Singapore Shapes The Future Of Luxury Travel In Southeast Asia As Vista Showcases How Ultra-Wealthy Individuals Are Prioritizing Private Aviation, Personalization, And Purposeful Living

Published on June 19, 2025

Vista Leads Dialogue on Southeast Asia’s Ultra-Wealthy Lifestyle Boom with Exclusive Panel in Singapore

Vista, the global leader in private aviation and parent company of VistaJet and XO, hosted an exclusive event in Singapore to explore the evolving tastes and behaviors of Southeast Asia’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). The high-level panel discussion attracted a curated group of industry leaders, luxury brand partners, and regional experts, all gathered to decode what today’s UHNWIs expect from luxury in an increasingly experience-driven world.

Held in Singapore — the region’s rising epicenter of wealth, innovation, and luxury travel — the event brought together top minds across private aviation, real estate, and yachting to unpack insights on personalization, privacy, mobility, and value-driven lifestyles. The panel featured Amy Yang, Vice President of Marketing for APAC & IMEA at Vista, Christine Li, Head of Research for Asia Pacific at Knight Frank, and Ewa Stachurska, Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer at Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific.

These thought leaders shared how Southeast Asia’s UHNWIs are redefining luxury — moving away from conspicuous consumption to focus on investments that reflect personal values, long-term rewards, and immersive, meaningful experiences.

A Flight Path Driven by Experience and Exclusivity

Private aviation continues to be one of the strongest indicators of this lifestyle evolution. VistaJet saw a 10% year-on-year increase in Memberships in Southeast Asia in 2024, while XO — Vista’s on-demand private jet platform — recorded a doubling of flight traffic in Singapore alone. These trends signal a growing appetite for flexible, private, and highly tailored travel among Southeast Asia’s elite, especially as global mobility rebounds and high-net-worth travelers seek seamless, borderless experiences.

Vista’s data reveals that luxury travel is no longer merely about getting from point A to B — it’s about curating end-to-end journeys that reflect identity, exclusivity, and personalized intention. The group’s network of more than 600 global partners across luxury travel, art, gastronomy, and real estate — dubbed VistaJet Private World — plays a vital role in bringing these customized itineraries to life.

Vista’s Amy Yang shared, “With the rising trend of bleisure travel — where business and leisure are seamlessly intertwined — Singapore has consistently ranked among the top destinations for Vista’s clientele. Its unique blend of Asian cultures and its status as an international business hub make it an ideal gateway for today’s global travelers. At a time where excellence standards and consistency are paramount — whether flying long-haul between Asia and the United States aboard the industry-leading Global 7500 or regionally within Europe or the Middle East on the popular super-mid-size fleet — Vista is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand with a global infrastructure that spans 96% of the world.”

In 2024, VistaJet further saw a 10% growth in its Memberships in Southeast Asia, whereas XO — Vista’s instantaneous and real-time priced private jet marketplace — saw doubled flight traffic year-on-year growth in Singapore.

Knight Frank’s Christine Li reveals: “According to The Wealth Report 2025, Asia Pacific is predicted to account for 47.5% of the global UHNW population created between 2025-2028. The inaugural Family Office survey displays an increasing trend to view prime real estate as an attractive combination of steady income generation and capital growth potential. Confidence in Singapore’s prime assets are underscored by the significant UHNWI commercial property transactions for 2024/2025 — notably US$520 million for the 21 Collyer Quay office building and US$43 million for River Valley Apartments enbloc. This blend of strategic diversification, expectations for long-term asset appreciation, and sustained high-value investment activity, solidifies Singapore’s position as a premier destination for sophisticated capital.”

Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific’s Ewa Stachurska adds: “Singapore is emerging as a premier yachting hub with 8 boat clubs and marinas and 4000 boats and yachts stationed in the city. Coupled with Southeast Asia’s extensive coastlines that are easily accessible by yachts with adequate range and storage capacity, this creates a unique environment for the rising demand of highly customized superyachts. This trend reflects a broader shift towards exceptional purchases that offer not only immediate enjoyment but also generational significance, and purpose underscoring the evolving aspirations of Asia’s affluent clientele. Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific prioritizes intimate activations and experiences with like-minded yacht owners at the Sanlorenzo Elite community, ensuring the holistic customer journey is complete in discreet elegance and effortless style.”

Singapore: The Beating Heart of Asia’s Elite Travel Circuit

Singapore’s unique blend of political stability, cutting-edge infrastructure, and status as a financial powerhouse has elevated the city-state into a magnet for UHNWIs. This is reflected not just in investment flows, but also in travel patterns. During major international events, Vista recorded dramatic spikes in private jet traffic, painting a clear picture of Singapore’s stature on the luxury calendar.

For instance, during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour — the artist’s only Southeast Asia stop — Singapore saw a staggering 362% increase in daily private flight activity compared to the 2024 average. Similarly, the Singapore Grand Prix led to a 168% surge, further amplified by other high-profile events like the Milken Institute Asia Summit and Global Trade Review Congress.

Even niche luxury experiences such as the Singapore Yachting Festival drove business jet activity up by 46%, confirming the city’s pull among the ultra-wealthy for both entertainment and elite networking.

Discovering Southeast Asia’s Hidden Luxury Retreats

While Singapore anchors the region’s luxury landscape, Vista spotlighted several rising destinations that are quietly shaping the future of affluent travel in Southeast Asia. These emerging gems combine natural wonder, cultural heritage, and exclusivity — aligning perfectly with the demands of modern UHNWIs.

Kuching, Malaysia offers eco-luxury experiences, attracting nature lovers eager to explore Borneo’s rainforests and wildlife. Da Nang, Vietnam is seeing increased private jet arrivals, thanks to its high-end resorts, heritage proximity, and growing culinary profile. Sorong, Indonesia has established itself as the elite’s gateway to Raja Ampat, one of the planet’s most pristine marine ecosystems.

Meanwhile, established luxury hubs such as Phuket, the Maldives, and Bali continue to draw high volumes. Phuket, in particular, has benefited from global media exposure, including HBO’s The White Lotus, which set its third season in Thailand — adding a pop culture allure to its natural splendor.

Real Estate, Yachting, and the Next Wave of Investment Luxury

Complementing the mobility boom is a renewed interest in real estate and yachting — two pillars of luxury investment that combine prestige with long-term value. According to Knight Frank, Manila ranked as the world’s fastest-growing city for prime residential price increases in 2024, a reflection of regional wealth creation and urban transformation.

In Malaysia, government incentives have encouraged both local and international investment in residential property, turning cities like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru into compelling alternatives for lifestyle seekers and value investors. In Bangkok, Chinese buyers continue to play a dominant role in shaping the luxury property market, targeting high-rise condominiums and landmark developments.

On the yachting front, Sanlorenzo Asia Pacific highlighted a significant uptick in demand for superyachts across Southeast Asia. The region’s expanding class of UHNWIs is embracing yachting not only as a lifestyle symbol but also as a family-oriented asset that offers privacy, seclusion, and multigenerational enjoyment. Unlike more mature markets where wealth is inherited, Southeast Asia’s new fortunes are often self-made — driving a more passionate, purposeful approach to luxury acquisitions.

Luxury That Extends Beyond the Jet

Vista’s panel underscored that modern luxury for Southeast Asia’s ultra-wealthy transcends mere products or destinations. It’s about how every element — from private travel to residential investments to personal passions — forms a coherent narrative of taste, identity, and intention.

With over 600 curated partnerships spanning across 35 categories — including private islands, yachting, culinary arts, automobiles, and exclusive fashion — Vista’s Private World ensures that every client’s journey is more than a trip: it’s a fully orchestrated experience aligned with their vision and values.

As Southeast Asia continues to produce more UHNWIs and attract global attention, the region is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of global luxury. With Singapore at its core, and satellite destinations gaining traction, the message is clear — personalized, purposeful luxury is no longer a trend. It is the new standard