From shark tagging in Costa Rica to astronomical dinners with scientists in Tahiti, demand for epic six-figure holidays has surged 50%, says Untold Story Travel. Olivia Palamountain reports

Six-figure holidays now account for 40% of bookings at specialist travel designer Untold Story Travel, marking a significant uptick in luxury travel demands.

The company reports a 50% year-on-year increase in high-value bookings compared to pre-pandemic levels – a rise in luxury holidays bookings echoed by finding from Top Villas.

The high-end rental company has shared data that shows vacations costing £78,000 or more surged by 68% in the past two years. The average booking value, meanwhile has reached £120,000 – read Globetrender's full report here.

Untold Story Travel specialises in crafting bespoke experiences through its network of local "storytellers" - from cultural icons to conservationists - who provide exclusive access to destinations worldwide.

"We are thrilled to have seen an increase in bookings of six-figure holidays of more than 50% year on year prior to the pandemic, meaning these high-value bookings now form 40% of our business” said Mark Allvey, co-founder of Untold Story Travel.

"Our team is dedicated to crafting journeys that are as unique as our clients themselves. Whether an exotic island escape, an arts and culture extravaganza or the adventure of a lifetime, we're dedicated to turning each ‘untold story’ into a lived experience guests will cherish forever."

Their flagship offering is a week-long exclusive hire of Nukutepipi, a private French Polynesian island designed by Cirque du Soleil's co-founder. The experience, accommodating up to 52 guests, includes astronomical dinners, deep-sea fishing expeditions followed by beachside barbecues and whale-watching.

Untold Story Travel offers a seven-night experience on the island from £1million based on up to 32 people sharing. This includes all accommodation, experiences and inter-island flights. International flights are not included.

A £120,000 Costa Rican adventure offers conservation experiences including camera trap projects studying spider monkeys and hammerhead shark tagging in Golfo Dulce.

In Japan, a £145,000 two-week journey features early morning Kenjutsu practice on Tokyo rooftops, visits to the country's largest wasabi farm, and helicopter flights over Mount Yoshino's 30,000 cherry trees during blossom season.

For £110,000, families can explore America's West Coast with activities ranging from private canyoneering in Zion National Park to sunset cruises along Santa Barbara's coastline. The same budget could fund an African adventure, including hot air ballooning over Namibia's deserts, helicopter trips to Victoria Falls, and exclusive game drives in Tanzania's Grumeti Reserve.

Each journey is tailored through personal consultations, focusing on creating unique narratives through travel rather than standard luxury packages. All prices exclude international flights but include accommodation, experiences, and internal transfers.