Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has released its annual Luxury Travel Trends Report, looking ahead at what it predicts to shape the luxury boutique experience in the coming year. From bio-architecture and conscience-free cuisine to dispersed hotels and ultimate relaxation methods, the report took into consideration the creative, inspiring and novel elements of the 520-plus independent hotels in SLHs portfolio.

Travelers are looking to embrace pared-back extravagance by interacting with local cultures, respecting nature and participating in something that feels bigger than themselves. The full report outlines six specific overarching themes; they are:

Examples of bio-architecture, conservation projects, widespread plastic-free initiatives and hotels striving for carbon neutrality are the highlight of the report. In 2020, SLH will be launching a Sustainability Manifesto, laying out commitments for the company as a business, as well as guidance for its member hotels.Some existing examples of sustainability include Aleenta Resort and Spa Hua Hinin Thailand, whichchampions carbon-free cooking;Harbour Village Beach Clubin Bonaire,allowing guests who dive to learn how to hang and maintain corals and become PADI certified in coral restoration; Lefay Resortsin Lake Garda and the Dolomites, which have been offsetting CO2 emissions since 2013 andAkarynHotel Group, whichwill become a single-use plastic-free hotel group in 2020.

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Dispersed hotels offer a new way to experience a hotel and a destination by spreading the areas out across buildings in a town or village.Enso Ango Fuya IIin Kyotois touted as Japan's first-ever dispersed hotel; each of the five buildings, dotted around one street, has its own particular style, features and functionality.San Canzian Village & Hotelin Buje, Croatia, opened in June 2019 and has been created on the ruins of an ancient medieval village providing an authentic experience of the lesser-known Istrian countryside, while Le Refuge de la Trayein Meribel, France, opened in December with eco-luxury chalets creating a hotel hamlet.Domaine des Etangsmay appear to be a typical chateau, but with rooms scattered around the entire estate in separate farmhouse buildings, guests can create their own bespoke experience.

These are real, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, granting travelers VIP access to specialists in an effort to learn new skills or to become experts themselves. Guests atNobu Hotel Ibiza Baycan learn about the island's Neptune grass with a National Geographic presenter.Olympic skier Andrew Weibrecht is available as an exclusive ski guide to hotel guests down the slopes of Whiteface Mountain atMirror Lake Inn Resort & Spain the 1980 Winter Olympic resort of Lake Placid, New York. Recently opened in November 2019,The 121 Hotelin Nashville curates private songwriter sessions for guests to listen to songwriters talk about hit songs they penned for legendary country singers.

Indigenous spa practices and ritualssuch as hay baths, volcanic mud and Ayurvedic therapiesare on the rise, while the importance of sleep and innovative solutions to achieve optimum rest continue to be key for overall health and wellbeing.Casa Madrona Hotel & Spain California is the first hotel to introduce a sleep fitness program, leveraging innovative technology;Le Grand Bellevuein Gstaad, Switzerland, will host an overnight Bamford B Silent Sleep Retreat, combining guided wellness techniques with targeted treatments, while Mind Therapy atRockliffe Hall,U.K., provides the ultimate power nap using foundational Spa.Wave therapy.

For foodies, plant-based restaurants in surprising places and the ongoing benefits of going herbal are rising in popularity. In addition, white charcoal, or binchotan, is being incorporated into food and drink across menus worldwide to absorb impurities and release vital minerals.The Prince Akatoki LondonandMykonos Riviera Hotel & Spaboth utilize Chikutan Sticks made from sustainably derived white charcoal for cocktails at their bars to purify and elevate the taste.Hotel de la Villein Monza, Italy, includes white charcoal in a variety of fusion dishes in the Derby Grill restaurant to aid digestion.

In 2020, SLH properties will be opening their doors in new-to-brand destinations.Gangtey LodgeinBhutan, one of the only carbon-negative countries in the world, should lure active travelers, while cultural enthusiasts can appreciate its traditions.Nepalis gearing up to celebrate Visit Nepal in 2020 and, in December, theLost Horizon Resort & Spa Begnasis scheduled to open near Pokhara.Azerbaijanis a combination ofEuropean, Asian and Middle Eastern influences that make it a fascinating place to explore fromDinamo Hotel Baku. Despite the country's small size,Montenegrois full of hidden treasures and a new destination for SLH in 2020 withVilla Gebajoining the brand.

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Small Luxury Hotels of The World: Luxury Travel Trends For 2020 - Luxury Travel Advisor