What makes the difference between standard luxury and the next level?
Proactive, personal attention to the individual. Your plans never need to be set in stone, allowing for total spontaneity. When we started Quintessentially ten years ago, we realized that people were more interested in being taken care of in an individual way than how many crystals adorned each of the hotel’s chandeliers.
What would your dream trip involve?
Getting to know places like China and Russia better, places laced with mysticism and culture. In an ideal world I’d like to ride the Trans-Siberian Express through China and Russia, sit back and take it all in.
What must-have items do you need when you travel?
A good book, a local guidebook, my Quintessentially card, and a good pair of gym shoes.
What luxury destinations will be popular in the future?
Places like the Caribbean, Maldives and Mauritius will always draw attention, but currently we’ve found that people are looking for destinations that are new, exciting and more bespoke. Southern India will definitely see a rise in popularity. It combines adventure, culture, beauty and first-rate service, with a more untouched element.
What luggage do you carry when jet-setting?
I always try and travel light, so my trusted Alfred Dunhill carry-on will normally suffice.
Where are you heading for your holidays?
Klosters for skiing during the winter months. It’s a great location to unwind after the Christmas season. In March I’m hopefully going to Kerala in India.
What are some of the most unusual requests you've fulfilled?
We closed the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a private climb so a member could propose to his partner… A party for 300 people at the Pyramids in Egypt… A member called from the Amazon unable to find the rare pink dolphins; we managed to find them and arrange a helicopter to take him there.
If you’re looking for a Christmas getaway, click here for Quintessentially Travel's picks.