From fashion to interior design, the ’90s revival/nostalgia is everywhere – and now it’s influencing the way people travel, too.
As travelers increasingly seek unplugged, memory-making experiences over ultra-tech luxury, nostalgic design and retro-inspired hospitality are having a major moment. I’d love to share a pair of design-forward escapes embracing the return of feel-good travel through bold interiors, indoor-outdoor living, playful details and experiences that channel the carefree spirit of a ’90s vacation.
From an oceanfront villa on Hawai‘i Island centered around a retro sunken living room to a colorful Los Angeles hotel layered with vintage-inspired design, these properties tap into the growing desire for travel that feels slower, more social and rooted in nostalgia.
Mauna Kea Residences | Island of Hawaii
Tucked along the Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea Residences Villas 33 captures the kind of Hawaiian escape that feels pulled from another era – one centered around togetherness, indoor-outdoor living and unplugged moments. Ideal for families and groups, the three-bedroom oceanfront villa features a retro-style sunken living room that naturally invites conversation, cocktails, game nights and slow evenings after a day at the beach. The single-level residence leans into a relaxed, pre-digital rhythm with floor-to-ceiling ocean views, a breezy lanai, private pool, outdoor BBQ, wet bar and an easy walk to the beach. Rather than over-the-top technology, the experience is rooted in timeless island living and memory-making – exactly the kind of nostalgic escape many travelers are craving again.
The Valorian Los Angeles | Los Angeles, CA
Step into a world of bold color and fearless design at The Valorian Los Angeles, a Curio Collection, where every corner channels ’90s energy with playful patterns, sun-soaked accents, and statement furnishings. From vibrant lobby spaces to chic guest rooms, the hotel celebrates a carefree, nostalgic spirit perfect for travelers craving a throwback escape. Lounge poolside amid bright pops of color, sip cocktails under the sun, and explore whimsical Alice in Wonderland–inspired touches and curving furniture that spark curiosity at every turn. It’s the ultimate backdrop for a vacation that feels both timeless and unmistakably ’90s.
