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ALL ABO UT
LUXURY 2015
Your one-stop guide to all the latest news and developments in Luxury
Prroduced by
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ALL ABO UT
LUXURY 2015
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he luxury market is on the march again, with recent figures from operators showing a soaring demand from clients. Upmarket specialist Away Holidays has seen bookings for luxury holidays rocket by an average of 31%. And it seems the sky is the limit when it comes to luxury travel – literally. ITC Luxury Travel is raising the stakes when it comes to exclusive travel with a new partnership with Skytime Jets, an elite luxury aviation firm that offers private jet charter to global destinations. And Crystal Cruises is also moving into the world of private-jet travel Crystal Luxury Air, which will be the first in the luxury travel industry to offer around-theworld trips on the twin-aisle Boeing 787 Dreamliner. With so much happening in the luxury world, we have a supplement bursting at the seams with new product and destinations. We kick off the supplement with a look at what’s new from the luxury tour operators followed by a round-up at what is happening in the world of luxury escorted tours with a round-up of what destinations to visit in which season. A beefy analysis of all of the latest hotel openings follows close on its heels – you will be impressed with what’s happening over the next few years in the world of upmarket hotels. Then we speak to the operators to find out what their recommendations are for affordable and blow-thebudget luxury experiences close to home and further afield. Finally, we speak to Harvin Kaumaya, founder and managing director of Sunset Faraway, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. So, I hope you enjoy this supplement and agree that it’s a really informative read!
Angela Cronin Supplements editor
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CONTENTS
What’s New - 4
Escourted Touring - 7
New Hotels - 11
Close to Home - 15
Lower Ground Floor, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Angela Cronin Email: angelacronin2003@yahoo.co.uk Design/Layout: Lee Telot Printed by: Buxton Press Cover Picture: Shutterstock ISSN: 0956-2419
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WH AT ’S NEW
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WHAT’S NEW With luxury operators looking to raise the stakes when it comes to offering that exclusive experience, the future looks bright for agents who know how to cater for those clients with upmarket tastes
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HE DEMAND for luxury holiday experiences is on the up, according to upmarket specialist Away Holidays. The operator has seen sales for luxury holidays up an average of 31%. During the month of January, traditionally the most popular month for people booking holidays, sales of luxury holidays were up 34% on the previous year, however February
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saw the biggest increase in bookings, with sales up by 65%. The increase in luxury holidays sales have continued throughout the year with bookings up 25% in June. And according to Away Resorts, over the past few years, the British holidaymaker has become increasingly adventurous with people heading to far away shores for their traditional two-week holiday in the sun, with the Maldives proving to be the most FLY FROM popular luxury YOUR LOCAL destination with Brits; AIRPORT Thailand was a close second followed by the UAE and the USA, with India completing the top five list of the most popular luxury destinations for 2015. Other luxury destinations growing in popularity this year include Oman, the Seychelles and Hong FROM 5 Park Hyatt Dubai * Kong. INCLUDING FASTRAK Kuljinder Bahia, per person MEET & GREET IN DUBAI managing director at *Based on 2 sharing on bed and breakfast, Away Holidays
commented: “Sales of luxury holidays have been growing each year but 2015 looks like a bumper year with British holidaymakers heading to some of the world's most beautiful destinations in their droves. For many Call 0800 008 7288 years, the Maldives has www.classic-collection.co.uk been a popular honeymoon destination but our
Affordable luxury
DUBAI ÂŁ2,037
5030
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data shows that this incredible destination is becoming increasingly popular for holidaymakers of all types.� Away Holidays’ experience of the growing luxury trends is reflected in other areas of the industry. Crystal Cruises has just unveiled plans to launch its own private-jet experience. Crystal Launch Air will be the first in the luxury travel industry to offer round-theworld trips on the twin-aisle Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft will fly 60 guests in fully reclining business class seats to destinations to which major airlines do not offer nonstop service. Each itinerary will last 28 days and will visit 10-12 remote and/or sought-after locales, with accommodation in luxury hotels and resorts, cuisine prepared by celebrity chefs and world-class cultural entertainment. ITC Classics has unveiled a new partnership with private jet company Skytime Jets to offer tailor-made, exclusive aviation experiences for travellers with money to spend, and La Compagnie is just celebrating the first anniversary of its business-class-only service to New York. So, luxury travel is a big market with clients who have big budgets, which means all the more commission for agents who can offer that personal, high-level service. CLASSIC COLLECTION HOLIDAYS The luxury tour operator has introduced Dubai for winter 2015/16 following on from the successful introduction of Bermuda and Barbados. A spokesman for the specialist said: “This is a high-profile winter sun destination which is much sought after on the UK market, has ample UK airlift and is only a six-hour flight away. “We’re confident our clients will be interested in seeing the developments in Dubai and enjoying the great winter climate, superb deluxe resort hotels, fabulous
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W HAT ’S NEW
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The luxury resort of Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa has teamed up with the Island Conservation Society to create five trails for guests to explore the island
restaurants, tax free shopping and various leisure experiences: ski park, sandboarding, 4WD desert safari and the Aquaventure at Atlantis the Palm.” ITC LUXURY TRAVEL The luxury tour operator is raising the stakes when it comes to exclusive travel with a new partnership with Skytime Jets, an eli te luxury aviation firm that offers private jet charters to global destinations. The news comes hot on the heels of the recent announcement of the acquisition of Western and Oriental Group. Established by James and Kelly Shotton in 2012, Skytime Jets has access to a fleet of more than 5,000 aircrafts globally, including helicopters and private jets through to commercial airliners so has the capability to
offer bespoke aviation services. This new partnership ensures those with the money to spend can choose exactly when they want to jet off to their holiday destinations. Seven nights in the Terra Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort on a bed and breakfast basis with return private jet flights from Biggin Hill and return helicopter transfers from Nice to the resort lead in at £4,279 per person. This package from ITC Luxury Travel is based on six people sharing the Villa Terre Blanche. OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS The Greece and Cyprus specialist has added a number of five-star properties to its Summer Sun programme, including the resort which will be hosting ABTA’s 2015 Travel Convention from 12-14 October. www.tra ve lb ulle tin.co.uk
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These are two hotels in the Peloponnese resort of Costa Navarino: the Westin Resort Costa Navarino, with 445 rooms and suites, and the 321-room Romanos Costa Navarino. “The resorts of the Peloponnese have long provided an attractive alternative to the Greek islands, and these two highly rated properties are a welcome addition to our programme," said Photis Lambrianides, commercial director at Olympic Holidays. On Crete the operator has also introduced the five-star, 115-room Kiani Beach Resort to the brochure. The hotel has good facilities for families, with a kids’ club, playground and pool. On Kefalonia, the intimate Regina Dell Acqua Resort, which has just 38 rooms, is new along with the 40-room Meandros Boutique Hotel and Spa on Zante.
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WH AT ’S NEW Lambrianides said, "The top end of the holiday market has performed very well this season, largely due to hoteliers' early booking discounts. "Clients with their sights on a luxury holiday tend to book earlier as they know what they want. They often have a specific property and category of accommodation in mind. We are also seeing all-inclusive packages increase in popularity at the top end of the market.” Cyprus, with both long-established and new luxury hotels, continues to perform well for Olympic Holidays, with strong bookings for the Four Seasons, the revamped Royal Apollonia in Limassol and the new allinclusive, Olympic Lagoon Resort Paphos in Paphos. CARLISLE BAY The luxury resort on the Caribbean island of Antigua has launched its summer 2016 earlybooking offer, which includes a 40% discount on ocean and beach balcony suites for guests staying between 18 April and 30 November 2016 for a minimum of four nights. This offer is available until 30 November, with applicable validity dates and terms and conditions. THE CRANE The luxury resort in Barbados opened its Calypso Kids’ Club earlier this month. The club offers children the opportunity to learn about Bajan heritage and culture, with the opportunity to play various traditional Caribbean instruments such as the shakshak and participate in a Kiddies Kadooment dancing parade around the resort. The resort’s chef will also be on hand to teach the younger guests how to make
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Guests can choose from five different hiking trails, at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, taking them to various areas of the island, allowing for diverse experiences.
authentic Caribbean food such as Bajan fish cakes or macaroni pie. The activity co-ordinators will also offer a sightseeing experience around the resort, so children can explore the local plant life, insects and birds. Other activities include arts and crafts, story time, sand castle competitions, treasure hunts and a talent show. The Calypso Kids’ Club will be open to hotel guests aged between four and 12. The cliff-top resort has 252 suites overlooking the powder pink sands of Crane Beach. And while the children are kept entertained at the kids club, parents can explore the resort’s four restaurants, two bars, spa, six outdoor pools including a cascading waterfall and whirlpool, and duty free retail shopping. HILTON SEYCHELLES LABRIZ RESORT AND SPA The luxury resort on the Indian Ocean of the Seychelles has teamed up with the Island Conservation Society to create trails for guests to explore the unspoilt and remarkable nature of Silhouette Island, led by expert guides. The island itself is made up of more than
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93% national park, and in the centre of the island is an untouched jungle peppered with fascinating (and many endemic) species of flora, from breadfruit trees to the carnivorous pitcher plants. Guests can choose from five different hiking trails, at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, taking them to various areas of the island, allowing for diverse experiences. The four-hour trail to Anse Mondon takes guests through the heart of the national park to the small, secluded bay in the north of the island, while the Jardin Marron path was first taken by slaves fleeing La Passe village in the 19th Century, and this three-hour trail, is rich in history with an abundance of opportunities to spot native plants and animals. The six-hour hike to the remote Grand Barbe features a diversity of habitats and is home to wild giant tortoises, while the Anse Patates trail is perfect for families as it takes guests across three beaches and continues through the coastal forest. The newest trail is the Silhouette Native Plants Trail, which winds through a combination of natural ecosystem and
botanical garden.
Crystal Cruises will be branching out into the luxury arena of private jet travel with the launch of round-the-world trips on a Boeing twin-engine Dreamliner
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LA ATE T LUXUR RY RY v this summer to Cretee, Croatia, Sicily, Madeira, Tuurkkey, Still late availability Morocco & more.... Even one free night at La Mamounia, Marrakecch, saavving from ÂŁ1448 per person perffect e for a short break! Prrices fo or a 4 night staay in Septemberr from ÂŁ1075 pp. Lo L ve to t Sh hop h vouchers h fo or each e h booking b ki mad de. More afffordable luxury holid daayys from your loccal airport.
Prestige e Holidaayys on o 01425 4804000 ww ww w..prestigeholidaayys.co.uk
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WH AT ’S NEW
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For Agents The Four Seasons Resort on the Caribbean island of Nevis has a special offer for travel Agent Offer Agents booking a two-night stay will get two nights complimentary, so a four-night stay will cost $199 including daily breakfast buffet in Neve restaurant for two people. Agent must agree to participate in a resort tour during their stay.
New outdoor treatments at the luxury resort of Karumba in the North Malé Atoll in the Maldives
Kuoni offers seven nights with breakfast at the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort and Spa, Seychelles in a garden villa, including flights with Etihad Airways from Heathrow and group transfers in resort. Prices for October 2015 are from £1,964 per person, based on two sharing. SANDALS RESORTS The all-inclusive, luxury Caribbean hotel group has relaunched its largest resort on the island of Jamaica. Previously known as Sandals Grande Riviera Beach and Villa Golf Resort, the focus on the newly renovated Sandals Ochi Beach Resort is to offer a “dynamic beach experience with stylish beach club vibes”. The new-look resort has seven new Gourmet Discovery Dining options, a fresh, trendy Ochi Beach Club, reinvented resort entertainment and upgraded luxurious accommodations. With a focus on the gourmet experience, Sandals Resorts has launched an exclusive culinary-focused holiday, hosted by Levi Roots from 6-13 January 2016. This week-long cooking adventure will
offer foodies an opportunity to learn how to cook authentic Jamaican cuisine from scratch, including Levi’s signature dish ‘Homestyle Jerk Chicken Wings’. Over at its resort in Montego Bay, Sandals has embarked a programme of enhancements to its flagship property, which will be completed by the middle of December. All of the property’s 66 guest rooms and suites in the Beachfront Village will undergo a complete renovation, including new bathrooms with ivory flooring, mosaic tiles, porcelain vanities, backlit mirrors and stone elements throughout. All countertops and shower benches will be redone with Carrara Marble, and guest room furniture will receive teak wood finishes. The rooms will also boast Sandals’ signature outdoor tranquility tubs on the terrace. Sandals Negril Beach Resort and Spa is also undergoing a programme of enhancements, which will see the 64 rooms and suites in the Coconut Blocks at the resort renovated and the building expanding to allow for bigger rooms and bathrooms.
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St Kitts and Nevis are inviting travel agents selling the Caribbean to join the third Destination St Kitts and Nevis Roadshow event on 28 September. The event, to be held at Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa in Surrey, offers agents an opportunity to meet St Kitts and Nevis hoteliers as well as Destination Management Companies visiting the UK in September. A delegation from both St Kitts and Nevis Tourism Authorities will also be on hand to present an update of the on-going product development on both islands. Agents who are interested in joining the event can contact uk@stkittstourismkn The luxury resort of Carlisle Bay in Antigua has become amember of the My Booking Rewards programme and agents that participate in this scheme will now be able to enjoy incentives and rewards for room reservations made at the resort.
MALDIVES The luxury resort of Karumba in the North Malé Atoll in Maldives has introduced Raalhu Outdoor Treatments at its Veli Spa. The new invigorating spa treatments will take place in an open air dedicated gazebo, located in the quiet western side of the paradise island. The treatments available at Raalhu include full body massages, scrubs and massages, foot treatments and the destination spa journey Spa under the Stars. Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 7 nights with breakfast at the 5-star Kurumba, Maldives in a deluxe room, including flights with SriLankan Airlines from Heathrow and group transfers in resort. Prices for 2016 are from £1,718 per person, based on two sharing.
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A TOUR FOR EVERY SEASON From touring India in the spring to exploring the snowscapes of a wintery Japan, there’s an escorted tour to join every time of year Wendy Wu's 11-day Wonders of Japan tour visits Mount Fuji for some wintery panoramic views
Spring MOROCCO Spring is the best time to visit Morocco, according to Insight Vacations, as the days are warm and the evenings are mild, unlike during the summer when mercury can hit the mid 30°c, which can make it difficult to go exploring during the day. The escorted tours specialist has a 10-day Best of Morocco tour that takes in the very best of the destination including visits to colourful Marrakesh, coastal Essouira, nostalgic Casablanca, Fes, Erfoud and Ouarzazate. How much? Prices start at £1,205 per person and includes nine nights’ B&B accommodation and VIP door-to-door transfers. To book: insightvacations.com
INDIA David McGuinness, director of small group and tailor-made tours specialist, Travel the Unknown, recommends visiting India during the spring as summer tends to be too hot. To get under the skin of India and experience the true diversity of its cultural offering, McGuinness recommends the operator’s Spirit of South India tour. During this 14-day itinerary, travellers will get a taste of the depth of South India on a journey from the towering temple towns of Tamil Nadu and the French colonial charm of Pondicherry through to the UNESCOendorsed township of Auroville and the fragrant tea plantations of Ooty by toy train towards the soothing backwaters of Alleppey. The tour also takes visitors through the rural towns of Kerala and highlights Cochin’s www.tra ve lb ulle tin.co.uk
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importance in the spice trade with a walking tour. Accommodation throughout this journey is in heritage properties, cottages and welcoming homestays. How much? Prices lead in at £2,495 and include accommodation, some meals, transfers, train journeys, ground transport, drivers and guides. Flights are not included. Travel the Unknown pays agents 10% commission. To book: traveltheunknown.com HOLLAND If you have clients who enjoy being surrounded by nature’s beauty, then the four-day Dutch Bulbfields and Amsterdam tour is perfect for them, particularly at spring time when the flowers are coming into full bloom. Famed for its breathtaking
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E SC ORT ED T OURING horticultural displays every year, Keukenhof Park’s blooms form a sea of springtime flowers. As well as visits to these spectacular gardens, the tour takes in an Amsterdam canal cruise and a visit to a diamond factory. How much? Four days start at £429 per person, departing on 4 April 2016. The price includes four nights’ B&B accommodation, travel by Luxuria coach from more than 500 regional joining points, Amsterdam, Keukenhof Park, The Hague and Scheveningen and Delft excursions. To book: leger.co.uk
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Travel the Unknown's Spirit of South India tour offers an insight into the culture and customs of the region
Summer TURKEY The summer season is the best time to explore the Turkish coastline, according to Trafalgar tours as the temperatures are warm and the beaches are at their most appealing. The operator’s 15-day Secrets of Turkey journeys from Istanbul to Gallipoli, Canakkale, Pergamon, Kusadasi, Ephesus and Marmaris before hopping on a gulet for a cruise along the coast up to Kalkan and then on to Antalya, Aspendos, Konya, Cappodocia for two nights’ sightseeing and then back to Istanbul for the flight home. How much? Prices start at £1,925 per person and include 14 nights’ B&B accommodation and door-to-door transfers. To book: trafalgar.com ITALY There’s no better time to visit Italy than during the summer, according to Leger Holidays, when the sun and the temperature shows the country at its best. Leger’s Grand Tour begins by exploring the pretty villages scattered around the shoreline of Lake Garda before visiting Venice, Rome and Lake Maggiore. A number of optional excursions such as guided trips to the Isle of Capri or Sorrento, sightseeing tours of Rome, Florence, and a cruise across Lake Garda allow your clients the chance to tailor this holiday to suit their needs to exactly what they want. How much? The 12-day tour leads in at £1,169, departing 18 July 2016. The price includes 11 nights’ B&B accommodation and nine evening meals. Travel by Luxuria coach from more than 500 regional joining points and excursions to Lake Garda, Siena, Rome, Florence and Pisa. To book: trafalgar.com HAWAII If you have clients who dream of visiting the aspirational destination of Hawaii, then suggest they check out Tauck’s four-island
Hawaii holiday, which incorporates all of the natural and historical sights and exclusive cultural experiences on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawaii. The highlights of the tour include an outrigger ride along Waikiki Beach, a hands-on gourmet cooking experience at a renowned restaurant on Maui, a private catamaran sail at sunset on the Big Island, the chance to hear a talk-story from a beach boy, attend a traditional luau on Maui and enjoy a private evening with cocktails and dinner at Iolani Palace in Honolulu. How much? Prices start at £3,990 for the 12-day tour. Flights are not included. To book: tauck.co.uk
Autumn USA It’s a classic tour in so many ways, and is without a doubt, a bucket-list destination – New England in the autumn… it has to be done. Titan Travel’s 12-day The Best of New England in the Fall tour travels through Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, www.tra ve lb ulle tin.co.uk
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Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to explore this stunning region in the peak of the autumn season, where the foliage is at its most dazzling. This experience includes a city tour of Boston, a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Mystic Seaport and a self-guided tour of Dakin Farm to experience this Vermont attraction’s signature maple syrup. The tour also stops at the famous Trapp Family Lodge, home to the iconic musical family before they moved to Austria, the grand Vermont State House, a sightseeing tour of the White Mountain region and a visit to the thriving arts community of Portland before heading back to Boston for the return flight home. How much? Prices start at £2,299 per person and includes 10 nights in hotels, flights and excursions. To book: titantravel.co.uk CHINA Wendy Wu Tours recommends a visit to China in the autumn as the temperatures are reasonable and the rain is limited.
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The specialist’s 10-day Best of China tour is part of its Exclusive Collection. A luxurious whistle-stop adventure of China's most iconic sights covering Beijing, Xian and Chengdu. Highlights include a private Tai Chi lesson in Beijing; a visit to the lesser known Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall with a glass of champagne at the top to admire the views; the chance to make traditional Shaanxi dumplings with local chefs in Xian; a visit to the Terracotta Warriors with an archaeologist; time in a Mengdingshan tea plantation with a local farmer and a Chengdu panda experience with a panda expert. How much? prices lead in at £3,490 per person on a fully inclusive basis based on 8 October 2015 and 1 September 2016 departures. To book: wendywutours.co.uk
Winter USA Think winter tours, and Christmas markets and the northern lights spring to mind, but Tauck suggests that you broaden your
ES CORTED TOUR I NG
horizons and take in the beauty that is Yellowstone National Park. It’s the world’s first national park and what better time to see it than in winter when bison, elk, wolves and bighorn sheep wander across snow-covered valleys, and Yellowstone's out-of-this-world geologic features dazzle in the fresh, icy air. Travellers will exploring the park by snowcoach, and will get the chance to experience gurgling mud pots and steaming hot springs surrounded by frozen landscapes, waterfalls partially freezing into ice bridges, and geysers, such as iconic Old Faithful. During the tour, there’s the chance to meet award-winning wildlife cinematographer Ken Burns and his colleague Dayton Duncan colleague, who offer insights into the lives of the park’s iconic species. "You’ve never really seen Yellowstone until you’ve been there in winter,” says Dayton. "Once a snowcoach takes you into the interior, you have this incredible place pretty much to yourself.”How much? Prices for the nine-day tour start at £2,895 excluding flights. To book: tauck.co.uk
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JAPAN Perhaps not top of many people’s lists as a destination to visit during the winter, but Wendy Wu recommends this time of year as many of the country’s iconic its look at their best during the winter months. The escorted tours specialist’s 11-day Wonders of Japan tour explores Japan’s snow-clad landscapes and cities, when they look at their most beautiful. It starts in Tokyo with three nights in the city seeing its key sites. The tour then heads to Mount Fuji with a boat trip on Ashi Lake, where the winter panoramas of the country’s highest mountain can be enjoyed. From here, there is a bullet train ride through the snowy countryside to the city of Nagano, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. Nagano is home to the famous 7th-century Buddhist Zenkoji Temple, which is thought to have housed the first Buddhist statue in Japan. The trip then journeys deep into the Japanese Alps to stay in the hot spring resort of Yudanaka, where visitors can watch Japanese snow monkeys as the swim in the
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E SC ORT ED T OURING
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Trafalgar Tours Secrets of Turkey tour takes in the ruins at Ephesus
natural hot pools of the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Following this, it’s on to Kyoto by bullet train for three nights before returning to Tokyo for the last night. How much? Prices lead in at £5,990 per person on a fully inclusive basis with accommodation at five-star hotels, flights, all meals, touring with guides, entrance fees and visas. This price is based on 2016 departure dates from 3 January to 20 March and from 2- 19 December. To book: wendywutours.co.uk CHRISTMAS MARKETS New for 2015, Trafalgar Tours has introduced the 10-day Christmas Markets of Strasbourg and the Black Forest tour that aims to explore a different side to Europe during the festive period with the opportunity to peruse the festive markets of Strasbourg and Alsace where the smell of gingerbread and mulled wine fills the air. Admire the wintery hills during a journey through the Black Forest before learning how traditional Cuckoo Clocks are made. How much? Prices start at £1,549 per person and includes nine nights’ B&B accommodation and door-to-door airport transfers. To book: trafalgar.com/uk/tours
Cox and Kings will feature the new-look river cruise boat in a seven-night Egypt package which leads in at £2,795 per person and includes three nights’ B&B in Cairo, a four-night, full-board cruise, flights from London, private airport transfers and excursions in Cairo and on the boat. The cabins are 36 square metres – some of the largest on offer on Nile boats – and have a sitting area and French window to view the passing scenery. Excursions are done in small groups with a qualified Egyptologist. Alternatively, for 2016, Cox and Kings will offer a 10-day / nine-night trip to Egypt including a six-night cruise on the Oberoi Philae with full-board accommodation priced from £2,810 per person. Prices include
New for 2015 EGYPT On 17 October, the luxurious Oberoi Philae Nile river cruise boat will be relaunched after a four-year refurbishment.
Wendy Wu's 10-day Best of China tour takes in the main highlights of the destination including the Great Wall
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international British Airways flights, three nights in Cairo with breakfast, private airport transfers and daily sightseeing. INDIA Cox and Kings has a new introductory tour to northern India, that focuses on the country’s most famous sights including Delhi, Jaipur, the Taj Mahal and Shimla. A highlight of this tour is the journey on the narrow gauge mountain railway toy train to Shimla as well as a three-night stay at the Oberoi Cecil hotel. The 13-day / 11-night escorted tour is priced from £1,795 per person and includes half-board accommodation throughout.
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Paradis Hotel and Golf Club
The best choice of luxury hotels on the island
As the first hotel company in Mauritius, Beachcomber Hotels had the first pick of the most stunning locations and the best of the beaches when choosing to place its hotels. We are now fortunate to have a choice of eight individual and exceptional hotels dotted around the island.
We’ve got everything from indulgent luxury to superb all inclusive options. For families all of our resorts are family friendly offering a great range of free land and water sports, free children’s clubs for 3 to 12 year olds, a choice of spacious family accommodation and family friendly dining options.
For the ultimate luxury stay at the best address in Mauritius, the Royal Palm Hotel. For golfers challenge yourself on the Paradis Golf Course. And for the perfect family holiday choose one of our luxury villas at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club or Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa.
For the very best Mauritius holidays call 01483 445 634
www.beachcombertours.co.uk
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N EW HO T E L S
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HOTEL HOTLINE From Mexico to Malaysia, the luxury hotel openings are coming thick and fast this year and next
Pinney’s Beach Villas, the newest properties at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis
ANANTARA HOTELS AND RESORTS The luxury hotel chain is a busy one for Anantara with the opening of three new hotels this year. The Anantara Tangalle Peacehaven Resort and Spa is set to open on the south coast of Sri Lanka just one hour from Colombo in October. Designed like a temple structure, the hotel will have 152 guest rooms and a whole range of wellness offerings. The hotel is located close to Yala National
Park, home to leopards and sloth bears. The Anantara Salalah Resort is due to open in Oman later this year on the Arabian Sea in Salalah City, Dhofar Coast, in the south of Oman. The new 136-room resort will be adjacent to a natural canal and will have direct access to the beach, a botanical garden and the Al Baleed UNESCO archaeological sites. Finally, the Anantara Jabal Al Akhdar is also due to open in Oman towards the end of this year. www.tra ve lb ulle tin.co.uk
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FOUR SEASONS RESORT NEVIS This hotel from the established luxury hotel market chain has introduced new accommodation for 2015. Pinney’s Beach Villas are the newest properties in the Four Seasons Resort Nevis rental programme. Set between the green lawns of the Robert Trent Jones II golf course and the south border of the Resort, the three new villas are the closest villa properties to the ocean. The architecture of the three and four-
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NEW HOT E LS
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The new Sanya Suny Bay property on Hainan Island in China from Park Hyatt opened earlier this year
bedroom properties is designed to encourage indoor-outdoor living and provide spectacular views – without sacrificing privacy as guests also get their very own private pool. JAMAICA Set to open in late 2016, the adults-only Breathless Montego Bay is AMResort’ fourth resort within the brand. The newly built resort will feature 150 rooms and suites offering views of the Caribbean Sea, as well as access to the longest stretch of private white sand beach in Montego Bay. Breathless Montego Bay will be located next to sister properties Secrets St James Montego Bay and Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay, as well as Sunscape Montego Bay, which will open on December 23, 2015. ST KITTS The Caribbean island is set to welcome the arrival of a major hotel chain next year. The Park Hyatt St Kitts will be first major hotel to open on the island after the first phase opening of Belle Mont Farm at Kittitian Hill in December 2014 and the
second hotel on the island to be located on the beach. Set on the picturesque Banana Bay and within the 2,500-acre Christophe Harbour resort community, Park Hyatt St Kitts will offer 126 guestrooms and suites, three signature dining experiences, a spa and 7,000 sq ft of meeting facilities. Meanwhile, there is set to be a number of new arrivals at the Belle Mont Farm resort in the Kitten Hill luxury development. Set to open later in 2015/2016 in a secluded spot high up on Mount Liamuiga, will be the brand new Mango Walk Spa, followed by the villa development, Yaya Groves, home to a collection of three and four-bedroom private villas. Also joining the plethora of luxury experiences at Kittitian Hill is The Village: a social hub complete with shops, galleries and even an open air cinema. Finally, Koi Resort and Residences at Half Moon Bay is set to open its first phase of 96 rooms next year. It will feature exclusive villas and suites, leisure facilities, a spa, a ceremonial chapel for weddings and direct access to the Royal St Kitts Championship Golf Course. www.tra ve lb ulle tin.co.uk
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THE BAHAMAS The Warwick Hotel is scheduled to open on Paradise Island in January. This beach-front, all-inclusive resort is nestled along the beautiful Nassau Harbour with views of Nassau and Paradise Island. PANAMA AMResorts is poised to open a luxury new property in Panama. The Secrets Playa Bonita Panama Resort and Spa, previously known as InterContinental Playa Bonita Resort and Spa, will start welcoming guests in December following extensive enhancements to its 303 guest rooms, meeting facilities, 10,000 sq ft spa and amenities. Located just minutes from Panama City, the hotel will have five freeform pools with views of the Pacific Ocean, a private golden sand beach and access to popular attractions such as the Panama Canal, historic Old Town of Panama City known as Casco Antiguo, and the Gamboa Aerial Tram that overlooks a tropical rainforest. MEXICO Scheduled to open in 2017, Breathless Playa
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N EW HO T E L S
All about Luxury
Features of The Reverie Saigon include a one-of-a-kind Bechstein grand piano, dating back to 1895, that will sit in the La Scala Grand Ballroom, and a three metre tall Baldi clock in the main lobby with crystals, and 24 carat gold accents, commissioned specifically for the hotel. The hotel will also boast the longest bar in Ho Chi Minh City, a fleet of luxury vehicles including a limited-edition Rolls-Royce Phantom Dragon, five dining and nightlife options and a spa and fitness centre spread over two floors with panoramic views over the Saigon River. Prices lead in at £288 for bed and breakfast. MALAYSIA The Dorsett Putrajaya is opening later this year in the garden city of Putrajaya, just 19 miles from Kuala Lumpur. The luxury hotel will offer 218 design-led rooms, a deli, an all-day dining restaurant that oversees the scenic and peaceful Putrajaya Lake, a swimming pool, gym, meeting facilities and a ballroom.
del Carmen Resort and Spa and Dreams Villas Playa del Carmen on the Maya Riviera will be neighbouring resorts located within the stunning Grand Coral development in the popular town of Playa del Carmen. Breathless Playa del Carmen will have 500 rooms, while Dreams Villas will feature 150 luxury villas and 50 junior suites. Guests at these new resorts will be able to enjoy the hotel group’s Unlimited-Luxury concept, where everything is included in the one price premium accommodations, 24-hour room and concierge services, gourmet à la carte dining options and limitless premium beverages and nightly entertainment. VIETNAM Scheduled to open next month, the Reverie Saigon will be located on the 39th floor of the Times Square building Ho Chi Minh City's District. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World. the hotel’s look and feel has an Italian influence. Each of the hotel’s 286 rooms will be individually furnished by some of Italy’s finest design houses and will have expansive views of the area.
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Features of The Reverie Saigon include a one-of-a-kind Bechstein grand piano, dating back to 1895
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THAILAND The AVANI Bangkok Riverside will be welcoming its first guests later this year. The first new build hotel in AVANI’s upscale portfolio, and the second AVANI hotel in Bangkok, it will be located just 15 minutes by shuttle boat to the heart of Bangkok and opposite Asiatique, the city’s largest night market. CHINA Luxury hotel chain Park Hyatt opened its Sanya Suny Bay property on Hainan Island in February this year. Located on an exclusive 350,000 sq metre private bay inlet on the southernmost tip of the island, the Park Hyatt evokes the feel of a private mansion by the sea, comprising 207 rooms, suites and villas, including one Chairman’s Suite and 17 private butler villas. With a central Chinese village, five swimming pools, including a 100-meter lap pool, lake, private Baifu (Fortune) Bay for water sports, eight dining venues, spa and nearby eco-adventures, there is plenty to keep guests entertained.
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NEW HOT E LS
All about Luxury
Meanwhile, there are two new luxury hotel chains coming down the line next year. The 183-room Andaz Sanya Sunny Bay, Hainan Island will be the neighbour resort to Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay and is set to open in the third quarter of 2016. Andaz Sanya Sunny Bay will feature five restaurants, a ballroom and three meeting venues in addition to offering signing privileges at Park Hyatt Sanya’s Spa Village, beach club, fitness centre, restaurants, Tea House and bakery. The One&Only chain also has its sights set on Hainan Island with plans to open a 192-room, beachfront property in Haitang Bay, including five mansions, six villas with private pools, Manor House and Presidential Suite. It will be the hotel chain’s first resort in China and will feature water gardens throughout uniting the various spaces, spa private treatment villas and an hammam, fitness centre and kids’ club. Accommodation choices include five mansions, six villas with private pools, manor house and a presidential suite. ZIMBABWE Wilderness Safaris Linkwasha Camp opened earlier this year and is the first safari lodge of its kind in Zimbabwe. The new camp is located far away from public access areas in Hwange National Park but close to Ngamo, which offers great summer game viewing to add to the excellent winter viewing within the Linkwasha concession. The new camp has seven en-suite double or twin luxury tents and one family tent and can accommodate up to 18 guests. Expert Africa offers three nights at Wilderness Safaris’ Linkwasha Camp in Hwange, including return light aircraft flights
Park Hyatt hotel has opened a luxury hotel on the island of Zanzibar
from Victoria Falls airport, from £1,444 per person sharing. The price includes all meals, local drinks and two safari activities a day, laundry, return light aircraft flights from Victoria Falls airport to Linkwasha airstrip in Hwange. ZANZIBAR The first Park Hyatt hotel to open in Africa started welcoming guests earlier this year. Located in the capital of Stone Town, the 67-room Park Hyatt Zanzibar Zamani Residence boasts a spa with a wide range of treatments, an outdoor infinity pool and a fully-equipped fitness centre. Prices lead in at £283 per night in a Park
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King room including breakfast. Meanwhile, Per Aquum is adding to its portfolio of properties with the opening of the Per Aquum Zalu later this year. Formerly the Essque Zalu Zanzibar, the property has undergone extensive renovation to ensure it offers the same luxurious experiences as all of the other properties in the Per Aquum stable. The resort will have 40 suites and nine three and four-bedroom villas, and will be welcoming guests who are keen to enjoy the hotel’s reputation as a gourmet hotspot as well as an artistic hub, featuring regular painting, photography and glasswork exhibitions.
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All about Luxury
THE EXCLUSIVE SELECTION From home shores to iconic luxury experiences in far-flung destinations, we catch up with the upmarket tour operators to get their top tips for affordable luxury and blow-the-budget experiences
Affordable luxury The Greek resort of Ikos Oceania in Halkidiki
THE UK For clients looking for a little bit of affordable luxury close to home, short-breaks specialist Superbeak suggests to check into the four-star Walton Hall near Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire. Set within a 16th-century stately manor and surrounded by 65 acres of lush parkland, Walton Hall is a tranquil and scenic retreat, ideal for a relaxing getaway. It is located close to Stratford, Warwick and Leamington Spa for those who want to explore. However, the property also boasts a leisure club with an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym and beauty spa. The hotel also has the Moncrieffe restaurant, which has two AA Rosettes. How much? Prices lead in at £124 per person including two nights’ bed and breakfast and a complimentary dinner in the restaurant on the first evening. To book: superbreak.co.uk Isolated and small with a population of just 2,200 on five inhabited islands, miles and miles of beaches and azure blue seas, it’s little wonder that the Isles of Scilly just off the coast of Cornwall have that exclusive tag. Many have compared holidaying on the islands as like being on an island far, far away, but despite their close proximity to the UK, the cost of getting there and the accommodation is what gives the islands their exclusive reputation. Prestige Holidays recommends the Star Castle on the Isles of Scilly. Built in 1593 for the defence of the Isles of Scilly, the 38-room Star Castle is located on Garrison Hill above Hugh Town on St Mary’s. The castle has four acres of secluded gardens, in which it has its own vineyard, and an indoor swimming pool. Perfect for history lovers, the unique Elizabethan castle is in the form of an www.tra ve lb ulle tin.co.uk
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eight-pointed star, and guests can even drink in the Dungeon Bar, where prisoners were incarcerated 400 years ago. How much? Prestige Holidays features a three-night stay at the Star Castle departing on 5 October from £739 per person, including return flights with Skybus from Lands End to St Marys, accommodation on half-board basis and private transfers. To book: prestigegrouptravel.co.uk GREECE With a beachfront location set against the backdrop of Mount Olympus, Sovereign recommends a stay at the five-star Ikos Resort who want a bit of luxury but at the same time keep within a budget. In a secluded part of Halkidiki, the hotel has an infinity swimming pool with the added extra, of a waiter service to cater for their guests every whim. A multitude of excellent a la carte restaurants are overseen by Michelin-starred chefs, internationally recognised mixologists and award-winning sommeliers. Guests opting for the deluxe option will get romantic dinners on the beach, exclusive pool and beach access and a spa treatment thrown in with the price. How much? Sovereign offers a week at Ikos Oceania from £859 per person on an all-inclusive basis. The price includes return flights from Gatwick to Thessaloniki with EasyJet and private resort transfers. The price is based on September 2015 departures with a saving of £280 per couple. MAJORCA For clients who don't want to compromise on the finer things in life, but have a budget to work to, then Thomas Cook’s four-star-plus SENTIDO properties are the perfect solution. The operator’s adult-only, five-star SENTIDO Mallorca Palace, in Sa Coma, Majorca is a pretty
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The luxury Dylan Amsterdam Hotel
low-rise property built in traditional Majorcan style and is just a stone's throw from the beach. The property has a spa, wellness centre and indoor and outdoor pools. How much? Thomas Cook offers seven nights’ B&B from £499 per person. The price is based on two adults sharing and includes flights departing from Gatwick on the 17 October 2015. To book: thomascookworld.com
Blow the budget TENERIFE The gorgeous Gran Hotel Bahia Del Duque ticks all the boxes for a blow the budget holiday. Located on the Costa Adeje on Tenerife’s south coast, the hotel has an array of facilities to keep guests entertained, from a leisurely
round of pitch and putt to a more uptempo game of squash, tennis or volleyball. There's five swimming pools to dip in and out of and if that’s not enough for aquatic lovers, then there's a raft of water sports to choose from on the beach including diving and windsurfing. After a day's activity, check out the menu of treatments at the resorts's spa before dining out at one of the hotel’s eight restaurants. How much? Prestige Holidays offers savings of £206 per couple on a week’s stay departing on 9 September. A week, costs from £1,097 per person, including return flights from Gatwick to Tenerife South, accommodation on a B&B basis and private transfers. To book: prestigeholidays.co.uk AMSTERDAM A visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without a canal trip - it's the best way to experience the www.tra ve lb ulle tin.co.uk
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city some may say. However, if your client really wants to push the boat out – no pun intended – then suggests they fork out for the Vinkeles on the Water experience, which is a Michelin dining concept on board a specially built canal boat, called the Muse, from The Dylan Amsterdam Hotel. Hotel and restaurant guests have the opportunity to hop on board the Muse for a culinary experience like no other. The Muse can take up to four guests on tour of the canals, while the head chef prepares and serves his award-winning dishes on board. How much? Original Travel offers two nights' B&B at The Dylan Amsterdam Hotel from £600 per person. The rate includes accommodation flights and transfers. The Vinkeles on the Water Experience costs £645 plus £129 per person for a seven-course meal. To book: originaltravel.co.uk.
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ST KITTS For a bit of affordable luxury St Kitts style, ITC Luxury Travel recommends your clients check into St Kitts’ oldest hotel, Ocean Terrace Inn, which recently reopened after extensive renovations. The refurbishment work has created a stylish four-star boutique hotel with 50 newly designed guest rooms with all the modern facilities. Each room features a private patio or balcony that opens on to views in the Caribbean. The refurbishment carries through to the hotel's meeting and event space and the opening of a new restaurant, The Verandah, in a setting overlooking Basseterre Bay. How much? ITC Luxury Travel offers seven nights for the price of five at the Ocean Terrace Inn for £1,299 per person based on two adults sharing a superior room on a room-only basis including return flights and private transfers. This offer must be booked by 15 December. To book: itcluxurytravel.co.uk
Further afield AFFORDABLE LUXURY For a luxurious break, Grotto Bay on the small Atlantic island of Bermuda is ideal. Tastefully furnished with fantastic ocean views, the hotel offers a freshwater heated swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi plus four tennis courts and a water sports centre. There’s the chance to go cave swimming in the atmospheric cathedral cave in the hotel’s gardens, which also features a natural underground pool and the Natura spa. How much? Prestige Holidays offers seven nights’ room-only from £1615 per person including return flights with British Airways from Gatwick to Bermuda and private transfers. To book: prestigeholidays.co.uk
Classic Collection Holidays recommends clients seeking out affordable luxury a bit further afield look no further than Dubai, and in particular the Park Hyatt Dubai, located near Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club. There’s plenty to keep guests busy while they immerse themselves in their luxury surroundings; from indulging treatments at the Amara Spa, or picking up some culinary tips at a master cooking class in one of Park Hyatt Dubai’s award winning restaurants. How much? Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights’ B&B at Park Hyatt Dubai from £2,037 per person in December. The price is based on two adults sharing and includes return flights from Heathrow to Dubai and private transfers. To book: classic-collection.co.uk ST LUCIA For adults looking for a twin-centre luxury experience, Hayes and Jarvis recommends agents suggest a four-night stay at the adults-only, boutique-style Rendezvous followed by four nights at the five-star Ladera Resort that has spectacular views of the St
Inspiring Madeira
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. . . an absence of man-made attractions and an abundance of natural ones
When the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah opened in Dubai in 1999, it really set the standard for what people expect from a luxury holiday in the emirate.
EYS VALL ERALD M E , S F MOUNT F AIN PEAKS, SOARING CLI
”
S IEW LV A T AS CO ING NN U T &S
Call 0800 008 7288 I www.classic-collection.co.uk 5030
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Old-school luxury at the classic resort of La Mamounia
Lucian rainforest, the Pitons, and the Caribbean Sea, the perfect location for clients who want feel at one with nature. How much? Hayes and Jarvis offers four nights at the four-star-plus Rendezvous on an all-inclusive basis with a complimentary room upgrade, followed by four nights at the five-star Ladera Resort on a B&B basis, airport transfers and return international flights from Gatwick with Virgin Atlantic from £1,799 per person. The price is based on departures on 12 October 2015. To book: hayesandjarvis.com BLOW THE BUDGET What better place to blow the budget than the grande dame of Marrakesh hotels, La Mamounia. A haven of luxury situated in enormous grounds facing the Atlas
Mountains, it has a gorgeous spa, an impressive selection of dining choices and is just a short stroll from the souks and the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque. How much? Prestige Holidays has a fivenight break departing on 22 September for £2,076 per person, including return flights with British Airways in Business Class from Gatwick to Marrakesh, accommodation on a B&B basis and private transfers. To book: prestigeholidays.co.uk When the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah opened in Dubai in 1999, it really set the standard for what people expect from a luxury holiday in the emirate. The icon of Dubai, it rises out of its own man-made island 280 metres from the Jumeirah coast, and is linked to the shore by www.tra ve lb ulle tin.co.uk
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a slender, gently curving causeway. Finished to the highest spec – think marble, gold leaf, glass and the best in-room technology money can buy – the Burj Al Arab has everything you come to expect from a luxury hotel – with bells on. The finest restaurants, a world-class, lavish spa and health club, private beach, the world’s largest fleet of Rolls Royces which is available for guests’ transfers to the airport or around Dubai... the list just goes on. How much? Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah from £7,497 per person in December. The price is based on two adults sharing a one bedroom deluxe suite on a bed & breakfast basis and includes return flights from Heathrow to Dubai and private transfers. To book: classic-collection.co.uk
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FOR AGENT S
All about Luxury
Q&A
BROADENING HORIZONS Sunset Faraway is celebrating its 35th birthday. We talk to Harvin Kaumaya, founder and managing director of Sunset Faraway, about how the industry has changed over the last three decades
CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME BACKGROUND ON SUNSET FARAWAY? HOW DID YOU START THE BUSINESS 35 YEARS AGO? I started Sunset Travel in 1980/81 in Stockwell, London SW9 to service the Mauritian travel community as during my university days I organised charter flights to Mauritius, hence my love for travel. In 1983 on an inaugural Air Mauritius Boeing 747 service, I met a gentleman Stuart Wild who indirectly challenged me to launch a brochure to the Indian Ocean and in 1984/5 I launched my first eight-page brochure as a forerunner to a 12 page one. WHAT WAS THE FIRST DESTINATION YOU FEATURED? Mauritius was the first destination I featured which included the then limited number of hotels available and also featured a couple of private beach villas. HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHERE AND WHEN TO EXPAND? The following year 1985-86, I introduced Reunion Island and the Seychelles, which was then a well-sought-after destination and with BA and Air France, I was able to offer twin-centres with Mauritius and as such Sunset became a well-known Indian Ocean operator where we were offering multi-duration holidays instead of the usual seven to 14-night stays.
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE DEFINING MOMENTS FOR YOU OVER THE LAST 35 YEARS? 1994 was the defining moment as it was that year we expanded to new premises in Clapham Park Road leaving the retail office at Stockwell. Soon after that, I was approached by Roger Wharton, the UK and European director of sales of Sun International, who owned four hotels in Mauritius and South Africa to create a joint venture brochure known as Sunset Sun International Collection and which was well received by ABTA agents. WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY OVER THE LAST 35 YEARS? Believe the internet has revolutionised the whole travel spectrum. WHAT FRUSTRATES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, AND WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO TO MAKE IT EASIER TO OPERATE? The uncertainty that the internet has created. What I mean is that ABTA and the CAA have kept the package travel market alive with strict guidelines to protect the travelling public but the proliferation of bed banks and cheap flight operators working on almost zero margin have been a challenge. As such people booking outside the bona fide tour operator have no protection.
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HOW HAVE CLIENTS TASTES CHANGED OVER THE YEARS, AND HOW HAVE YOU HAD TO CHANGE TO CATER FOR THEIR NEW DEMANDS? Once again with the internet, clients have become more demanding in the delivery of service from tour operators such as Sunset who specialise in tailor-making, multi-centre holidays which does take time instead of a single centre. HOW CAN YOU SEE THE INDUSTRY CHANGING OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS? Difficult question. I believe 10 days or 10 months are already too long for a change let alone 10 years. May be in 10 years, we may be able to fly to New York in one hour if the new supersonic being considered by Airbus Industries gets off the drawing board? WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST THREATS TO THE INDUSTRY? The constant consolidation by a few non-British organisation buying middle to big group and then selling a unheard margin to remove the competition and once the road is clear - may be in 10 years? - they will dominate the industry and that will be at the detriment of the public.
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