Beyond the Stay: Hospitality leaders discuss the power of Experiential Travel

Today, guests are no longer just booking rooms - they seek connection, emotion, and authenticity. Hoteliers Circle asked a lineup of visionary hospitality leaders to share what experiential travel means to them, and how their businesses are redefining what it truly means to feel at home in the world. From immersive cultural touchpoints to transformative moments of luxury, here’s what they had to say.

Alex Wix

Alex Wix - Director of Wix Squared, Hospitality Leadership Club member

“Experiential Travel is subjective, for my clients it is about being immersed into the country they are travelling in, taking into consideration the culture, religion, landscapes, traditions, cuisine and adding an element of adventure. We arrange engaging interactions with local members of the community, take clients out of their comfort zones, broaden their horizons and get them to learn new skills in an authentic environment – perhaps how to cook a traditional Pad Thai on an organic farm in Chiang Mai or learn to Block Print in a textiles workshop on the outskirts of Jaipur.

To take it to the next level we also offer ‘Mystery Travel’ and can incorporate a competitive spirit into any trip with our new ‘World Challenge Holidays’. No one trip is the same, we approach each enquiry with a blank sheet of paper and dig into the interests and desires of our clients before tailoring an itinerary to the individual and incorporating little surprises into each trip. Our goal is to create unique and lasting memories for Wix Squared guests giving them a deeper understanding of the places they have visited.”

Ibrahim Shijah

Ibrahim Shijah - General Manager of Baros Maldives

"While the Maldives is renowned as a ‘fly and flop’ destination, nothing could be further from the truth. At Baros, we’ve spent 50 years welcoming guests and offering them an array of immersive experiences that go beyond indulgence. Our guests can join our resident marine biologists on guided snorkels through protected coral reefs, joining the team while they attach the living coral fragments to island-made frames, actively witnessing our marine conservation efforts. Our Maldivian culinary experiences are truly immersive, with guests able to share their catch of the day with our chefs to prepare for lunch or dinner, both sampling and learning about the flavours and traditions of the islands themselves.

From sunset dhoni cruises led by Maldivian sailors to private picnics on sandbanks where guests can indulge in fresh seafood cooked using ancient methods, each experience is designed to connect guests with the heart of the Maldives. Experiential travel is about forging a connection — with the land, the sea and the people who live in this paradise."

Tresno Seery

Tresno Seery - Owner of Silolona Sojourns

“Today’s discerning traveler is often seeking more than just a beautiful destination—they’re searching for depth, meaning, and genuine connection. They want to learn, to engage, to give back. They want to know that their presence contributes positively, not harmfully. And this is something we’ve been committed to offering for over 20 years - sustainable, meaningful tourism. When guests see, smell, and touch the world—and its challenges—firsthand, it creates a ripple effect of growth and awareness. Witnessing the vibrant coral reefs of Banda or Cenderawasih Bay with the backdrop of smoking volcanoes, the Hammerhead and Thresher sharks in Alor, and the leatherback turtles in Northern Papua reveals not just breathtaking beauty, but also the urgent need for land and sea preservation. 

Encounters with indigenous communities in the remote villages of Flores, Alor, or Papua are often humbling, warm and transformative. Guests are moved by the grace, wisdom, and generosity of spirit they find there—experiences that stay with them for a lifetime.

Our trips are designed to go beyond the ordinary. We offer bespoke journeys that are tailored to create profound impact. A guest may wish to simply unwind aboard the boat, spending two weeks reading and soaking in the natural beauty of Indonesia. For them, we provide exceptional service, thoughtful surprises, heartfelt cuisine, and the space to fully relax and restore.

Others may arrive with a hunger for knowledge—so we invite experts in fields like ornithology or marine conservation to join the journey, turning a holiday into a rich learning experience. Or for those craving adventure, we design bold itineraries: perhaps trekking to remote villages, or climbing a volcano at dawn. Whatever our guests’ aspirations, we take the time to listen deeply. We strive to find the perfect balance between sparking new discoveries and ensuring every comfort, so that their experience is unforgettable and life-enhancing."