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instructors in order to create a retreat that considers
every aspect of members’ wellbeing.
Emma Seppälä, PhD, Science Director of Stanford
University’s Center for Compassion and Altruism
Research and Education, and author of The Happiness
Track, isn’t surprised by the shift, putting it down to
that pervasive pursuit
of happiness and
fulfilment. “People
value experiences
and time over
material goods,
research suggests,”
she says, adding that
research also indicates that “above a certain threshold
(comparatively low: A$70,000 by some research
accounts), additional wealth does not impact your
happiness or fulfilment in life. It is natural for billionaires
(and anyone really) to want to grasp at the deeper and
more meaningful aspects of existence”.
Quintessentially has noted a 21 per cent increase in
requests related to philanthropy from its C-suite
members. In line with the data, Simpson admits that he
has noticed the way people travel today has completely
changed compared with when the business began“ MINDFULNESS IS ONE WAY THAT PEOPLE START
TO EXPLORE THE DEEPER ASPECTS OF LIFE:
CONTEMPLATION, WISDOM, SELF-AWARENESS,
SPIRITUALITY.” – EMMA SEPPÄLÄEXPERIENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES
One of the biggest changes the company has noted is
the 55 per cent increase in spending on life-changing
experiential opportunities, in comparison to luxury
goods. Status today, it seems, is more about ‘who I am’
than ‘what I have’, and there is more concern around
demonstrating depth of character than material wealth.
The types of experiences are evolving too, with
the data suggesting members are increasingly seeking
holidays as opportunities for personal growth and
to be challenged physically and mentally. Super-rich
members are spending their money on self-
improvement over luxury material ‘things’ and showing
a growing interest in learning, requesting masterclasses
with the world’s most influential tastemakers, for
example. Their membership is still paving the way to
money-can’t-buy
experiences; they’ve
just shifted focus.
“We are seeing
a growing interest
in using travel to
increase personal
growth through
experiencing new, out-of-comfort-zone experiences
or for a renewal of mind and spirit, or as a way of
managing stress and anxiety, and beginning a process of
emotional healing and strengthening,” explains Jenny
Graham, head of Quintessentially Travel. While the
concept of hiring a villa for a decadent party complete
with private chef and cocktail waiters is still popular, the
data shows a 20 per cent decrease in nightlife requests.
Graham says today a villa is just as likely to be arranged
with full professional support, development and
confidence coaches, and specialist chefs and fitness