From pared back, subtle luxury to the importance of culinary culture, unique encounters and raw nature, the search for authentic travel experiences and connection with local communities is at the top of Cartology Travel’s discerning clients’ wishlists for 2024.
A family-owned bespoke luxury travel agency founded by legendary hotelier Susan Huxter, her son Justin Huxter and his wife, Kathy Boate, award-winning Cartology Travel has been highly praised within the industry for its unstoppable creativity, achievements and resilience.
Using their expert insights and international network, the team at Cartology Travel have collated their findings to reveal the prominent travel trends and destinations they are excited about for 2024.
1. Subtle luxury
Clients are still seeking out flawless travel itineraries, with travel agents anticipating their every need and top-notch service expected from hotels. But luxury travel to these guests is no longer just about staying in the top suite at a well-known hotel and flying private jet to the next popular destination. Clients are now after more pared back luxury that’s still subtly weaved into every detail, but less obvious. For example, luxury now is stays at boutique hotels that provide a sense of place, absolute privacy, impeccable service and space away from the crowds. Places such as the wide open deserts of Namibia to the pristine landscapes of Patagonia both appeal – where they can escape, be in nature and have an authentic luxury experience of the destination at the same time.
Cartology Travel’s top destination for subtle luxury: Panama for its under the radar offering of luxury coastal escapes. If the Maldives feels a bit too far away, Nayara Bocas del Toro offers Balinese inspired overwater villas set in a pristine environment with fantastic marine life. For something more private, the exclusive use Sweet Bocas is a private villa on stilts that sits over the crystal clear waters below. Set on its own island with an organic farm that will provide most of the fresh produce you will eat while there.
Go one further than a private island with a private archipelago. Isla Secas is a magical resort of just seven casitas in a 14 island archipelago off the Pacific coast. Enjoy a luxury experience at this elevated eco-resort which has a maximum of just 24 guests at any one time. A truly remote and pristine paradise with a passion for conservation and experiences.
2. Disconnect to reconnect
Increasingly, families are enquiring about destinations where their children can get an insight into other cultures by immersing themselves into the local communities. Holidays that are not focused on the accommodation, but the experience and people, so children put down their digital devices and instead reconnect and engage with each other, having new experiences and creating new memories.
Cartology Travel’s top destination for where to disconnect to reconnect: Kenya, you can’t beat it for a classic, Lion-King style family safari. Whether travelling to the Masai Mara in the summer to witness the Great Migration, or outside peak season, there is an abundance of game reserves with amazing lodges, wildlife and activities on offer. Our recommendation would be Angama Amboseli, a brand new safari lodge with just 10 tented suites, three of which are triples for accommodating children aged 12 and under, each tent offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Besides the epic vistas, the lodge is set amongst a reserve famed for its big tusked elephants. The ‘super tuskers’ as they are known, still roam and offer an incredible experience and an unforgettable stay for the whole family.
3. Culinary importance
The culinary arts of a destination are becoming a prominent part of guests’ itineraries as they wish to delve deeper into local customs. Increasingly Cartology Travel is incorporating experiences such as private cooking classes in the home of a local villager, or arranging specific tastings of local produce, or perhaps a visit to a region of a particular culinary importance. A large percentage of people are choosing their holiday location based on the culinary experience that the location offers.
Cartology Travel’s top recommendation for great food: Dolomites and South Tyrol in northern Italy is one of our favourite areas to visit. Of course for skiing in the winter, but spring and autumn are also wonderful times to visit when you can dodge the crowds, enjoy hiking, biking, exploring the small villages and mountain huts. You can also discover the region’s incredible wine and mountain comfort food. There are many small producers in the area that don’t export and some of Italy’s best foods, including meats and cheeses come from the Italian Alps. On deciding where to stay, our recommendations include COMO Alpina Dolomites situated in Val Gardena on the Alpe di Siusi (one of Europe’s largest high-altitude plateaus) where the spa, activities and views are all top notch. Ansitz Steinbock is a great boutique gem, or for a private exclusive lodge experience with adventure activities and guides included there’s Felder Alpin.
4. Abundance of experiences
Hotels are really striving to offer a breadth of experiences and curate interesting activities for guests. It’s no longer enough to just offer a room and meals. Travellers want to delve into the local culture and community, and spend their time being active and exploring. This is especially true for hotels outside of cities – getting out into nature is becoming a priority for clients, so designing itineraries with outdoor activities and unique twists is now where the level of expectation is set.
Cartology Travel’s top recommendation for an abundance of experiences: Sri Lanka is often an overlooked destination that can sit in the shadow of its much larger neighbour. However it offers a fantastic variety of activities and experiences for those seeking adventure. Coast, hills and nature all await intrepid explorers. We’d recommend starting a trip at Water Garden Sigiriya as a base to explore the famed cultural triangle, before heading into Kandy and the tea country. Refresh and renew at Santani Wellness, where stunning views will leave you speechless and finish up in the walled city of Galle at the vibey and charming Fort Bazaar, where you can wander the bustling streets and delve into the history of the country.
