Luxury Travel

Today's podcast looks at Belmond's experiences, independent hotel ideas, and the fuel that has aviation leaders talking.

To find the most pure version of hospitality, travelers are increasingly looking to family-owned properties. Owners take a longer view of stewardship and care more about craft and making the right decisions, and not just the most expedient, profit-friendly ones. 

In 2025, Belmond is rolling out offerings with old-school opulance that feels ripped from the pages of an Agatha Christie novel — if Christie's characters had wellness spas and farm-to-table dining. Think of Belmond as an anti-Aman: less minimalist zen, more maximalist glamour.

The luxury travel sector is shifting towards deeper cultural engagement and authenticity. AlUla is carving out its niche in the industry by offering travelers exclusive access to one of the world's most ancient civilizations.

Today's podcast looks at quiet luxury, hotels' upgraded booking technologies, and the popularity of cooler destinations.

A growing group of affluent travelers are done with personal butlers and gold-plated fixtures. To them, luxury is a more personal, one-of-a-kind experience.

As business class goes mainstream, premium travelers seeking true exclusivity and comfort are re-discovering the appeal of a bygone format.

While this is only a minority investment in a small company, LVMH's stake in Fontenille shows its ambition to accelerate its travel and experiential offerings internationally, beyond just Cheval Blanc, Belmond, and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts.

Bulgari Hotels isn't just selling rooms. It's selling one of the rarest commodities in modern luxury: restraint.

In this video from Skift Aviation Forum 2024, Amy Bernard of American Express Travel discusses how the rising demand for premium experiences, personalized amenities, and best-in-class service is driving innovation in Centurion Lounges across airports globally.