Luxury travel for the ultra-wealthy is evolving, driven by a desire for unique experiences over traditional extravagances. One Dubai-based company is at the forefront of this transformation, catering to the whims and desires of a discerning clientele. Lushescapes specializes in curating bespoke expeditions tailored to the preferences of the ultra-rich, offering not just extravagant trips but unforgettable journeys that redefine the very concept of luxury travel.
Redefining Luxury Travel Experiences
For many, the term luxury might conjure images of flying business class or staying in five-star hotels, but Abhishek Dadlani, Founder of Lushescapes, believes it extends far beyond that. “To some, luxury would be just flying business class on Emirates from point A to point B. For others, it would be nothing less than traveling private,” he stated in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business.
With luxury travel being a subjective experience, Dadlani recognized the demand for personalized travel plans tailored specifically for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. For more than 16 years, the Dubai-based company has been serving clients with a net worth exceeding $50 million, including celebrities, legacy families, and successful entrepreneurs.
“They are not the nouveau riche; they are people who understand value. They have not made it overnight with crypto. That is our ecosystem,” he explained proudly.
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the preferences of wealthy travelers. More often than not, they are less interested in traditional luxury accommodations and more focused on accessing unique, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. “They [travelers] did not understand the value proposition. For them, it was just going to London and staying at Mayfair or at the Four Seasons Park Lane, and that was luxury,” Dadlani elaborated, highlighting a growing trend toward immersive travel.
Over time, the company has catered to various extravagant requests, with some journeys taking over six months to plan. As Dadlani points out, the focus has shifted from mere accommodation to crafting richer experiences across cultural, artistic, and adventurous dimensions.
Ultra-Rich Custom Journeys
One of the most complex trips Lushescapes executed took over eight months to arrange and involved intricate coordination with several governments across ten countries over 45 days. The trip was initiated by a British family seeking to explore their genealogical history, uncovering their lineage that traced back five centuries.
Describing it as a “special interest” project, Dadlani elaborated, “His forefathers actually hailed from Africa, and they were not really Caucasians. We traced back 250 years into history to find their lineage.” Throughout the journey, the family experienced ancestral habitats, traditional foods, and authentic living environments.
This expedition illustrates how the concept of luxury travel has evolved. “We are curating ultra-rich journeys, not in dollar terms, but in terms of what the family wants to gain from the travel experience,” Dadlani stated.
Another burgeoning trend involves Arctic Expeditions, where Lushescapes has crafted several holidays that eliminate the need to navigate the notoriously rough Drake Passage. Instead, private camps are established in the pristine Antarctic landscape for their clients.
“Passing the Drake is one of the worst nightmares that humans can actually endure at sea. Up until 10 years ago, the only way to reach Antarctica was to traverse the Drake, which often left people feeling ill,” he noted.
In another remarkable venture, Lushescapes organized a charter trip to Antarctica on an Airbus A340 for a family. For roughly $1.5 million, 15 guests not only enjoyed opulent accommodations and private charters but also engaged in unique experiences, including interactions with US Navy personnel stationed at the South Pole.
Future of Luxury Travel Paths
As for the future of luxury travel, Dadlani forecasts significant changes, particularly through the integration of technology. Lushescapes intends to utilize virtual reality to provide clients with previews of their trips while relaxing in their homes in Dubai.
According to Dadlani, luxury travel may evolve in two drastically different directions: a tech-driven approach or a complete retreat from technology. On one side, there is a growing base of travelers interested in tech-centric experiences, eager to learn about innovations in fields like AI and fintech.
“People are now leaning towards tech-related trends. They want to understand the latest innovations,” he explained, noting that Lushescapes is curating trips to tech hubs such as Silicon Valley for those seeking inspiration.
Conversely, there is also a rising demand for what he terms “silent travel” or wellness retreats, focusing on disconnecting from the digital world entirely. “People are coming to us wanting to completely shut off,” he stated, catering to both solo travelers and families wishing to escape digital distractions.
During these retreats, communication is intentionally limited; a recent getaway to a private island involved guests sending handwritten postcards instead of using digital devices.
Dubai – The Hub of Luxury
Given Lushescapes’ ultra-wealthy clientele, establishing a base in Dubai has proven to be immensely advantageous. “Everybody started to resonate with Dubai as a luxury hub, and with Emirates Airline putting the city on the global map, it’s just phenomenal and gives us a great boost,” he noted.
As more millionaires and billionaires relocate to Dubai, Dadlani foresees a heightened demand for luxury travel services. Most of his clients are “white Caucasians based in Dubai,” with a broad spectrum of nationalities represented, including Europeans, Americans, and individuals from the Asian subcontinent.
In light of the influx of wealthy individuals drawn to Dubai’s tax-friendly environment and luxurious lifestyles, Dadlani aims to expand Lushescapes’ presence in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, while also exploring opportunities in Singapore.
Looking toward the future of luxury travel, Dadlani muses, “If money were no object, if I had the means and if I was fit enough, I would definitely want to go to space.”