Luxury in the world of travel could take on a new face in 2027 with the philosophy of slowxury travel, a different way of experiencing vacations, far from the constant pursuit of ostentatious exclusivity and closer to the desire to connect with the places and the communities that inhabit them.
For the high-end traveler, the value of a stay is no longer measured solely by the prestigious destination or access to international restaurants, but by the possibility to live authentic experiences, to get to know local traditions and to grant oneself slower rhythms.
Among the elements destined to characterize the slowxury in 2027 there is also the wish to experience the territory more consciously, avoiding, whenever possible, places and moments affected by overtourism: this is the so-called crowd control, namely the ability to organize the trip in such a way as to reduce exposure to crowds.
The choice to travel off-season, stay longer in a location or prefer villages and landscapes far from the most frequented circuits fits into this new conception of luxury.
Italy, from the charm of villages to the discovery of territories
Italy is among the leading countries associated with slowxury travel thanks to the variety of its landscapes, the richness of its food and wine culture, and the presence of charming villages, artisanal traditions, and boutique accommodations. From the mountains to the coasts, passing through the countryside and small historic centers, it offers countless opportunities for stays where comfort accompanies the discovery of local identities.
The Langhe, with its priceless enogastronomic heritage, the Valnerina, nestled in the landscapes of the Umbrian Apennines, and the Valle d’Itria, characterized by villages and traditional architectures, are just a few of the settings suggested for such an approach to travel. To these add Procida, where the island’s character can be discovered at a more relaxed pace, and the Dolomites, ideal for placing the mountain landscape and contact with nature at the centre.
Japan and France, rituals, landscapes and exclusive stays
The Japan stands out with its culture of hospitality, attention to rituals and evocative landscapes where well-being and discovery go hand in hand. Stays in ryokan, the traditional Japanese inns, can be paired with hot springs in onsen, with tea ceremonies, with knowledge of craftsmanship and journeys aboard scenic trains.
France, in turn, maintains a leading role in international luxury tourism, thanks to the combination of art cities, countryside and coastal towns. Provence, with rural landscapes, Burgundy, tied to wine culture and gastronomy, and the French Riviera off-season are among the areas best suited to a tranquil vacation.
Greece and Spain, the Mediterranean to be lived without hurry
In the Mediterranean, Greece and Spain offer distinct but compatible contexts with the slowxury philosophy. Greece, already highly sought after for luxury holidays, can be explored beyond peak crowds, choosing less frequented islands and places where daily life retains a close link to the territory. The lesser Cyclades and the Peloponnese are among the most suitable for this type of journey, to be accompanied by experiences dedicated to wellness and gastronomy.
Spain, on the other hand, combines countryside, coasts and cities with strong cultural identities. Andalusia, Galicia, the wine region of Rioja, and the inland of Mallorca offer varied scenery for those who wish to explore the country with gastronomic experiences, rural landscapes and stays away from the most crowded tourist circuits.
Croatia and Portugal, islands and landscapes still to be explored
Croatia, growing in the luxury segment, offers a set of coasts, islands and villages where beach holidays alternate with the discovery of traditions; Istria, the Dalmatia and the smaller islands are the optimal choice for a Mediterranean experience in which the landscape and the rhythms of local life play a central role.
Places to consider for a slowxury stay in Portugal include the Alentejo, with its splendid rural landscapes, the Douro Valley, linked to wine culture, and the Costa Vicentina, where the coastline offers opportunities to connect with nature.
South Africa, luxury meets nature
Completing the selection is South Africa, where slowxury expresses itself mainly through the fortunate union of nature, safari and exclusive hospitality. The journey thus becomes an opportunity to calmly admire landscapes and observe wildlife, staying in high-end facilities and experiencing a stay in which nature takes center stage.
