In a world where employees increasingly crave enriching experiences that resonate on a deeper level, many companies are revolutionising their approach to incentive travel, looking beyond the classic beach breaks, and turning to top travel trends in an effort to inspire and invigorate their team or top performers. By embracing these trends, companies are able to craft unforgettable incentive travel trips that aren’t simply about luxury, but about creating memorable moments that foster personal growth, team cohesion, and a renewed sense of purpose. Join us as we explore the latest in incentive travel and uncover unique experiences that promise to captivate and motivate your team.
Wellness Wonders: Revitalise & RechargeFuelled by a growing awareness of the power of holistic wellbeing, the need for stress relief in combatting burnout, and the benefits of a balanced lifestyle, employees today seek more than just financial rewards; they want experiences that rejuvenate their minds, bodies, and souls. Unique wellness incentive trips offer far more than traditional vacation packages and appeal to companies striving to champion their workforce’s health and happiness. The allure of such trips lies in their ability to enhance physical, mental, and emotional wellness through extraordinary activities, restorative treatments, and team bonding exercises.
In addition to ever-popular options such as yoga classes, spa therapies, and fitness bootcamps, unique wellness-focussed incentive travel itineraries can include a digital detox, holistic healing experiences such as sound baths and Reiki sessions, forest bathing or cold plunging excursions, guided meditation in serene settings, and even nutritious meal planning workshops. With a host of benefits, from enhanced productivity to boosted morale, it’s not hard to see why wellness incentive travel is on the rise.
Canyon Ranch, Arizona, USA: Canyon Ranch stands out as one of the premier wellness destinations in the United States, offering inclusive, bespoke retreats tailored to your group’s every need. Located in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, in 150 acres of sun-drenched Sonoran Desert landscape, it offers an extensive array of activities and daily classes, from equine therapy sessions to visits to vortex sites, guided canyon walks, desert drumming experiences, and nutritionist seminars.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Set in a stunning eco-friendly resort surrounded by lush mangroves, pristine beaches, colourful coral reefs, and tranquil waterways, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is a true sanctuary for the senses. The resort focusses on sustainable practices and holistic wellness, offering a near endless list of treatments in the state-of-the-art spa and a wide range of other activities. Guests can take part in cooking classes, pedal through waterways on a guided hydrobike excursion, participate in tennis or archery clinics, and enjoy morning meditation on a white-sand beach.
Euphoria Retreat, Sparta, Greece: Regarded as one of Europe’s leading spa destinations, Euphoria offers innovative holistic wellness programmes that blend ancient Greek and Chinese philosophies. The list of specialist retreats on offer is impressive, allowing guests to specifically target elements such as stress, lack of energy, or self-discovery. However, Euphoria’s highlight has to be the four-floor spa building, home to everything from a Byzantine hammam to a salt therapy room and a Watsu pool. And if that wasn’t enough, guests can also enjoy personalised fitness and wellness sessions, along with meditation and yoga classes, against the mythical backdrop of the pine-clad Peloponnese peninsula.
Adventure Awaits
As employees are increasingly seeking out one-of-a-kind experiences, many companies are rising to the challenge and incorporating thrilling adventure-related activities into their incentive travel itineraries. This fast-growing trend not only fosters team bonding, promotes personal growth, and rejuvenates individuals in a way that more traditional incentives often can’t, but also allows participants to step outside their comfort zones and experience a great sense of accomplishment, guaranteeing a lasting impression.
Whether navigating a challenging mountain trail, tackling a high-ropes course, zip-lining through a tropical jungle canopy, or experiencing the adrenaline rush of white-water rafting, these activities provide opportunities for growth and connection that extend far beyond the trip itself. Other exhilarating options include survival skills workshops, wildlife safaris, surfing lessons at sunrise, and off-roading ATV adventures. For companies looking to reward and inspire their teams with transformative experiences, these unique adventure-focused trips offer an unparalleled blend of excitement, challenge, and camaraderie.
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland: From whale watching to glacier hiking and ice-caving to volcano tours, Iceland’s otherworldly landscape provides the perfect backdrop for unforgettable adventures. Guests at this luxurious spa hotel can enjoy an exceptional array of activity options, from helicopter tours to lava tunnel treks and even snowmobile adventures to witness the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights. And, as the hotel offers direct access to the iconic waters of the Blue Lagoon, guests can unwind in its mineral-rich waters after an unbeatable day of exploration.
Nayara Springs, Costa Rica: Nestled in the vibrant Arenal National Park, Nayara Springs is surrounded by dense rainforests, towering waterfalls, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes that support an abundance of activities. Thrill-seekers can zip-line through the jungle canopy, rappel down the side of waterfalls, white-water raft on the Sarapiqui River, traverse hanging bridges, and trek up Arenal Volcano. Offering personalised private tours with in-house naturalists and expert guides, you’ll also have the chance to spot varied wildlife and learn about this diverse ecosystem.
Glen Affric Estate, Scottish Highlands: Available exclusively for private hire for up to 20 guests, this spellbinding Scottish estate, surrounded by rolling heathered hills, shimmering lochs, and ancient Caledonian pine forests, is an outdoor lover’s paradise. As well as luxurious accommodations, a state-of-the-art spa, and gourmet meals prepared by expert in-house chefs, guests can enjoy activities such as salmon fishing, archery, shooting, sailing, deer stalking, mountain biking, and horse riding. With its wild wonders and hard-to-beat beauty, a visit to this magical spot is something that will stay with your guests forever.
Cultural Connections
Today, travelling is about so much more than just relaxing in a plush beachside resort, and many crave the opportunity to enrich their perspectives, experience authentic culture, and build meaningful connections when visiting a new destination. This growing desire has fuelled the trend of cultural tourism, and many incentive trip organisers are now incorporating immersive cultural activities into their itineraries to provide more rewarding and memorable experiences for their guests.
Like culture itself, cultural tourism is broad and multi-faceted. It might include visiting museums that house top art collections or archaeological sites that offer glimpses into ancient civilisations. Enjoying local foods and drinks allows visitors to taste the unique flavours and culinary styles of a region. Experiencing rituals, performances, or festivals also offers insight into the local customs and celebrations that define a community. Moreover, cultural tourism often involves engaging with different ways of life, values, and beliefs, providing a deeper understanding of the world and fostering a sense of global interconnectedness. These diverse activities enhance self-fulfilment and create lasting bonds with the places and people encountered along the journey.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA: Renowned for its lively music scene, mouthwatering cuisine, historic architecture, and famous festivals, this charming city is a cultural treasure trove. Located in the centre of the French Quarter, the Ritz-Carlton offers guests an impeccable and perfectly positioned base for exploring the city’s delights, as well as activities such as jazz brunches, Creole cooking classes, and historical tours that highlight the city’s blend of French, Spanish, and African influences. Music is the soul of New Orleans, and an evening spent in one of the world-class jazz clubs is something guests will never forget.
Seville, Andalusia, Spain: Seville, the bustling heart of Andalusia, is a prime destination for culturally immersive travel. Known for its rich history, foot-stamping flamenco bars, captivating architecture, impressive art scene, and delicious tapas, this enchanting city is home to a blend of Spanish and Moorish influences. Wander through the historic Santa Cruz neighbourhood and visit sites like the majestic Seville Cathedral, the ornate Alcázar Palace, and the striking Plaza de España. Stay at the regal Hotel Alfonso XIII or the EME Catedral Mercer, which has sweeping city views.
Sustainable Eco-Escapes: Travel With Purpose
Businesses are continuing to recognise the importance of environmental responsibility and the growing demand from employees for meaningful, eco-friendly adventures. This shift reflects a broader societal change towards transformational travel, driven by growing awareness of our impact on the environment and the importance of social responsibility and resource conservation. Because of this, demand for sustainable tourism is rising rapidly, with many looking to plan trips and activities that not only minimise their environmental impact but also support local economies, promote cultural preservation, and help fund regenerative and restorative initiatives.
Examples of unique sustainable experiences include participating in reforestation projects, volunteering in marine conservation efforts, engaging in beach clean-up activities, supporting local artisans and farmers, and taking part in sustainable agricultural tours. No matter where you go, there is always a way to give back to the community and the planet. And, with the ultra-luxury market offering numerous outstanding sustainable hotels, resorts, and eco-lodges, guests can enjoy their eco-focussed incentive travel trip without sacrificing comfort.
Six Senses Resorts, Global: Sustainability is at the heart of the Six Senses offering, and this is abundantly clear when looking at any of its 26 lavish resorts. Each location has an onsite ‘Earth Lab’, showcasing the hotel’s efforts to reduce consumption, produce locally, and support communities and ecosystems. Depending on your location, guests have the opportunity to help with anything from restoring coral reefs to endangered iguana conservation. Additionally, a percentage of each guest's stay supports the group’s Sustainability Fund, aiding local projects with heartwarming results. With locations spanning from Portugal's verdant valleys to the island paradise of Fiji, Six Senses offers exquisite, eco-conscious options to suit everyone.
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California, USA: Perched beneath the redwoods, high on the cliffs above Big Sur, Post Ranch Inn is a masterclass in eco-luxury done right. From its sleek bio-structure design that protects surrounding flora and fauna to its commitment to energy and water conservation and involvement in habitat preservation, Post Ranch seamlessly blends a luxurious guest experience with social and environmental stewardship. Guests can learn about organic gardening at the Chef’s Garden, join guided nature walks to spot the many species the hotel helps to protect, and unwind with forest bathing sessions or evenings spent stargazing from the Meditation Pool.
Extraordinary Journeys with Air Partner
For over sixty years, Air Partner has been at the forefront of bespoke travel solutions, making us the top choice to assist with incentive travel and MICE events. Whether you require a group charter flight for a high-end corporate retreat or a private jet for an exclusive incentive trip, our global presence, extensive experience, and impeccable service ensures a seamless, elegant, and stress-free journey for your guests. To help get the experience started in style, our offerings include custom in-flight branding, gourmet menus, access to private lounges, and personalised boarding cards, all coordinated with precision by a dedicated Account Manager.
Ready to elevate your incentive travel programme? Contact our expert Group Charter or Private Jets Team today.
