Recommend February 2015 - (Page 14)

LET'S TALK LUXURY We reached out to a few luxury travel brands to get the scoop on what today's luxury traveler is seeking out on their journeys around the globe. paloma villaverde de rico monaco Isram's Elite Travel Collection offers an 11-day itinerary in Spain. the isramworld portfolio of brands "We deﬁne luxury travel as a program which combines the ﬁnest available services to enhance a superbly crafted experience meeting the travelers' speciﬁc desires," says Richard Krieger, president, The Isramworld Portfolio of Brands. "Luxury to one person could be a long weekend at The Connaught in London, to another a private tent safari in Africa, and yet another a cruise on the Amazon." When it comes to luxury travel trends, Krieger points to "culinary, wine, art and cultural tours. There is no question that The Isramworld Portfolio of Brands share [this] trend across all companies. To meet this demand, we have doubled our current offerings adding a walking history and food tour in Athens; Australia on a Platter; Castles; Palaces & Wines of Rioja in Spain; and in Peru, Peru: Food, Wine & Chocolate." Silver Explorer, one of Silversea's expedition cruise ships. 14 february 2015 14-15 LUXURY TRENDS.indd 14 "Luxury travel for me," says Maria G. Tuttocuore, sr. executive, sales & marketing, leisure, Monaco Government Tourist Ofﬁce, "and our mission at this tourist ofﬁce, is to meet the expectations of savvy, discriminating travelers, and when it comes to Monaco, it has branded itself as a luxury destination, and knows how to deliver. Monaco is probably the ﬁrst destination to embrace what a luxury destination should be." According to Tuttocuore, culture is a big component of a visit to Monaco. "Our opera house has just 500 seats, and every year, some of the most important opera singers from around the world come here. Can you imagine the feeling when you sit there in such a small opera house and listen to these opera singers? It's a special feeling that not too many destinations can replicate. I would argue that Monaco can be unique in this sense." For 2014, the North American market was the third most important market for Monaco, but "I think in 2015," notes Tuttocuore, "if the numbers keep going in this direction, the North American market could become the second most important market [for Monaco]." And because, as Tuttocuore says, "the target market we go after is tired of going on websites and trying to ﬁnd something that meets their needs," travel advisors are going to be an important component of bookings to the destination. "The travel agents we work with are some of the best in The casino square in Monaco. the industry; they are travel advisors who build relationships with clients, and I believe that the [trend of using travel advisors] is going to continue." silversea cruises "True luxury travel is choice. Our philosophy is all about choice," says Silversea Cruises spokesperson Brad Ball. "On Silversea, there are a million choices. We have a choice of mattresses on board, pillows (nine kinds), bath amenities (Bvlgari, Ferragamo, hypoallergenic) and even scents in the suites. There are many dining choices, too, from the casual hot rock cooking at The Grill to Relais & Chateaux's elegant Le Champagne. On board Silversea, you have the choices to do what you want to do and when you want to do it." Ball notes that one of the trends that is on the rise and one the line has fully embraced is "expedition travel. Our Expedition guests are adventure-seeking travelers constantly looking for new, unique and enriching experiences and are drawn to the farthest corners of the globe. They also seek out and demand travel options that offer them a high level of comfort and service. With Silver Expeditions, guests now have a choice of three purpose-built expedition ships that allow them to explore much of the unknown world, while still enjoying the signature distinctions that have made Silversea a leader in luxury travel." recommend.com 1/22/15 12:28 PM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend February 2015

Editor’s Notes
Four Haute Hotel Happenings in 2015
Tauck
Let’s Talk Luxury
In the Lap of Luxury, At Sea
Tee Off & Unwind in the U.S.
Golf with “a Shot of Spa” in Vibrant Mexico
Barbados & Bermuda Get a Boost
Curaçao’s Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort
Upscaling the Wilderness
The “High Life” in France
Africa Ups the Luxury Ante
A Sense of Wellness in India

Recommend February 2015