No matter your age, planning an adventure with a group of friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Recent spotlight has been shone on the midlifer trip, or “grown-up gap year”, where groups of friends in their golden mid-life stage embark on a fun-filled excursion.
For those seeking inspiration, find a curated selection of luxury destinations that would make for an unforgettable midlifer trip, each with their own unique twist, below.
Bermuda
What for: Luxury spa’s, underwater activities and island party vibes
Stay here: Grotto Bay Beach Resort
If your dream midlifer trip involves a dreamy island getaway that can offer the perfect combination of relaxation, partying and activity, then look no further than Bermuda. One of the authentic Bermudian traditions visitors will find around the island is “raft-ups”: boat parties where a group of boats connect to each other and partygoers hop from one vessel to vessel to share Bermudian swizzle cocktails, enjoy Reggae music, and float along turquoise blue waters on an inflatable device. If you’re looking for underwater adventure, diving around Bermuda offers hours of fascinating entertainment; known as the shipwreck capital of the world, the island has more shipwrecks per square mile than anywhere else on the planet. Church Bay, a true snorkeller’s paradise, is home to a network of shallow reefs that make for the ideal environment to immerse within unique marine life.
For an equally dreamy place to stay, Grotto Bay Beach Resort is scattered over 21 acres, with 11 colourful cottages overlooking turquoise waters and its own cave that reaches depths of 30 feet. This lush tropical estate features dramatic caves and acres of coastal woodland preserves. The whole group can relax at the resort’s exquisite Natura Spa, where all treatments are performed in incredible settings dotted around the resort’s pristine private pink beaches and meticulously manicured grounds, including their signature massage stations, which invite you to switch off gazing into the caves below.
For more information, visit gotobermuda.com.
Norway
What for: Adventure, cosy surroundings and the Northern Lights
Stay here: Moxy Tromsø
To satisfy an adventure-seeking group in search of an action-filled, once-in-a-lifetime trip, then a journey to Norway to see the dazzling Northern Lights and embark on all manner of Arctic activities might be just the ticket. Located above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø in northern Norway is the epicentre of outdoor adventures both in the summer and winter months, with summer adventures benefiting from the midnight sun and 24-hour sunlight. A hub for epic Arctic adventures, Tromsø provides the perfect base for dog sledding, reindeer spotting, humpback whale safaris and hiking, all of which are sure to provide some laughter and life-long memories.
The ultimate hotel for fun-hunting midlifers to add to their bucket list, newly-opened Moxy Tromsø offers a stylish, cosy and fun-filled accommodation option. Following a day exploring the very best of this Arctic capital, Sky Bar Moxy located on the hotel’s 11th floor rooftop presents the perfect spot to soak in undisturbed views of the surrounding fjord and mountains with a ‘Got Moxy’ cocktail in hand. And if your group is conscious of sustainability, they will be pleased to know that Moxy Tromsø is certified as both a Green Key and BREEAM hotel.
Maldives
What for: All-inclusive indulgence, water sports and total tranquillity
Stay here: W Maldives
Relaxation, indulgence and a whole lot of fun are the defining features of a trip to W Maldives. Located on a private island in the tropical paradise that is The Maldives, W Maldives offers everything your group could want from an all-inclusive retreat. Thanks to the incomparable attentiveness and friendliness of the property’s staff, nothing is too big an ask. Day trips from the island could include a guided jet-ski tour on W Maldives’ Wave Runner Jet Ski, or heading out on a scuba diving excursion aboard on one of the property’s liveaboard boats. The abundance of underwater caves, caverns, and overhangs, on top of the in-house coral reef that surrounds the W Maldives, make for breathtaking views on a snorkelling excursion. The whole group can enjoy a private trip to the resort’s very own private island, Gaathafushi by chartering W Maldives’ own private yacht ESCAPE, where the entire island can be yours for a half or full day, or overnight trips.
Fresh seafood flavours of Maldives are brought directly to your plate at FISH restaurant, and the lobster cage brings fresh seafood straight from the ocean to the barbeque grill at FIRE. There is always a cocktail-filled party going on at SIP Bar, so there is truly something for everyone on this island escape.
Scottsdale, Arizona
What for: A Wild West experience, wine tasting and spa’s
Stay here: ADERO
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a cowboy? Thanks to the Arizona Cowboy College, nestled in the middle of the desert in the very northern area of Scottsdale, Arizona, this dream can become reality for your group of friends, in a private or shared class. Sure to promise many laughs and even some new skills, at this ‘No Frills’ camp guests learn everything about the cowboy lifestyle and even stay overnight, eating and sleeping under the stars. As a certified Dark Sky Community, Scottsdale offers incredible star gazing all-year round, meaning that space enthusiasts and astronomers flock to this desert city purely for this purpose. With the full immersion into the Wild West experience under the belt, the trip can move onto a wine tour to sample some of Arizona’s famous desert wines, at vineyards like the award-winning LDV or Arizona Stronghold.
For a place to stay, look no further than ADERO. An elevated escape with a world-class fitness club, deeply restorative wellness experience at The Spa at ADERO, farm-to-table cuisine, a poolside oasis, on-site trailheads for hikes and mountain biking, access to the neighboring Sunridge Canyon Golf Club, nightly stargazing and more, ADERO offers guests the full package from relaxation to adventure.
For more information, visit experiencescottsdale.com.
Masai Mara, Kenya
What for: Safari, luxury and unforgettable sights
Stay here: JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
For something a little different, a safari trip could be the ultimate trip of a lifetime for your midlifer getaway. Spanning around 580 square miles, the Masai Mara is home to more than 100 mammal species, all of which make for unforgettable viewing. Nestled on the banks of the River Talek on the edge of the reserve, and Masai Mara’s first luxury resort, lies the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge. Guests can observe the ‘Big Five’ in their natural habitat throughout the day, including lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephants, on the lodge’s transformative game drives led by guides with outstanding knowledge of the area. Each group is assigned their own personal vehicle throughout their stay; ultra-comfortable Safari Land Cruisers which come loaded with snacks, drinks and blankets.
At night, guests can join together around the stunning outdoor fire pit to watch the sun set and compare sightings of the day. At the resort’s spa and photographic studio, guests can develop their very own photos from the day. Sarabi Restaurant takes guests on an epicurean culinary experience complemented by the JW Garden’s organic ingredients. The garden also plays host to active daily events including live cooking activities, interactive cocktail mixology and chef-led talks, providing a true farm-to-table experience and opportunities for learning that will be the cherry on top of this extraordinary holiday.
