You might be a travel veteran, but it doesn’t mean you find trends completely useless, especially if it feels like you’ve done it all. Per Mckinsey, only 17 per cent of respondents out of 5,000 surveyed said they use a travel agent. Others rely on family and friends, search engines and social media to plan their trips, which means you’re more likely to follow trends even when it is done unconsciously.

Now, whether or not you care about what’s hot on the travel scene or not, here are some interesting suggestions from vacationers worldwide that appear to have provided real value for their money and time. Maybe you’ll find them useful, maybe not. But ultimately, they are worth checking out for the kind of excitement they promise to bring to your trip, whether you are going solo or in a group.

Exploring the stars at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Hawaii might not top the list of the best luxury travel destinations, but, like everywhere in the world, it offers some unique, unforgettable experiences. Like the Four Seasons Resort Maui Unforgettable Experiences.

The resort promises a range of activities, from exploring a local town and its sights to going on a coffee-tasting date. The Wayfinder Journey, however, is perhaps its most unique package, because it takes you on an educational exploration of the Southern Cross, a constellation that can only be spotted in Hawaii. You would be taught everything from its cultural significance to the local community, to learning how to use it as a navigation tool when you’re out on the waters. And because celestial navigation is quite the work, you would end your course with a multi-course meal by Four Seasons Maui Chef Samual Taganeca onboard the catamaran.

Activate your five senses with Ker & Downey Africa’s Five Senses Experience

It is very easy to think Africa = Safari, but, just like Ker & Downey is out to prove, there is so much more to this continent that is extremely rich in culture and tradition, than rare and exciting animals.

For its newest travel itinerary in South Africa, the safari company has put together a range of activities that will engage each sense — sight, taste, smell, sound, and touch — through bespoke and highly exclusive experiences that can be tailored to meet the needs of each guest.

For 12-14 days, guests will move through South Africa and Madagascar, stopping at carefully selected destinations like the Ellerman House whose in-house gallery would engage their sense of sight via a unique art experience; La Colombe, a globally-recognised contemporary restaurant whose French and Asian dishes would activate visitors’ taste buds like never before; Babylonstoren, a historic Cape Dutch farm bursting with vegetables and fruits of such rich aromas that would be hard for any nose to miss; the Singita Ebony Lodge where the sounds of the animals and wilderness provide a lovely backdrop to an unbeatable safari experience, and, the Miavana Island Nosy Ankoa, Madagascar where guests can let go on the soft pillow of beautiful white sands with the gentle breeze from the ocean caressing every nook and crevice of their skins under the gentle warmth of the sun.

Going on a wellness-infused tour of Asia via the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train

If you’ve never tried a luxury train vacation before, perhaps it is time to, especially with the launch of the Dior Spa on the Eastern & Oriental Express.

Having a luxury spa experience onboard a train is not something you’d normally expect, so this is definitely one to try out. A range of rejuvenating and relaxing spa treatments abound, like the Asian-inspired D-Jungle signature treatment, the Constellation tension-releasing massage, and the luxurious Kobi-Dior facial treatment. Dior would also have its Prestige skincare range available for purchase so that you can keep up a luxury care routine long after the journey has ended.

Learning to cook like the experts at the Royal Mansour Marrakech

Not only is the Royal Mansour one of the top luxury hotels in Morocco, it is now angling to have one of the best culinary workshops in the Kingdom of Light.

When you’re done exploring the bustling beauty of Marrakech, come home to the Royal Mansour and learn how to cook under the expert guidance of the hotel’s Michelin-star culinary team. And, when you’re done with the cooking workshop, you can move on to the patisserie and mixology workshops for a complete crash course on making the perfect 3-course meal.

Enjoy a deluxe spa experience at the One&Only Resorts in Rwanda

Guests will still get to engage in the different activities available in the One&Only Rwanda OneEscape programme, but now, they can go home to relaxing spa treatments using traditional healing practices and local products.

At Nyungwe House, new signature spa treatments draw inspiration from the therapeutic properties of tea while spa treatments at Gorilla’s Nest are based on eucalyptus and chocolate which pay tribute to the forest the lodge is immersed in. Yoga and meditation sessions, as well as, fitness facilities complete this wellness package that is enhanced by the surrounding forest and hills.

The post Discover Some Top Unique Luxury Experiences to Explore on Your Next Vacation first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Discover Some Top Unique Luxury Experiences to Explore on Your Next Vacation appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Rather than simply listing cities, monuments, and must-see attractions in this traditional North African gem, I invite you to join me as I reminisce about my recent unforgettable 5-day vacation in the Kingdom of Light. I recommend that you grab a cold drink first to be able to keep up, as I packed in A LOT into this 5-day trip!

Day 1: Arriving in Casablanca

Our Moroccan adventure began in Casablanca, where we arrived at noon on June 1st. I had deliberately chosen to keep my eyes and mind open, free of preconceived ideas, so I could truly explore with fresh eyes. My first impression of Casablanca was that it was charming and sophisticated, a city where ancient Moroccan culture coexists perfectly with modernity.

After clearing immigration, we were warmly welcomed by the Moroccan Tourism Board, who escorted us to a luxury bus that would be our primary mode of transportation for the remainder of our trip

Tip: If you’re considering group travel to Morocco, skip the taxis and opt for a luxury bus and chauffeur. It adds a unique flair to the entire trip.

We arrived at our first hotel, a stunning 5-star establishment in the heart of Casablanca. Once settled, we were whisked to the hotel’s spa for our first Moroccan experience: a rejuvenating hammam session at the spa.

Tip: When you visit Morocco,  make sure a visit to a hammam is on your list.

Our first day ended with delicious cocktails on the hotel’s rooftop, where a DJ played Nigerian songs in the background— as everyone bopped and swayed to the beats. It was a nice feeling that made our evening even more special.

Day 2: Exploring Tangier

Day 2 began with a quiet but quick breakfast at 7 AM, as we had an early departure for Tangier. By 8:15 AM, we were at la Gare de Casa, the train station, ready for our 2-hour trip to Tangier. While a 7-hour road trip sounds appealing, it would have disrupted our itinerary, so we opted for the faster train option.

We arrived in Tangier just before noon, and the welcome in Tangier was quite different from Casablanca’s floral greeting. Here, we were served mint tea and traditional Moroccan sweets by staff dressed in traditional attire.

Our guided tour took us to several popular spots, including the Cape Spartel Lighthouse, the Petit Socco, the Kasbah, and the Medina. One thing that stood out was the uniformity in design. Our guide explained that Moroccan craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the culture and preserved through generations. The intricate designs in a newly-built 5-star hotel could be identical to those in a historical museum like Dar Niaba. While it might seem monotonous after a while, appreciating the hand-crafted details that have endured through the ages gives you a deep respect for this cultural heritage.

Our tour included a visit to the spice and herbal section of the market, where we could choose spices and herbs for customised medicine, skincare products, and perfumes. Watching the skilled men, mostly in their late 50s and 60s, quickly formulate products using techniques passed down through generations was a testament to the rich cultural preservation alive in this ancient kingdom.

Our day ended with a drive through the vibrant town to a charming restaurant, where we indulged in Moroccan delicacies and wine, ending our second day on a delightful note.

Day 3: Enchanted by Chefchaouen

With our tour of Tangier complete, we journeyed to Chefchaouen, known as The Blue Pearl. This enchanting city, with its thirteen gates and predominantly blue colour scheme, is a sight to behold!

Seeing the city in pictures is one thing; but standing on its cobbled streets, basking in the brilliance of the sun, and taking in the stunning scenery is a completely different affair. The blue and white hues make you feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate universe. The architecture, the people, and the vibrant atmosphere bring the city to life, making you feel instantly invigorated.

In Chefchaouen, we experienced our first Moroccan wedding, which was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever attended. Everything from the clothing and jewellery to the oud songs sung by the women celebrating the bride was remarkable and decadent. It made me wish I were more than just a spectator!

It was also in Chefchaouen that I tasted my first tagine, a delectable beef-filled dish that I won’t forget soon …

Day 4: The Road to Marrakech

We bid farewell to the enchanting city of Chefchaouen in the morning and embarked on a journey to Marrakech via Tangier and Casablanca. This was my first opportunity to experience a Moroccan road trip, and I can assure you, it did not disappoint. The scenic drive showcased the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture of Morocco, making it an unforgettable experience. 

Tip: When you visit Morocco, be sure to include a road trip in your itinerary.

Day 5: Farewell Adventures in Morocco

Our vacation in the Kingdom of Light was coming to an end, and we decided to pack in as much fun as possible before our departure scheduled for later in the evening.

We started the day at 5:45 AM with a hot air balloon ride, hoping to catch the sunrise. If you’ve never tried hot air ballooning, it’s a must-do. Initially, you might cling on for dear life, but as you ascend, fear gives way to sheer exhilaration, and you’ll wonder why you were ever afraid.

After touching back down, we were off for some quad biking. At this point, we were fearless and eager for more adventure. I opted to ride with a guide, but if you’re more daring, you can ride solo. Don’t worry, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary safety gear, and help is always nearby in case of emergencies.

As if quad biking wasn’t thrilling enough, we thereafter hopped on camels for a more traditional experience. This slightly hair-raising adventure is one I recommend if you’ve never tried it; I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

Having had our fill of adrenaline, we returned to our hotel to freshen up before heading back out for one last exploration: the Museum of Confluences, Dar El Bacha. The museum offered a feast for the senses with its stunning architecture, intricate wall, ceiling, and floor designs, exquisite woodwork, and a coffee shop featuring beans from around the world that brew for a minimum of two hours. (Yes, you read that right. Two hours.)

Alas! All good things must come to an end, and soon it was time to pack our things and head back home. As we were chauffeured to the airport, I felt waves of bittersweet emotions. While I was happy to be returning home, I didn’t want the magical Moroccan experience to end. This just means I’ll be back again soon, because as anyone who has been will tell you, 5 days is grossly inadequate to take in its beauty.

Tip: You simply must visit Morocco – The Kingdom Of Light!

The post Want to Visit Morocco? Here’s How I Did It in 5 Days! first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Want to Visit Morocco? Here’s How I Did It in 5 Days! appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Morocco is truly one African nation to explore if you haven’t done so already. Not only is it choke-full of interesting places to visit — Morocco is famous for preserving ancient traditions in every aspect of their lives from architecture to food, and even style — but there are so many things to do and see that we daresay a 2-week stay is barely enough to get acquainted with whatever city you choose to visit, talk less of the entire country.

Fresh from our Moroccan trip, here are some places that really intrigued us and we believe offer a good starting point to an exploration of the Kingdom of Light.

The Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

Very cliché in terms of where to visit, but if it’s your first time in the country, it pays to start with a popular and important landmark as it serves as a great foundation of what to expect on your Moroccan adventure.

The storied mosque that took about seven years to build and thousands of hours of labour features mostly local materials and craftsmanship. Its strategic position by the Atlantic Ocean and just a little above it adds further appeal to its magnificent size and impressive craftsmanship.

Thousands of stories and articles on one of the largest mosques in the world with one of the world’s longest minarets abound, and it can almost feel like you’ve been there without having actually ever visited. But, unlike other popular tourist destinations, it is truly one place you must see for yourself to fully understand how beautiful and special it is.

Hammam

Whether you are in Marrakesh (Marrakech if you prefer) or Casablanca, the one activity you cannot afford to miss is the traditional Moroccan Hammam, which is why it gets a special place on this list.

The Hammam is basically a spa experience that starts in a dry hot room, then moves on to a hot, steamy room, which then gives way to a bathing room, and ends in the resting room, or, in some cases, goes on to yet another room, the massage parlour, where you receive a full body massage that melts away whatever stubborn stress might remain after this truly blissful experience.  You’d thoroughly enjoy the amenities and treatment from seasoned practitioners with decades of expertise using centuries-old local Moroccan practices, soaps and oils.

Tangier

For most visitors, Casablanca may not have much to offer beyond the Hassan II Mosque and other smaller tourist attractions, but not Tangier.  This ancient medina, which is the meeting point of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, is the perfect place for limitless exploration, and when you want, blissful relaxation.

Tangier is a  7-hour road trip from Casablanca, but, to get there faster, a 2-hour train ride from La Gare Casa would suffice.

Once there, you can choose to explore the Kasbah, a historic fortress and palace, housing the Dar Niaba museum, which showcases the city’s history and cultural artefacts. Or, if you would rather just sit back and take in the city, the Petit Socco, also known as Souk Dakhli, is the place to go. The Grand Socco, on the other hand, is a vibrant, bustling public square, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops, so should you get bored, you can easily hit the stores to buy everything from clothes and shoes and even prepare your unique body oil with whatever herbs, seeds and nuts of your choice.

The Cape Spartel Lighthouse is one landmark you do not want to miss while you’re in Tangier. Situated at the northwestern tip of Africa, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge, this historic lighthouse, built in 1864, stands majestically on a rocky promontory, its shining bright beam guiding ships and travellers alike.

The Lighthouse is not only a marvel of engineering but also a sacred site, mentioned in the Qur’an and the epic poem, Ulysses by Homer. In the former, it is called the ‘Ras al-Tubul,’ marking the western extremity of the known world while Ulysses describes it as the ‘Pillar of Hercules,’ symbolizing the gateway between Europe and Africa.

Chefchaouen

You’ve probably heard about the picturesque blue town of Morocco, but Chefchaouen is more than its blue-and-white aesthetic. Its rich history, intentional architecture that preserves decades-old tradition and culture, and, very traditional cuisine that includes the tagine, a slow-cooked stew, all come together to make for a truly authentic, luxury experience like no other.

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a fortress to resist Portuguese invasions. The blue you see everywhere is intentional, as, in Moroccan culture, the colour is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring peace. This beautiful fortified medina, with its twelve gates and narrow streets, offers the best of Moroccan warmth and hospitality, and even if you do not get to visit other popular cities like Marrakech and Tangier, the one place you absolutely do not want to miss on your first visit is the very beautiful, very traditional, and very charming city of Chefchaouen.

Marrakech

Last on our list is Marrakech, and honestly, if the theme of your vacation is ‘busy days and countless media,’ Marrakech should probably be the starting point of your Morrocan adventure.

There’s so much to do and see that a week in Marrakech would probably be grossly inadequate. From the museums — like the Dar El Bacha, La Musée des Confluences — to the souks, to the public buildings open to tourists, to the different tourist activities like quad biking and camel riding, you’d never run out of things to do and places to see. Also, the architecture and craftwork, especially in the Medina, is simply stunning and breathtakingly beautiful.

Even if your goal is to have a very peaceful Moroccan vacation, it would not hurt to add Marrakech to your list of places to visit, even if it is just for a day or two. The experience would definitely be worth it.

The post First Time In Morocco? Here are Some Must-See Destinations and Activities to Consider first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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This holistic mindset highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to weight management. This addresses not just physical aspects but also psychological and environmental factors.

With this refined perspective, let’s explore the type of factors influencing weight and the sophisticated strategies available to address them:

The Role of Genes

Obesity which is a chronic condition characterized by excess weight, has deep genetic roots, as numerous genes are intricately linked to obesity. One particularly noteworthy gene is the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO), present in approximately 43% of the population. The high-risk variant of FTO can elevate the risk of obesity by up to 70%.

However, the influence of genetics on obesity is not absolute and can be significantly altered by environmental factors. Physical activity, for instance, has been shown to mitigate the effects of the common FTO variant. Similarly, diets low in fat and high in protein may be beneficial. Genetic testing provides valuable insights into an individual’s genetic makeup and the presence of the FTO gene. This knowledge is crucial for mental preparation and planning personalized diets and exercise regimens, making the weight loss journey more effective and tailored to one’s unique genetic profile.

Hormones Influence Hunger and Satiety

Practising self-control can be challenging in an environment filled with readily accessible indulgent foods. This challenge could be compounded by hormones that regulate hunger and satiety, such as ghrelin, leptin, and glucagon-like peptide 1, which communicate between the brain and stomach to influence appetite and fullness. When levels of these hormones become abnormal or uncontrolled, perceived hunger increases, often leading to overeating.

The effective management of these hormones involves sophisticated strategies that promote mindful, healthy eating and stress reduction. Crafting and enjoying customized, nourishing meals help maintain consistent, healthy dietary habits. Additionally, staying hydrated, indulging in luxurious spa treatments, and engaging in meditative activities are excellent ways to reduce stress.

Recent medical advancements have also introduced prescription weight-loss medications that aid in controlling hunger. These medications, prescribed by medical professionals and combined with lifestyle changes, have led to significant weight loss for many individuals, transforming lives across the US and other parts of the world.

Metabolism Mastery

The concept of basal metabolic rate (BMR) is a cornerstone in the science of weight management. BMR represents the body’s energy at rest to sustain essential functions such as blood circulation, respiration, and cellular repair. It accounts for approximately 50-80% of the body’s daily energy expenditure. Various factors, including medical conditions, lean muscle mass, age, biological sex, and physical activity, influence BMR.

To enhance BMR and achieve positive metabolic outcomes, it is essential to have refined lifestyle habits. Tailored exercise regimens, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cardio workouts, are designed to sculpt, tone, and increase lean muscle mass, thereby boosting BMR. Additionally, curating meals that are rich in protein, and incorporating fat-burning ingredients and beverages like green tea can further support weight loss and metabolic health.

The Mind-Body Connection

Mental health is an integral element of holistic well-being, providing the energy, motivation, and vitality needed to pursue physical health. Mental health disturbances, such as depression, anxiety, or high-stress situations, could complicate weight management.

Cultivating a positive mental landscape enhances health-conscious decision-making and lowers stress hormone levels. Daily practices such as meditation, self-compassion, and mindful eating are essential for maintaining mental health. Achieving restful sleep is also crucial and can be enhanced through luxurious sleep environments, relaxing spa treatments, bespoke sleep concierge services, and exclusive sleep retreats or programs.

Social Network for Support

As social beings, we thrive when surrounded by the right influences and environments. A robust support system is crucial for a successful weight loss journey, providing essential medical support for health conditions, mental support for a positive mindset, and social support for motivation and accountability.

A wealth of resources is available to tailor your weight loss experience, including health coaches, gourmet chefs, personal trainers, and medical professionals. For those seeking group support, specialized weight loss programs offer valuable peer connections and have proven to deliver exceptional results.

The post 5 Biological and Psychological Factors Linked to Obesity first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post 5 Biological and Psychological Factors Linked to Obesity appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

In recent years, they have become a sort of side project for major luxury brands, including auto brands like Aston Martin, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and more recently, Mercedes Benz, all of whom have completed or are constructing luxury skyscrapers and complexes in different parts of the world.

Porsche too has taken this path, but its recent project with Austrian timber construction specialist, GRIFFNER, has seen it veer off into exciting territory that may signal the start of a new era for luxury auto-branded residential projects.

The Floating House: A Studio F. A. Porsche x GRIFFNER Exclusive Project

Over the years, prefabricated homes have been praised for their ability to be energy efficient, cheaper (due to reduced labour costs) and faster to construct, among other benefits. However, for different reasons, most tend to be rather compact, making them unattractive to homeowners seeking a much larger space.

Porsche and GRIFFNER seem to have managed to overcome this challenge.

The Floating House — the name of the Porsche-designed Prefab for GRIFFNER – is a two-storey modular residential home that gets its name from the hand-applied black glass tiles that encompass the entire exterior of the ground floor, making it almost invisible and giving the impression that the first floor is floating on air. Because it is modular, endless possibilities for customisation and extension exist, thus allowing the house to break free from the space constraints that typically keep prefabs small.

Outside, glass and wood are the major materials used in the construction of the Floating House, and these continue their domination inside, from the floor-to-ceiling windows to the glass and wooden floating stairs, wooden floors and glass and wooden fixtures everywhere. The rooms measure up to 5.58 metres in height and are open-plan, making them appear even larger than they originally are.

On the ground floor are the living room, a formal dining room, an open kitchen with a breakfast bar, and a games room that comes equipped with the 247 billiard table. Upstairs are the bedrooms with large terraces for even more space.

Per Porsche, “Only authentic and sustainable materials of the highest quality, such as wood and glass, are used. The Floating House features other design highlights created by Studio F. A. Porsche from brands such as Duravit (Qatego bathroom series), LIGHT-POINT (INLAY and BLADE lighting collection), [and] HAFI (Premium Design door handles).”

How much does the Floating House cost?

Because of its modular design, you can get the Floating House in whatever size you want, including two such modules attached. The smallest version is 180 square meters (1,937 square feet) and costs €1.17 million. Any expansion to this size or further customisation would drive prices upwards, although it is not immediately clear how much this would be. Porsche says that the shell is completed in about two weeks, but the home is ready to be occupied within five to seven months, depending on the level of customisation involved.

An apartment in a branded skyscraper might not be everyone’s cup of tea, even if the brands insist that they offer the utmost luxury and privacy anyone can ever wish for. But a prefabricated home? Now, that’s entirely different, and considering that Porsche and GRIFFNER are promising endless customisation options for the Floating House that do not sacrifice luxury, branded prefabricated luxury homes might be the next hot real estate project for other luxury auto brands soon.

The post The Floating House by Porsche and GRIFFNER Might Just be the Home for You first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post The Floating House by Porsche and GRIFFNER Might Just be the Home for You appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Before you say, ‘Oh, I’ve been!’, you may want to consider that this isn’t like anything you’ve done before. Or, have you ever gone on a women-only, themed trip? If your answer is no, and this is something you’ve always wanted to do, then it is time you learned of Tuscan Break.

Tuscan Break is the brainchild of Liz Bomben, an international makeup artist who fell in love in Italy when she first visited back in 1987. After several trips, Bomben decided that she wanted other women like her to explore the region in relative comfort and safety, and thus, the idea was born.

Crafted for women over 35, the all-inclusive, week-long homestay experience caters to just five to six guests at a time and can be customised to accommodate special occasions such as birthdays or reunions. Guests will enjoy a truly immersive Tuscan holiday instead of a non-personal, touristy experience. Each homestay will expose visitors to the intricacies of local food, culture, leisure and landscapes, and will comprise authentic Italian experiences, from sipping drinks in the Piazza or people-watching on market day, to sunset rounds of bocce, wine tastings and cooking classes. A stroll through the picturesque villages with gelato in hand is also on the itinerary.

Other perks include transfers from the Florence train station to the homestead and back; daily breakfast and five lunches (for a seven-night stay); cooking classes; wine and olive oil tastings at local wineries, and, village tours. Guests who will be staying at Tuscan Break from September 2 to 9, 2024 can choose to participate in the annual wine festival in Greve, Chianti, while food writer and photographer Emma Bickley will also be joining several homestays throughout 2024 to provide insights into the culinary arts.

If a very local Tuscan holiday in the company of other women sounds like your idea of fun, then you should head over to Tuscan Break’s website to make an enquiry.

Source: Signature Luxury Travel & Style

The post Tuscan Break is Promising A True Italian Vacation for Women Only first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Tuscan Break is Promising A True Italian Vacation for Women Only appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The Arcadia is undoubtedly a beautiful car, both inside and out. And although there is no mention of the powertrain of this exquisite beauty, we can only guess that it is in line with other models in the Droptail series: a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V-12. Which in itself is just as impressive as all the other details that the British auto brand chose to share.

But it makes you wonder why. Why would the brand ignore seemingly important details to focus on the number of hours it took to make the most distinguishable feature of the car, the woodwork, which runs from the rear deck all the way to the fascia?

Sales really is a numbers game

In the world of luxury, what a product can do, and how well it performs is just as important as the hours of labour that went into its production.

Or at least that is what mentioning the number of hours, minutes or seconds that went into a product/feature appears to be about. By highlighting the fact that it took over 4 years from the date of request to the day of commission, and that, more than one of these 4+ years was spent on just selecting and fitting the wood into the car, with an additional 1,000 hours spent testing how the specially-lacquered wood held up to different extreme weather conditions, Rolls Royce wants future clients to know that the Arcadia is not just another luxury vehicle, and at the Maison,  perfection is not an illusion.

It is the same strategy other luxury brands use. For example, simply stating that a Birkin is made from the finest Togo leather is not as powerful as saying that it took x number of hours to select the right leather and work it to fit a standard Birkin.

The value of luxury goods depends strongly on the process used to bring it to life

One of the reasons why mined diamonds are more expensive than lab-grown diamonds is the number of hours it takes to produce a single diamond in both processes. A single lab-grown diamond can take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks, while one mined diamond can take a whooping 6 months to process from the day it was extracted from the earth.

The thousands of hours it took to make the Arcadia a reality is why coach-built vehicles cost as much as they do. The media has speculated that the Arcadia Droptail costs at least $30 million and when you consider that building just one part took a little over a year, it makes sense.

It isn’t only the woodwork production time in the Arcadia Droptail that gets an honourable mention

Remember La Rose Noire and the Amethyst, the two bespoke Droptails that well, dropped last year? Recall that both of them had detachable timepieces: an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph for La Rose Noire and a one-of-one Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon for the Amethyst.

Well, this time around, per the client’s request definitely, Rolls Royce manufactured its own dashboard clock and made sure to mention it as well. Here’s how the British auto brand says it: it “is the most complex Rolls-Royce clock face ever created: the assembly alone was a five-month process, which was preceded by more than two years of development.”

So yes, it took 8,000+ hours to choose, design and protect the wood on the Rolls Royce Arcadia Droptail, as well as thousands of hours to develop and assemble the dashboard clock. Not to mention, the entire project lasted for over 4 years. And there is only one reason why we know all this: in the world of luxury, the devil is in the details.

The post The Woodwork on the Newly-Commissioned Rolls Royce Arcadia Took 8000 Hours. Why? first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post The Woodwork on the Newly-Commissioned Rolls Royce Arcadia Took 8000 Hours. Why? appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Hennessy launched In The Paint back in 2021 to foster community development through a blend of art and sports. So far, seven courts have been unveiled and are in use all over the world from Nigeria to Ghana, Tanzania to South Africa, Barbados, Mexico and Hong Kong. By bringing Joakim Noah on board, Hennessy hopes to move from just building physical structures that local communities can enjoy, but establishing programmes that would also elevate and empower its members.

Noah is no stranger to sports and arts. The former basketball star who is renowned for his grit and tenacity on the court, as well as his contribution towards his teams’ successes has been busy since his retirement in 2021. His personal project, the Noah’s Arc Foundation (which he co-founded with his mother, artist Cécilia Rodhe) combines arts and sports to help people living in underserved areas discover who they really are outside of the physical realities they live and deal with. He is also heavily involved in other initiatives like the One City Basketball League in Chicago, the Basketball Africa League, and, the NBA.

This October, Joakim Noah came to Lagos, Nigeria to launch the latest Hennessy In The Paint basketball court located in VGC Lagos. We sat down with him to talk about his life and pursuits and find out more about this new initiative.

In conversation with Joakim Noah begins now …

ALM: You come from a strong professional athletic family. Did this in any way pressure you into sports?

JN: I don’t think it pressured me into sports. I think sports is what I’ve always wanted; basketball is what I’ve wanted. And I was blessed to see … at a young age, I was able to see my father train. And you know, just being in that kind of environment, it definitely shaped me. So I knew what it takes, the sacrifices it takes to become a professional athlete. And it’s not easy.

So I’m happy that, even though that part of my life is over now, it’s [now] about mentoring and partnering with the right people and building infrastructure.

ALM: What has been the downside of coming from such a strong, athletic background?

JN: Downside? No! I am living out my dream. Ever since I was a kid, my goal was to become a professional basketball player and I was able to do that. Now, it’s about transforming my experience into inspiring the youth, and, being able to partner with initiatives like In The Paint and Hennessy and big platforms like this only make the work easier because they are building the right infrastructure for these kids.

ALM: With the type of work you’ve been doing with different brands (the NBA and BAL (Basketball Africa League) to develop basketball as a sport, what has been the greatest achievement(s) for you so far?

JN: The biggest achievement has definitely been investing in the NBA African League … because a lot of these initiatives, especially when I was younger, as a player [did not exist and] I was alone. And you know, that’s always tough. So just connecting with the right people [has been great] but I think, so far the one that I am most proud of is the [court] that we built in Cameroon on my great-grandfather’s land.

So, we built a beautiful court and the team – we have a local team – just made it to division 1 last week. Being able to partner with these initiatives like In the Paint is only going to make it better. We’re just trying to grow basketball in the continent as much as possible and all around the world.

ALM: What is it about sports (basketball) that keeps you coming back? How important, in your own perspective, is sports in character and career development?

JN: Well, I think that basketball gave me the opportunity to live out my dream, so I think that these are things that kids can really explore on the continent. I think we’re still in the early stages when it comes to basketball. So the more we can highlight basketball and put the light on basketball, the more the kids will be inspired. And the more we grow the game, the more opportunities will come for people on the continent. I think that’s what it’s all about.

ALM: So apart from the opportunities, how do you think basketball can help with career development and personal improvement on the continent for our people? 

JN: I think that basketball is not only about becoming a professional basketball player. It’s the whole ecosystem around it that you can learn from. The values from the game are so important. The team building — you know, when you’re working for a company, you’re not going to be alone, it’s not just going to be your thoughts. So, it’s about teaching people how to work together, so I think that using sports to build communities makes so much sense because it’s the ultimate unifier. When I think of the top unifiers, I think of music and I think of sports. So, not everybody is going to be a musician, not everybody is going to be an artist, not everybody is going to be a top basketball player, but the values you can get from it can help you in the next endeavour.

ALM: Now that you’ve put it this way, with the basketball team you’re building in Cameroon, what are the things you’ve seen that make you think, ‘this was a good thing to do?’

JN: Well, I just see the growth; I see the talent is growing. I see it’s going to be the year for the NBA Africa league, so I see the top players playing on the continent, on government investment. I see government investment in different countries: Congo is building stadiums; Rwanda just built a beautiful stadium, Senegal – the NBAs just made a big investment with the academies. Our goal is to build an academy in Cameroon.

So I just see basketball really growing on the continent. Not only can we bring the people together through basketball, but I think that we can also add workshops and really localise some of the things to make the communities better. I think a great way to do it is to bring the youths into sports initiatives.

ALM: Sometimes we focus too much on the players, forgetting that there is an entire ecosystem: you have the referees, you have the coaches, you have the physiotherapists and all of that. What are the plans for people like that to come and support the court and actual players?

JN: Well, I’ll give you an example. There is a kid in Cameroon who really had the ambition and dreams to play in the NBA. So he was posting videos of him playing basketball. And he would go viral all the time because of the structures which were very limited. And he was doing whatever it takes. We were able to use him as an influencer in the BAL and utilise his platform to kinda help grow the sport [locally].

So I think what is beautiful is the relationships that you build during these community events, and then you can incentivise the kids as well: OK you guys come in, this is more than just a basketball tournament. We are not here to find an NBA player. This is about building and coming together, having a good time, and seeing what kinds of relationships you can make out of it.

ALM: What was the one principle you applied while playing professionally that you can say contributed greatly to your success?

JN: I think a line I always go with is, “Humble yourself or the game will humble you” because a lot of the time, people come and think they’re the best because they’re the best in their region but you’re always going to find somebody who is better than you. You’re always going to be in a position where somebody might dunk on you and embarrass you on the court. But you have to move back quickly. So it’s important to have a humble soul and just live in the moment.

ALM: So what is one special moment you look back and think, “I’m glad that I did that?”

JN: Well, I was just saying that when I built my court in Cameroon this is something that took a long time, that was not easy, you know, just bringing all the resources from America and bringing it to Cameroon and getting that kind of access was very hard. But, when it got done, to be able to go home – see, the court is near my grandmother’s school that she had built 65 years ago, still going on today – it’s something I’m very proud of. This is my responsibility. I was able to build a court, my father was able to build a tennis court, and my grandmother built a school … this is all part of our roots and our tradition.

ALM: What is it about the In the Paint and all these collaborations that made you think it is a good fit for you?

JN: I think that this initiative with In the Paint and Hennessy makes a lot of sense to me. Art and sports are the main things about my foundation. So I think this initiative makes a lot of sense because I see them using local artists to build the courts, and expression is something that is very important for us. So I just think this partnership came very organically. I’m really excited to go to the court today and feel it out and see the vibes and then we go from there because at the end of the day, I work with the NBA and to have a partnership like this that focuses on sports and arts. It was just a no-brainer.

ALM: Are you an artist in any way? Do you draw, do you paint? Do you sculpt?

JN: My mother is an artist. My initiatives were a lot in the city of Chicago, so my mum does sculptures with the kids; it’s art therapy. And I understand how therapeutic sports and arts can be. I really believe in these core values, and I think that’s why I’m here.

ALM: What is the toughest challenge you faced in your basketball career? How did you overcome it?

JN: Honestly, there were a lot of highs, and there were a lot of lows. It was a career that I wouldn’t trade for anything — you know, I played at the highest level against Lebron James and Giannis and all these great players. I also played with the youngest MVP, Derrick Rose, playing for one of the most prestigious teams in the world, the Chicago Bulls, but it wasn’t easy. There were suspensions and some tough moments: losing is hard sometimes. You know, I was a very emotional player and it’s tough. While I was playing, I didn’t sleep well throughout my whole career. I sleep a lot better now!

ALM: What do you think would be a natural progression on the continent now with what Hennessy is doing?

JN: I think the progression is happening. Infrastructure is very important; they’re building sustainable models where we can follow up and make sure the kids are getting the right coaching. I think that that’s something that is great. But for me, this is my first day working with Hennessy so I’m not over here trying to say what we should and shouldn’t do. For me, I just want to be here and pay attention and see where I can make myself the most helpful as possible.

ALM: Is this your first visit to Nigeria? What has your experience been like so far?

JN: Yes, this is my first visit to Nigeria and I’m really excited to be here. I’ve spent a lot of time in Cameroon and this is the country down below. But when I think of Nigeria, I think of Lagos; I think of Fela Kuti and I really hope we have enough time while I’m here to go check out the shrine.

ALM: What are your 3 favourite cities in Africa and why?

JN: I mean, I’m going to definitely say Yaoundé first because Yaoundé is … that’s my root and my heritage. You know, I kinda have a few spots over there that I know where to go to and see my friends.

I love going to Dakar, I think Dakar is a beautiful, beautiful city. We were also able to bring some kids from Chicago on our last trip over there. We went to Gorée Island and I think that was a really powerful trip for the youths … for them to feel their roots and their heritage even though they’re not sure exactly where. It is definitely empowering so I was very proud of the Dakar trip.

And Kigali. We just came back from Kigali. Kigali is a beautiful, beautiful place, the heart of Africa. We went to see the gorillas as well. You know, a vibrant city, but a little more chill. I think that Nigeria has a lot more action, a much faster tempo but I’m used to it.

And you know, I love Morocco as well. There’s so much to see.

Complete the following sentences

If it wasn’t basketball … I think I would have enjoyed coaching or being a part of working in a community centre with kids. I love working with kids.

I cannot go into a meeting without … talking points!

I cannot leave home without … my debit card.

My favourite thing in the world to do is … to chill on the beach.

‘In Conversation with’ by ASPIRE Luxury Magazine celebrates stars, influencers, celebrities and public figures, shining a spotlight on their lives and the incredible stories they have to share.

The post In conversation with Joakim Noah, Former NBA All-Star and Global Ambassador, Hennessy In The Paint first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post In conversation with Joakim Noah, Former NBA All-Star and Global Ambassador, Hennessy In The Paint appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Cleo Anderson is busy as always. The founder of The Anderson Media Group was recently declared the ‘Broadcast Media Host and Producer of the Year’ in the Influential Businesswoman Awards 2023, just as she wrapped up filming in St Barth – the latest location for her show on LUXE.TV, Wanderluxe with Cleo Anderson.

And she is not done. Her multiple roles as travel expert, PR guru, TV host and producer mean that she has to constantly be on the move in search of some of the most glamorous yet hidden locations in the world for her clients. Some of which are/have been Monte Carlo SBM; the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ms Anderson is the ‘Luxury Travel Curator of the Everyone Wins Goodie Bag’ dished out to the top 25 Oscar nominees each year), and now, LUXE.TV.

We caught up with Cleo in between her travels to talk about her work and views on luxury travel, amongst other things.

In Conversation with Cleo Anderson begins now …

ALM: Why have you declared St Barth the ‘world’s most luxurious island?’

CA: St Barth is such an iconic location and has a long history of attracting those who love laid-back chic as well as the jet set – it really is a jewel of the French Caribbean. The island is lush with nature and beautiful beaches, but you also have fantastic shopping in Gustavia and some really wonderful iconic landmarks in terms of eating out and places to stay.

In the show (Wanderluxe with Cleo Anderson) we featured three stunning villas courtesy of Saint-Barth Paradise. I enjoyed dinner and drinks at Eden Rock, and I spent some amazing hours on some of the landmark beaches. Filming there really was a fantastic experience and I will no doubt visit again soon.

ALM: What, in your opinion, do you think luxury hospitality brands get wrong about what the 1% need in a vacation spot?

CA: I think the thing most people get wrong is what great customer service and attention to detail really is, because, for me, there are most definitely levels to it.

Often in hospitality, people think they are giving personal service by being polite – perhaps remembering your name – but they are not really seeing you or listening in any meaningful way. For me, what makes the difference is not just noticing a client or being polite, but actually acting on what you have noticed in a significant way.

One example of great customer service was during a recent visit to the Four Seasons Sultanahmet in Istanbul. I really couldn’t decide between sorbet or chocolate for dessert during a meal. I chose the sorbet and after I finished my meal, I realised that I was still craving chocolate. I playfully lamented my decision to my wonderfully attentive server and, to my surprise, he returned with a couple of pieces of gourmet chocolate – on the house. It is these personalised touches that truly make an experience special and memorable, and making a client feel seen where many servers would have simply sympathised politely and brought me my bill. That feeling of really feeling ‘seen’ and catered to is what I think the 1% is looking for.

ALM: What are some emerging trends in luxury travel that should be talked about more?

CA: Obviously artificial intelligence (AI) is a big conversation right now: in terms of luxury travel, that equates to more detailed hotel booking where you can customise room size and check-in times, for example. Face recognition and voice recognition at airports for added security will become more prevalent, I believe. I also feel that luxury trains will become more popular – this is something that I’m really interested in, and I’m currently planning a couple of epic train trips in both Europe and North America. I’m looking forward to these unique experiences.

ALM: What, so far, are your favourite vacation spots and why?

CA: Athens is a favourite — I really enjoy places that have a sense of history to immerse myself in, and Athens has historical landmarks that you can see from almost every vantage point in the city. Juxtaposed with that you have the Athens Riviera. It’s very close to the city centre but is also a stunning beach destination that many don’t really know about.

I loved Miami, it has a South American vibe in terms of the music, food, colours, and beautiful weather. It is a really fun spot to go to with a group of friends.

Borneo was a wonderful destination to explore, as I am big on nature and wildlife. Tracking in the rainforest and searching for Orangutans was really beautiful.

The Maldives is another favourite spot. I love being surrounded by water, and the colour of the Indian Ocean is magnificent. I loved being in an overwater bungalow: at night you can feel the bungalow swaying in the water. Being there feels decadent [because] you have space and time to deeply relax.

ALM: What are some vacation spots that are best visited alone in your opinion? Which ones are best visited in company with others?

CA: For me, when it comes to city breaks I actually enjoy doing them alone. You can do your own thing and discover museums and hidden gems on foot and at your own pace. Athens, Barcelona, Lisbon and Rome are all great for getaways like that. Then the party places, like Miami and Tokyo, are wonderful to do with company as your senses are heightened and there are just so many things to do.

ALM: What unusual luxury spots have you been to?

CA: Cappadocia in Turkey. The terrain is so unique and special and the hotel was a cave-like haven with views of hot air balloons floating up into the sky in the mornings.

ALM: What do you look out for when searching for a place to stay?

If I can get an iconic view that reflects the place I am in, that’s always a plus. If that is not a possibility, I love an elegant room. I usually like a mixture of contemporary and traditional furnishings and gorgeous interior design. Customer service is also really important to me, and I will always look at the reviews to see how other travellers have been treated by staff.

ALM: What are some challenges you’ve faced in your travels? What did you do about them?

CA: I have to be honest – my travel experiences are typically great. I did, however, face a challenge with retrieving luggage when I arrived in St Barth’s earlier this year and it was the first time I have ever lost my luggage! Thankfully, the staff at the hotel where I was staying went above and beyond to track my luggage down and ensured that I received it a day later. There had been an issue at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.

ALM: According to the news, you’ve put together unique travel destinations for top Oscar nominees. What do you look out for when making these selections?

CA: I’m definitely looking for something glamorous and unique. We have worked with lighthouses that have been transformed into hotels, for example, and we definitely have the glamour factor this coming year with a selection of high-end luxury villas in St Barth. I also tend to look at locations; what are the locations that perhaps Oscar nominees might want to visit? This year, aside from St Barth, we have also been looking at Sri Lanka and Berlin.

This past year we had a client with an ultra-modern compound in the middle of nowhere (in Dunrobin, Canada), which was a fantastic addition to the gift bag.

ALM: What is the one thing/principle you’ve applied over and over again that has helped to keep you successful in your line of work?

CA: Remaining positive and expecting good things. The power of positive expectation is key. I believe in asking for what you want and expecting that you will attract the right people to help you with that mission. Resilience is a must in business too: you will always find blocks in the road, but it’s about pushing past them and finding another way.

ALM: What would you like to see more in Africa to make it a top travel destination?

CA: I think that more unique luxury hotels in unique places that showcase the beauty that Africa has would be fantastic.

ALM: What do you think non-Africans need to experience here on the continent to make Africa a top travel destination?

I think that non-Africans have to be made more aware of the beautiful things to see throughout Africa, and the experiences that maybe they are not yet aware of. African countries that have got this really right in terms of branding are Kenya, with their safari experiences; Namibia, with its stunning desert; and, Egypt with its obviously iconic pyramids. Ensuring that other African spots showcase what they have may come from a more focused PR and marketing push, for example, with the visuals being at the centre of everything. With social media tools like Instagram, everything is more visual these days and people can’t be aware of something they know nothing about. More awareness of what to see and do would be great.

‘In Conversation with’ by ASPIRE Luxury Magazine celebrates stars, influencers, celebrities and public figures, shining a spotlight on their lives and the incredible stories they have to share.

The post In Conversation with Cleo Anderson, Luxury Travel Expert and Founder, The Anderson Media Group first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post In Conversation with Cleo Anderson, Luxury Travel Expert and Founder, The Anderson Media Group appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Whilst the subscription/retainer-based models are popular today, the concept is not. This form of health care is also about to become more popular, states Dr Chichi Menakaya, founder of Annomo Health, a UK-based global concierge medicine company.

“Personalised healthcare and wellness is here to stay.”

“I think that’s where medicine is going anyways. It’s all about personalised health care and wellness in the whole world at the moment.”

“I was always the person that people would call and say, ‘I want to go and see a doctor in London. Do you know anyone I can see?’ And then I would do that,” Dr Menakaya said during our conversation. But then I think what really made me start the business was when a few years ago – like 13 years ago, that was when the dream started – I had a relative that was in the UK and he had to see a particular doctor. So I went in, found someone I thought was the best person to see [and] referred them to that person. This relative even though they were paying cash to the doctor, turned up 15mins late to that appointment, and the doctor refused to see them even as they were coming from abroad. So what the hospital did was find the next available [doctor] and refer him to the person. And even though the person he was referred to had the best manners, did really, really well; when it now came to their surgical option, what that person offered them was not the best practice option. So they offered them an open surgery when there was already a robotic option for the surgery. What then happened – because obviously, I am a doctor, so I can easily detect – [I realised] that this is not the right thing for this person, because there is more advanced treatment.”

“I was upset so I found the best surgeon to handle the surgery, who also happened to be on the queen’s medical team. The day we eventually went to that appointment with the relative, this professor, even though he is one of the best in the UK, came downstairs to welcome the patient. And for me, that was literally an eye-opener, because it meant that although you could get the best, their manners are also very important.”

“And after that time, I said to myself, ‘I need to start a place where people can get the best care that they need.’ A lot of people are coming from abroad and they can afford it. They get given some mediocre doctor just because they think you’re coming from [another country]. They’re going to get you the cheapest doctor for the hospital … while the hospital is making the most money.”

“And obviously, there is another story to it about other people saying to me, ‘Listen: let’s get this done as a business, right?’ But I think that is the reason, like for me, I just wanted to make sure people got the best care that they needed. And I think that story is actually what triggered me to get in. And … literally 2 years later, we got the business up and running.”

“Medical concierge is not health insurance.”

Starting any business is difficult, and even though it’s in the health industry, Annomo Health was not without its challenges in the beginning.

“I think the biggest challenge I faced starting the business was explaining to people that Harley Street does not mean everything on Harley Street is good. I think that is [still my biggest challenge]. Because everyone comes to the UK and goes, ‘Oh my doctor is on Harley Street’, and I am like ok yeah, whatever. There are people in Harley Street that don’t know what they’re doing and I don’t want to use that word exactly, but there are people that are not that great and they’re on Harley Street.”

“What was also difficult for us is explaining to people that a concierge company is not an insurance company. Every time I have a meeting, no matter how educated they are, they say to me, ‘Is it health insurance?”

“Someone would say ‘I am coming from Nigeria, and I just want to see anybody because it is better than Nigeria.’ But that is not the point. The point is that they’re not doing it for you for free. Therefore, what you need to be asking for is ‘I want to see the best person because I am going to spend money seeing that best person. So it does not matter whether it’s me … it’s best to see the best person. And I think that is really difficult to explain to people. And as a company, we are still explaining that every day.”

“Concierge medicine is … having an advocate in your corner … constantly fighting for your health”

So, what exactly, in layman’s terms, is concierge healthcare, at least through the lens of Annomo Health?

“So I think there are very simple ways to explain Annomo Services, right? What Annomo Services does is simple: all we want to do is put the patient first. And all we want to do is get the private patients to see the best doctors, be treated in the best hospitals and have access to the best technologies. That’s all. And literally, we want to introduce them to the doctors’ doctors and make sure they are treated the way they need to be treated and get value, not just because of the money they have, but also because they’re using their money to get the best out of the service. That’s a summary of what we do.”

“I think for a lot of people, especially Africans, we see health as something we have to think about when it gets bad, but that’s the whole idea of having preventive medicine: you don’t have to wait till you’re sick. I think we’re getting to a point where people would need to start thinking that what they need to spend the most money on is making sure their health is right, and every other thing is secondary.”

“I think at some point we will get there obviously because it is like a learning process, everybody is trying to understand that and that is what we’re trying to do all the time by saying to people, ‘listen, make your health your priority.’ and that’s just the truth. I think that for every single person, whether you’re a child, an adult, you’re old, a concierge is important for everybody; personalised health care is for everyone: it’s not like for anyone in particular.”

“At Annomo Health, it is not all about money”

While we say concierge medicine is for everybody, in reality, not everyone can and would have access to it. There are various reasons why this would happen, with finance being top of the list, but according to Dr Chichi, this is not even always the case.

“When I say concierge is not about money, people don’t understand me sometimes. We had a pregnant, one-off client who wanted us to provide her with accommodation amongst other services. But, unless you have a maternity package where we’re constantly looking after you, it is a one-off service: we get you to the [OB/GYN who] is going to look after you and your baby. We settle you in and we walk away.”

“But because the woman was coming with a child [and] had no assistance … we offered to give a complimentary concierge service for free. [Unfortunately] from day one that she arrived, it was all abusive, everything was wrong [and] we could never make her happy. And trust me, it wasn’t the hormones. So we then discontinued the complimentary service that we had offered her, and we did instead hand her over to her gynaecologist to look after her.”

“I know this sounds a bit arrogant for us, [but] we don’t care how much you’re bringing into the business. If the relationship is not working we will refund. And we refunded all her money, to be honest. We refunded every single service that she had paid for, and let her gynaecologist look after her while we just hovered to make sure she was ok.”

There’s another instance where Annomo Health could decide not to extend its concierge services to a client. “If we look at [the medical reports we get from the patient’s country]  and think that making an out-of-country trip is a waste of time for the family in terms of the prognosis, whether they’re in the UK, in Nigeria, Ghana, wherever else; we will call the family and advise them not to come abroad because it is a waste of money. Because what you don’t want is people spending all this money and the outcome is still the same. Over the last 10 years, we’ve turned down about maybe 5 patients. Maybe more than that actually … it’s us saying that we don’t think it is going to work.”

“People think [personalised healthcare] is a luxury service, [but] it actually saves you a lot of money”

Speaking about membership tiers and benefits at Annomo Health, Dr Chichi clearly states that, “at the moment, we have 5 tiers of membership for the private members club. One is called the ‘travelling membership’ and it gives access to health care in both the UK and the US, including emergency services in the US. And it is actually only available to travelling executives through their companies; it is not for individuals.”

“Then we have the ‘individual membership’, the ‘family membership’, the ‘corporate membership’ and also something called the ‘student membership’. In each of those memberships, there are different cadres of membership. So it starts out with silver to gold to platinum and something called bespoke. And literally what bespoke means is you handpick what services you want, depending on what you want.”

“The family membership at the moment is actually for a husband and a wife, or a couple with 2 children, and the children are add-ons. When you come to corporate membership, it is also for high-level executives. The company has to have at least 3-10 members to be able to access this package. And obviously, each time you add a different person, you get a bit of a discount. And these memberships are targeted at preventative medicine and also give you access to having a personalised doctor, your own personal nurse and a personal health consultant … which means in this case a concierge health consultant who basically can do stuff like your luxury concierge for you, and also do your health things and be your advocate. But then you have a doctor you can call anytime, text, [and] message when you are really stressed out, whatever you want to talk about. And then also you have a nurse that can go out to you.”

“Then we have something called the student membership. Literally, the student membership is for people based in the UK only. And what that does is that if your child is here on private education, we have a pediatric consultant that actually looks after the students. Of course, depending on their ages: if they are more than 18, they don’t have a paediatrician, they now have a general practitioner that looks after them. And again, it’s a personalised service so they can hold them when there is a problem, give them advice, come out and visit them, whatever they want to do and it’s just a yearly membership for the kids also. Because obviously, when kids are abroad, you want to make sure that they are having the best care that they can get.”

“The other thing I didn’t mention with the corporate membership is that we also offer them health education services a few times a year depending on what they want, and this is training people on things like stress management, how to cope with workload, and masterclasses that we do for an hour just to support them. And like I said, each of these memberships can be made bespoke. We have families with three wives, four children: they can just pick what they want and create a personalised package. Because … there is no one fit for everybody in medicine we’ve tried make sure that people can handpick what they want and mix and match, till they get what they need.”

“Now I think that I spoke about the health bit of the membership, but what I forgot to mention is the luxury concierge that comes with it also. So, with the membership, you get access to a concierge assistant who literally would do all the other things you need them to do for you. So if they have to do personal shopping for you, airport pickups [they’ll do it]. Some people might say to me, ‘Listen, I need someone to come and help me pack my bags because I’m travelling’: they can do that also for them.”

“And that’s it, that’s just how it works. That’s the membership..in a nutshell.”

“Concierge Medicine is like having health care in your pocket and walking around with it”

It may appear that concierge healthcare involves moving from one point to the other in search of excellent healthcare. But actually, this is not the case. This niche in medicine is only concerned with one thing: giving the patient real value for their money. And while it may involve travelling, especially if the options the patient seeks are not close by, it does not mean concierge health care cannot be local.

“While we do not offer our services in every single country we can localise our services in the client’s home country. So I’ll give you an example: the services we offer in Nigeria are mostly rehabilitation. If someone has had an operation in the UAE, if they go back to Nigeria, we have a team of people that would manage their aftercare, including a doctor that would go out to see them.”

“And we do that a lot with cancer patients because chemotherapy is really expensive in the UK. So someone comes to the country because they have lymphoma, they come to the UK, they have all their scans done, [and] we do a treatment protocol for them that says they need chemo for 6 weeks. Doing chemo in the UK would cost like, I don’t know, 70,000 pounds. But in Nigeria, it may cost 4 million naira. We would plan the treatment plan in the UK, they would go back to Nigeria. We would find a professor in oncology that can give them the chemo in Nigeria, [and] when they need to have their scans or follow up, [they] come back to the UK to see their professor [who has all the while been] speaking to the one in Nigeria.”

“So we do those types of services for people in their home countries to 1) help them with cost. 2) to help them be able to stay around loved ones when they’re being treated. But they are really handpicked cases, we don’t do it for every single service. The only other way we also do it is that sometimes we’ve flown doctors from here to like Nigeria; we’ve done that a lot with UAE. So we fly doctors from here to go do operations in those countries for patients. So like somebody can say, ‘Listen, I’m in Dubai. I don’t really want to come to the UK, I don’t want to be treated in the UK.’ Because we have partner hospitals we work with, we fly a surgeon from the UK to do the operation for them, because obviously, they can do it in their home country. We have a lot of that also.”

Annomo Health has shown that concierge medicine is clearly a fantastic option for just about anyone seeking more flexible and effective healthcare. But potential subscribers should beware: it is not entirely flexible.

“So let me be honest with you: we’re really not that flexible. We’re very, very strict with rules, not because we’re difficult, but because there is regulation for different things. And we have to be strict about the regulations.”

“Concierge healthcare can work in Africa”

Can concierge medicine become ubiquitous in Africa? Dr Chichi thinks so.

“Actually, we were planning to offer the same services in Nigeria in 2019, [but] then the pandemic happened. And I think Nigeria is the first market for it; that’s my honest opinion. I think it would work in Nigeria: you just have to get it round people’s heads to do it. And I think in the future, yes we will. For me, my ultimate goal is to make sure healthcare in Africa is better and to be honest, I don’t like people coming abroad for healthcare. When I say it, people don’t believe me. What I want is that if Nigeria had those services, then we should be able to utilise them in Nigeria.”

“The problem we have in Nigeria is that people think that nice-looking hospital means they know what they’re doing. It’s all about handpicking people and I know that there’s a lot of groups now in Nigeria saying we can do this. The problem I worry about is … we need to have regulations, we need to have policies in place that actually censor what people are doing. But I think we’re getting there because I am now seeing court cases in Nigeria won by families because doctors screwed up. And I think it is really important because these are human beings. We need to be asking questions.”

“And I think healthcare in Nigeria is fantastic, I think Nigeria has a lot of experienced and seasoned doctors. But I think that we need to put in rules and good regulations to be able to sieve out [the rest]. Like if I was sick in Nigeria, I would go to the teaching hospitals easily, I won’t even be worried because I know that they are very good at what they’re doing. But people don’t see that … there are very good doctors in Nigeria; I know a lot of them and I have spoken to a lot of them.”

“Annomo Health is taking concierge medicine to Turkey”

What then is next for Annomo Health?

“Turkey.”

“So I think we’re going to do business in Turkey. It’s going to take us like one or two months to set it up because there is so much that needs to be done. We’re going to send a few people as [part of a] pilot and then get our board’s approval.”

But of course, expanding any business comes with its unique sets of challenges and learning curves.

“I think scaling the business part is easier because of the people we want to try and get. I think one of our biggest challenges is 2 things.”

“For a long time, you know pre-pandemic, we ran membership by invitation only. Now, there is a one-off service but initially, when we started, we struggled to ensure that we were not offering the same service to people in this category because we were used to our premium healthcare packages. 

“Now that we are scaling even further, we want to be able to ensure that we never dilute the brand or make a mistake with the brand. Because if you’re going to expand and go into new markets, you need to have better options that offer wider, more varied payment options. So not everybody can afford the very expensive people that we work with, but some other people can. We’re trying to navigate that by opening up other countries that are more affordable. We would never stop working with the best people, right? And obviously, the best people cost more money, but what we could do is get the best people in places where the entire health service is cheaper. And that is what we are trying to do. But it’s a bit hard sometimes to navigate all of that.”

Dr Chichi Menakaya: the human behind Annomo Health Services

I cannot leave home without

“My mobile phone and my Macbook. If I don’t have my Macbook my life is not normal.”

I cannot go into a meeting without

“My Macbook. I love it so much, it’s like my best friend. It’s so bad, my Macbook sleeps on my bed.”

A typical day for me would be

“Fun with a bit of stress, and also exciting. I normally get up about 5:30am. If I am operating on that day, I am at work at 7, just to see my patients. Then I operate the whole day: my operating days are an all-day operating day. If I have a clinic day, then it’s not really that busy. But in between, I could have a business meeting or meetings with people. I also love watching movies, that really helps me relax. And I say my prayers and I go to sleep and the next day starts.”

“It’s always different every day. Sundays I do less business work. I spend a lot of time with family over the weekend, in the evenings mostly. My weekends are also full of business meetings for the businesses.”

What are your 3 absolute best cities to visit?

“Paris – it is the love of my life. I’ve been about 1 billion times a year.”

“South Africa – I love South Africa a lot. I’ve been to Cape Town which I really loved.”

“Sicily – I’ve never been to Sicily but Sicily is like the love of my life also. And I am not going to go to Sicily till a special time.”

My most expensive buy is

“I have to confess: I am addicted to shoes and bags. I buy a lot of shoes and bags, like you don’t even want to know. But the most expensive thing I own is a wristwatch I have. It’s nothing that anyone uses. It’s an Italian brand and it’s got real diamonds in it. I can’t remember the name, but I bought it in Italy like 12 years ago. I bumped into Milan and I bought it.”

What are 3 things most people don’t know about you?

“I have a relationship commitment phobia.”

“Even though people think I’m very confident, I still get scared when I have to do a presentation, but people don’t see that. They only see the fact that I am so confident when I’m doing it but deep down I’m scared. I don’t want it to go wrong. But once I say my name, the fear leaves me. My mum used to say to me, you need to remember who you are, whose child you are. So whenever I say my name and hear my name, it makes me remember who I am and it helps me take away that fear.”

“My best friend when I was a child was a dog called Oscar. Till I was 21, my best friend was Oscar, but he died of hepatitis.”

If you were not a doctor, what would have been a natural career path for you?

“It would have been one of multiple things. My natural career path would have been to do charity or missionary work. I love meeting new people because I think life is all about your relationships, your network with people. And I feel like if you can make one person smile if you can take away pain from one person, it works. That’s why I did medicine in the first place.”

“Two, I would have wanted to do fashion which I still do as a doctor. I design clothes. The other thing I would have really wanted to do is business full-time, like buying and selling or owning a shop.”

The post ASPIRE CEO: Dr Chichi Menakaya is Delivering the Ultimate Concierge Medicine Experience first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post ASPIRE CEO: Dr Chichi Menakaya is Delivering the Ultimate Concierge Medicine Experience appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.