Travelling, for the ultra-wealthy, is about far more than just the destination – and every element of every escape should be steeped in luxury and exclusivity. But in 2025, global luxury travel goes beyond first-class flights and sprawling suites, incorporating additional elements to make for trips that are truly memorable and that go above and beyond the standard expectations. Access and experiences now play a starring role, with the world’s elite seeking escapes that reflect their values and social status as much as their wealth.

Here, we take a look at the top growing travel trends of 2025 amongst the world’s elite, and a closer look at how HNWIs are choosing to explore the world differently.

The demand for personalised experiences is at an all-time high amongst the world’s wealthy, and one-size fits all no longer cuts it. Curated itineraries designed in line with an individual’s unique tastes and preferences are becoming the norm in luxury travel, but in 2025, we’re seeing them given a more exclusive spin than ever.

Privacy is now even more highly prized, and HNWIs want more than bespoke itineraries alone; now, we’re seeing a trend towards tasking concierge firms with handling all of the finer details of each trip – from after-hours access to the Palace of Versailles to private jet charters and security.

In essence, the affluent traveller doesn’t just crave unique experiences, but experiences that nobody else can have – and making the impossible possible is the order of the day.

The pressures of today’s fast-paced, always-on lifestyle can quickly begin to take its toll on all of us, but while some would be satisfied with a massage at a luxury spa to relax and unwind, the world’s HNWIs are pulling out all the stops to go one better. The busiest tycoons are instead opting to switch off for up to a week – sometimes longer – by checking in a remote wellness retreat where devices are strictly prohibited.

We’re not talking about high-end beach hotels, but the likes of biohacking retreats in New Zealand or the Peruvian Amazon, and Ayurvedic hideaways in the Himalayas. Staffed by the world’s most knowledgeable and experienced professionals, these destinations aren’t just about unwinding but about complete transformations – with epigenetic testing and longevity clinics just as likely to feature on the itineraries as yoga and meditation.

A successful life can sometimes mean a lonely one, as a sizable bank balance can make it tricky to understand whether a potential friend or romantic partner has an ulterior motive. It’s due to this that we’re seeing a growing number of discerning HNWIs instead opting to travel with carefully selected companions to ensure stimulating conversation with someone who is on their intellectual level – and curated company with no strings attached.

It isn’t about romance; it’s about the kind of company that helps them get the most out of their travel experiences, and high-end, highly-selective platforms like Bank Models are masterminding elite introductions to make it a reality.

Whether you’re heading off on one of those afore-mentioned remote retreats, embarking on a cultural expedition in Africa or planning a luxury yacht charter in the French Riviera, an elite travel companion could help to make it a more aligned experience all round, offering connection, companionship and presence. After all, shared experiences tend to feel that little bit more special, and for the right price, you can source the perfect person to accompany you.

Busy lifestyles can often mean limited time to explore the world, in spite of having the funds to do it. Historically, this has seen many wealthy individuals cramming as many countries as possible into a one- or two-week time span – but in 2025, we’re seeing a shift towards slow travel and deep immersion in a single location.

Travel isn’t about how many destinations you can tick off, but truly experiencing what they have to offer, and staying for weeks or even months in just one location makes it possible to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, cuisine, art and energy – as well as picking up a little of the lingo. Experiencing what it’s really like to live somewhere, rather than simply passing through, has taken on a newfound appeal and is now seen as far more fulfilling than a quick sightseeing holiday – no matter how luxurious.

In recent years, luxury destinations like the Maldives and the Caribbean have gone somewhat mainstream, which has sparked a demand amongst the world’s elite for more remote and lesser-known alternatives. Seeking privacy and exclusivity, they’re instead opting to jet off to secluded private islands, secluded villas and arctic eco-residences in a bid to escape the masses and truly have the chance to relax and unwind, away from prying eyes.

Privacy is becoming increasingly hard to come by thanks to social media shining a spotlight on destinations that were once little-known hidden gems, which means that now, the focus is on places that have few, if any, tagged locations online. Affluent travellers are turning their backs on sharing their own discoveries in a bid to keep them top secret, leaning into anonymity and despite sharing less, experiencing more. Think untapped locations in the Norwegian fjords or the Namibian desert over obvious luxury hotspots like Dubai and the Maldives, and you’ll be on the right track.