Will the luxury and wellness travel boom disappear?

After the travel frenzy of 2023, all signs point to increased interest in far-flung destinations, villa rentals, private jet bookings and personal pilgrimages in 2024.

“The desire for luxury is real,” says Jack Ezon, the founder of the luxury travel agency Continue. But, he added, mindfulness is about to replace careless indulgence. “Consumers today are focused on sustainability, investment value and craftsmanship when considering a luxury purchase,” he said.

“Travel is the glue that brings families closer together and unites them around a shared passion,” said Tom Marchant, co-founder of Black Tomato, who plans expensive tailor-made trips. Compared to 2019, bookings in 2023 increased by 64 percent, and demand remains strong heading into the new year.

This year, travelers are expected to choose far-flung places and board small ships Virtuoso, the consortium of luxury travel agencies. The luxury cruise line's new Seabourn Pursuit with room for 264 passengers will be released in June Seabourn will visit the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia (10-day trips start around $10,000 per person). Black Tomato plans private group tours to unfettered destinations such as the Miter Peninsula in Argentina's Patagonia region, at a price of more than $60,000 per person.

Among luxury is environmentally conscious newcomers Ki'ama Bahamas, set to open in the fall, promises to be the first fully solar-powered residential club in the Bahamas. This month, Lepogo Lodges in South Africa opens the CO2 neutral Melote Housewhich can accommodate up to 16 guests and returns profits to the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, where it is located (nightly rates from $12,000).

Wellness travel, a market worth more than $600 billion, is expected to grow to $1.1 trillion by 2025, according to the Global Wellness Institute, a nonprofit that tracks the industry.

“Medical wellness and longevity sciences have taken over the wellness market,” said Beth McGroarty, director of research and communications at the Global Wellness Institute. Medical procedures such as bone density testing, biometric screening and stem cell therapies are popping up at resorts, alongside low-tech programs that focus on sleep, breathing and social connection.

Travelers will have no shortage of new destinations to satisfy their health cravings. The new in the spring Ranch Hudson Valley opens near Tuxedo Park, NY, a spinoff of the original in Malibu, California, with minimum three-night stays and offering colonics, cryotherapy and guided hikes (from $3,280 per person). SHA Mexico opens near Cancun in late January, with programs focusing on sexual health, stress reduction and sleep (minimum four-day stay starts at $5,770).