Two years of pandemic pandemonia have fostered an environment where people feel stuck in a comfort zone of uncertainties and anxieties, but a recent OnePoll survey by Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) reveals that 64% of people cite travel as one of the top-ranking means to help them step out of their comfort zones. Leading guests on a journey of self-development, SLH has partnered with emotional health advisor and best-selling author of Manifest, Roxie Nafousi, to create a 15-minute complimentary meditation audio and a SLH Manifest Masterclass Series at select SLH properties throughout 2022.
The luxury hotel brand aims to help guests to expand their holiday horizons and has also worked with its portfolio of over 520 luxury boutique hotels in more than 90 countries to showcase experiences to transcend their guests’ travel comfort zones.
Over 50% of respondents in the OnePoll survey (2,000 respondents) claim to have spent more time in their ‘comfort zone’, with less spontaneity and adventure, leaving them uninspired but with summer 2022 upon us they’re anticipating seizing the moment using the power of travel. Travel, they claim, helps them feel energised (40%), rejuvenated (37%), and inspired (34%).
“I was really excited to create this meditation for SLH. A big part of manifestation and evolving as a person is about stepping out of your comfort zone, because you won’t be able to make change unless you create the change in yourself first, said Roxie Nafousi. She adds: “Travel does this amazing thing for us, not only does it give us a sense of adventure, but every holiday you go on is an opportunity to grow as a person, to change, to heal something, to take a step back from your life, and really re-evaluate things. Travel is an integral part of our journey through life.”
Richard Hyde, managing director, Small Luxury Hotels of the World said: “Guest feedback from our reservations team suggests that people are eager to travel and live out new experiences but with slight trepidation. Our partnership with Roxie Nafousi allows us to give a little something back to our loyal guests and ease them into a holiday headspace.”
To help ease people into taking the first step out of their comfort zone, SLH will be collaborating with artist Beatrice Oh whose storybook characters “Dumpling the Tiger and Li” will take viewers on unique travel adventures around the world, interacting with the local communities in various destinations as they search for Dumpling’s home. Viewers will be invited to join in their adventures in a series of social media-led activities, including free-to-use GIPHY stickers on lnstagram Stories as well as WhatsApp, LINE, and Wechat mobile stickers to spark the next travel inspiration.
The first of SLH Manifest Masterclass Series took place on 20 to 21 June at Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay. The next Masterclass with Roxie Nafousi will take place in the Maldives at Huvafen Fushi on 2nd and 3rd November. The sunset sessions will include a specific meditation and visualisation focused on transcending comfort zones, and are complimentary to all hotel guests.
Standout experiences at SLH Hotels to transcend your travel comfort zone can be found here and include:
Huvafen Fushi, Maldives – This island isn’t known as ‘Dream Island’ for nothing – a quintessential hideaway offering a laidback escape with complete privacy, Huvafen Fushi blurs the boundaries between sea and sky, land and lagoon. Here, private chefs serve you exclusively on a hidden sandbank beneath the stars, do your part for marine conservation by adopting a coral at the resort’s carefully protected nursery, or slip into serenity at the world’s first and only under-the-sea spa with panoramic reef views. Also home to the Maldives’ first underground wine cellar eight metres below sea level, an evening at Vinum takes wine tasting to a whole new level.
The Tokyo Station Hotel, Japan – Housed in Tokyo station’s Marunouchi Building, this elegant hotel blends Japanese Omotenashi hospitality with 21st century luxury – think vaulted ceilings, cut-glass chandeliers and preserved period features. Although located in one of the world’s busiest stations, you never actually hear a train! To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of Japan’s first railway line,
the hotel is offering a once-in-a-lifetime stay experience where guests can dress up as a JR East station master and get a professional photo album taken at iconic spots around Tokyo Station when the midnight clock strikes, as well as a commemorative Seiko pocket watch to bring home.
Nanuku Res ort, Fiji – Take refuge from the everyday at Nanuku Resort’s 500 acres of Fijian beachfront, swaying palms and where barefoot luxury is the real deal. From beach bonfires to coral planting, and mangrove crabbing to fire walking, you can explore every aspect of Fiji’s rich culture and natural world. From 22-31 October, guests at Nanuku Resort will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime ” Journey to the Stars ” adventure to explore deep space and the Moon from the shores of the South Pacific, one of the best stargazing destinations in the world, with leading NASA experts who will be hosting daily “Star Parties”.
Cape Kudu, Thailand – To truly get a taste of Thailand, you’ll need to go a little off-the-beaten-track. Modern-day castaways can immerse themselves in the relaxed rhythm of long-tail boats, tropical forests, and rice field farms while staying at Cape Kudu Hotel on the island of Koh Yao Noi just off- a beachfront boutique that offers an array of authentic activities, including cooking with Ta Ton Do Seafood. From learning how to paint simple Batik with artisan villagers and building nest boxes for local hornbills, to picking your own coconuts from a palm garden, Cape Kudu guests are made to feel at home with this charming island community.
Gangtey Lodge , Bhutan – If you’re looking for boundary-breaking adventure in a remote setting, this Himalayan hideaway surrounded by mountains and forests is as off-grid as they come. A world away from the everyday, Gangtey Lodge is an all-suite outpost that takes farmhouse living to new levels of luxury. This untouched corner of the eastern Himalayas lends itself to some of the world’s most spectacular outdoor activities, which means nature is the real heart-stealer here. Hike up ancient trails through blue pine forests and blossoming woodland, or meander past the black-necked crane roosting grounds in the Phobjikha Valley’s protected nature reserve.
Desa Hay. Bali , Indonesia – Tucked away amid the green forests of Southern Bali, Desa Hay is the perfect eco-sanctuary for the conscious traveller. The resort’s six Jabu villas offers the very best of sustainable luxury, each separated by lush plantation. The newest member of SLH’s Considerate Collection ensures the protection of the local environment and its communities, with 40% of the resort designed as green space. Guest experiences are centred around the Balinese culture, from local cooking classes, sunrise hikes on Mount Batur, walks in the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, and spiritual experiences at Besakih Temple.
The Barracks Hotel Sentosa, Singapore – Housed in a conserved colonial building dating back to 1904, this heritage hideaway located on the storied island of Sentosa is steeped in timeless romance. The atmosphere is expressed in the skillful interweaving of nostalgic charm and modern refinement, promising quiet contemplation or the simple joy of basking in the tropical sun. From guest-exclusive tours of Singapore’s best cultural gems, listening to stories of Sentosa’s colonial history told by army veterans who lived through those times, to bespoke dining under the stars, moments here are crafted with care and stamped with the hallmark of thoughtful luxury.
The Carlin Hotel, New Zealand – Nestled on a hillside and overlooking shimmering Lake Wakatipu and its surrounding mountain ranges, recently-opened The Carlin Hotel operates at new levels of opulence. Its interiors are just as impeccable as its views – Take your pick from The Carlin’s 12 exquisite suites, which all come with private rooftop spas and outdoor living areas. Each stay includes a Bentley to pick you up from the airport, separate private entrance, complimentary mini-bar, a treat trolley, and striking panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown Bay area. Go all out and stay at the NZD25,000 a night seven-bedroom penthouse, which comes with a butler, chef and massage therapist.
Hotel Ran ga, Iceland – Set in the secluded countryside of South Iceland, Hotel Ranga is ideal for adventurous travelers looking to go off-grid and make up for missed time. For the ultimate vacation, book the new G.O.A.T. Trip offer which includes a four-night stay in the Icelandic Suite and checks three boxes off the bucket list with riding the country’s iconic horses along a beautiful black sand beach, exploring a glacial ice cave, and hopping in a monster-sized Super Jeep to swim in a natural hot spring in the highlands. When it’s time to unwind, adventurous eaters can nosh on the seasonal Nordic fare at the acclaimed Restaurant Ranga to cross smoked puffin and reindeer carpaccio off their interesting foods list.
