Your Wealth Advisor's Secret: How to Spend Your Bonus

You’ve likely heard the old adage, “Ask a chef where they eat.” Well, the same can be said for your wealth advisor — where do they choose to invest their money? As we head into 2025 and you find a little extra cushion in your bank account from a well-earned year-end bonus, consider this: the most rewarding way to spend it isn’t on material possessions, but on global experiences. At Exclusive Resorts, we’ve seen Membership grow over the past two years, and for good reason. Our Members understand that time is the ultimate luxury. Investing in high-quality vacations with family and friends offers an emotional ROI that’s truly priceless. Many Members tell us that joining The Club was one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.

According to Forbes, 2024 marked a notable shift in consumer spending preferences, with a marked increase in expenditures on travel and experiences compared to material possessions. A global survey by Hilton and Ipsos revealed that a majority of travelers plan to reduce personal spending in other areas to prioritize travel. Additionally, Mastercard reported a 65 percent increase in spending on experiences in the U.S. over four years, indicating a massive trend toward experiential consumption.

What’s more, both academic and travel industry research indicates that investing in luxury experiences such as travel can provide more lasting happiness than acquiring material possessions. Studies summarized in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization indicate that an increase in material wealth does not necessarily correlate with increased happiness. In fact, materialistic individuals often report lower life satisfaction and well-being. A study highlighted in the Review of General Psychology also found that individuals derive more happiness from experiential purchases — such as vacations — than from material possessions. This is because experiences tend to enhance social relationships, create an integral aspect to one's identity, and are less likely to be compared to others' experiences.  

Given this increase in experiential travel, many brands have jumped on the bandwagon, claiming authentic and customized experiences. Yet Exclusive Resorts, a pioneer in experiential travel, was founded on this very principal over 20 years ago. Personalization has always driven The Club’s emotional yard stick, from day one. And while Club benefits are many, Members consistently rank stress-free, high-quality vacations as a top reason to join (and remain) a Member. Guessing games are removed; when you arrive to a Club residence or partner hotel, expectations are not only met but consistently exceeded. Club Membership guarantees quality time with loved ones through seamless planning, high-quality luxury accommodations, and unique experiences delivered by The Club’s Experience Collection, which celebrate true insider access to far reaches of the globe.

Ready to roam? With these dreamy vacations, consider your money well spent, and of top note, your emotional IQ elevated.

Los Cabos, Mexico 

Reconnect in a private villa in Los Cabos, Mexico complete with personal chefs and tailored adventures for kids and adults.

The Experience: Four-bedroom residences frame the Sea of Cortez at Esperanza Resort and Spa. With the landscape a picturesque mix of desert, beaches, and mountains, Los Cabos caters to all aged families, with plenty of activities, food, and culture. 

On The Itinerary: The resort's concierge can arrange for private boat charters with Sail Baja Adventures where families can 'live, love, and feel' the Baja like never before. For thrill-seekers, zip-lining through the desert, horseback riding along pristine beaches, or snorkeling in the vibrant waters of the Sea of Cortez. Explore it all in our Complete Guide to Los Cabos.

Basque & Bordeaux   

Rekindle your romance with that special someone in Spain and France, over some of the most delicious regional cuisine. 

The Experience: The adventure begins in the Rioja wine region with traditional dinners and wine masterclasses. Visit the Marques de Murieta winery, founded in 1852, for a private and exclusive tasting experience. Discover Basque cuisine in San Sebastian, then traverse Basque highlands for artisan cheese and Txakoli wine. Savor a three-Michelin star dinner in the French Basque Country and then venture to Saint-Emilion for unforgettable wine masterclasses.  

On the Itinerary: In between food and wine tasting, you’ll have plenty of down time to reconnect during sunrise hot-air balloon rides, spa visits, and outdoor adventure, like a decadent sailing experience in the waters off San Sebastian.

Botswana, Africa  

Realize your dreams by exploring Botswana’s savannah in style.  

The Experience: Spend eight days between Johannesburg, the Okavango Delta, and the Selinda Reserve while staying in luxury accommodations. Professional guides will lead you on game drives, birding adventures, walks, boating, animal tracking, and other bespoke viewing activities designed to place you in front of the wildlife. Back at camp, kids and adults alike will enjoy fun and educational activities while also discovering unique regional cuisine. 

On the Itinerary: At Duba Explorers Camp, explore the water channels associated with the Ngoga River system by boat or traditional canoes (mekoro), meandering through channels created by hippos and elephants. Enjoy catch-and-release fishing and study the various delta fish species up close. Come evening, enjoy cocktails and a gourmet meal followed by a night safari. At Selinda Camp, participate in a guided bush walk where you can track and view exciting wildlife.

As you plan your year ahead, consider the unparalleled value of investing in moments that matter most. Exclusive Resorts offers more than just extraordinary destinations — it’s a gateway to curated experiences that deepen bonds and elevate the art of travel. With time as your most precious asset, there’s no better way to spend it than on journeys that enrich your soul and bring you closer to the people who matter most.

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