During these unprecedented times while we’re all staying at home and advised not to travel, many of us are coming up with inventive ways in which to recreate the holiday experience. From a trip to the Cornish coast to an anniversary cruise around the Pacific Islands, jet-setters are transporting their minds to some of the most breathtaking corners of the world, without even leaving the comfort of their own living room.

And it’s not just travellers getting in on the act. More and more hotels are now offering virtual tours and experiences as a means of promoting themselves while keeping their followers – many of whom have become reliant on the digital domain during the current lockdown period – entertained in new and engaging ways. From virtual happy hours to live streamed playlists, here’s just some of the ways you can find escape.

Looking to inspire creativity and encourage optimism in the wake of the current health crisis, Desa Potato Head Bali – a creative village comprising Potato Head Beach Club, Katamama Suites and the new Potato Head Studios – has launched the #Goodtimesathome campaign, bringing its unique on-site cultural programming into the digital sphere. Via Instagram, Facebook and their website, the Bali-based lifestyle brand will run daily rituals reimagined for the modern world: explorative films, immersive reads and sustainable hacks for a better planet, together with virtual art exhibitions, morning music rituals, workouts and yoga sessions. Potato Head will also be streaming its famous Sun Down sessions via Spotify on a weekly basis.

On a similar note, those turning to video communication platforms like Zoom or Google Hangouts to catch up with friends and family for a virtual tipple will be pleased to hear that many hotels have begun sharing their signature cocktail recipes online, allowing people to tickle their taste buds with flavours from the shores of Ibiza and the Maldives. Whether you’d prefer 7Pines Kempinski’s Es Vedrà cocktail – comprising gin, lemon juice, almond syrup, salty water, raspberry and lemon – or Joali’s The Matador – made with tequila, triple sec, lime juice, passion fruit puree, Tabasco and sugar syrup – there’s plenty of choice on the menu.

Meanwhile in Amsterdam, HomeSuiteHome from Zoku alumni Felix Burghardt and David Kijlstra, billed as the world’s first online hotel, provided locked down travellers with an alternative getaway over the Easter weekend. Taking the form of a 24-hour guest experience combining online and offline elements, HomeSuiteHome incorporated local products and services whilst adhering to government guidelines. Bringing the hotel to the guest, an online check-in saw participants receive their schedule, with a curated welcome box of amenities arriving at their doorstep soon after. Access to a digital concierge provided movie suggestions, virtual elements and sleeping tips, whilst live music and entertainment from local artists was streamed throughout day and night. An optional dinner could also be sourced from a local restaurant.

Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii has also used the power of digital to share a series of at-home spa experiences designed to transport guests to the island state. Created by its master craftspeople, the treatments invite guests to take a few minutes to reconnect with the feeling of aloha, a word that symbolises ‘love, compassion, sympathy and kindness’ to the natives. At Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, for instance, Spa Director Cecilia Hercik has developed the at-home Niu bath treatment, made up of coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk, cocoa butter, cocoa powder, sugar, sea salt or epsom salt and lime wedge.

Though virtual reality will never quite live up to the real thing, investing in digital experiences could help hotels to drive loyalty – think yoga classes or cocktail making tutorials after guests depart – and flythrough videos may become the future of not only attracting guests but also keeping them coming back for more.

CREDITS
Words: Ben Thomas
Image: © Christopher Jolly
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