An independent luxury hotel that welcomes travelers seeking a special and original experience with innovative ideas and high-quality hospitality. This new endeavor has had a strong impact on hotel chains and the travel industry around the world, becoming the source of the latest travel trends.

SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the World), a group of over 520 independent luxury hotels, recently released its 2020 travel trend analysis and report. Based on this report, we will pick up the latest travel trends in 2020 from a Premium Japan perspective.

In the first part, we will introduce six hotels that offer experiences that respect and touch the nature of the destination from three trend perspectives, including sustainability-conscious initiatives and activities that take advantage of the local environment and cultural background.

1. A relaxing moment amidst vast scenery. Growing awareness of nature

In recent years, with increasing awareness of sustainability, consideration for the environment has become the most important aspect of all economic activities. Small, independent hotels have begun trying to preserve the environment from a variety of angles, and many of their guests have expressed their sympathy.

Even with a high awareness of nature and a location that is in tune with the surrounding environment, the style of welcoming guests with top-of-the-line hospitality and a spa gives us a glimpse of what modern luxury hotels are looking for in a sustainable society.

Sankara Hotel & Spa Yakushima is located in a secluded area, with a magnificent granite mountain in the background, the endless ocean in front of you, and the sounds of wild animals coming from the surrounding forests and orchards. If you take a walk through the untouched nature and head out to the forest designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, you are likely to encounter Yaku deer and Yaku monkeys in the Yaku cedar forest.

Cape Kudu Hotel, located on Koh Yao Noi, located between Phuket and Krabi, two of Thailand's most popular resort islands, is a resort hotel with villas on the beautiful beach side that provides a special time for each guest. We are working to protect the surrounding forest environment and protect hornbills, which are an endangered species.

Many hotels are now working to reduce their carbon footprint, but some hotels have been early on in implementing carbon offsets through CER credits from the United Nations-approved Clean Development Mechanism. Rifay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is surrounded by the mountains of the Dolomites, a scenic spot in northern Italy that is registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

The pyramid-shaped windows offer spectacular views and are almost at the same height as the clouds. The architecture has a sharp impression, and the wooden interior is inspired by mountain peaks and forests, blending in with the outdoor nature and providing guests with the highest level of comfort. After enjoying activities such as skiing in the winter and horseback riding and hiking in the summer, we recommend spending a relaxing time at the alpine spa surrounded by magnificent natural scenery.

2. Travel activities that free your mind and body. Experience the healing philosophy of the land and tradition

One of the purposes of traveling is to get away from everyday life and free your body and mind. Many of the treatments and spa treatments that the hotel is proud of use traditional techniques and natural products, providing a relaxing time unique to the area.

Tanjong Jara Resort's spa is an arrangement of treatments inherited from the Malay royal family, and is based on the healing philosophy of Sutimni, which has existed in this area since ancient times. Relaxation, anti-aging, and stress relief programs based on traditional therapies have a history of more than 1000 years, and the spa is renowned as one of the most exclusive spa experiences in the world. Many tourists come to Malaysia just for this purpose.

Vulcano Island, located in the north of Sicily, Italy, is known as a volcanic island. At Terrasia Resort Sea & Spa, the spa that uses the island's volcanic mud, which is rich in sulfur and minerals, is gaining popularity. After refreshing yourself at the spa during your stay, why not enjoy local Sicilian Mediterranean cuisine and spend some relaxing time on the shore with the hotel's exclusive access directly to the Tyrrhenian Sea right in front of you.

3. An excursion full of originality required for an "unforgettable trip."

The need for traveling to find unique locations and experiences that can only be found there is increasing. Independent luxury hotels are often located in areas with unique natural environments and cultural backgrounds, offering a number of valuable experiences.

At Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay on Ibiza Island, Spain, you can enjoy one-on-one diving with a National Geographic presenter, a marine biologist, and an underwater photographer. Neptune grass, a seaweed endemic to the Mediterranean area, grows around Ibiza, and the sight of grasslands spreading out on the ocean floor is nothing short of mysterious. If you want to see this kind of scenery, request a diving trip with an expert guide.

Mongolia's Terelj Hotel offers programs that allow you to experience the life of grassland nomads. Getting to know the structure of the ger, which is their living space, and learning about their lives through caring for horses and sheep is sure to be a valuable experience that will enrich your life.

The future trend may be for people to consider things like what they will experience while traveling and whether they can contribute to society through their travels.

→Continue to 2020 Luxury Travel Trends (Part XNUMX)