Taj Mahal
Travelling is a passion for many of our homeowners at Wallacea Living. As such, we are passionate about making it as easy as possible for you to book that next trip.
With the ability residents have to lock-up-and-leave, we handle your home security, maintenance, and even deliveries while you're away, meaning you can return to everything just as you left it. Whether you’re away for a couple of nights visiting family, spending a summer in Provence, or chasing the Northern Lights, you can be safe in the knowledge that your home is taken care of.
So, the big question is, where should you travel to next? We caught up with Layla Tyler-Page, Private Travel Manager for Audley Private Concierge at luxury travel operator, Audley Travel, to hear how they help to create individually-designed and meaningful trips for their clients. Not forgetting where we should all be visiting in 2025.
Firstly, could you tell us a little bit about what makes Audley Travel different to other travel operators?
At Audley Travel, we specialise in authentic experiences that are grounded in the real culture of a place and the lives of its people. No two trips are the same. Each is developed for the individual client based on their tastes, budget and wish list, by a country specialist who has lived, worked or travelled extensively in that particular destination.
It must be very exciting to plan unique trips with your clients. Have you already seen any trends emerging for 2025?
We have seen an increase in the desire for micro-hospitality, with clients wanting more unique and personal experiences. Luxury examples of recent requests include a private fine-dining lunch on the top of a New Zealand mountain, reached by helicopter, and a bespoke spa package delivered in a tranquil spot on the coast of Sumba, in Indonesia.
Lunch on a New Zealand mountain after travel by helicopter Photo credit: Mackenzie Helicopters Ltd
We have also seen an increase in requests for exclusive stays, with both private lodges and villas in demand. This ranges from a private villa in a Norwegian fjord, offering guided kayaking, glacier hiking and helicopter sightseeing, to a villa in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, complete with dedicated host, chef, private guide and exclusive safari vehicles
Additionally, we strongly expect the popularity of hybrid holidays to continue in 2025.
Lake Braies, Dolomites, Italy
Tell us a little more about the trend for hybrid holidays…
We think hybrid holidays, like combining land and water, will be a big trend for 2025 and beyond. These holidays allow you to combine multiple interests and ways of exploring into a single trip, often resulting in you gaining new perspectives on your destination and a more authentic understanding.
Thailand is one of our favourite destinations for hybrid holidays — you can experience the frenetic streets of Bangkok in a tuk-tuk, sample authentic cuisine at storied markets, and cruise past Khmer ruins. Plus, it’s easy to tag on time in other South East Asian countries.
Sydney harbour and the iconic Opera House
Another popular option is a trip to Australia and New Zealand which sees clients take a five-day premium train journey on the Indian Pacific Railway between Perth and Sydney, where they enjoy an exclusive access backstage tour of the Sydney Opera House, before cruising to New Zealand in a suite with butler service.
Pool deck on the Silversea ship Photo credit: Silversea
Are there any particular countries looking like they will be popular holiday destinations this year?
Japan remains one of our most popular destinations, from Tokyo’s smoky ramen shops to Kyoto’s blossom-lined streets. If you want to avoid the crowds, I’d suggest visiting Tohoku. This northern area houses many of the best hot springs in the country, including Nyuto Onsen, known for its soothing, opaque waters. You could also include a visit to Matsushima, a bay of 260 pine tree-studded islets (and considered one of the top three views in the country), as part of a broader trip to Japan.
Crow Castle, Matsumoto, Japan
Additionally, we expect Canada, Peru and South Africa to be popular destinations this year. However, it’s not always the popular destinations that people are after. At Audley Travel, we arrange holidays to nearly 80 countries, so we really do have something to suit everyone.
Do you have any specific recommendations for those aged over 65 who love to travel?
Travelling is enjoyable for people of all ages. In fact, many people find that they have more time to plan and enjoy their travels as they get older. After all, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax and spoil yourself. Our advice would be not to let anything stop you from visiting those destinations that you’ve always wanted to see. Sometimes, you just need to factor a few more details into your plans. For example, when planning your itinerary, it’s important that you pace yourself and listen to your body. Make sure you factor in some rest days to complement your exploring. If you have any health issues, speak to our friendly team who can help to make suitable adjustments to your plans.
Nihi Sumba spa safari, Indonesia Photo credit Tania Araujo
At Audley Travel, we are passionate about arranging tailor-made, meaningful travel experiences for our clients. Our team will listen to all your travel desires and needs and create a bespoke experience that suits each individual traveller.
Do you have any advice for anyone thinking of travelling solo for the first time?
Solo travelling can be daunting, but it really doesn’t need to be, and it certainly shouldn't prevent you from visiting places that you have always wanted to explore. Working with our team to create a bespoke travel itinerary can help to provide peace of mind, as our team will arrange airport transfers direct to the hotel and private guides, both of which can increase your confidence whilst away.
Exclusive use at Wild Hill, Maasai Mara, Kenya
If travelling on your own for the first time, you may want to consider cruises or a stay at a safari property that organises group dining as they are a great way to meet like-minded travellers.
You mentioned that Audley Travel can organise expert guides to support travellers. What are the benefits of hiring a local guide when exploring new places?
Local experts and guides can be key to elevating your experience when travelling somewhere new. The main appeal is their ability to help visitors discover something unusual or special that you may otherwise miss whilst exploring on your own. Examples include touring the lesser-known Cambodian temples with a professional photographer, ensuring you take the perfect photo away from the crowds whilst understanding more of the sites’ history. We often find that our clients are keen to spend time with their guides in areas not typically visited by tourists, helping to provide a more authentic experience.
Touring Cambodia's temples with a photographer guide Photo credit: Regis Binard
Many of our homeowners will also plan holidays with children and grandchildren. What advice do you have for multi-generational travelling?
When travelling with people of varying ages, abilities and often interests, it’s important to strike the right balance. Make sure nobody feels left out and that the holiday has been designed with everyone in mind.
Our recently launched Private Concierge service (designed for our most frequently travelling clients) can lend itself really well to these trips, as it offers custom travel and allows our team to understand the desires and needs of all the family. This is vital to making sure that everyone has a great time.
As an example, a multi-generational family group visiting Cape Town can experience Table Mountain in a way that works for each of them. Some of the group may prefer to enjoy the view from the bottom with a drink, others may ascend in the cable car, and the particularly active members of the group may take on the challenge of hiking up.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the service available from Audley Travel should visit www.audleytravel.com. If you want to find out more about how you can lock up and leave your home with total peace of mind at Wallacea Living Marylebone, you can speak to our friendly team by calling 020 3960 1000 who will be more than happy to answer any questions.
