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LUXURY TRAVEL
ABOVE: Six Senses Kaplankaya
time with a Brazilian tribe. Its camp has exclusive access for several weeks, a private chef and many amenities, but it would not be classed as classic ‘luxury’. Lynch adds: “Our clients want to invest their money into creating exceptional memories that the ordinary traveller just doesn’t experience. Our tip for agents would be to invest the time in understanding the client’s interests, and then tailor the perfect experience.” Exclusivity It’s easy enough to track down a five-star hotel, but the real value an agent can add is being able to identify and access exclusive treats and special events. Operators with concierge services or niche specialisms can prove particularly helpful. “For today's clientele, luxury travel means authentic experiences which have been curated specifically for their individual needs,” says Kirker Director, Ted Wake. “It is finding an elegant
pathway to the right experiences in a chosen destination. In particular, this often involves private guides and tailormade itineraries, where the customer is encouraged to visit a particular museum or performance that they didn’t know existed and wouldn’t have found out about without their travel agent’s encouragement.” Kirker’s examples of added value for the culturally-minded include dinner with a musician about to perform a concert, and linking artists’ museums and birthplaces in the same region. “These are not necessarily expensive arrangements but they are enriching. They also help agents demonstrate that they care about providing a unique service.” Cash rich, time poor In this fast-moving world we live in, most people find themselves increasingly short on time. So although a fortnight in Mauritius or Namibia may well be within
a client's budget, it might not fit in with their working patterns. Even the special occasion market is experiencing the trend, with ‘minimoons’,' – whereby newlyweds take a short luxury holiday – showing a spike in recent years. Keeping tabs on quality short-haul options will help agents. For instance, Elegant Resorts and Wellbeing Escapes note that high-profile European spa openings like Six Senses’ Kaplankaya in Turkey and Euphoria on the Peloponnese peninsula are helping meet demand for a short break immersion in wellness. Operators’ concierge services can also save clients time by pre-booking restaurants and tickets. They may also be able to help them queue jump at popular attractions. Private driver-guides, offered by the likes of Cox & Kings, Abercrombie & Kent, Kuoni, Regent Holidays and Indus Experiences, can help make travel seamless and maximise clients’ time and interests.
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What is luxury-caption temp.indd 74
4/26/19 08:12 PM