2015 Travel & Leisure Trend

By Victoria Kim

Here are some newest trends in the travel and accommodation industry.

[ VEHICLE HOTEL ]

Sponsored by KLM airlines, Airbnb hosted a contest offering the chance to win a weekend stay at an outfitted aircraft loft, furnished by Dutch design company, Tank.

The “airplane apartment” offered everything a flying aficionado requires - from Wifi, to a TV, a stacked library, a kitchen, two bedrooms, and eight bathrooms. The aircraft is now stationed at the runway of Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. It had flown 3,675 times around the globe and was recently used as part of Airbnb’s social campaign, “A Night At.”

We’ve so far been introduced to a variety of unique lodging spaces such as tree houses, tiny homes purposefully designed for eco-friendly living, and vehicles converted into trendy getaway destinations or eccentric sanctuaries.

Where there is originality, there is hype. It’s all the more reason to launch an advertising or social media campaign if the place is creative.

A trailblazer in the hospitality industry, Airbnb is revolutionizing the accommodation market by converting traditional spaces into unconventional ones for more diverse get-away experiences.

[ LOFTCUBE ]

German designer Werner Aisslinger designed the LoftCube, a pre-fabricated living pod able to be transported and installed anywhere.

The first LoftCube was permanently installed atop the Hotel Daniel in Graz, Austria. Part of the hotel's roof is now covered with a wooden deck and functions as the LoftCube's private terrace for its occupants to enjoy. The pod features a custom square bed as well as a shower with live greenery to complete its rainforest theme.

Hotel renovations are difficult and costly as well as time-consuming. LoftCube presents an easier and more convenient way for brands to add their interest to existing hotels.

The LoftCubes are also used for holiday pop-up events, make-shift event spaces, or as additional space for various occasions or promotions and to accommodate VIP guests.

In today’s fast-paced design industry, pop-up spaces like LoftCube guarantee convenience and allow space transformation without undergoing extreme re-construction.

[ FARM STAY ]

The farm to table movement is one of the latest trends in luxury hotels and spas around the world.

Exceptional getaway at country farms with five star amenities combine relaxation with the ultimate pleasure of hand-picking your own crops, while experiencing how to be a ‘chic’ farmer. These hotel-restaurants and eateries offer culinary lessons with master chefs, farm dinners, and a chance to experience local dishes with ingredients farmed by the guests themselves.

Green movements are moving beyond local audiences and attracting global travelers. Planning a trip to South Africa? Stay at a 17th century farm and enjoy the fruits of the land in your meals. These restaurants and retreats are about reconnecting with nature through the freshest organic food, hiking, gardening and learning how to cook.

On the design side, there may be rustic farm buildings with history, but there are also new accommodations built in sleek modern style. Large windows allow sunlight inside the space. The lush natural scenery fuses well with the minimalistic interior.

Victoria Kim is manager of the global trend business department at Interfashion Planning, the nation's first trend-watching company.