One of the key travel trends for the next few years (at least) is the rise of experiential tourism. And these have to be experiences that go beyond the usual horse and pony show. While candle-light dining experiences and spa sessions are all welcome, travellers are yearning for that bit more.
Luxury hotels, in turn, have taken up the challenge to surprise and delight their guests. They are devising and offering activities that bring guests closer to the landscape and culture they are vacationing in. Some examples include Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, which has been doing pioneering work with Olive Ridley turtles for the last 15 years. India’s jüSTa Hotels & Resorts hosts Chitrashaala, an annual art residency that is a platform for artists. Radisson Hotel Group has partnered with Simon & Schuster India, a leading publishing house, to transform its South Asia properties into hubs for literary and cultural experiences.
If you are getting our train of thought, here are some more luxury properties with interesting experiences to offer.
1. Tea with The Dwarika’s Family at the Restoration Workshop, Kathmandu
We take our guest to the workshop. And while having a cup of tea with them, we share the story of my grandfather’s life and his dedication to preserving Nepal’s cultural and architectural heritage.
The Dwarika’s restoration workshop is the heart of the establishment at The Dwarika’s in Kathmandu, in tune with their ethos of keeping the craftsmanship of the Kathmandu Valley alive. The workshop is the base for the restoration of their Newari wooden masterpieces. Here, every carved beam, window, frame, and detail that is placed in the property is restored by hand, reviving wooden carving techniques passed down through generations.
“We take our guest to the workshop. And while having a cup of tea with them, we share the story of my grandfather’s life and his dedication to preserving Nepal’s cultural and architectural heritage. And how his one dream grew into our family legacy. We also illustrate the process of our restoration work and offer a rare glimpse into the artistry, history, and culture of the Newari community and the Kathmandu Valley,” says Rene Vijay Shrestha Einhaus, the grandson of Dwarika Das Shrestha, who started this conservation.
2. Loris Trail at Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sri Lanka
Through the Loris Night Trail, they offer guests a rare opportunity to engage with this hidden world, equipped with red-light headlamps to gently illuminate the forest without disturbing its inhabitants.
Jetwing Vil Uyana is proud to be custodians of a unique natural habitat, home to one of Sri Lanka’s most elusive nocturnal primates, the northern grey slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus nordicus). When this rare species was first sighted within their premises in 2010, it prompted a defining decision: plans for further development were shelved, and the area was declared Sri Lanka’s first dedicated Loris Conservation Site.
Yesitha Rodrigo, Experiences & Sustainability Lead, says, “Over the years, our private forest reserve has recorded more than 32 loris births, which is a truly encouraging sign of a thriving population within a carefully protected ecosystem. Today, this initiative stands as a testament to how responsible tourism can contribute meaningfully to environmental restoration, species protection, and research.”
Through the Loris Night Trail, they offer guests a rare opportunity to engage with this hidden world, equipped with red-light headlamps to gently illuminate the forest without disturbing its inhabitants. The experience curators lead guests on an hour-long tour along a beautifully carved nature trail within the hotel’s premises. The path runs through a forest rich in diverse vegetation. The loris-watching tour boasts an impressive 90% success rate, offering a rare and magical opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
3. Papermaking Workshop at Spice Village, CGH Earth, Kerala
These papers are then used for in-house welcome notes, welcome garlands, notebooks, and invitation letters when required.
At Spice Village, sustainability is not merely a practice but a deeply held ethos that guides all the properties of CGH Earth. Their handmade paper-making unit stands as a quiet yet profound testament to this philosophy. Utilizing a traditional method that dates back centuries, the team repurposes discarded newspapers and magazines into recycled paper, reinforced naturally with the crown of pineapples—an innovative, biodegradable agent that enhances binding and durability.
“This thoughtful process is carried out by a small team of local artisans, who produce approximately 90 sheets daily. These papers are then used for in-house welcome notes, welcome garlands, notebooks, and invitation letters when required —each piece reflecting our commitment to responsible resource use and community empowerment. In doing so, we not only reduce waste but also preserve the integrity of an age-old craft. It is our belief that such mindful practices create a deeper, more meaningful connection between our guests, the environment, and the place they experience,” says Dipu Sasi, General Manager, Spice Village, CGH Earth.
Guests are welcome to visit the workshop and try their hands at making paper, leaving a lasting impact on the property.
4. Reimagining the Krabi experience at Phulay Bay
The inspiration behind Discover the Jurassic Paradise came from Krabi’s striking resemblance to a prehistoric paradise—untouched, cinematic, and awe-inspiring.
If you are wondering how to see Krabi through a lens of cinematic adventure and unfiltered natural beauty, look no further than Phulay Bay. “Our latest offering, Discover the Jurassic Paradise, is an immersive journey that takes guests beyond the expected—into untouched landscapes and timeless wonders that echo Krabi’s ancient past,” says Vidya Sagar, GM, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
To complement this, they have introduced family-friendly experiences like outdoor cinema screenings under the stars playing twice a week and a refreshed Ban Dek Dee Kids Club, now with a prehistoric theme that captures the imaginations of their youngest guests. The inspiration behind Discover the Jurassic Paradise came from Krabi’s striking resemblance to a prehistoric paradise—untouched, cinematic, and awe-inspiring.
“We wanted to create an experience that taps into this raw, evocative essence and presents it through the thoughtful lens of a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. The goal was to blend storytelling, sustainability, and exploration in a way that appeals to the modern luxury traveler seeking deeper, more meaningful adventures. With Jurassic World: Rebirth, which has been extensively shot in Thailand, this experience will connect with cinema lovers, prehistoric enthusiasts, and millennials who would love to relive their love for the Jurassic franchise from their childhood,” adds Sagar.
5. Stream Experience at JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa
With the stream flowing beneath their feet and panoramic views all around, guests find themselves fully immersed in a moment of serenity, wonder, and sheer delight.
At JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind culinary journey with their signature Stream Experience by JW. Here, dining transcends mere convention, offering a rare opportunity to reconnect with nature in its purest form. Set against the majestic backdrop of the Himalayas, the Stream Experience transports guests to a world where the senses awaken to the gentle murmur of flowing water, the crisp mountain air, and the beauty of an untouched landscape.
“Guests are welcomed to an exquisitely set table placed right in the middle of a crystal-clear mountain stream, creating an extraordinary setting for an indulgent breakfast. An elegant spread of hot and cold delicacies complements the experience, curated to celebrate freshness, comfort, and the natural bounty of the hills. With the stream flowing beneath their feet and panoramic views all around, guests find themselves fully immersed in a moment of serenity, wonder, and sheer delight—an experience that nourishes both body and soul,” says Rohit Chadha, Executive Chef, JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa.
The vision behind the Stream Experience by JW was to reimagine traditional dining by blending it seamlessly with the natural beauty surrounding our resort. “Mussoorie’s breathtaking environment inspired us to create an offering where guests don’t just observe nature but truly live it. We wanted to give our guests an authentic sense of place, evoke wonder, and build a deeper emotional connection with the destination beyond just luxury accommodation,” adds Chadha.
So take a deep breath, and plunge yourself in these uniquely defined, deep experiences, during your next vacation.
