Words by Nick Munday, Managing Director of Classic Collection Holidays.
There’s no two ways about it. A luxury holiday is what we all dream about, but can also come with a hefty price tag. Sometimes the prices can seem a bit extreme when compared with a standard, budget holiday, but when you dig deeper into what a ‘luxury’ holiday actually entails, the benefits can become priceless…
Whether you want to visit the blissful Santorini, idyllic St Lucia or romantic Venice, upgrading your holiday can help you experience your destination with a golden edge. Often you will be staying in the most beautiful locations, and with all the guidance and service possible to ensure a perfectly magical trip.
A 5 star star hotel will come with 5 star accommodation. However luxury is interpreted by your individual destination, you should be wowed from when you first step inside the reception to when you first open the door to your room. Room upgrades can also surpass expectations, with extras such as rainforest showers, unbelievable views and beautiful interiors all being part and parcel of a luxury, upgraded trip.
Apart from the hotel aesthetics making you feel like royalty, service is another big draw when it comes to booking a luxury trip. The service should be attentive, and staff should be available at all times to hear your requests and needs. In fact, don’t be surprised if they have already anticipated them… staff in 5* hotels are well-trained to know in advance how to create your dream trip. It’s all part of the luxury experience.
The food you eat can make or break your holiday, and 5* hotels put on quite a show when it comes to cuisine. Whether you’re sitting down to freshly-baked croissants, perfectly-poached eggs or more than your fair share of hollandaise sauce, breakfast time is all about setting off your day with a sumptuous edge. Similarly, dinner time is an opportunity for top chefs to dazzle you with their exquisite dishes and creative flair while you sample fine wines from an inspiring list. Mealtimes at luxury hotels are a chance for you to tantalise your taste buds and excite the senses in beautiful surroundings. Experiences like this might not come cheap, but the foodie in you will be in culinary heaven.
In addition to the amazing food on offer, you will also be treated to a fantastic array of activity choices that might not be available everywhere else. Sure you’ve been on a boat before, but have you had a private sunset cruise? You may have relaxed on a beach, but have you experienced a romantic candlelit dinner for two by the crashing waves? Bespoke, exclusive experiences are the added extras that leave lasting memories from luxury holidays, and concierges are usually on hand to make sure you are creating your perfect trip. A morning at a local cooking class, an award-winning spa treatment or reservations at the nearby exclusive restaurant are only a request away…
Hassle is also removed from the booking process with a luxury holiday. With so many exquisite hotels to choose from, as well as the challenge of finding suitable flight options from so many different providers, and any particular room requests such as a specific room number or interconnecting or adapted rooms, it can be a very tiresome task to take on yourself. Luxury holiday providers offer a personalised service throughout the booking process, so you can guarantee your requirements will be catered for as thoroughly as possible.
The mixture of inspiring interiors, a truly personal service, incredible locations and even better food all combine to make up the experience of a lifetime. When it comes to luxury travel, the price may be high, but the benefits can be so much higher. Only your imagination can hold you back…
Classic Collection Holidays has a team of 150 nestled in an office by the sea in Worthing, West Sussex, personalising luxury holidays for each of the 40,000 customers that book directly, or via the 2,000-strong travel agent network, every year. For more information, visit classic-collection.co.uk
