The American Express 2022 Global Travel Trends Report showed that 72% of respondents plan to spend more money on domestic travel and 64% plan to spend more money on international travel than they have in the previous year. Not only are people looking to travel more, but they are prioritizing experiences above all else on their journeys, seeking to make up for lost time and get the most value out of their travels (a whopping 70% of respondents are interested in cultural immersion and taking a tour on future trips).
Here are a few hotels that offer experiential and educational opportunities for travelers looking to fully immerse themselves in the local community and activities:
Sanderling Resort | Duck, NC
The AAA Four-Diamond Sanderling Resort stands as the only full-service resort on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Sprawled across 13 acres between the Atlantic Ocean and serene Currituck Sound, Sanderling is a luxurious East Coast beach escape featuring 123 rooms and suites, five vacation homes, as well as a wide array of amenities, such as a family-friendly dune-side swimming pool with zero-entry, private beach access and oversized fire pits ideal for making s’mores. Unbeknownst to many, the Outer Banks is home to some of the East Coast’s best surfing, and the Sanderling has novices and enthusiasts alike covered, offering both group and individual Surf Classes. Want to mix it up? The hotel also offers Surf, Kayak & Stand-up Paddle boarding Camp. A unique 3 day summer camp experience on the Outer Banks, attendees will get a daily surf, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard lesson, an introduction to ocean education and rip current awareness and participation in a final team surf contest.
The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa | Manchester, VT
The upscale, historic resort is nestled within Vermont’s Green Mountains and is surrounded by more than 900 acres of the scenic Preservation Trust, ideal for a nature-fueled respite. With its partnership with Orvis’ Shooting and Fly Fishing School, the resort offers guests the rare opportunity to learn upland hunting, waterfowling, sporting clays and fly fishing on the property’s fully stocked casting ponds and Battenkill River. Those really looking to get the adrenaline pumping can take advantage of the property’s partnership with Land Rover and learn off-roading on the purpose- built 80 Acre course.
Dream Hollywood | Los Angeles, CA
Last year, Dream Hollywood – a luxury lifestyle boutique hotel in the Vinyl District – unveiled the first of its kind physical NFT exhibit in a hotel in partnership with The Crypt Gallery. Open to the public and guests alike, visitors can learn about the world of NFTs and digital art in Dream Hollywood’s double-height, light-filled lobby turned immersive gallery 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Curated by NYC-based NFT art collector turned innovator King of Midtown, The Crypt Gallery at Dream Hollywood features a diverse lineup of digital artists. In June 2022, Dream Hollywood unveiled its first-ever VIP membership program, Social Club, purchasable through a NFT in the form of a limited-edition, original Perry Copper NFT artwork. The membership blends unique experiences in both the real world and in the metaverse to provide guests with an experience unlike any other.
Turtle Bay Resort | Oahu, HI
Turtle Bay Resort, an Oahu landmark for almost 50 years, recently reopened after undergoing a transformational renovation. This is the only luxury resort on Oahu’s North Shore, one of the world’s best breaks. Turtle Bay aims to celebrate the legendary surf DNA of the island, offering guests multiple ways to foster a deep connection with the North Shore community and immerse themselves in authentic Hawaiian surf culture. To do this, the resort enlisted Jamie O’Brien, renowned professional surfer, content creator and North Shore local, to lead its surf program. O’Brien honed his skills on the Banzai Pipeline – one of the world’s most famous surf breaks – and brings his unique approach to the sport to Turtle Bay’s guests. At Turtle Bay exclusively, he offers surf lessons that range from helping beginners catch their first wave, all the way to preparing experts to take on massive swells at Pipeline. In addition to lessons, guests can even surf with dogs; whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, having a pup along for the ride will be a highlight of your trip, inspiring pure joy and aloha. After hitting the waves, guests can head to the Surf House, a new gathering place that will become a destination for surfers and fans alike to come together and celebrate the sport. The space features tributes to surfing’s icons and a curated retail experience including vintage surf gear.
Crossroads Hotel | Kansas City, MO
With its flawless location in the Arts District, travelers can explore the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Power and Light District, Union Station and Penn Valley Park. Crossroads looks to the ingenuity of local artists and designers through their Artist in Residency Series to have original works by artists with historic ties to the city displayed on property at the Boutique Hotel Gallery & Studio. Kansas City CreativeMornings 6-month residency at Crossroads combines inspiration and empowerment over a free breakfast. Situated in the historic Arts District, Crossroads Hotel serves as a cultural hub for the Kansas City community and visitors, offering exceptional food and drink concepts, access to creative programming and an immersion into the city’s rich 19th century past and ever-evolving present.
