with an expanse of beige-colored desert mountain ranges in each direction. Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, AlUla is a trove of ancient heritage sites that date back many millennia, with hieroglyphs etched in stone and tribal tombs. Its twenty-first century culture includes a revitalized upscale market, a lush oasis valley, and heart-pumping cliff climbs and bungees, among others.
Enjoy the AlUla Skies Festival from the last week in April to mid-May, watching hundreds of hot air balloons take flight. You can also experience a flight on a hot air balloon to enjoy and appreciate AlUla’s majestic landscape, from a mile in the sky. The Nabataean city of Hegra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore any number of a hundred tombs carved in stone. The jaw-droppingly intricate facades will invariably elicit comparisons to Jordan’s Petra. The big difference is that your photos will not include scads of other photo-bombers like in Petra. Hegra was the main southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom, and the southernmost outpost of the Roman Empire, after conquering the Nabataeans in 106 CE. When it comes to accommodation, it’s hard to beat the luxury and appeal of Banyan Tree or Habitas; both elite oases that have all the five-star appeal imaginable, including on-site gourmet dining.
Still another idea is to visit secluded towns and cities – such as Chiloe, in the Chilean islands. Ahead of the visit, call up a tour guide and tell them you want the most luxurious tour possible. There’s a good chance that you’ll go where few have gone before.
Fortunately, you don’t need to prowl the internet too far to find specialty luxury experiences anymore. In fact, mainstream apps are increasingly zoning in on high-end, personalized, curated travel. These include Trip Advisor online, With Locals, Eat With, and Airbnb Experiences (part of its app). Whether you are traveling alone or in a group, there’s anything and everything under the sun. A shortlist could be one-on-one cooking demo with a Michelin-starred chef, a private yacht cruise, a local upscale bar hop, one-on-one scuba, a private archaeology dig, museum archive tours, a night’s stay on a private island, private fi shing charters, a custom wine tour, or meet-and-greets of various performers before their show. You’re only limited by your imagination.
If you’re looking for something that focuses on highly personalized and exclusive travel experiences, tailored to individual preferences, tastes, and needs, these are just a few options to choose from.
Dave Gordon | Contributing Writer
