There was once a time when young people in their early twenties would hop on a plane for a week of sun, sea and hard booze, but are we witnessing the disappearance of this millennial rite of passage?
For many young people in the 90s, places like Malaga, Malia and Ayia Napa were synonymous with partying, lack of sleep and a beige diet of nothing but raises and toast. There is much more to these destinations, but these places have become famous in parts of the world, especially for Brits, as party havens.
Ibiza also features highly on the list, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world as soon as the season kicks off between April and October.
The island is the hedonistic capital of Europe, home to famous clubs and DJs, and feels like a second home, but it’s also a very versatile destination for families and couples on summer holidays.
While Ibiza’s party scene is constantly evolving, those who work on the island are witnessing an influx of people shaking up what was once a traditional party holiday. This doesn’t mean that tourists are abandoning the nightlife altogether, they’re simply no longer prioritising it as a be-all and end-all.
Josep Sastre, general manager of Hotel Petunia, experienced firsthand the change that a group of friends made when they switched from soda to healthier ways of vacationing.
“Most of our customers are looking for more meaningful and fulfilling travel experiences,” Josep said. Indy 100, He believes this is a result of people becoming more health conscious and the post-pandemic world.
“Post-pandemic desires have changed the mindset of many people, combining a desire for authentic experiences with a focus on mental and emotional wellbeing. Rather than simply enjoying the nightlife, people want to take care of themselves, connect with nature and explore new cultures,” he said.
Interestingly, there has also been a significant increase in women’s retreats, especially at Petunia.
Pre-departure drinks have been swapped for Pilates, Jägerbombs for yoga and the trip is packed with sound healing, massages and self-care exercises overlooking the picturesque Es Vedra Rock, “known for its mythical and mystical powers.”
“Our guests are increasingly looking for somewhere to relax and unwind from their hectic lives, and we respond to this demand by offering a tranquil environment and wellness activities,” says Josep. And the hotel is the perfect place to offer such activities. “Ibiza’s natural beauty and our hotel’s fantastic location make it the ideal destination for anyone looking to reconnect with themselves and nature.”
While group travel is undergoing a generational shift, another travel style – solo travel – is also on the rise.
It’s estimated that more than 54% of travelers will travel alone in 2023, and Google searches have increased fourfold since 2020.
Jordan Dixon, psychosexual therapist and sociologist at ThoughtHouse Partnership, believes we can all learn from soloists “about the importance of treating yourself as an important relationship in your life.” “Solo activities help you feel loved, safe, prioritized and nurtured, and stop relying solely on romantic relationships to fulfill this.”
“Solo travel gives freedom and helps us move beyond unhelpful and restrictive lifestyles,” Jordan explains. “The world is open to us to explore, and there’s so much more to it than just romantic relationships.”
Petunia points to the increase in solo travel, describing it as “a resurgence in self-discovery.”
As part of their Sunset Retreat, the hotel offers activities such as paddling, morning hikes, animal flows, outdoor movie events and workshops, perfect for first-time solo travelers.
“These services make Petunia a haven for people looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, setting it apart from the traditional party-focused holidays Ibiza is known for. That said, we offer live music four nights a week, so guests can unwind without ever having to leave the hotel,” Josep added.
And if you’re bringing children along, “For the first time, Beaumier is now able to welcome children to Hotel Petunia. We are thrilled to have groups of young families visiting us. Everyone is welcome at Petunia.”
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