Private Jet Charter: This is THE Summer to Visit London!
There has never been a better time to visit London than this summer. Imagine taking a private jet charter to London this summer for one of the most exciting times in their history. Significant events this summer include the 2012 London Olympics, the London 2012 Festival, and the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Each of these fabulous events is worth a jet charter flight to London – the perfect way to travel this summer to avoid congestion at London’s Heathrow.
2012 Summer Olympics
With the 2012 London Olympics, July 27-August 12, the sensational city is preparing to welcome the world. With estimated half a million visitors expected to visit from around the globe, London is planning an international welcome.
The London 2012 Olympics kick off on 27 July 2012, with a fantastic Opening Ceremony, welcoming the world’s greatest Olympic athletes to London. The London Olympic Games will feature 26 different sports, breaking down into disciplines and events. The excitement begins when the Olympic flame lands in Britain on May 18 when the torch begins a 70 day journey ending up at the Olympic Stadium. The Olympic Park in Stratford, which is the size of 357 football fields, will be the venue for 17 out of 26 Olympic sports. The Olympic Park will also be the host location for the opening ceremony on July 27, created by director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire). Visitors to this summer’s Olympic games will be greeted by ArcelorMittal Orbit observation tower – Britains largest piece of public art, the steel sculpture was designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond. The wonderful design incorporates the Olympic rings and offers panoramic views of the city. For information on tickets click here.
Call us today to schedule your private jet charter to London.
London 2012 Festival
The London 2012 Festival, a culture and art spectacular, will be held throughout the UK, from June 21 – September 9. Highlights include West End Live on June 23-24, with the casts of every London West End musical will perform in Trafalgar Square. From June 3 to August 30, The English Flower Garden, a huge sculpture of ceramic blooms will be on display outside the House of Commons. And you won’t want to miss the largest Shakespeare Festival ever staged, which includes 70 productions of plays which has already started and goes through November 2012.
Celebrations
While the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is scheduled throughout the year, the big event will be Central Weekend – from June 2-5. It will kick off with the famous annual thoroughbred horse racing event, the Epsom Derby, will have a Jubilee theme. One June 3 the Big Jubilee Lunch will celebrate with picnics and street parties nationwide to partner with the main flagship event along Piccadilly. Also on June 3 you could attend the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant with 1,000 boats including the Royal Barge on which the Queen will be traveling.
The BBC will host a concert at Buckingham Palace on June 4, with Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Stevie Wonder, and Sir Cliff Richard all performing.
Even if you don’t plan to attend one of the main Diamond Jubilee celebrations, you can still visit and enjoy all things royal. Windsor Castle is hosting The Queen: 60 Photographs for 60 Years. The collection includes candid and official photographs. The exhibit will be on display through October 28.
Newport Jets are specialists in private jet travel to and from London. We are standing by to handle all your London private jet charter travel plans. We will not only plan your private jetair travel but our outstanding concierge team will recommend places to stay, in flight menus, and arrange for ground transportation in London. We have a large selection of London private jets available and will help you choose just the right one. The options are endless, from the Citation Ultra to the Global Express, Newport Jets has a private charter plane that’s just right for you. Our team has many years of experience specializing in international charter jets to and from London, Paris, New York, Moscow and Dubai, as well as hundreds of international and domestic destinations.
Private Jet Charter Las Vegas: MGM’s Luxury SKYLOFTS Offer Pure Luxury
Sitting high above the decadence and bright lights of the Las Vegas strip, SKYLOFTS is a private luxury accommodation, with the highest level of refinement. High atop MGM Grand, SKYLOFTS is a fabulous award winning boutique hotel designed to fulfill the needs of even the most discerning guest.
Known for its amazing design and outstanding service, SKYLOFTS was designed by Tony Chi Design. Each of the two-story lofts is creative and offers a wonderful experience. With neutral tones and rich fabrics, each loft has 24-foot, floor to ceiling windows with stunning view of the Las Vegas skyline.
Each space features an in-loft immersion chamber, infinity spa tub and infinity plunge pool — along with game rooms, video game consoles, and fully stocked bars.
Each guest has a personal concierge at their disposal, including pre-arrival, and continuing throughout their stay. Other luxuries include a dedicated butler, personal elevators, SKY lobby and SKY lounge access, and VIP entrance and preferred seating for dining and nightlife at the MGM Grand.
SKYLOFTS are available in one, two, and three bedroom accommodations with floor plans ranging in size from 1400 to 6000 square feet. Prices range from $750-$8,000 per night.
Because of the outstanding service, SKYLOFTS at the MGM Grand Las Vegas is a AAA Five Diamond property and four time Forbes five start recipient.
Newport Jets specializes in jet charter flights to and from Las Vegas, be sure to check out our Private Jet Charter Las Vegas page — for more details. Newport Jets will not only arrange your flights, but our professional jet charter concierge team will arrange ground transportation, luxury accommodations, show tickets, and dinner reservations.
London: Valentine’s Day Private Jet Charter
Make Valentine’s Day special this year with a surprise private jet charter trip to London. Our private jet charter team is standing by to make this a very special heartfelt private jet charter getaway.
We’ll whisk you away on your private jet charter to London. You’ll stay at the fabulous five star anthenaeum in the heart of stylish Mayfair with sweeping views overlooking Green Park, the athenaeum is the ideal choice for lovers seeking sophistication. London is the perfect spot for a short break, the hotel is near everything that’s happening and hot. You’ll be able to take in a wonderful show or play, visit galleries, musems, and the London Eye. The concierge with have lots of ideas to make your Valentine’s trip special and just for you!
Your Valentine’s luxury five star stay will include:
* Petals and candles decorating your room
* Glass of champagne in the bar
* Full English breakfast
* Complimentary soft drinks and snacks from the minibar
Choose from one of the beautifully appointed suites or sumptuous private apartments. For those wishing to truly spoil their loved one, the rooftop suite is an absolute must. Trying to win extra brownie points? Take you sweet for a treat to the hotel’s delectable Valentine’s Pudding Parlour priced from just £10 per person.
His & Her’s Valentines
For Her: A romantic stay for two with breakfast – Purchase your voucher before the 14th of February and receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne on arrival. Click to book an overnight stay voucher
For Him: Whisky & Cheese Tasting. Angelo, our famous whisky sommelier will guide you through a selection of our 270 types of whisky expertly paired with cheeses.
Click to book a whisky tasting voucher Click to book a whisky tasting voucher
All Hands on Deck! Take a Private Jet Trip to the Miami for the World’s Premier Boat Show
Call us today to plan your private jet charter trip to Miami for the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail, February 16-20, 2012. All Sail! More than 200 exhibitors from around the globe, the world’s largest display of multi-hull sailboats, sailing seminars, charters and more.
The show has been called the greatest boat show in the world. This renowned event features interactive exhibits, on the water hands-on experiences, behind the wheel and in the classroom.
“No matter how novice or serious your boating interest and hobbies are, this year’s show puts every guest in the captain’s seat to experience the joys of being on the water and become more confident with the boating lifestyle,” said Cathy Rick-Joule, show manager. “From DIY classes at the new Fred’s Shed exhibit and groundbreaking seminars on Great Whites from the stars of Shark Men, to the new Sailing Simulator and enhanced on-the-water education series, the 2012 show provides a once-a-year opportunity to not only shop the best in boating, but experience and learn about the lifestyle first-hand.”
Interactive features at this year’s show include:
New! DIY Paradise: Fred’s Shed Seminars & Interactive Learning Center – Boat owners and those with a hankering for handiwork interested in maintaining, repairing or upgrading boats or engines can head to Fred’s Shed for practical, professional advice. Free, daily seminars and talk-show format clinics cover an extensive assortment of topics, and include demonstrations followed by question and answer sessions to ensure boaters are ready to tackle any repairs to their vessels.
Get off the dock and onto the water! The Discover Boating Resource Center & Discover Sailing Hands-On Learning Center offer a unique on-the-water educational experience for boaters of all ages and skill levels. Guests can take part in an assortment of free, daily interactive courses including close-quarter handling, joystick docking, navigation, scuba diving, intro to sailing and more.
New! Sailing Simulator – Before they hit the water,sailors can learn how boats react to wind, wave and a variety of conditions on the new Sailing Simulator. This advanced technology simulates the actual movement of a boat under sail, allowing novices to learn how to handle a boat and experienced sailors the opportunity to practice under different conditions.
The Dive & Travel Harbor offers visitors a one-stop shopping destination for all diving and travel enthusiasts. Along with a host of exhibitors showcasing aquatic experiences from cutting-edge diving gear to luxurious clubs and the most renowned adventure destinations, the Dive & Travel Harbor features a live coral aquarium by the Coral Restoration Foundation and is giving away a seven day trip to Costa Rica, ideal for scuba aficionados of all skill levels.
Reel in the excitement at the Big Game Room, where guests can take part in hands-on demonstrations and meet the Miami Marlins and National Geographic’s Shark Men, plus enjoy a beverage in the Marlin lounge and listen to live music. Features include:
- Meet and learn from the Shark Men– Meet National Geographic’s Chris Fischer and Captain Brett McBride who will discuss their groundbreaking Great White Shark research as well as meet and greet fans throughout the show.
- Bait Rigging Station – Captain Tony DiGiulian of Saltwater Professional Consulting and his team of instructors will provide attendees with hands-on training as they learn how to rig bait such as traditional ballyhoo, squid rigs for sword fishing, wind on leaders, hook sharpening techniques and much more.
- Meet the Miami Marlins –Join the Miami Marlins and Billy the Marlin Sat., Feb. 19 for pictures, autographs, questions and answers, as well as interactive speed pitch, t-ball games and fun prizes from the Miami Marlins street team.
- ‘Suddenly In Command’ USCG First Mates Class – U.S. Coast Guard personnel will review topics such as boaters’ language, safety equipment, waterway marker system, basic navigation and environmental protection.
Welcome to the Water Center – This introductory exhibit is essential for new boaters, offering comprehensive resources for how to begin boating, the best boat for any budget and lifestyle, and local boating information. It also includes a ‘Boating on a Budget’ showcase featuring a collection of boats that can be financed for $250 or less per month.
When:
Thursday, Feb. 16, through Monday, Feb. 20, 2012
Thursday, Feb. 16 (Premier Thursday): 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 17 – Sunday, Feb.19: 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Monday, Feb.20: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center and Miamarina at Bayside open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Where:
Miami Beach Convention Center
1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach
Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center – Miami International Boat Show’s in-water display
1635 North Bayshore Drive, Miami
Miamarina at Bayside – Strictly Sail Miami returns to Bayside for 2012!
400 Biscayne Blvd., Miami
Admission:
Premier Day (Feb. 16): $35
Adults: $18
Five-day adult pass: $80
Two-day adult pass (valid Feb. 17-20): $32
Youth 15 and under get in FREE
Advance tickets can be purchased at MiamiBoatShow.com or StrictlySailMiami.com.
Ticket includes a one-year magazine subscription to your choice of the following publications: Yachting, Boating, Salt Water Sportsman, Cruising World, TransWorld Surf or Flying ($7 value).
Luxury Private Jet Travel: A First Class Travel Experience!
The team at Newport Jets are true travel professionals with vast expertise in providing a luxury travel experience, making sure every detail of your private air travel is perfect, meeting the ereHere highest standards of charter jet travel:
Competitive Rates: Our private jet charter company promises a complete private luxury charter jet experience at astonishingly competitive rates. Our rates are so low we beat all the top private jet charter companies.
Fast Service: Newport Jets private charter flights are available and ready to serve you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. It takes one phone call to quickly and efficiently schedule your private air travel needs.
Safety 1st Priority: Your safety is our top priority. We only source aircraft from owner/operators who adhere to the most comprehensive safety and security in the industry. Newport Jets only sources aircraft from owner/operators who are members in good standing with ARG/US®, Wyvern®, NATA®, and NATA First®.
Personal Service: We not only handle your flight scheduling, but our personal jet concierge services handle every detail once you land, from dinner/hotel reservations, confirming your limousine to tickets for cultural events, or scheduling business meeting locations. We do it all.
Serious Security: We can provide heightened security with armed or unarmed security detail for you and your family throughout your jet charter flight.
Personalized Catering: Full private jet charter flight catering designed to please the taste or dietary need of any passenger. From in-flight cocktails to 5-star gourmet cuisine, we provide the best catering available. A full menu of specialized, in-flight services is customized to meet your specific needs. We can provide nannies, hairdressers, masseuses, or any other need no matter how unusual.
Luxury Amenities: These amenities are provided at prices that are competitive with any other private jet charter companies. Safety, luxury, and flawless service are the backbone of our company.
GUARANTEE: We guarantee availability 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with access to over 6000 airports, and 3500 aircraft. We offer the highest standards of safety and security for all our private jet charter clients. In addition we provide your own personal aviation consultant to help make each trip with Newport Jets exactly in line with your specific business or private needs.
Newport Jets is a premiere private air charter service. At Newport Jets, we know that no two trips are alike. International or domestic, one-way or multi-stop, we will create a solution tailored to fit any private jet travel need. Request a quote, call us at 1.888.995.JETS (5387) or visit our website www.newportjets.com.
Private Jet Charter New Year Escape to Miami’s Best Beach Resorts
As the holidays wind down and we enter the New Year it’s time for sophisticated travelers to find a luxury beach escape. There is no better choice than Miami, Florida, known for its fabulous beaches and amazing nightlife. Recently, the Five Star Alliance chose the top beach resorts in Miami. Here are a few at the top of their list. For more information about chartering a private jet to Miami visit our Private Jet Charter Miami page.
The BEST Beach Resorts Miami
Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne
The magical golden beaches on this island provide a perfect setting for the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne. The hotel makes it on the most noted lists of America’s Best Beaches. Once you cross over the causeway, you’ll feel like you’re thousands of miles away at this island paradise. The Ritz offers a perfect combination of adventure, culture and relaxation. This Biscayne Bay hotel’s features include renovated guestrooms, a luxury four-star spa and salon, complete wellness and fitness center, outdoor heated pools, four renowned restaurants, tennis center, kids recreation program, windsurfing, sailing, and kayaking.
King & Grove Tides South Beach
King & Grove Tides South Beach is an icon on Ocean Drive in South Beach. The hotel is an amazing combination of classic Miami, glamor, modern amenities, and first class services. The sophisticated art deco hotel provides a perfect South Beach lifestyle. With 115 stunning guestrooms, the hotel is a favorite of internationally known celebrities and notables. Tides features forty-five stylish luxury suites all offering expansive ocean views. Spacious hotel accommodations range from Oceanfront Studio Suites of 550 square feet to the 2,600 square foot Tides Suite.
The Setai
The Setai is an intimate oceanfront luxury resort in South Beach. The property sits amid sparkling pools and tropical gardens on the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel is known for Asian inspired traditions of elegance and simplicity. The stunning hotel features 75 luxury guestrooms, 50 suites, a private spa, three pools, and fabulous restaurants and bars.
At Newport Jets, we specialize in private jet charter flight services for our customers; we know that no two trips are alike. International or domestic, one-way or multi-stop, we will create a solution tailored to fit any private jet travel need. Please call today to plan your private jet charter trip….1-888-995-JETS
Let it Snow! Private Jet Charter Aspen
It’s snowing in the Rockies, so there is no better time to plan a luxury private jet charter escape to Aspen. Newport Jets will plan your trip, even at the last minute, and fly you in luxury to and from Aspen. With its famous black-diamond terrain, at Aspen Mountain you’ll enjoy a wide variety of skiing from the beginner for the advanced skier. With four mountains to choose from and over 1,200 professional instructors from all over the world, Aspen/Snowmass programs offer superb instruction for skiing, snowboarding, children’s lessons and adaptive techniques. Aspen Mountain has a new gondola, stunning views and great food at the Sundeck at the summit, and at Ajax Tavern at the mountain base.
Aspen/Snowmass is the only resort in the country with four great mountains – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass – offering world-renowned skiing and a wide variety of outdoor activities. The legendary après ski scene, as well as extensive culture, culinary offerings and shopping, round out the full Aspen experience.
The Little Nell, a luxury mountain destination, is the only ski-in/ski-out property in Aspen. The fabulous hotel is also Aspens’ only Forbes/Mobil Five Star, AAA Five Diamond award winning hotel. The hotel’s Ski Concierge Team is ready to handle all your skiing needs – from ski rentals to storage for equipment at the end of the day. Nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell blends the virtues of a country inn with the indulgences of a grand hotel.
Dining at The Little Nell can range from a casual snack in front of the fireplace in the Living room to the comforts of 24-hour room service in the privacy of your room. Montagna restaurant, located in the hotel, is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Also located within the complex is Ajax Tavern. The Little Nell is a luxury mountain destination. The Little Nell is a cosmopolitan, but intimate hotel has the most convenient access to the mountains. Relax in the hotel’s newly renovated hotel accommodations and experience complete rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit. Three bars and two restaurants feature award winning cuisine served by Executive Chef Robert McCormick. Master Sommelier Jonathan Pullis oversees a wine program that is a perennial winner of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award. A spa, fitness center and a year-round heated outdoor pool and hot-tub complement the spacious, newly renovated guest rooms featuring Holly Hunt custom furnishings. Guest rooms begin at 600 square feet with each room offering a five-point bath, fireplace, blue-ray player, fully stocked snack/wet bar and wall mounted LCD television.
Call us today to plan your winter escape to Aspen. Be sure to check out our Aspen Private Jet Charter page for more information.Request a quote for your private flight by filling out our Get a Quote form at left. If your private flight trip is in the next 72 hours or is an international request, please call 1.888.995.JETS (5387), 1.646.205.8222, fax 1.646.758.8151 or email us at charter@nullnewportjets.com.
Celebrate the Holidays with a Private Jet Charter to Las Vegas
Las Vegas can be a lot of things but one thing it definitely is, is exciting. People from all over the world come to Las Vegas to experience a never-ending evening filled with experiences that have never and will never be experienced anywhere else.
Newport Jets specializes in jet charter flights to and from Las Vegas, be sure to check out our Private Jet Charter Las Vegas page — for more details. Newport Jets will not only arrange your flights, but our professional jet charter concierge team will arrange ground transportation, luxury accommodations, show tickets, and dinner reservations.
Certainly, there is something for everyone. If you want to see a world class show, spend a little cash or just indulge it’s all here. For a change of pace spend some time in Las Vegas for the holidays and enjoy some holiday lights of a different brilliance.
In November be sure to check out Rod Stewart. Stewart makes his triumphant return to Las Vegas with his two-year engagement of performances of a culmination of Stewart’s hits from throughout the years at the Colosseum. Stewart will give his energetic performance through November. Reminisce with songs like “Forever Young,” “Reason to Believe,” and “Hot Legs.” For more classic music, 70’s legendary rock group, The Eagles are performing live in concert with tracks from their latest album, Long Road Out of Eden, along with classic hits at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
If you want to have a few laughs catch Jay Leno November 18 and 19 at Terry Fator Theatre in the Mirage. One of America’s most popular comedians, Leno will entertain you with a new perspective on day to day life.
Or settle in for the smooth R & B sounds of Charlie Wilson, former leader of the GAP Band. Wilson first met with success with GAP Band and a string of hits like “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” and “Party Train.” During the mid-80s Wilson went solo and since then his voice has influenced a whole new generation of R & B artists.
With December ushering in the holidays it doesn’t mean that Vegas slows down. David Spade will perform Dec. 2 and 3. The “Rules of Engagement” star and “Saturday Night Live” alum has returned to his stand-up comedy routine and will have you rolling in the aisles.
Then have some more laughs Dec. 26 and 27 with Jerry Seinfeld and his unique brand of observational humor. Seinfeld co-created the NBC pilot that would become the show “Seinfeld” in 1989. That show enjoyed nine successful years from 1990-1991 before calling it quits. Now Seinfeld has returned to his stand up roots and is ready to wrap your year up on a funny note.
Tired of the same out holiday traditions? Create a new one and cozy up beneath the bright lights of Las Vegas.
Cessna Citation X: The Ultimate Business Private Jet Charter Aircraft
Business and travel often go hand in hand. There’s travel for training, travel to meet a client and even travel to impress a client. Sometimes that travel takes you to exciting and exotic places and other times, it’s bland and uneventful. Regardless of where your business travel takes you, the last thing you want on a business trip is the hassle of a stressful plane ride.
All that travel doesn’t have to be a drag. It all depends on how you travel. Increasingly business travelers are eschewing first class travel and opting instead for a more comfortable approach to getting from point A to point B. What can be more comfortable than first class travel? Private jet charter of course.
Private jet charter is the preferred way to travel if you want to be treated like a rock star, or if you simply want to feel a little more special. So much so that even rock stars travel that way. Especially if you are traveling by private jet charter, like in a Cessna Citation. In fact, recently, it was reported that singer Justin Bieber prefers to travel by private jet charter in the Cessna Citation X, often referred to as the ‘World’s Fastest Business Jet’.” The Cessna Citation X is the same plane favored by many corporations for business travel. The jet features leather seats, exotic wood finishes and Rolls-Royce engines and it has room for two crew and eight passengers.
Such comfort isn’t lost just on rock stars or the very famous. Business travelers recognize the importance of comfort when having to travel often. That’s why it’s the number one jet used by private jet charter services. In fact, in 2010 Cessna delivered 535 aircraft including 179 citation business jets and reported revenues of $2.6 billion.
Private jet charter is growing and increasingly becoming the preferred option for business travelers because of its comfort and convenience. When business takes you to the skies it’s so much better to fly without the stuffy cabins, the noise of a plane full of people and the fight to get the flight attendant’s attention. Imagine having a calm and quiet cabin allowing you to complete that last minute project or fit in that power nap.
Private jet charter also gives you optimum control over when you fly. There are virtually no delays, no connecting flights to make and less chance of arriving late to your destination.
Newport Jets specializes in private jet charter because they know that business travelers aren’t like other travelers. There’s meetings to catch and deadlines to meet. Rest and comfort is highly prized by the corporate elite. And arriving there on time can sometimes positively or negatively affect a major deal. Newport Jets recognizes the special needs of business travelers and strives to make its private jet charter service a most memorable experience. Don’t leave your next business deal to chance, hire a private jet charter and get there on your terms.
To explore the options Newport Jets offers in private jet charter visit www.newportjets.com
Private Jet Travel Destinations: Brown + Hudson Truly Personal, Unique Luxury Travel
Newport Jets is pleased to share an interview we did with Brown +Hudson, for travel that works perfectly with private jet charter travel around the world.
Tell a friend you are going to Patagonia or Nepal or Madagascar and they may tell you “I’ve done that.” But if your travel was arranged by Brown + Hudson you can gleefully reply, “No, you haven’t.”
That’s because Brown + Hudson travel is extremely personal. Every itinerary they create is unique to the last detail. There is no template used. Each travel experience is created from a series of personal questions designed to discover the intricate details of what might make your experience truly extraordinary. Brown + Hudson calls this level of customization “truly bespoke,” because each trip is handcrafted—like a fine suit.
Founding partner Philippe Brown was a world traveler before Brown + Hudson and had many years experience working in the luxury active travel industry designing, guiding and managing trips around the globe. It wasn’t until he came across William Henry Hudson, author of Idle Days in Patagonia, that the concept of highly personalized, truly bespoke travel became a mission. With that mission at the core of Brown + Hudson travelers the world over are experiencing destinations in a way no one else has, or ever will.
Brown + Hudson designs travel experiences for travelers who yearn for the one-of-a-kind experience that rises above the ordinary.
1. Have you in your personal travel experience, ever had an itinerary go wrong or appear to be not what you expected? And if so how did you deal with it?
One of our key points of difference is that we always manage every journey from the beginning until the end – either through our own guides leading the trip directly, or through our staff at the office managing from afar. It is perfectly normal for our clients to change their minds or arrangements at a moment’s notice. This is neither a challenge, or an obstacle, as it provides an opportunity to shine, surprise and delight. We are bespoke and hands-on in the planning and delivery of each trip.
For example, over breakfast on a recent cycling trip in the middle of nowhere in New Zealand, a client quietly mentioned to his friend over breakfast that he would rather play golf than cycle that day. Our guide overheard this and discovered the nearest golf course was a short 45-minute flight away, and returned to the breakfast table having reserved a tee-time, equipment and caddie. Not to mention, he found a helicopter to take the client there in time.
2. What about a travel experience makes it memorable or special? Certainly the specifics vary from person to person, but what is the intangible that makes it memorable?
Many companies in the travel industry call an itinerary ‘bespoke’ when they string together some destinations, properties and activities based on a client’s wishes…when essentially it is the same packaged itinerary they have sold for years. Our approach goes above and beyond this, which is the definition of truly bespoke travel. A lot of it is in the intangibles, the insights we leverage to apply incredibly personal touches. This can only come from first knowing our clients very well, secondly knowing each destination(s) in detail and thirdly, of course, being creative, diligent and detail-obsessed in planning and delivering the journey.
For instance, in crafting a recent honeymoon to South Africa we found out that the groom was preparing for a marathon to take place shortly after the trip. We built training possibilities into the journey and had each property draw up running routes corresponding to his assumed distance needs. Finally, we connected with a sports science academic in Cape Town who had written the bible of marathon and ultra-marathon running and asked him to craft a mini-running guide for training in the wilderness. We also arranged a meeting between the two later in the journey in Cape Town so our client could get the latest running know-how directly from the source.
Often our clients don’t know we are adding these personal touches to the journey, as each element of our trips seem to fit in naturally.
When our client’s needs or the group size dictates that the trip should be lead by a Brown + Hudson guide then the opportunities for intangibles and special experiences are even more plentiful. Guides can apply touches we have planned directly, or come up with their own spontaneously; as they learn more about the clients they are travelling with.
3. There must be some locations that are often requested. How do you resist the temptation to fall into a cookie-cutter approach when you’re designing a trip over and over for the same location?
The destination is only the canvas on which we paint. Our clients and their wishes, dreams and preferences define the colors and the image. Sure, some locations are more popular than others, but because they are popular, our knowledge and our relationships here go even further than in other destinations. Bringing a lot business to these places actually makes it easier for us to do things differently every time, simply because we are continuously learning about a place.
4. What has been your most outlandish request and how did you meet those expectations?
We wouldn’t consider any requests outlandish. Anything is possible (as long as it’s within our ethical standards).
Recently some clients showed an interest in travel to Afghanistan’s Wakhan corridor, so we went there and researched it. Others have recently expressed an interest to cycle on the ice in Antarctica, and we will make it happen.
5. Is there anywhere considered too dangerous? Do you ever dissuade people from traveling to certain locations?
We take our clients’ safety very seriously. We bear foreign office advisories in mind and then look at the reality of the local situation. If in any doubt we involve political and security risk professionals for another perspective on levels of risk in any destination. We inform our clients accordingly, but the decision is always theirs. Naturally, we will not carry out any journeys where we are not comfortable with regard to our clients’ (and our staff’s) safety.
6. During the interview process with your clients have you ever uncovered things that the traveler was surprised to consider? Most people tend to think in the box are they pleasantly surprised that something you suggested really appeals to them when they never would have thought it would?
We pride ourselves in identifying where our clients’ obvious and not so obvious interests, dreams and wishes lie, and then leveraging these to create personal experiences they wouldn’t have thought of. Because we go way beyond the norm in the travel industry, this tends to happen all the time and the initiative usually comes from us – after all this is why our clients come to us.
On a recent trip in Africa, for a client with an interest in history and politics, we recommended a meeting with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Our client agreed but thought we were joking. In fact, he and his newly betrothed wife met the Archbishop last week in Cape Town and had their recent marriage blessed. A great highlight for an already exceptional honeymoon.
7. How much weight do you carry in the decision making? For instance if there is a place you absolutely know your client would love but they may be hesitant, how much do you persuade?
We will always give a client an accurate reflection of why a destination, property or experience could be appropriate for them. But the choice is ultimately theirs; after all we promise them everything they want and nothing that they don’t. Generally clients trust our judgment and recommendations, but if for whatever reason they want to do something differently, we will make it possible.
8. What percent of your clientele are regulars and how many are looking for the trip of a lifetime—something to wipe off their bucket list?
This year we have benefitted from a large number of new clients commissioning Brown + Hudson for the first time. Prior to that I would say that 75% of our business was repeat business, but this year that number is down to about 50%, thanks to new business.
The ‘trip of a lifetime’ scenario applies mainly to our honeymooners, or perhaps a multi-generational family trip, where the grandparents might invite everyone on such a journey – it’s rare to get the whole family together.
9. That being said, who is your typical client, describe them.
Our clients come from different places around the world, backgrounds and professions. They do have in common an attitude that emphasizes the value of time – and particularly personal time.
Whenever they use personal time, they want to know they are making the most of it. They want extraordinary experiences catered to their specific needs, no matter how particular, impossible or unusual that might seem. They like to feel that their experiences are theirs and theirs alone.
10. What drew you to travel in the first place?
The individual motivations and backgrounds of our team in London and our guides around the planet differ greatly. But we are all a rather curious and restless bunch who like to be on the go, who cherish discovery and connecting with people. Some of us are into sports and discover the world on foot or by bike, some are culture hounds with degrees in history or art, and others love nothing more than nature. Travel connects the dots for all of us.
11. Have you ever considered settling in one of the places you’ve visited?
Everyone at Brown + Hudson has spent time living overseas. Our staff in our London office has lived in such diverse places as Vietnam, Morocco, Patagonia, Uganda, Canada, Scotland, Switzerland, Mexico and France. However, we are probably not really the ‘settling’ types.
12. Are there some locations that are requested more often?
Currently the most popular destinations are: Bhutan, India, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, France, Turkey, Italy and Vietnam. We have also seen an increase in interest in China and Argentina.
13. What is your most often heard comment from people after their first experience with a Brown + Hudson travel experience?
Difficult to generalize, but usually it’s a form of “you spoiled us”. We also like it when, on a trip our guides overhear “let’s start planning our next trip while we are still all together…”
14. Everyone affiliated with Brown + Hudson knows several languages, have you ever started out talking to someone in the wrong language? How do you switch back between them?
Yes in Iceland. Philippe tried to get a waiter’s attention in a Rejikavic restaurant in Vietnamese saying “Em Oi!”(having just returned from Hanoi). It got the waiter’s attention but not understanding. Switching back happens rather automatically at that point (together with blushing ever so slightly).
To tell you the truth, most of us have grown up bi or tri-lingual and are used to thinking and speaking in different languages. Even with our own families we find ourselves switching back and forth a lot (which can be irritating to some, so we have reigned it in).
15. Is your dream trip/experience still out there or have you experienced it yet?
While we’ve all had the good fortune of having travelled a great deal, our dream experience will always be out there, waiting in our imagination for the right moment or the perhaps the right client…
Brown + Hudson, 13B Hewer Street, London, W10 6DU
UNITED KINGDOM
T +44 203 358 0110
F +44 203 0700 600
enquiries@nullbrownandhudson.com