Trend Insights for 2021

The way we think about travel will probably never be the same again. The 2020/21 period will go down in history as the time when all those things we took for granted, were put into sharp focus.

Now, more than ever, travelling safely with loved ones has become more important in the same way that looking after the environment has moved rapidly to the top of humanity’s agenda.

Here we take a look at six key hotels and resorts that share their expert insight into 2021

Villa specialist company, Tuscany Now & More is seeing a shift in requests not only for families travelling together but multi-generational villas where whole families can come together to reunite after a year spent apart.

Owner, Simon Ball, said: “It goes without saying that people are going to want privacy and luxury, which go hand in hand, but they are also looking for a unique experience, a way to treat themselves after such a gruelling year.” Details: https://www.tuscanynowandmore.com/

Hastings Hotels in Northern Ireland is also putting luxury, privacy and safety at the forefront. Not only have they reported seeing more repeat customers, but they are also expecting the demand for private spaces to continue to grow with more people seeking top hotel suites with private lounge areas, meaning that public areas such as bars and restaurants can be avoided. Details: https://www.hastingshotels.com/

Meanwhile, the ski industry has undeniably taken a big hit, with social distancing hard to enforce. Ski resorts such as Courmayeur Mont Blanc in Italy are having to react to this whilst still ensuring an enriching experience for guests.

All of the ski lifts remain closed for skiers until the official opening date which is yet to be announced by the Italian Government. Upon reopening, they will be limited to a smaller capacity to ensure a metre's distance between each person.

They will also be encouraging contactless check-in and advanced bookings where possible to ensure smaller queues and shorter waiting times at all facilities and hire shops. Everyone will be required to wear a mask and gloves whilst on the slopes and all social distancing restrictions will remain in place, including the rule of six.

Cafes, bars and restaurants will be operating in a similar fashion and apres-ski will be carefully controlled too with the removal of dance floors at various outlets.
Details: https://www.courmayeurmontblanc.it/en

Post-Pandemic TechIt is becoming increasingly important to provide a contactless travel experience and this year MarBella Collection in Greece launched the MarBella Collection app which is free to use and contains extensive information about their offering.

This app will also be available at the new hotel, MarBella Elix, which is opening in spring. Periklis Gompakis, Sales & Marketing Director for the MarBella Collection notes: “With social distancing still in place, people will be seeking undiscovered and remote destinations; MarBella Elix will lend itself perfectly to this, being situated in the Parga region - an area of mainland Greece only well known to locals. Visiting this location is now more seamless and safer than ever with information on the guests booking, what’s on, spa and fitness, resort map and concierge services.”

Work, Life Balance
Before the C-word hit the world, people looked to go on holiday to escape work and have a lifestyle change. Now, it’s all about blending the two.

Windjammer Landing Beach Resort in St Lucia has reacted to this change offering extended stays and a “work from windjammer” offering which is tailored for families with working parents or elder siblings. The villas there lend themselves to these sorts of holidays, where family members can work from home using spare rooms as offices and still spend quality time together. Details: https://www.windjammer-landing.com/

Finally, at Quinta do Lago in Portugal...a resort which prides itself on its wide variety of activities and experiences, the facility is seeing a big demand for guests that want to learn new things and experience a bit of adventure.

The resort is witnessing a rise in demand for outdoor living, enriching experiences and a relaxed lifestyle and offers various lifestyle and wellness packages at their sports hub, The Campus.

The Magnolia Hotel is offering guests the chance to work and play in Quinta do Lago resort through a special workation package.

Through their special 'Work & Play' extended workation offer, guests can work at the hotel's spacious and modern cottages whilst enjoying everything else the resort has to offer as soon as the clock hits 5pm! Details: https://www.quintadolago.com/en/