Travelers of all ages are increasingly wanting their trips to be escapes that leave them feeling recharged. Our editors have uncovered destinations and experiences where you can do just that, as well as several other noteworthy travel trends for 2018.
Under the Sea
It’s been widely reported that solo travel, and female solo travel in particular, is on the rise. Not coincidentally, more women are getting PADI scuba certifications than ever before, a trend that has been building for the last few years. Underwater is having a moment:
Situated on the magnificent Playa San Francisco beach (which is rare for resorts in Cozumel) Allegro Cozumel offers its new Dive Concierge on property for a personalized diving experiences from check-in to check-out at one of the world’s top destinations for scuba divers, the Palancar Reef.
Bermuda has more shipwrecks per square mile than anywhere else in the world. The top places for divers to explore the island’s sunken treasures include: The Cristobal Colon, The Iristo, The North Carolina, The Hermes, The King George, The Mary Celestia, and more. Read our piece on resorts and hotels in Bermuda for ideas on where to stay.
Caribbean Food Movement
Celebrity chefs are moving to the Caribbean and falling in love with the destinations, thus stepping up the Caribbean’s culinary game to become a destination to travel to for food and beverage instead of fun in the sun.
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The newly debuted Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa located in Grand Cayman, heralded as the culinary capitol of the Caribbean, showcases Avecita- with only nine seats and one seating per night. The experience is built around the chef’s bar where guests overlook Chef Remy Lefebvre (who helmed former Michelin-starred Reno Restaurant). The menu changes every night, so no two experiences are the same.
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Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort located in the Dominican Republic goes beyond the typical all-inclusive mentality by offering guests 13 onsite restaurants all with different cuisines, cigar bar and even a culinary festival each November.
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Dine like a celebrity at the recently re-opened, El Embajador, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, like its renowned guests Errol Flynn, Rock Hudson, Mario Moreno and more. Indulge in a 10-course meal curated by international Chef José Soto at El Jardín, a spectacular Spanish courtyard, where each course is present under the twilight sky.
Fitness on the Fly
Fitness-on-vacay has been growing for a few years; we’re now seeing a surge of interest in off-peak destinations seeing demand for activities that are perfect for the cooler temps and milder climates.
Find inner peace at a yoga or wellness retreat. Go on a journey with a diverse mix of people who share a common love for the ocean, yoga, stand up paddling and giving back. The SUP Yoga Social Good Retreat takes place March 15-19, 2018 at the stunning CostaBaja Resort & Spa in La Paz, Mexico.
Fly through the sky at Occidental Caribe Trapeze School. Located on the beautiful sandy stretch of Arena Golda Beach, considered to be one of the best in the Dominican Republic, the activities team will teach guests to use the trapeze and make sure to snap a picture of exhilarating workout.
It’s no longer all about what mountain you climbed but what volcano you hiked. Explore San Luis Obispo‘s famous Nine Sisters, or Morros, a stunning string of volcanic peaks that offer five hiking trails: Black Hill, Cerro Cabrillo, Bishop Peak, Cerro San Luis and Islay Hill.
Under the Stars
According to researchers night owls are creatives and more likely to indulge in extravagance, impulsiveness and novelty-seeking. To accommodate these night owls, more hotels and resorts are offering post-sunset activities where a whole other world comes alive.
Discover a bustling underwater nightlife with Occidental Cozumel’s night diving experience. The program is centered around the resort’s unparalleled proximity to Palancar Reef, considered one of the five best scuba diving destinations in the world. Experience a magical metamorphosis of intense colors and glowing creatures.
Unwind under the stars at Royal Hideaway Playacar, an adult-only all-inclusive in Riviera Maya, with a spa treatment that begins outside (only after 6pm) next to a beautiful candlelit poolside and relaxing music. Experience a soothing foot ritual followed by an exclusive 80-minute massage that includes a special blend of essential oils.
Trek into a tropical jungle after the sun goes down and groove to live music from local artists at Barceló San José. Listen to the tropical sounds come alive in the night among the mangrove, surrounded by a variety of species for an alternative way to connect with the culture.
It may not be possible to experience everything included in our trends piece, but pick a few and get out and explore this year.
You only live once, after all.