Fairmont Hotels Launches “Special Happens” Global Experiences

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Launches New “Special Happens” Global Guest Experiences — *Fairmont Beijing introduces a private helicopter tour of the Great Wall as part of the brand’s new “Special Happens” experience series*

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Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has launched six new global guest experiences under its “Special Happens…” series, expanding the luxury hospitality brand’s experiential travel offerings across multiple destinations. The initiative introduces curated cultural, culinary, and nature-based activities across Fairmont properties worldwide. The program aims to strengthen the brand’s focus on immersive travel experiences rooted in local culture and destination storytelling.

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Key Takeaways

Fairmont launches six new global “Special Happens…” guest experiences
Experiences span China, Morocco, Scotland, Canada, and Kenya
Programs organized under themed categories including After Dark and In the Wild
Focus on culture, nature, culinary, and astronomy-based experiences
Part of Fairmont’s broader experiential luxury strategy

Property Experiences Across Fairmont’s Global Portfolio

The new experiences span multiple regions and destinations across the portfolio of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, highlighting the brand’s focus on immersive travel.

Among the headline additions is the Great Wall Iconic Helicopter Tour offered through Fairmont Beijing. The experience includes a private helicopter flight tracing the Great Wall of China followed by a two-night stay in a Fairmont Gold Studio King room with lounge access.

Guests also participate in a private mixology masterclass and a curated dining experience at CUT by Chef Peter Kang, featuring clay-sealed chicken inspired by Chinese culinary traditions.

In Canada, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge introduces the Foraging Flight: An Indigenous-Led Helicopter & Culinary Journey. Guided by Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Lauren Moberly, the full-day adventure combines helicopter sightseeing in the Canadian Rockies with seasonal wild botanical foraging.

The experience concludes with a multi-course private dinner prepared by the resort’s culinary team using ingredients gathered during the excursion.

For those exploring the Great Wall of China or the Canadian Rockies, packing useful travel products for frequent travellers, such as portable power banks, compact luggage organizers, and travel-sized water bottles, can simplify long journeys and enhance comfort during excursions.

Wildlife and Nature Immersion Experiences

Nature-focused programming also expands through the Acacia Horizon Experience at Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club.

Located within the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, the experience includes a guided walk led by expert naturalists through the conservancy’s landscape. Guests arrive at a private acacia viewing deck where wildlife such as giraffes and rhinos are frequently observed.

The excursion ends with a curated outdoor dining experience designed to highlight local ingredients and regional flavours while overlooking the surrounding highlands.

These additions form part of the “In the Wild” category within the broader “Special Happens…” program, which focuses on nature-based luxury travel experiences.

Guests looking to make the most of immersive wildlife or stargazing adventures may benefit from travel gear frequently used on our trips, from binoculars to compact travel accessories.

“After Dark” Cultural and Astronomy Experiences

Fairmont’s After Dark category introduces evening and night-time programming across several destinations.

At Fairmont Wuhan, guests can participate in a night tour of the historic Yellow Crane Tower while dressed in traditional Hanfu attire. The cultural experience includes chauffeured transport, a professional photographer, and a signature cocktail inspired by Yellow Crane Tower liquor.

In Morocco, Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier will host a special Evening Under the Solar Eclipse on August 12. The one-night event takes place on the palace terrace overlooking the Tangier skyline and combines astronomy viewing with live jazz and curated cocktails.

Scotland also features in the program through a celestial overnight experience at Fairmont St Andrews. Guests observe the night sky from a dedicated observation dome equipped with a telescope before continuing stargazing from their private balcony with rare Scottish whisky pairings.

Management Perspective

According to Claudia Kozma Kaplan (Chief Brand Officer, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts), experiential programming remains central to the brand’s identity.

Kaplan said the new experiences expand the company’s long-standing emphasis on curated guest journeys while highlighting each destination’s cultural character.

The initiative aims to connect travellers with local communities and environments through carefully designed moments rather than traditional sightseeing itineraries.

Culinary and Cultural Experiences Continue to Expand

Beyond the newly launched experiences, Fairmont continues to offer a range of culinary and cultural activities under the broader “Special Happens…” program.

Examples include the Ali’i Imu Experience at Fairmont Kea Lani, which combines Hawaiian cultural traditions with an oceanfront feast featuring hula performances.

Another popular culinary program is the Golden Ticket to Chocolate Paradise experience at Fairmont Orchid, where guests participate in a bean-to-bar chocolate journey beginning at local cacao farms and ending with spa treatments incorporating cacao products.

In India, cultural immersion continues through the A Day in Chak Charanwas program offered by Fairmont Jaipur, where travellers visit nearby villages, interact with artisans, and participate in traditional crafts and cuisine.

Fairmont Brand Background

Founded in 1907, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts operates a global portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts known for landmark properties and destination-driven experiences.

The brand is part of Accor, one of the world’s largest hotel companies. Fairmont’s portfolio includes historic hotels such as The Plaza Hotel and Fairmont Peace Hotel, alongside resorts and new developments across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Experiential travel programming has become an increasingly important component of the brand’s positioning in the luxury hospitality market, as hotels seek to differentiate through curated destination experiences rather than accommodation alone.

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