Cover In Queenstown, New Zealand, heli-snowmobiles are lined up and ready to be deployed by adrenaline junkies.
In Queenstown, New Zealand, heli-snowmobiles are lined up and ready to be deployed by adrenaline junkies.
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With a focus on next-level shared experiences, luxury group travel is thriving. For those exploring in packs, bespoke travel agency Wondergolander’s curated itineraries cater to families and friends looking for personalised adventures and collective memories.
It’s been three years since international borders reopened, yet the travel industry is still witnessing a surge in clan travel as families and friends seek to reconnect. This trend is sometimes referred to as grand gatherings, and it highlights a growing desire for communal exhilaration and pampering.
Singapore-based bespoke travel agency Wondergolander has observed the rise of such grand gatherings that comprise groups of between six and 15 travellers. These travellers are opting for personalised itineraries that encourage meaningful fun and memorable connections.
In case you missed it: Travel trend alert: Go big or go home
For such big groups, agency co-founders Javiny Lim and Lim Hui-Juan have curated a selection of inspiring itineraries, from Antarctic explorations where flocks of 12 can hike ice tunnels and encounter emperor penguins, to Northern Silk Road sojourns where clans of eight can marvel at geological wonders before enjoying a desert banquet.
"These itineraries serve as inspiration for creating unforgettable clan trips or go-big-or-go-home holidays," says Javiny. "Our team has extensive experience in the destinations, including orchestrating extraordinary experiences for larger bespoke holiday groups."
It's important to remember that these itineraries are not fixed, added Hui-Juan. "Wondergolander travellers are often pretty specific in what they want out of their holiday, and we also need to consider the preferences of the various individuals, so every request begins with a detailed consultation of the 'why' and the 'who', to nail down the 'what' and 'how'."
As the appetite for travel continues to grow, the emphasis on connection and shared experiences remains at the forefront of this evolving landscape. Holidaying as a bigger group opens up opportunities for immersing in new experiences and activities, which sometimes may not be practical for smaller groups, making it more palatable for travellers to return to the same countries or regions.
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5 destinations to consider for grand gatherings in 2025
Antarctica
Optimal number of travellers: 12 (6 twin-sharing cabins)
Recommended period of travel: November to February (summer)
Duration: Around 1 week
Highlights: Hiking in ice tunnels and coming face to face with thousands of emperor penguins
Above In Antarctica, come face to face with penguins in their natural habitat.
Above Penguins in Antarctica frolic amid one of the world's most extreme environments.
In Antarctica, come face to face with penguins in their natural habitat.
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Antarctica beckons adventurous travellers with its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, making it an ideal destination for group exploration. From out of an exclusive adventure camp filled with pampering touches, participants can go on excursions to hike through stunning ice tunnels or encounter thousands of emperor penguins in their natural habitat. Alternatively, opt to explore via an expedition cruise, but bear in mind a nimble ship with a skilled crew is essential for navigating the unpredictable climate, allowing for flexible daily activities. Occasionally, inclement weather may lead to excursion cancellations, so travellers are encouraged to bring comfort food and their own preferred games for unplanned downtime.
Northern Silk Road
Optimal number of travellers: 8
Recommended period of travel: Apr-May and Sep-Nov (except early Oct during China’s Golden Week)
Duration: Around 2 weeks
Highlights: Touring ancient geological treasures (such as the famed Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia Geopark) accompanied by a photographer; desert long table banquet dinner
Above Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (Rainbow Mountains), which covers an area of 322 sq km, is located in the northern part of China about midway along the border with Mongolia.
Above Standing at the western edge of the Great Wall, and surrounded by desert and mountains, the Jiayuguan Checkpoint is a breathtaking gateway to history and the Silk Road.
Zhangye Danxia National Geopark (Rainbow Mountains), which covers an area of 322 sq km, is located in the northern part of China about midway along the border with Mongolia.
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The Northern Silk Road offers an extraordinary journey for large groups. Spanning approximately two weeks, this itinerary features stunning geological wonders, including the renowned Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia Geopark, alongside unique experiences such as a desert long table banquet dinner. Travellers can expect well-maintained restroom facilities even in remote locations like China’s Gansu province, though it’s wise to allow extra time for breaks, especially if older participants are involved. Diverse culinary options are available too, to cater to all dietary preferences.
New Zealand’s South Island
Optimal number of travellers: 12 for ice driving; 6 for heli-snowmobiling, but if there are more travellers, arrangements can be made for separate heli-snowmobiling tours (the group splits up)
Recommended period of travel: June to September (winter)
Duration: Around 1 week
Highlights: Heli-snowmobiling (the only one in New Zealand); full-day ice driving experience at a winter testing facility for auto manufacturers
Above Majestic and rugged, New Zealand's Southern Alps stretch like a spine across the South Island, offering breathtaking vistas, glacial lakes, and a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Majestic and rugged, New Zealand's Southern Alps stretch like a spine across the South Island, offering breathtaking vistas, glacial lakes, and a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
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New Zealand's South Island presents an exhilarating winter adventure, best enjoyed from June to September. This week-long itinerary features the only heli-snowmobiling opportunity in New Zealand and a full-day ice driving experience at a premier winter testing facility. Participants will navigate award-winning tracks favoured by top automakers, culminating in a timed autocross course that tests their drifting and manoeuvring skills.
For those wishing to explore Milford Sound, referred by some as the "eighth wonder of the world", the best way to visit is the triple mode – taking a scenic car journey through varied and resplendent landscapes, cruising in the spectacular fiord and capping it off with a helicopter adventure that includes a remote glacier or alpine landing. This unbeatable sightseeing combination, notes Javiny, can be pretty elusive given the challenging weather conditions in Milford Sound, so make sure to set aside a few extra days as buffer.
Provence, France
Optimal number of travellers: 12 (6 twin-sharing cabins)
Recommended period of travel: Jun-Jul (lavender season) and September (grape harvest season)
Duration: Around 1 week
Highlights: Luxury private cruise with gourmet highlights such as feasting on the freshest molluscs off an oyster boat and tasting one of the world's finest vermouths; private scent creation in a perfumery
Above Drift through the heart of Provence aboard Belmond's luxurious Napoleon boat, where every bend of the river reveals charming villages, lavender fields, and sun-dappled vineyards.
Above In Provence, you can experience the serene beauty of the Abbey of Sénanque, where ancient stone walls meet endless fields of blooming lavender.
Drift through the heart of Provence aboard Belmond's luxurious Napoleon boat, where every bend of the river reveals charming villages, lavender fields, and sun-dappled vineyards.
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Provence invites travellers to indulge in a luxurious cruise with optional excursions for an exploration of Provence's hidden gems. Over the course of a week, guests can, for example, savour gourmet experiences like fresh molluscs from an oyster boat and sample one of the world's finest vermouths. Unique activities such as private scent creation in a historic perfumery nestled in one of Provence’s many charming medieval towns enhance the experience.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Optimal number of travellers: 12
Recommended period of travel: Apr-May and Sep-Oct
Duration: Around 1 week
Highlights: Privatising a riad with a rooftop bar; private dinner in Arabian horse stables with equestrian show; sunset ATV riding in the desert
Above Immerse yourself in the charm of Marrakech with a stay in a traditional riad – a serene oasis of intricate tiles, lush courtyards, and authentic Moroccan hospitality.
Above In Marrakech, relish a one-of-a-kind dining experience surrounded by Arabian horse stables, complete with an enchanting equestrian show that blends culinary delight with majestic performances.
Immerse yourself in the charm of Marrakech with a stay in a traditional riad – a serene oasis of intricate tiles, lush courtyards, and authentic Moroccan hospitality.
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Marrakesh offers an enchanting escape for those travelling in a pack. Guests can enjoy living in a private riad (a traditional Moroccan courtyard house) complete with a rooftop bar; indulge in a unique dining experience amid Arabian horse stables featuring an equestrian show; embark on exhilarating sunset ATV rides in the desert before spending the night in a luxury camp in the desert complete with a private chef and stargazing session with an expert astronomer, and more.
While Morocco may not be the first choice for nightlife enthusiasts due to stricter regulations, bespoke arrangements can create unforgettable evenings with private DJs and choice beverages under starry skies.
Wondergolander | #02-20 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188719 | +65 6435 0922
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