Photo credit: Sirreti Residences
For those working with ultra high net worth clients seeking leisure opportunities, organizing travel plans and vacations which fit the ever-expanding expectations of the global elite requires no shortage of insight and expertise.
After all, for the world’s ultra-wealthy, traveling for pleasure often calls for so much more than a week or two away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s an opportunity to uncover the world’s most exclusive hidden gems, to be among the first to explore ascending must-visit destinations, and a way to deepen personal interests and passions amid bold and intrepid new horizons.
Staying on top of luxury travel trends is essential for staff members entrusted with the task of arranging exotic escapes. In an evolving luxury landscape and with a new generation of UHNW jet-setters on the scene, this often requires a coterie of reliable and informed contacts within the high-end vacation industry, and a keen awareness of which direction the winds of change are blowing.
This week, we’re taking a closer look at what’s trending for 2026 and beyond in this particular sector, and gaining insight from those with their fingers on the pulse of how and where the ultra-wealthy are spending their downtime.
New approaches to ultra luxury travel
There’s little doubt about the fact that the nature of luxury travel has changed somewhat in the past decade or so. While certain sectors of the UHNW are always going to be satisfied with time spent on the sands and beneath blazing sunshine, there’s a considerable proportion of the wealthy elite who are seeking to uncover much more from their vacations.
It’s hardly surprising – the advent of low-cost air travel (and the increase in tourism in many parts of the world once imbued with exclusive and ‘hidden gem’ status) has eroded the appeal of many locations for the very wealthy. Simply put, the world’s wealthy are looking for more from their vacation time, and heading off the beaten track in search of a wholly new experience.
We caught up with Dani Thomas, a partner of luxury firm 360 Private Travel to provide some additional insight into the wishes of her UHNW clients when exploring new horizons. Dani points out that if there’s one trend that’s becoming increasingly noticeable in recent years, it’s that her clients are often no longer looking to spend time in one single location while on vacation. As she says:
“Clients are increasingly shying away from standard ‘beach holidays’ – there’s a real increase in interest in multi-center stays featuring lots of activities and exploration”.
What’s more, her clientele is constantly on the lookout for new destinations to uncover, with a real emphasis on not only being among the first to enjoy what such locales provide, but making a real effort to explore more of what they have to offer. Dani highlights a couple of destinations currently on the ascendence, which she feels will become key hotspots for the ultra-wealthy in 2026 and beyond.
“Tamuda Bay is emerging as a really popular destination that hasn’t garnered much attention before now. Both St Regis and Royal Mansour have opened hotels there, and it offers a good mix of beaches and culture in a Mediterranean climate. Another noticeably rising destination is Dominica – not to be confused with the Dominican Republic. It’s becoming known as the ‘Costa Rica or the Caribbean’, and it’s ideal for those looking for more adventurous approaches to luxury”.
This sentiment is echoed by Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal of Fischer Travel, whose clientele are increasingly on the lookout for new destinations in which to unwind, far from the maddening crowds.
Stacy claims: “The trend toward avoiding overcrowded European summer hotspots is accelerating, particularly among UHNW travelers who value privacy, exclusivity and authenticity. Destinations such as Norway, Malta, Panama and Croatia are becoming more popular, however luxury infrastructure can be a dealbreaker – which is why we see yachting (which allows ultra high net worth clients to visit top destinations with total privacy, complete flexibility and customization) becoming more and more popular.”
Experiential travel is here to stay
If there’s one key trend to watch out for, it’s that the younger generation of UHNW individuals is looking to use their wealth as a launching pad for discovery. The contemporary yachting scene mentioned by Stacy, for example, is a clear signifier of change. While ultra-wealthy baby boomers laid anchor for the season in the Côte d’Azure, millennials and Gen Z travelers have set their sights on exclusive escapes to the burgeoning marina scene in the Black Sea, to Central and Latin America, or on luxury expeditions to more extreme seascapes such as Antarctica. A new age of discovery, it seems, is well underway.
Ultimately, the UHNW are on the lookout for experiential travel that resonates with their interests, and this is something that’s crossing generational divides. Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal points out some interesting examples that hint at experiential travel trends that are often overlooked, and yet which are very much on the rise:
“High-end train journeys are making a comeback, and Fischer Travel even has an upcoming exclusive full train charter of the Belmond Royal Scotsman. Train travel offers a nostalgic experience with all the comforts of a luxury hotel, perfect for private groups looking for something unique.”
Of course, the utmost in luxury accommodation is never going to fall from the interests of the UHNW, and demand for opulent villas in the world’s most exclusive locations continues to rise. For those who value privacy and the peace of mind that comes with absolute safety and discretion (no matter where they might travel), a private villa staffed with experienced and dedicated professionals remains the first choice for the ultra-wealthy.
With a growing community of such professionals – from private chefs trained to provide for an array of specific dietary needs to butlers, personal trainers, local experts, guides, sommeliers and beyond – the opulence of luxury travel can be both consistent and customizable. Stacy points out that this is often most applicable to family trips, wherein providing the right staff and expert-led itineraries can make a world of difference when it comes to experiential travel.
“We frequently plan multi-generational trips, which come with a wide range of needs, energy levels and expectations. Our aim is to craft itineraries that offer something meaningful for every family member, from grandparents to grandchildren, ensuring everyone feels seen and engaged, and leaves with lasting memories tailored to their individual experience.”
The continued rise of ultra-personalization
The UHNW expects nothing less than a completely tailored approach to travel, where every fine detail has been taken into consideration when it comes to personal tastes, preferences and aspirations for their time away from home. It’s partly the reason why luxury rentals – complete with in-house staff capable of providing a fully bespoke experience – are central to contemporary high-end travel trends for the foreseeable future. Dani Thomas feels this desire for ultra-personalization isn’t just a current trend, but a growing one that will play a huge role in the industry moving forward.
“More than ever, clients are seeking additional hand-holding and assistance with tailored travel plans, especially those interested in more intricate itineraries.”
Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal goes further, making a point that’s more than familiar to those working with contemporary UHNW clients; that the notion of luxury itself has evolved to become inherently bespoke. As she puts it:
“Where once “five-star” was the goal, today’s luxury travelers are seeking bespoke experiences that align with their personal identity, interests and values. The well-traveled client is no longer about ticking off iconic destinations, but instead looking to curate meaningful moments.
This means exclusive and behind-the-scenes access, including private museum viewings, closed-door cultural experiences, after-hours shopping, one-on-one time with local experts, to elevate the experience beyond what is publicly available. These tailored touches are what turn a great trip into a lifelong memory.”
‘Soulful luxury’ and eco-travel
When discussing luxury travel trends, there’s been much talk of high-end vacations that include aspects of sustainability, eco-consciousness and reducing one’s impact on the environment being visited. It’s a refreshing pushback against the often (and much-reported) devastating effects of vast hotels and overtourism on previously pristine beauty spots – something which the UHNW are increasingly keen to counteract with more mindful choices.
The rise of eco-tourism has now begun to pick up serious pace, with more and more retreats, rentals and travel companies showcasing their green credentials as a thoroughly contemporary approach to luxury. This can include lodges and rentals crafted from sustainably sourced materials, businesses based on fair trade agreements with local populations, an increased use of renewable energy or a real effort to use luxury tourism to raise awareness of pressing issues affecting particular destinations – and it’s a trend that resonates with UHNW individuals looking to ‘give back’ while enjoying their time away from home.
Dani Thomas and her team at 360 Private Travel are anticipating a more philanthropic angle to luxury travel as a significant trend moving forward – so much so, they’ve recently launched a new project, Retreats with Impact, to meet a growing demand for such experiences. When describing Retreats with Impact, Dani says:
“It’s based around tailor-made philanthropy-inspired retreatments, curated for those looking for ‘soulful luxury’. It’s clear that philanthropy is evolving, with family offices in particular wanting to engage the younger generation in this regard – and retreats based on philanthropy in South Africa, Lesotho, Uganda and elsewhere are in the pipeline for 2026 and beyond.”
While the travel industry still has a long way to go when it comes to ecology, fair trade and making a lasting positive impact in developing countries and communities, these changes are being driven in no small part by the luxury sector. As more and more UHNW individuals are looking to combine wellness, relaxation and giving to causes close to their hearts, we can expect to see philanthropy and ecological soundness informing many key travel trends in the near and ongoing future – and that’s something we should all be getting behind.
