Where is your boss going on holiday this year? The chances are, with their connections, expertise and deep pockets, they will be jetting to off to one of the world’s finest and most luxurious locations.
Although the rest of us are unlikely to be able to afford to go to the same places – unless your lottery numbers come in – your wealthy customers can. We asked senior staff at five luxury travel companies where they spend their time off, so why not suggest these expert-endorsed trips to your luxury clients?
Richard Branson, Virgin, founder and chairman
Richard Branson, Virgin, founder and chairman“This year I’ll be chartering Necker Belle, a 105ft luxury catamaran and the latest addition to the Virgin Limited Edition collection.
“I’ve always been a fan of sailing; it’s the ultimate escape. As Necker Belle is a catamaran, its remarkably stable, yet super-fast under sail, so comfort isn’t compromised for speed.
“It also has its own submarine – Necker Nymph, a three-man aero sub, so I’ll be able to live out my James Bond fantasies! When I’m not on Necker Belle, I’ll be staying on Necker Island, my home in the Caribbean.”
Sample product: The seven-night weekly charter rate for Necker Belle is $88,000, including a full crew. In addition, clients will pay an Advance Provisioning Allowance (usually a sum equivalent to 25% of the total charter fee).
This covers the operating expenses of the charter such as fuel; food; port fees; harbour and marina dues; customs clearance; water and electricity; personal laundry; all provisions: wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks and consumables; and telecommunication costs. virginlimitededition.com, 0800 716919
Joanna Edmunds, Kuoni UK, managing director
Joanna Edmunds, Kuoni UK, managing director“One of last year’s highlights was a trip to South Africa. A family wedding in Johannesburg was followed by a trip on the famous Blue Train. I had wanted to experience this since I was small.
“The train stops briefly at the Diamond Mines in Kimberley, but it’s about the on-board experience – how your day room is transformed in to a comfy bedroom, and to wonder how they produce amazing meals from a tiny kitchen. I always like to mix up town and country. Country, of course, being the winelands.
“Two hotels that stand out for me there are Cape Grace, in Cape Town, and Le Quartier Francais in Franschhoek – although cocktails or afternoon tea at the legendary Mount Nelson, Cape Town are always a must. I’m looking forward to seeing the new One&Only Cape Town next time.”
Sample product: Kuoni offers three nights in South Africa: one night at Illyria House, Johannesburg, one night at the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, both with breakfast, and one night full-board on the Blue Train.
Prices from £2,091 per person, based on twin-share, include flights with South African Airways from Heathrow and transfers. agents.kuoni.co.uk, 01306 747008
Mandy Nickerson, Bales Worldwide, managing director
Mandy Nickerson, Bales Worldwide, managing director“I have decided to work my way through the Bales brochure. Last year I took the family on an Indochina adventure: cooking lessons in Hanoi, Vietnam and our visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodia were the highlights.
“I also chartered one of our dahabiyyas (traditional sailing boats) on the Nile with a group of friends for a memorable week celebrating a significant birthday.
“This year I am time poor, but hope to return to China with my family. I first travelled there back in 1979 and I have now been eight times. It never ceases to amaze me.
“It will be the first visit for most of my family, so we will cover most of the highlights including Xi’an, Beijing, the Yangtze and the Great Wall. Other trips on my radar will certainly include a visit to Nepal in the not too distant future, incorporating wildlife, trekking and even some rafting.”
Sample product: Bales Worldwide offers a 15-day Imperial China journey from £2,075, starting in Shanghai, and including the Longmen Caves, Imperial Xi’an and the treasures of Beijing. balesworldwide.com, 0845 057 1819
Alison Scott, Elegant Resorts, commercial director
Alison Scott, Elegant Resorts, commercial director“I can’t say I’ve got a number one spot, as I like so many of the places we feature for different reasons. One of my most recent holidays was to Mauritius, which I love. The service there is wonderful. It has the advantage of being a direct flight and has a superb choice of hotels to stay in.
“I like to use my holidays to update my knowledge of all the product we have, but also to relax, and The Residence was ideal. It’s really elegant, with a colonial feel, but also has all the mod cons you could wish for.
“It somehow manages to combine impeccable service with a low-key, understated approach, along with delicious food, fantastic cocktails in the Colonnade Bar and a huge, soft sandy beach to chill out on. Perfect!”
Sample product: Elegant Resorts offers seven nights’ half-board for the price of six in a Garden View room at The Residence from £1,575 per person twin-share – a saving of £250 per couple.
Prices are based on a July 24 departure and includes economy flights from Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic Airways and private transfers. elegantresorts.co.uk, 01244 897518
David Robinson, Pure Luxury, product and commercial director
David Robinson, Pure Luxury, product and commercial director“I generally go at least once a year to the amazing Chedi Hotel in Muscat, Oman. It’s a wonderful resort: tranquil, relaxing, beautiful, amazing pools, superb dining and a total chill-out from the hectic rigours of working life.
“It is also a great location to explore this beautiful country and meet the wonderful people. I would highly recommend this for anyone wanting either a crash-out holiday or to explore the Middle Eastern culture.”
Sample product: Pure Luxury offers three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Chedi, Muscat from £699 per person. Price includes return flights with Oman Air from Heathrow, return transfers and pre-payable taxes, valid for departures May 8-June 10. pureluxuryholidays.co.uk, 0844 493 0020
