Travel trends: Coming Together


 Adjoining Rooms
 Ski Chalets
 Glamping
 Safari Trips
 Private Villas & Suites


As our idea of what constitutes true luxury in the modern day continues to evolve, the draw of multi-generational travel rises alongside it. Known as 3G holidays, this is the next step in family holidays, and it’s gaining momentum. In fact, after 2020's travel restrictions, families realised the value of shared experiences — and it’s a trend that’s still going strong.

A recent study by Booking.com found that 58% of travellers said their parents paid for part or all their holidays. Why? Because Boomers (the ones funding the trips) are prioritising time together over material possessions. This is especially true in regions where young families are eager to invite their parents on holidays they couldn’t afford earlier in life.

Even so, the younger generations are taking charge of trip planning. Gen Z, for instance, influences $600 billion in family spending. Parents are increasingly swapping solo vacations for trips with everyone in tow. According to research from Beaches Resorts, 49% of parents prefer multi-generational vacations over solo getaways. Why? Because it’s about creating memories together — and often, nostalgia for childhood trips with grandparents.

So, how do you make multi-gen trips work without chaos? Simple: prioritise shared moments and select destinations and accommodations that accommodate different ages and preferences.


Adjoining Rooms

For easy family trips, look for adjoining rooms that bring everyone together without sacrificing privacy. Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers Ocean Family Club rooms with special family club benefits. Or, in Spain, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace in Marbella provides family rooms for up to six people. Many Hilton hotels worldwide even guarantee availability of connecting rooms when booking, so you don’t have to wait until check-in to confirm.


Ski Chalets

Ski chalets are a natural choice for family or private group holidays. Offering a self-contained space surrounded by beautiful scenery, invigorating mountain air, and fun activities for people of every age – be it skiing, curling up with a book by the fire, or kicking back at the après-ski – it’s a fulfilling way to get the most out of a singular destination. Two excellent picks include the Aman Le Melezin – a stunning property in the heart of Les Trois Vallées in the French Alps – and the Ultima Crans-Montana. The latter is a fairytale-worthy multi-award-winning retreat in Switzerland’s tranquil Plateau de Plan-Mayens, with two outstanding ski-in ski-out chalets that can house up to 38 guests across 16 bedrooms. Inside, you’ll find a private spa, cinema, games room, and cigar lounge, as well as a heated pool.


Glamping

For those who love the great outdoors, a glamping getaway could hit the spot. A portmanteau of “glamour” and “camping”, great glamping spots can be found across the world, including Shinta Mani Wild in Cambodia; the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in Vancouver, British Columbia; and the Glamping Village Totonoi at Mount Fuji, Japan. In the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah’s Longbeach Campground makes it easy for families to pick-and-mix among accommodation types. Aside from the Deluxe and Family Tents, there are 10 Safari Suite tents that can fit up to four people each (with private showers), and the iconic Panoramic Dome Suite Tent, which comes with its own bathroom, terrace, and spa bath. The latter can fit four adults and two kids, or six adults, and its glass exterior gives guests the chance to stargaze together. However, your group divvies up where you sleep, it’s easy to come together at the infinity pool bar or the beach dining area, enjoy sports together, or watch a movie at the outdoor cinema.


Safari Trips

If you’re dreaming of an African escape, the Chichele Presidential Lodge in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is scheduled to open in March 2025, with breathtaking access to exquisite natural surrounds. The property was the former home of Zambia’s first president, artfully reimagined for a modern clientele while retaining key elements of the original grand colonial décor. Of its ten suites, two are connected by a Safari Lounge with a private sitting room and dining room. They also come with a private veranda, plunge pool, outdoor shower, and butler’s lobby, as well as a dedicated golf cart to take you to and from the dining areas, gym and fitness areas, 18.5m rim-flow pool, and communal deck (where you’ll find yoga and meditation classes).

A trip there could be combined with one to the Lolebezi Safari Lodge in the Lower Zambezi National Park. The property boasts a private river setting within a five-hectare expanse of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with four suites and two family units ideal for small groups. Here, luxury is centered around attention to detail and fine finishings in the midst of the most peaceful natural setting, with gourmet dining, an on-site spa, indoor and outdoor showers, and the chance to experience wildlife literally on your doorstep.

Although Africa is the leading place in the world to see the “Big Five”, there are other destinations offering unique safari experiences, including Sri Lanka, Borneo, Nepal, Brazil, and Australia. One can even be found in the UAE, at the Sir Bani Yas Island. Accommodation options include the Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara, as well as the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort, an all-villa sanctuary right in the heart of the private island’s Wildlife Park. Just 250km away from the UAE capital, there, you can see free-roaming Arabian oryx, ostrich, hyenas, cheetahs, giraffes, gazelles, deer, sea turtles, dolphins, and more.


Private Villas & Suites

If activities are what get your family going, the UAE’s JA Beach Hotel has it all, from golf and mini golf to water sports and diving, tennis, eight different pools, a splash park adjacent to two kids clubs, a spa, a shooting club, and even its own equestrian centre. Their Premium One Bedroom Suite can fit up to two adults, three kids, and one infant, with its own foyer, separate living room, dedicated suite pool, and premium lounge access. If you prefer a mountain setting, the JA Hatta Fort Hotel’s Three Bedroom Deluxe Villa offers guests just as much to do under the backdrop of the Al Hajar Mountains instead, with a private spa bath, private garden and pantry, and room for up to six adults and two kids.

For something even more exclusive, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts offers Private Retreats in various locations around the world, including Mauritius, Anguilla, Japan, Costa Rica, Vietnam, and the US. In the UAE, the Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat can be fully booked out for private use – leaving all 22 of its stunning rooms and suites, its gorgeous infinity pool, and the use of its private cinema just for your group.

A traditional style of building with a central courtyard surrounded by rooms and common areas, a Moroccan Riad could be considered the ultimate private villa. Among the most beautiful in Marrakech are Dar Darma, Le Farnatchi, La Sultana, Riad Palais Sebban, L’Hôtel Marrakech, and El Fenn – which is, quite literally, a former palace. Other jaw-droppingly beautiful places to stay in the pink city include the Royal Mansour Marrakech, La Mamounia, and the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech.

For equally royal courtyard-style accommodation but within the GCC, the recently-renovated Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf’s Arabian Houses are a treasured secret for those in the know. Located within a series of enchanting garden-filled waterways, they have Palm Houses, Cove Houses, Beach Houses, and Malakiya Villas. While these can be booked on an individual room basis, you can also opt for a two-bedroom family room or suite, or a three-bedroom villa with a private plunge pool. For a truly dreamy retreat, the Royal Malakiya Villa boasts two floors of opulent living spaces that can sleep up to eight guests at a time, with its own plunge pool, en-suite spa bath, a PlayStation home theatre system, dedicated abra station, a private butler, private beach access, and complimentary entry to the waterpark. For bigger groups, the same amenities and more (including a private courtyard and Majlis) can be had by booking out the Beach House in its entirety, capable of accommodating up to 30 adults, or 20 adults and 20 children, at a time. With 1,300km of indoor and outdoor living space and stunning décor, it will be a trip to remember forever.

As you plan your multi-gen vacation, don’t forget to make the journey as comfortable as the destination. With Priority Pass lounges offering access to relaxation and amenities before you even board your flight, you can make the most of the time you have together. Whether you’re looking for a seamless travel experience with family or exploring far-off destinations, Priority Pass is there to help you along the way.