Hyper personalisation and exclusivity in luxury travel

First-class cabins used to be considered the pinnacle of luxury travel, but all that changed when airlines started offering points and rewards to frequent flyers, and the exclusivity it once promised all but vanished. Private jets quickly filled that position and became the better option for wealthy passengers seeking relative comfort and privacy.

With sustainability at the top of everyone’s minds today, affluent travellers are returning to commercial airlines. But not necessarily to first-class cabins. These are now almost non-existent and have been replaced by premium accommodations and upgraded business-class spaces that offer better privacy, more ‘à la carte’ options and increased comfort thanks to newer technologies. For example, Etihad’s exclusive Residence and Emirates’ private suites, both of which employ the latest tech and trends to enable passengers personalise their cabins however way they feel best.

Per Deloitte, travelling via a superyacht is the most preferred means of transport for the very rich because of the exclusivity it offers, in addition of course to other benefits which include “high-end interior design to bespoke onboard services and amenities … [that allow the rich unfettered access to] the highest form of privacy and personalisation.”

Hyper-personalisation and exclusivity in the hospitality and tourism industries

The hospitality industry has been rather quick to embrace the concept of hyper-personalisation, offering distinct solutions ranging from targeted messages aimed at different customer segments to incorporating novel tech that allows guests to customise their rooms to their tastes. Some hotels and resorts even suggest local and authentic activities and attractions via a dedicated app; others include special requests from guests, like getting a particular chef to provide meals throughout their stay.

But for the very affluent, even this is not enough.

It is not enough to sleep on the most exquisite bed surrounded by the finest luxury amenities. High-end wellness packages, designed to improve everything health-wise from sleep to mindfulness are the new normal.

It is not enough to enjoy the finest local cuisine: cooking classes from Michelin-starred chefs; wine pairings featuring unique ‘boissons’ from small, domestic chateaux; and bespoke culinary experiences tailored to each guest’s individual needs are now on the menu for the ultra-rich.

Family vacations may still be in, but for affluent travellers, multi-generational travel or large-group vacations with loved ones are on the rise, leading to an increased demand for exclusive, fully-staffed villas and hotels, private residences, bespoke camps, and, standalone suites. Large group travel also means an uptick in the demand for exclusive yacht charters and private jets.

And what do you give to an experienced traveller who has been to almost every country in the world? Perhaps a private safari and a chance to have a one-on-one encounter with the animals; or trekking the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a dedicated guide, or even camping and experiential expeditions in Antarctica are in order.

Hyper-personalised and exclusive luxury services

As the ultra-rich engage in a race against time to balance all the aspects of their very busy lives, getting their hands on limited-edition products, highly-coveted-yet-restricted luxury goods or even putting together the itinerary of a different kind of trip is a mission-impossible task.

Enter the specialists experienced in solving this challenge.

In the luxury beauty and fashion world, these specialists have chosen to be known as Fashion Sourcers, per Vogue. Fashion sourcers are upgraded personal shoppers who ‘offer a fresh, hyper-personalised retail model for luxury’s top spenders … providing almost 24-hour, one-stop-shop luxury retail, with virtually no limits, all via Whatsapp or Instagram DM.’

When the affluent need a Birkin 35 in ebene Barenia calfskin leather and palladium hardware, instead of suing Hermès when they cannot get their hands on one, they simply engage the services of a trusted fashion sourcer who is sure to get one from their vast network of connections globally.

A bespoke luxury travel specialist provides an equally sought-after service in the travel and hospitality industry. Like every other person, the very rich have their quirks, and even more so since they have the funds to make them happen. But not even they can put together a ridiculously unusual vacation on their own; for example, go on a holiday modelled after a particular action movie and get the same cinematographer who worked on the film to cover your trip and produce a video just like the movie.

While there is an increased clamour from aspirationals and outsiders to democratise luxury, stakeholders who truly understand that this can never be the case are creating more barriers to entry, making modern-day luxury more exclusive and hyper-personalised than ever before.

The post Luxury is Becoming Increasingly Exclusive. And Hyper-personalised first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Luxury is Becoming Increasingly Exclusive. And Hyper-personalised appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Don’t believe us? Just ask Silver Hill Atelier, a custom art and design studio that only recently completed an indoor and outdoor children’s play space for 2200 Brickell, a luxury property in Miami that includes a tree house and a pirate ship structure.

Silver Hill Atelier is rather experienced in creating unique structures since it was founded in 1979. Over the years, the New York-based firm has worked with restaurants and resorts like Planet Hollywood and Disney to create themed, distinctive spaces. To understand why more and more families are choosing to include custom-designed and built structures for children on their properties and in their homes, we turned to Michael Whiston and Norvel Hermanovski of the Atelier for some insight.

When did you start to notice this shift to custom-designed play areas for kids in luxury apartment buildings?

Though developers have previously been interested in the concept … we have seen it become more popular over the past few years as luxury real estate has skyrocketed, especially in South Florida. 

What do you think brought about this trend?

Luxury real estate developers are constantly vying for their buildings to stand out to prospective residents. They want to show residents (that not only will they) feel cared for and at home at their properties, but that they will also have access to a range of amenities and services no other development can provide. Curated amenity spaces like our children’s play areas add an extra personal touch that gives buyers confidence their needs will be met and they will experience a high-quality lifestyle, no matter their age. That is a very attractive prospect, and as more luxury buyers witness the difference between organic and manufactured designs, more developers are hopping on the trend to meet their growing demand.

Are the requests for indoor or outdoor spaces?

Yes, we have received requests for both indoor and outdoor children’s spaces. At 2200 Brickell for example, we were tasked to build both types within the condominium so that everyone, rain or shine, can have a space to safely explore and play. 

Can you take us through a brief description of your journey to designing custom play areas?

Since 1979, we have strived to build artwork and environments that tell a story through visuals and build connections. We began as a traditional mural-making company creating murals for Limited Express stores and later expanded to doing artwork, theming, and 3D work for restaurants and larger hospitality projects such as Hard Rock Café and Canyon Ranch. From there, the door was opened to working with residential developers, and we quickly progressed from mural work to designing entire interiors as the demand for custom spaces grew.

What’s your design process like?

We begin by sitting down with the interested developers and architects of a project to get an understanding of their building and vision. This includes learning the artistic background and inspiration for the project as a whole, their goals for the space we will create, and so on. Once we have a solid feel for the building and its needs, we focus that information into developing the creative designs for our play structures.

Why did you choose to design the play items/furniture yourself instead of going with already existing furniture?

As artists, we are passionate about bringing unique ideas to life. We see and honour the value within personalized craftsmanship and organic spaces, and we want all those who see, touch, and explore our designs to understand our work was crafted for them and their homes. Making play items and installations from scratch gives us the ability to convey this far more than we could with items we could purchase from a store. It also allows us to seamlessly mesh our installations with the existing aesthetic of their space, be it the room, building, or greater neighbourhood.

Let’s talk about your design for 2200 Brickell, Miami. What informed the final design?

At 2200 Brickell, we wanted to create two spaces that would remain true to Miami’s natural aesthetic while giving children room to have fun safely. With our indoor play space, we wanted to bring the outside inside by referencing the beautiful trees seen throughout Brickell. As such, we designed nature-inspired wooden play structures and artwork throughout the space and covered the walls with painted and sculptural trees. For the exterior space, we wanted to draw from Miami’s seafaring history and give children a chance to be their own captains of the sea with a nautical-themed playground, equipped with an interactive pirate ship.

What are some of the other designs you’ve done? Which is your favourite creation to date?

We have worked on various restaurant, corporate, and hospitality projects across the globe, including designs for Planet Hollywood, Disney Hong Kong, and Disney Tokyo. Though we had a wonderful time designing for these projects, we are proud of our work at The Alyn in New York. This property required us to fill 2,400 square feet of space with a safe, highly interactive area for children of all ages on the Upper East Side. The resulting area held everything from climbing walls and jungle decor to ships and castles, as well as slides and sprinklers. Not to mention that we also designed and built the parking garage space for the Alyn (the best-looking parking garage in NYC!) It was full of colour and activity and turned out wonderfully. We are equally excited about 2200 Brickell and look forward to crafting its nautical and nature-based elements.

What, in your opinion, makes this trend important? What are the advantages?

Children of all ages love to play. They love making friends, running and climbing, and letting their imaginations run wild. It is important, as more apartments and condominiums rise in larger cities, that children continue to have access to safe, welcoming, and engaging spaces where they can do all of this and more. Custom designs like ours add an extra touch of whimsy, creativity, and warmth that makes these play areas really shine compared to colder, manufactured displays.

What are the possible downsides to having private play areas, and how do you think developers can navigate them?

We see no possible downsides to having these custom play areas for children so long as they are well maintained and managed.

What do you think is next for this trend? What’s a natural progression in your opinion?

The tangible next step for this trend is for more buildings to join the trend and for future children’s spaces to become even more magical and engaging. Luxury buildings today are constantly trying to outdo each other with dynamic designs and opportunities for their residents. Custom play areas are great places for developers to expand, and I can see them becoming more elaborate, vibrant, and personalized as the trend takes off. Perhaps instead of seeing one or two custom play areas in a building, we may see multiple or even entire custom amenity levels dedicated to children. These spaces could extend even into private residences that would have custom pre-built structures as an added amenity. Play areas will transform into places where play and learning are merged seamlessly. The possibilities are endless. 

The post Trend Alert! Luxury Property Owners Turn to Custom-Designed Play Areas for Their Younger Residents first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Trend Alert! Luxury Property Owners Turn to Custom-Designed Play Areas for Their Younger Residents appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

But because there is only so much you can do while on it, going on a second or third safari trip might not be very appealing. This is why some companies are switching things up to get old visitors back while drawing in new ones.

So, if you are wondering whether another safari is a good idea, or you’re trying to decide if you should add it to your travel experience, here are some new packages and properties telling you to say yes to one.

Molori Mashuma, Zimbabwe

Situated in Northern Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, Molori Mashuma, a new property from South African company Molori Safari, has just six tents, making it the perfect choice for a quiet, tranquil getaway.

Its strategic location in the park offers visitors unobstructed views of the surroundings. “It is a game and wilderness experience unlike anything else because you are not chasing the wildlife to tick off a list, you are immersed and present in the moment, with the open landscapes, fauna and flora, and the wildlife that roam,”  explains Eric Ichikowitz, co-owner of Molori Mashuma.

While some safaris choose to submerge their guests in the full bush lifestyle by eliminating modern comforts, the tents in Molori Mashuma are fully air-conditioned with perks like private decks for game viewing and relaxation, as well as amenities such as soaking bathtubs and outdoor showers. The two-bedroom family tents in the camp are even equipped with private plunge pools for a more robust experience.

But sitting all day can be rather boring, which is why guests have the option to go on guided walking safaris where they can observe and photograph wildlife at any of the three available locations for game viewing. Per Ichikowitz, “Walking through the fever tree forests and watching elephants in their droves; moving through the forest and interacting with big herds of eland and zebras frolicking and playing around while the monkeys jump from the trees, is one of my ultimate wilderness experiences.”

Unfortunately, the tent is not open all year: interested guests can only visit from the beginning of April to the end of October. Nightly rates start from $1,725.

Shekinah Lion and Game Lodge, South Africa

Like Molori Mashuma, South Africa’s new safari property is rather private: the Shekinah Lion and Game Lodge located in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve in Limpopo has just four suites for two guests each. If you’re planning a romantic escape with your significant other, or want to experience the wild with someone special, you may want to consider the Shekinah Lodge for the privacy and intimacy it promises.

Also, like its Zimbabwean counterpart, the suites have been designed to bring the outdoor experience inside seamlessly. Through reinforced glass, guests can see lions or tigers roaming freely around the property, or wake up to a beautiful sunrise illuminating the bushveld without having to sacrifice any of the luxuries they have grown accustomed to like private plunge pools and outdoor showers.

More amenities can be found outside the suites, including a spa, gym and conference room. Visitors can also go on bush walks or game drives, with the latter being a complimentary service for all guests.

The Shekinah Lion and Game Lodge is set to open in the first week of November with nightly rates starting at USD $1605.

The One&Only Rwandan OneEscape Experience

One&Only might not have a new safari resort on the horizon, but they have a new kind of curated experience for adventurous travellers looking for an action-filled holiday.

The OneEscape Rwandan experience is a custom six-night itinerary that will start at the One&Only Gorilla’s Nest and culminate in a 3-night stay at the One&Only Nyungwe House.

Activities at the resort’s Gorilla’s Nest include a trek in search of the endangered mountain gorillas with no guarantee of a successful sighting; a bean-to-barista master class on the art of making coffee, and, a traditional barbecue hosted at the cottage of legendary conservationist, Jack Hanna.

Switching to the One&Only Nyungwe House would involve a five-hour drive by a 4×4 through a rather hilly countryside or a 35-minute flight that costs $5,775 for just one way. Guests who would be indulging in this experience between October 1 and December 14, 2023, would enjoy a complimentary helicopter transfer thanks to a partnership between the resort and Akagera Aviation.

Once at the Nyungwe House, visitors will immediately get to work at a master class on tea, one of the country’s main exports, or at a crash course in archery. They can also choose to indulge in spear-throwing lessons and a nocturnal hike or stargazing.

At $6500 per night for a stay at the Gorilla’s Nest and $3,250 per night for the Nyungwe House, the OneEscape experience does not come cheap. However, it is one experience visitors will treasure, long after they are back in their home countries.

The post Going on A Safari? Here are Some New Experiences to Check Out This Season first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Going on A Safari? Here are Some New Experiences to Check Out This Season appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Until it’s time to leave the hospital and you realise those kind nurses are not going to follow you home. Even if your hospital stay was not the best of experiences, suddenly having to deal with a newborn can be an overwhelming experience for mothers. Granted, in some cultures like what obtains here in Africa, it is expected that a member of the family, usually the grandmother, comes over to stay for at least a month to help the new mum adapt. But, times are changing, and even with the support of family members, adjusting to life post-birth can quickly become stressful for new parents.

Luxury retreats for new mums want to help solve this challenge, and they are on the rise.

The idea for luxury retreats for new mums has its origins in postpartum confinement practices in Asia, which can be traced as far back as 960 AD. It is based on the fact that childbirth, though beautiful, can be difficult, and coming home to guests who would have to be entertained, as well as chores and sometimes older children, while adjusting to the demands of a newborn can be too much for mummy. So, a ‘middle home’, which eases parents gently into their new role – whether or not they’ve had children before – is the best solution for everyone.

In South Korea, this post-natal retreat concept is called Sanhujori and is typically offered at choriwons (postpartum care clinics).

Singapore, nearly 5000km away, offers the same kind of services, but in a completely different way. Instead of postpartum clinics, they have luxury postpartum retreats. These five-star-like hotels for new mums come with all the bells and whistles, including spacious, fully-fitted rooms with perks such as 600-thread-count sheets for deep, comfortable sleep; aesthetic clinics for rejuvenating facials; in-house physiotherapy centres to help soothe aching muscles and help new mums get their bodies back to shape; spas that offer weekly postnatal massages and yoga classes. There are also salons that help fix mum’s hair, chauffeur services to take her and baby to the hospital for checkups, herbal baths to promote healing and dining services that offer foods tailored to deeply nourish mom and baby, and help to heal the latter.

In-house nannies and general nurseries are on hand to help take care of the baby when she wants to rest solo. Dads are welcome, and so are family members/other visitors, although the latter are usually not allowed to stay overnight.

The concept is beginning to catch on outside Asia.

The Boram Postnatal Retreat at the Langham Hotel in Manhattan, New York offers the same services as the Singaporean luxury retreats for new mums. There is a nursery run by employees with backgrounds in infant care, a mother’s lounge where moms can attend seminars organised by paediatricians, physical therapists and mental health specialists on everything from pelvic floor therapy to curing insomnia. Messages and sitz baths are offered to mums to help with swelling and soreness, while a robust menu, “prepared by an award-winning chef” ensures the new mothers have all the nutrients they need at this stage.

At $900 per night (the Singaporean Luxury retreats on average cost less at roughly $770 per night) the facility does not come cheap. But those who have used them swear that they are the best thing that happened to them after childbirth. And while it has not become commonplace outside Asia, the fact that non-Asian postnatal facilities like the Boram require bookings well in advance is a good indication that it is simply a matter of time.

The post Luxury Retreats for New Mums is a Thing. And it is probably coming to a Location Close to You first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Luxury Retreats for New Mums is a Thing. And it is probably coming to a Location Close to You appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The Bentley Residences Miami is certainly making a hard case for this. Since the building project was revealed back in 2021, Bentley, together with partner, luxury property specialist Dezer Development, has announced exciting new features that make the apartments in the residential complex the ultimate luxury maison to retire to every day or relax in during vacations.

First, Bentley said that each of the 216 apartments would include a generous view of the Atlantic Ocean via floor-to-ceiling windows that have the added advantage of bringing in as much light as possible. But since constantly viewing the outdoors from inside is never enough, “expansive balconies, each with its own private, heated swimming pool” were added so that residents get a chance to actually enjoy the open air when they get tired of staying indoors without leaving their condos.

However, high-rise luxury beachfront apartments are probably a dime a dozen in Miami, so Bentley decided to sweeten the deal. While you may not find this added feature altogether necessary, the fact that it even exists is a very good indicator of the kind of innovation that would be present everywhere in the apartment complex. The feature? The ‘Dezervator’, a patented elevator that takes you and your car directly from the lobby to your floor.

If you’re still reeling from this last information, Bentley is here to keep you grounded with other more commonplace, shared amenities such as a wellness centre and a spa; a games room complete with VR headsets, simulators for golf and driving (of course!), and, a cigar lounge and restaurant for relaxing and entertainment.

But as you may have noticed, luxury and ordinary do not generally mix well, which is why the auto brand has now decided to throw in yet another bespoke offering: residents at the Bentley Residences Miami will be able to exclusively enjoy dishes from chef Todd English. The celebrity chef has joined the concept as a partner to deliver “seasonal menus that will make dining at Bentley Residences a joy for residents and their guests.” Although the restaurant will be for residents only, it will also be available for private catering and poolside dining.

If you’re not already sold on the idea of getting an apartment at the Bentley Residences Miami, don’t worry: with everything on offer so far, it is safe to say that the British automaker still has more exclusive features coming up to help you make up your mind. Thankfully, the building is set to open in 2026, so there is still plenty of time to explore its many amenities while you come to a decision.

The post Fancy an Apartment at Bentley Residences in Miami? first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Fancy an Apartment at Bentley Residences in Miami? appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The living room is usually the first place visitors get to see when they come in, and sometimes, its ambience can set the tone for the rest of the house. The Christmas/New Year holiday is usually a time for families to get together, and instead of planning a party for both days, how about veering off a bit from tradition and getting the whole family to partake in your luxury living room revamp project?

Whether or not you choose to do it this holiday season, here are some great tips to consider for a DIY living room renovation

Go monochrome

Black and white, when mixed creatively, can endow on any piece a look of sophistication.

If you’re looking to give your living room that high-end look, simply introduce a black-and-white colour scheme and allow all the design elements, including walls, flooring, furniture and accents feature both colours in different tones and shades.

But also remember that monochrome is more than black and white. If these are not your kind of colours, then choose one that you absolutely love and pick shades and tones in this colour to give you the look you want

Vintage is always welcome

Does anything really go out of fashion?

Maybe, but when it comes to home decor, vintage is always welcome.

If you have inherited antiques that mean a lot to you, you can include them in your decor, no matter what they are. Silk scarves can be framed and hung on the wall; ceramic dish sets can be placed in a cupboard with a glass door and even gilded mirrors can be placed on a strategic spot on the wall.

Even if you do not have any family heirlooms to display, there are always stores dealing in vintages that would have something lovely for your living room.

Turn on the lights … with style

It’s not just enough to slap lights at different points in the living room. If you’re looking to convert this space to a truly luxurious room, go for layered lighting including ambient, task and decor lighting.

Also, per Mali Langa, ‘a statement chandelier is a fantastic lighting moment’ that must be included. The chandelier does not have to be extravagant to make a statement, but it should be interesting enough to give the living room character and maybe start a conversation.

Art, but make it big

A single, large unique piece of art in a strategic spot screams ‘luxury’ more than a dozen artworks scattered everywhere.

As for the strategic spot, choose one behind your couch or on a side wall of your living room.

Complete the look with luxe textiles

What is more luxurious than soft, beautiful, plush textiles? Use luxe fabrics like velvet, boucle or mohair for your furniture upholstery, cushions, throws and even rugs to soften the overall look and infuse even more luxury into your living room.

Now that you have all these tips, go ahead and get started on your DIY living room luxury revamp this holiday season, or anytime you are ready!

The post This Holiday, DIY Your Living Room into A Luxury Haven first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post This Holiday, DIY Your Living Room into A Luxury Haven appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Apparently, this question was top of the list for designers of Somnio, the world’s first ‘yacht liner.’ The epic vessel not only spans a staggering 728 feet, it offers 39 luxury apartments ready for well-heeled seafarers to live out their own lavish aquatic life.

Designed by Winch Design in partnership with Tillberg Design, the residential gigayacht wants to offer you a combination of the best parts of superyacht living and the services and amenities of the finest five-star hotels.

Spread across six decks, the 33,500 GT vessel will become the largest superyacht in the world by both length and volume when she hits the seas in mid-2024, according to a statement released earlier.

The build, which is expected to cost in the ballpark of $600 million, will be carried out by Norwegian yard Vard under the watchful eye of Somnio co-founder Captain Erik Bredhe. Bredhe previously helmed The World, the only other residential vessel at sea.

Announcing its launch, Captain Erik Bredhe said: “Somnio will be the only residential superyacht in the world and has been designed to exacting standards that are commensurate with a life of opportunity. Owners will share a truly unique lifestyle at sea, with a hand-picked crew and a never-ending global itinerary of carefully selected destinations and experiences befitting a yacht of this nature.”

The exclusive condos, which start from $11.2 million, will be available by invitation or referral only, and the identity of each new owner will remain a “tightly guarded secret.” In addition to that privacy, those on board will live in the lap of luxury.

Each apartment is fully customizable and can be outfitted with multiple cabins, plus a well-appointed kitchen, gym, library and walk-in wardrobe. They will also offer indoor/outdoor dining spaces for entertaining.

On top of that, Somnio comes with spectacular shared amenities. Owners will have access to a remarkable 10,000-bottle wine cellar and tasting room, along with a spate of restaurants and bars. A highlight is the lounge in the ship’s bow, which will reportedly offer “spectacular views” while under sail. Elsewhere, there’s a sprawling beach club complete with water-sports facilities as well as myriad pools on the main deck.

Naturally, there is a full concierge service to cater to your needs on land and at sea. There is also world-class medical care available onboard to keep the crew and residents safe and healthy.

Residents abroad Somnio will be able to explore the four corners of the globe from the Mediterranean to Antarctica with unlimited access to unimaginable experiences whilst enjoying the true intimacy of private yacht ownership with added ability to share a unique life with like-minded owners and friends with whom to explore the world.

Somnio will also be equipped with advanced research instruments that scientists and marine experts will use to explore the various ocean environments, and update owners on pressing environmental and philanthropic issues.

Source: Robb Report

The post Gigantic Superyacht Outfitted with 39 Luxury Condos Could be Home first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Gigantic Superyacht Outfitted with 39 Luxury Condos Could be Home appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.