Why Small-Group and Small-Ship Travel Are Redefining Luxury in 2025

NATALIE BUTTO

“Luxury and wellness are as diverse and relative as the people who live it. As we upgrade our perspectives, we enhance our own appreciation of the ways that we live luxuriously.”

Why Small-Group and Small-Ship Travel Are Redefining Luxury

An Interview with FemCity Member and Travel Curator, Natalie Butto

We spoke with FemCity Global Member and Travel Curator, Natalie Butto, who specializes in designing intimate, enriching travel experiences with top cruise lines. She shares why small-group and small-ship travel are redefining modern luxury — and how these experiences help women reconnect to themselves and the world around them.

Why is small-group and small-ship travel becoming the new definition of luxury travel in 2025 and beyond?

Luxury can be loaded. Excess is less — minimalism is in. While luxury may be associated with high cost, it’s increasingly about high value. Today’s travelers place greater importance on time, convenience, and authenticity — valuing meaningful, mindful moments over opulence.

How does small-group and small-ship travel enhance well-being and create a more mindful, restorative experience for travelers?

Topics like luxury, sustainability, impact, and well-being are alive and dynamic within the travel industry. Events such as Virtuoso Travel and Tourism Cares reflect how sophisticated travelers are now investing their time and money in ways that have a positive impact — on themselves and those around them.

Resorts and cruises are integrating wellness into vacations and retreats in approachable, inclusive ways, helping travelers find balance and renewal without pressure or pretense.

What are the key elements you consider when curating a luxury small-group itinerary that balances connection, adventure, and relaxation?

Smaller ships and river cruises naturally allow for more time on location and in smaller ports — offering opportunities to savor local flavors, culture, and connection. The transition between ship and shore is seamless, creating a sense of flow that enhances the experience.

Travel professionals can help families, teams, or client groups plug into existing itineraries that are both convenient and customizable. With logistics such as transportation and meals handled, travelers can focus on what truly matters — connecting with each other and their environment.

How are travelers — especially women — redefining what luxury means today?

Luxury and wellness are as diverse and personal as the people who live them. As we upgrade our perspectives, we begin to appreciate the many ways we already live luxuriously — through time, presence, gratitude, and experiences that nourish us.

How does small-group and small-ship travel align with the growing demand for sustainable and regenerative tourism?

Sophisticated travelers are looking for ways to leave a positive footprint rather than a heavy one. Smaller vessels and curated itineraries often partner with local communities, creating more sustainable tourism models that emphasize mutual respect and cultural appreciation.

For someone considering their first luxury small-group journey, what advice would you give to ensure it’s both meaningful and transformative?

Start with curiosity and intention. Choose a trip that resonates with your values and allows space for connection and reflection. The right itinerary will balance ease, exploration, and transformation — helping you return home renewed and inspired.