Virtuoso Travel Week wrapped up recently, a huge event normally held in Las Vegas, which went virtual for the first time. While I missed seeing my colleagues and travel partners in person, the outcome was the same: strong connections with the people who have the most influence over my clients’ travel experience, who will hand select their hotel room and VIP them, and who I will call on for support with a special request or a problem.
A supplier’s network of contacts and personal relationships with hotels in the destination are my most important consideration when selecting who to partner with for my clients’ trips.
Of course it’s a sales event as well, and I love getting the inside scoop on what’s new and what’s going on behind the scenes that you won’t find on the internet.
Some highlights this year:
- An adventure tour operator has structured their pricing so 6-7 travelers can take over many of their tour dates as a private trip with no increase in cost. How great for family groups or couples traveling together!
- A sneak peak at two new resorts: one opening soon in Sonoma wine country, and something completely unique on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.
Exciting new hotels opening in late 2020 – reservations being accepted now!
- Suppliers are working on vetting more private luxury beach houses, villas, and apartments so we can book them with confidence for our clients.
- Some resorts have interconnecting 2-4 bedroom options, but they are not advertised on their website because they have to manually block them. We must contact our sales reps to book these.
- A luxury cycling company has the motto is BIKE – EAT – DRINK – SLEEP. You can choose your priorities!
A Southwest national parks trip includes a visit to lesser known Snow Canyon State Park.
- Hotels are coming up with creative ways to make the vacation experience special while still social distancing: private movie nights offered on bungalow patios, mobile bar carts instead of public bars.
- A Sedona resort is debuting a new adventure center for hikers and mountain bikers. Talk with an expert to pick the right trail, and rent top of the line gear.
- Several guest ranches are open through winter with fun programs for families.
Ranches offer a “home away from home” winter experience, with accommodations from lodge rooms to cozy private cabins to multi-bedroom fully-equipped homes.
- One of the most exciting and innovative developments: A few resorts have announced homeschool packages, where they will provide remote learning space and staff so kids can keep up with coursework while the parents work.
Holiday space is starting to book up, and I can confirm that as I have had two clients this week find out the resort they wanted is not available. But many properties which normally sell out by now do have space. Cancellation policies are more flexible than usual (some even up 24-48 hours prior to arrival), so planning now is risk-free for at least several months.
Virtuoso exclusives in Bora Bora include 4th night free, daily breakfast (some with dinner, too), $100 hotel credit, and roundtrip airport shuttle.
Also check out Virtuoso’s recap of the 9 Best Things Learned at Virtuoso Travel Week.
I didn’t attend any cocktail parties, but I did get martini tips from a bartender in London. And I bonded over a love of boxers with the owner of a beautiful Tuscany resort who’s also a Michelin chef. (I don’t speak Italian, but I think our dogs may be betrothed now??)
Il Falconiere, a Relais & Chateaux property in Cortona, and Egerton House, one of only 15 Forbes 5 star hotels in London.
Whether or not to plan travel now is a personal choice, but if you hope to get away in 2021 (or even 2022 for big trips like Africa), we should talk. Drop me a note or give me a call at 408-223-6155, I’m always happy to talk travel!
