Travel: The 2014 Fun Forecast
Experts in every industry sound off on trends to watch.
Jan. 18, 2014— -- To kick off the new year, experts in every industry are sounding off with trends reports and “official lists” of what to do/where to go/what’ll be hot in 2014. We’re seeing fresh takes on classic pursuits, or extra perks for the consumer dollar, plus some cool freebies at surprisingly posh places. From multiple hotels launching free happy hour offerings, to Royal Caribbean debuting a “virtual balcony” so all their cruise passengers see is sunny skies…one thing is clear across all verticals: Fun. The public demanded it, and it’s in the forecast.
In Hotels…
Happier Hours (Because, Free Drinks)How to achieve that warm, fuzzy, “I love you, man” feeling in a bar where, more than likely, everyone’s a stranger? By getting the guests nicely buzzed for free, of course. A couple of hotels have hit upon that win-win strategy, including Viceroy New York, which offers a “Cartender” complimentary petite-cocktail program daily from 5:30-6:30.
Parisian luxury hotels Pavillon de la Reine, Pavillon des Lettres and Hotel du Petit Moulin win the naughty-naming prize for their weekly Wednesday complimentary cocktail party, which they’ve dubbed “Dishonesty Hour.” Officially the name makes sense because these are “honor bars” where guests are supposed to track their own pours. Unofficially, the name makes you think of all the bad things people get up to in Paris, presumably at lush little hotels just like these.
Concierges for EverythingDo you need a special consultant to help plan your California Valentine’s Day? L’Auberge del Mar in San Diego has a designated Valentine’s Valet. Want to stay up all night when you’re in the Big Apple? The William Hotel has city-savvy Culture Curators onsite who can get you “on the list” for art shows and sample sales and cocktail bars till you drop. Want to actually sleep in the Big Apple? The Benjamin has a Sleep Concierge on staff. And if you’ve promised yourself, “No matter where I go this year, I will not turn into a lazy slob like last year,” then the Westin has a “Running Concierge,” while the Kimpton chain has “Fitness Curators” at multiple properties. Overall, hotels seem to be in agreement: Customized service is where it’s at.
In Spas…
Suspended Gravity“A distinct “suspending gravity” or “floating” trend is rising, as people have an increased psychological and physical desire to disconnect from our hyper-connected society. We are seeing mo flotation tanks, chambers and pools at spas. On the fitness front, there is a global craze for aerial and anti-gravity classes and yoga, along with new equipment like anti-gravity treadmills.”--Spafinder Wellness 365, 11th annual trends report
Wellness Retreats Rise…and Urbanize“Emerging: the urban-close wellness retreat. More destination spas will be reachable by car and train, which is a positive development given the unprecedented urbanization of the world’s population.”--Spafinder Wellness 365, 11th annual trends report
In Cruises…
Follow your PassionWe’ve seen themed cruises, but 2014 will take it to a whole new level, with many lines offering entire sailings geared toward one particular interest. There will be rock festivals at sea (mostly from niche leader Sixthman, in partnership with Norwegian), kickboxing and yoga cruises at sea and….a Chocolate Connoisseur Cruise on Ama Waterways’ Romantic Danube (embarking April 28), featuring Florida’s supreme chocolatier, Norman Love. Also on Ama Waterways: a Knitting New Years’ Cruise (embarking Dec. 27, 2014).
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