The term “quiet luxury” emerged in the fashion market when Succession hit our screens a few years ago. The term was personified in Shiv’s exquisitely tailored, flawlessly styled yet understated suits and dresses — a level of incredibly high and expensive taste not flaunted but lived in. Also referred to as stealth wealth, coded luxury, and new-age minimalism, the trend embraced timeless elegance and genuine craftsmanship as the hallmarks of wealth and taste. As it does, fashion moved on fast, but other industries are now embracing quiet luxury, and travelers to Canada certainly are. This is what you need to know about quiet luxury and other current Canadian travel trends currently dominating the market.
Quiet Luxury
This trend has a way of being both obvious and completely understated at the same time. However you perceive it, know that it is all about luxury — all the way. Instead of being personified by a flawlessly tailored, custom cashmere suit like its fashion counterpart, quiet luxury travel is typified by getaways that keep travelers far from the maddening crowds and methods of travel that allow them to move from place to place as seamlessly and comfortably as possible but without shouting about the wealth associated with this kind of travel.
The quiet luxury escape begins with an air charter service, of course, and a discreet but still secure and comfortable car service to get you from home to the airport and their airport to your terminal destination. The purpose of your trip? Self-reflection — time to disconnect from the matrix and reconnect to the self and holistic wellness, most likely. Trips like this are the perfect antidote to overwork, too much tech, and burnout from feeling like you need to be “on” 24/7. The amenities at your chosen location will, naturally, be the best of the best. The branding and general glitz will be concealed by a minimalistic approach to design, intended to give the traveler the best of the best while not overwhelming their senses with labels and a brash show of wealth.
Ultimate Destination: Sonora Resort, British Columbia
Perched on the edge of waterways teeming with life, this elite resort on a secluded island offers a spa, mineral pools, a garden conservatory, and an indoor tennis court.
New Frontiers
Instead of booking the same trip they booked last year or one of the more popular holiday destinations around Canada, discerning travelers are now opting for new frontiers instead of the road more traveled. Instead of booking that comfort holiday, more and more travelers coming to Canada are looking for something fresh, a first, and something very much outside of the humdrum of their daily lives.
Cultural richness, natural exploration, and challenging experiences are all part of the trend we call “new horizons.” Instead of luxury meaning a butler at your beck and call or a masseuse available at five minutes’ notice, luxury for the new horizons traveler means seeing and living experiences they never have before. Think endangered wildlife spotting in a national park, traversing the rugged shores of a freezing beach, and foraging for mussels in the tidal pools.
Ultimate Destination: Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Québec
In the Gulf of St Lawrence, you’ll find this beautiful collection of islands. Often overlooked, these islands are a hub of the freshest seafood imaginable and vibrant Arcadian culture.
Earth First
With global warming, overconsumption, and the effects of inconsiderate travel all working together to further damage the planet, it’s no surprise that many travelers are now planning far in advance and selecting the most earth-friendly methods of travel and destinations for their Canadian holidays. A minimalistic, holistic approach to the travel itself and a considered, thoughtful approach to booking accommodations and activities are the hallmarks of the “earth first” trend in travel this year.
The rise of the sustainable luxury resort has given eco-conscious travelers a place to spend their travel dollars and precious free time that leaves them pampered, rested, and with a clear conscience. Locations that are environmentally sound and even aim for carbon neutrality and giving back to the earth (a bonus). Here, you’ll find farm-to-table dining experiences featuring seasonal, local produce and animal products, environmental initiatives to contribute to on your holiday, and a stock of brands — everything from the bedding to the bath products — that align with this eco-safe ethos.
Ultimate Destination: Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort
A luxury ranch, tented camp, and wilderness lodge all in one. Restorative privacy and access to nature make this award-winning resort a must-try for eco-conscious travelers.
Celebration Travel
Is your vacation going to be more than just a little time off? More and more travelers are basing their travel experiences around celebratory events rather than just a desire for a bit of time away. Celebration travel isn’t a new trend but one of the most consistently important ones in luxury travel.
Celebration travel adds a whole extra layer of excitement to your travel experience. On trips like these, you’ll create new core memories with your nearest and dearest. Anniversaries, birthdays, vow renewals, promotions — all these events deserve to be celebrated on a grand scale. And besides, whoever said there was anything wrong with killing two birds with one stone? A trip to celebrate a big event is the perfect choice.
Ultimate Destination: Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario
Niagara Falls is known worldwide as one of the most stunning destinations on the planet. Nothing is more exciting and statement-making than a trip to this natural wonder.
Canada Awaits
Whether it’s quiet luxury, new frontiers, earth first, or celebration travel that calls to you, Canada is the place to experience something extraordinary. Book your charter flight, pack your wetsuit and camera for ocean experiences and documenting celebrations, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
