As travelers increasingly demand standout experiences, luxury hotels are moving beyond their traditional focus on rooms to come up with exclusive offerings, some in partnership with tour operators.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, for instance, this month announced an exclusive partnership with luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent to provide guests with experiences ranging from culinary tours and fashion insights to art, adventure and sports.
And the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo recently launched two new "conservation land and sea experiences" that pair guests with researchers to learn about Costa Rica's rare and endangered wildlife.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo's "experiences" include a hike in the rain forest to document butterflies.
With price tags starting at $37,557, the experiences go way beyond an hour or two lecture and snorkeling trip, with private plane and yacht trips that take guests deep into the rain forest to see how researchers are documenting butterflies and studying the life and habitat of hammerhead sharks.
"Costa Rica and our Peninsula Papagayo setting are home to fascinating micro-climates and rare, exotic species that many people never get the chance to see," said general manager Michael Mestraud. "The most rewarding part of our new Extraordinary Experience is empowering guests to fully immerse themselves in Costa Rica's untouched nature while inviting them to learn how to preserve and protect our diverse ecosystem."
Kristin Ruble, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's senior vice president of brand and experience marketing, said her company's partnership with A&K is designed to give guests unique access to local experiences. Packages include a street food tour in Bangkok, prime seats for a New York Knicks game with an opportunity to meet star players, dining with an astronaut at Kennedy Space Center, sailing on a junk in Hong Kong and a private tour of the Palace of Versailles.
"A&K and Mandarin Oriental are old friends," said Geoffrey Kent, chairman, CEO and founder of A&K. "For decades our guests have stayed at Mandarin Oriental properties around the world enjoying its exemplary hospitality in the best locations. This natural partnership will allow guests to experience the A&K difference insider access that nobody else can provide, creating memories that last a lifetime."
It's a trend that has been growing in recent years, from packages that offer driving high-end sports cars to wellness and transformational programs. And it's one that is only expected to continue to evolve.