Like all art forms, the hospitality industry has observed trends in interior design ebb and flow among properties, but for new projects and extensive renovations, developers and designers have found a uniquely attractive style for guests through luxury lifestyle design. This style seamlessly unites the indulgent side of luxury with the authentic side of lifestyle in destinations to cater to a new generation of digitally enlightened travelers seeking more than just mere accommodation.
Before the world became the digitized, cohesive communication realm that today’s generations are familiar with, travelers primarily referenced travel books and agents when seeking inspiration for their next trip. Even with the introduction of new ways to receive and deliver information, travelers have remained curious; however, design has become an increasingly critical factor of why they make the decision to buy a ticket, book a room and take a trip.
With the rise of the internet, the popularity of social media and the overall increased integration of the digital world into lifestyles, people have not only been able to travel more, but have also evolved to become more savvy in organizing trips. Testimonials, online reviews and vanity sites serve as easily accessible and highly persuasive resources for travelers when planning a trip. Like online property reviews, social media allows for content creators and influencers to circulate organic, user-generated content showcasing a property and sharing details about the service. Having access to such a vast quantity of reviews, perspectives and recommendations is beneficial to both guests and properties as they allow both parties to strive for the best guest experience.
Over the past decade, we have observed the evolution of social media, and with it, the growing appreciation for aesthetically pleasing visuals in all aspects of life. Whether shared with a static image or a short video, the visual component of social media has created a consumer desire for Instagrammable” moments centered around the design of physical spaces. Hospitality properties have always prioritized architectural and interior designs that are appealing the eye and compliment the local area but now that guests have more access to content that can educate and expose them to the world of design, the landscape has changed. Travelers have developed an elevated taste and some have even embraced affordable, upscale design trends in their own homes. Designers and property developers have noticed these trends and as a result, have also embraced an elevated standard that caters to these preferences to create a premier style that is upscale but does not exclude any group of travelers: luxury lifestyle design.
In the hospitality industry, the definition of luxury is undergoing a metamorphosis. While opulence and high-thread-count sheets remain, today’s modern traveler is valuing experiences, authenticity and connection more than ever. This shift has created the trend of luxury lifestyle design.
Luxury lifestyle design reimagines the lobby as a living room, not just a waiting area. Gone are sterile, imposing spaces; instead, think warm, inviting environments that beckon guests to linger and connect. This shift fosters a sense of welcome and belonging, where guests can feel at home while still enjoying the elevated touches of luxury—impeccable service, unique design and curated experiences accessible just beyond the “living room” doors. It’s a space that encourages interaction and sets the tone for an authentic, personalized stay, blurring the lines between hotel and home.
Beyond grand lobbies, luxury establishments cultivate unique atmospheres that reflect local culture and cater to specific guest interests. Imagine a city hotel where chefs curate one-of-a-kind culinary experiences based on guests’ dietary preferences and local cuisines. Technology also plays a role—imagine using a smart app to personalize your room temperature, book an exclusive cultural tour or access hidden gems recommended by locals.
This new form of luxury focuses on curation and connection more than ever, exceeding expectations through authenticity, personalization and immersive experiences. The modern traveler recognizes that it’s not just about spending more, but about investing in unique memories that will last a lifetime. With this shift, the hospitality industry has morphed to cater to a new generation of luxury seekers.
The most defining aspect of luxury lifestyle design is its approachability to the guest. Rather than aiming for five-star resort destinations solely due to designated ranking, the modern traveler leans toward a luxury property at a reasonably affordable price. The modern, luxury lifestyle destination strives to give the sense of an upscale and exclusive property while remaining approachable to its guests.
This can be seen through properties in luxurious travel destinations that remain approachable through their relaxed design and target guest audience. For example, a hotel designed on a mountaintop that’s aimed at attracting outdoor enthusiasts. While the hotel itself is upscale in design, it’s also a place for guests to recharge and reset after they’ve played a round of golf or gone hiking. Although the property itself is luxurious, the relaxed environment is both approachable and elevated.
Everybody wants to stay at the best of the best, but realistically not everyone can afford that. The hospitality industry is shifting in a way that caters to the traveler, making each guest feel like they are staying somewhere special, designed just for them. The goal is not to exclude anyone from staying at a property by keeping the design approachable while bringing an upscale feeling.
The trend of luxury lifestyle design has entirely redefined how hotels cater to guests. Sterile, generic spaces are a thing of yesterday. Today’s modern traveler seeks authenticity, connection and a sensory experience that reflects the destination. Luxury lifestyle steps in by integrating natural materials, handcrafted details and locally inspired touches to create a truly immersive environment.
Destination hotels that integrate luxury lifestyle aesthetics into their design often emulate the culture and environment of the location. Picture stepping into a lobby that whispers of the outdoors. Walls adorned with rich, earthy tones of natural stones, like travertine or slate, create a sense of grounding and connection to the local landscape. Floors gleam with the warmth of hardwoods, like oak or walnut, adding a touch of timeless elegance. But luxury isn’t just about expensive materials; it’s about the thoughtful details that elevate the experience. Envision a staircase adorned with leather-wrapped railings, adding a touch of sophistication and texture to the natural aesthetic. Or furniture crafted from locally sourced wood, each piece encapsulating the character of the destination. These details tell a story and create a unique sense of place. Luxury shouldn’t feel impersonal. This translates further into small details like in-room coffee makers, ice buckets with tongs and thoughtfully curated amenity trays with hygiene products. Touches like these make guests feel more like they are staying in a home than a hotel.
Elevated experience also aids in the intentionality of luxury lifestyle design. Like going beyond the ordinary with unique offerings such as a library with books to borrow or planned local tours and access to hidden gems through a smart app. Imagine a lounge space where waitstaff seamlessly navigates, offering drinks and snacks directly to guests, fostering a relaxed and comfortable ambiance. A successful hotel goes above and beyond by anticipating needs and exceeding expectations, making each guest feel truly special.
The hospitality industry can utilize luxury lifestyle design through thoughtful aesthetics and elevated amenities to cultivate an environment that feels both luxurious and authentic. By surpassing guest expectations and leaving them with memorable experiences, luxury lifestyle spaces allow guests to feel welcome, understood and at home.
The curated addition of local culture within a property often requires more time and dedication than the development of standard, practicality-focused properties. There is a power in local culture that naturally creates a one-of-a-kind, high-quality experience and when integrated seamlessly and ethically into a property’s design, it exudes the same personalization and exclusivity that luxury does for guests. Artwork, murals and framed pieces crafted by local creators reflect the community’s history and culture and echo the essence of the region. Locally inspired touches add a layer of depth and authentic connection to the destination, rather than generic mass-produced decor.
For both guests visiting from near and far, an integration of local culture can evoke feelings of authenticity and specialty; however, more importantly, it creates a sense of a home away from home. The lifestyle aspect of luxury lifestyle design is not completely casual, but it is familiar. It welcomes travelers and aids them through the assimilation process of visiting a new space. It provides intimate insight into the robust past and contemporary lives of locals. It rids them of feeling inapposite and allows them to exist comfortably and confidently while exploring a new destination.
As hospitality properties and companies continue to strive to further elevate guest experiences, endless opportunities lie ahead through innovations in technology, sustainability and personalization; however, the allure of a uniquely balanced experience brought about by luxury lifestyle design is likely to endure. Though it may change to take different forms to cater to evolving tastes and standards due to an even more normative integration of social media and technology in lifestyles, this style of design and hospitality is likely to continue to impress and satisfy the needs of guests.
