In an era where luxury and experiential travel are in constant motion – questioned, challenged and redefined – the purpose of our Experientialist® Awards has never been clearer. This is not an awards programme driven by ego or spectacle. It is a not-for-profit, philanthropy-led platform created to honour those who are giving travel purpose: meaning beyond the moment, and impact beyond the journey.
At its heart, this is about intent. About visibility. About courage and conviction. It is about recognising the individuals, destinations, brands and leaders who are actively shaping a more thoughtful, inclusive and forward-looking industry – through lived experiences, bold ideas and community-first action.
This year’s awards celebrate the pioneers and custodians of change. The ones who challenge convention, who centre people, purpose and planet in every decision, who believe travel is a force for good and who understand that true luxury lies not in excess, but in responsibility and relevance.
True to OutThere’s values of diversity, discovery and discernment, the Experientialist® Awards honour both progress and pleasure. Alongside trailblazing leadership, inclusion and innovation, we also recognise the exceptional experiences that move us – the places, journeys and moments that elevate travel while leaving the world richer for it.
Thanks to your generous entry-donations, we have raised a whopping GBP£15,000 / USD$20,000 for this edition. This prize fund will be distributed to the winner(s) of the Most OutThere initiative in community, conservation and sustainability to help them further their project.
Last year’s fund went far to support four incredible projects:
Further grants from our entry donations went to aid:
Last year’s Experientialist® Awards trophy was designed by and presented by the Soneva Maker’s Place island recycling studio in the Maldives, made out of recycled, used aluminium cans/waste found around islands neighbouring Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, and from upcycled wood from old building materials. Our annual Experientialist® Issue showcases all winners and finalists editorially.
We appreciate all your support for this new edition of The Experientialist® Awards, and we look forward to celebrating all that is amazing about luxury and experiential travel today – its innovation, inclusivity, creativity, stewardship and resilience – at our awards ceremony in March. Thank you, good luck and see you there!
Hugs,
Uwern Jong & Martin Perry
Founding Experientialist®s, OutThere
The Experientialist® Awards 2026 is proudly supported by…
Featured image: photography by David Edwards featuring Nathan McGuire at Established, shot on location in Marrakech, Morocco, for OutThere’s Marvellous Marrakech issue
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