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Abhishek Dadlani does not talk about travel in the language of destinations. He speaks about it in terms of rhythm, restraint, and memory. These are the ideas that feel increasingly rare in a world where luxury is often measured by speed, scale, and spectacle. Based in Dubai and founder of boutique ultra-luxury travel house Lushescapes, Dadlani is someone who arrived at travel not through inheritance or hospitality, but through a deliberate pivot away from banking and towards what he describes as his true calling. Nearly two decades later, that shift has evolved into a philosophy-driven business that caters to some of the world’s most discerning travellers.
For him, luxury is about access and emotional depth. This perspective finds its expression in Meridian One, his newly launched, invitation-only private world journey. Departing in November 2026, Meridian One is a 22-night, five-continent expedition aboard a single dedicated aircraft, designed not as a checklist of destinations but as one continuous narrative. From the stillness of Iceland and the cultural pulse of Havana to the immersion of the Amazon and the quiet closure of Chiang Mai, the journey is structured to move travellers inward as much as across the map.
The launch of Meridian One feels more like a culmination of years spent observing how ultra-high-net-worth travellers are shifting away from asset-led luxury.
We at Robb Report India sat down with Abhishek Dadlani to talk about Meridian One, the evolution of ultra-luxury travel, the rise of experience-led legacy, and why the future of travel may be quieter, but far more meaningful.
Abhishek Dadlani (AD): Lushescapes has been around for nearly two decades. I began my career as a banker before shifting gears in 2008 to launch the company with a clear vision to build a strong value proposition within the luxury travel space in the subcontinent. We grew rapidly, expanded into the Middle East, and focused on addressing a clear gap in experiential luxury travel. We curate bespoke retreats, holidays, getaways, site management, and tailored events for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. One core ethic has always guided us: we never sell an experience we haven’t personally lived. That authenticity is fundamental to everything we do.
AD: Luxury remains aspirational, but it now goes beyond what money alone can buy. It’s no longer defined by price points; it’s aligned with expectations, intent, and what one takes away from the experience after returning home.
AD: Luxury today is centred on experiences. Founders, family offices, and corporate leaders increasingly value meaningful journeys over tangible assets. This shift has fundamentally elevated how luxury is perceived compared to even five or ten years ago.
AD: It’s no longer about unexplored destinations, it’s about experiences that resonate on a deeper, more personal level. At Lushescapes, we emphasise engaging all five senses, knowing that luxury is deeply individual. Interests vary from gastronomy, wildlife, adventure, and heli-skiing, but the common thread is purpose. Most of our clients have already seen the world extensively. Our role is to encourage them to step outside their comfort zone and engage in experiences that are truly inaccessible otherwise.
AD: Noise. Luxury is moving away from visibility and bravado. The era of loud, performative travel is fading. Today’s luxury traveller values privacy, discretion, and subtlety. This perspective comes from observing client behaviour over the past decade rather than any textbook definition.
AD: Dubai is a true melting pot of luxury. Its evolution and positioning are globally unmatched, from seamless connectivity via Emirates to world-class infrastructure, diverse accommodation, exceptional gastronomy, and retail. It’s also on track to become the city with the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants. The city’s energy is truly unparalleled. The place is also home turf for us; we’ve curated many experiences. Private desert setups, romantic hot-air balloon experiences, proposals on abandoned beaches and islands, and activations at the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, among many others.
AD: Meridian One was conceived to offer seamless connectivity across remote destinations while elevating the in-flight experience. We have a private chef travelling with the group for 22 days, with a strong focus on gastronomy both onboard and on the ground. The aircraft features 50 fully flat-bed business-class seats, five crew members, an in-flight chef, and three to four Lushescapes programme directors acting as concierge assistants. Our 10:1 client-to-director ratio underscores our commitment to personalised service.
AD: Sustainability is central to every journey we curate. We actively manage our carbon footprint across airlines, hotels, and experiences. Many of our destinations are inaccessible to the public, which helps preserve ecosystems. We follow strict SOPs: minimise plastic use, and partner with properties with strong sustainability credentials—such as The Blue Lagoon in Iceland and Thala Beach Nature Reserve in Australia’s Daintree Rainforest.
RR: One word that defines luxury today?
AD: Passion.
RR: Underexplored luxury destinations, according to you?
AD: Western Canada, Mongolia, Namibia.
RR: Favourite hotel brand?
AD: Aman Hotels.
RR: Where do you go to disconnect from the world?
AD: Norway, especially the Lofoten Islands.