Archive for May, 2018

THE INTERVIEW SERIES – HANNA TALAIE – GENERAL MANAGER, VILLAZZO

Thursday, May 24th, 2018
Hanna Talaie

No-one knows luxury travel better than Hanna Talaie, General Manager of leading online luxury villa booking Villazzo. With more than 11 years’ experience in the industry, a degree in International Business and Management, international experience working and studying in both Germany and the Netherlands, and a passion for travel, she gives us the lowdown, in our first in a series of insider interviews.

Q: What does your role as General Manager involve?

I’m responsible for managing all departments across the business, to make sure they run smoothly and to offer support if there’s an issue. Our ethos is to deliver to the high standards our loyal clientele expects. At the same time, we need to make sure we differentiate ourselves as market leaders.

Q: Villazzo is known for its commitment to customer service, how do you achieve this?

As cliché as it sounds, I love coming to work. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by a great team who enjoy what they do. Our clients are at the heart of our business, and we prioritize their every need and requirement to ensure we take great care of them. Our approach is to offer guests the attention and experience as you would give your family – simply the best of the best!

Q: What’s the most challenging part of your job?

It’s fair to say that we self-impose very high standards. Our biggest challenge is to exceed our own set goals and to make every stay better than the previous for guests. We stay up to date when it comes to technology and trends, especially since the hospitality market is ever-changing and highly competitive.

Q: You’ve worked for the company for eight years, what makes Villazzo stand out from its competitors?

We are very price competitive, have a full local operations team with dedicated concierge services and have exclusive contracts in some cities. But most of all, we go above and beyond customer expectations to provide a hotel-like experience, with personalized services for guests. This ranges from little touches like premium towels and bespoke toiletry selection, to a white glove Butler service. We make the impossible request, possible – a challenge we love to take on! Villazzo only employs people with a ‘Yes’ attitude, who will care for guests and go beyond their expectations.

Q: What qualities do you look out for when appointing properties for Villazzo?

Location, location, location! That aside, to fit in with our luxury vacation rental portfolio, properties must be very well maintained and the interior needs to be clean, new and wow. We only consider properties that have a property manager to ensure we have an immediate contact.

Q: You’re well-traveled, where do you choose to vacation?

Anywhere that I can gather cultural knowledge. I have a bucket list of places that I am intending to see. I was recently in Iceland; the next trip will be Japan.

“The feedback we have from clients is overwhelming and I strongly believe they feel the extra TLC they receive from us.”

Q: Do you have any insider tips for online rental bookings?

The longer you stay in a property, the better value it becomes, as the nightly rate goes down. Of course, our business is seasonal and much like hotels, there are on and off-peak times to travel. Outside of the holidays and school breaks, you can usually bag a better bargain! I have also seen lots of online fraudsters, so always advise using a reputable online rental company such as Villazzo, where you can speak to an actual person too.

Q: Are there any travel trends you’re noticing at the moment?

Yes, people are moving away from the traditional ‘plan a holiday’ method, and being more spontaneous and last minute. We’re also noticing that short stays are growing in popularity, allowing visitors to move around more, and weekend getaways are very ‘on trend’ too.

Q: Finally, why do you recommend someone reading this should book their luxury travel villa with Villazzo?

Villazzo has a very detail-oriented team that thrives on pleasing customers. We enjoy welcoming clients from all over the world, for every type of occasion. We have a very knowledgeable, motivated team who will create a memorable and bespoke stay for your trip. The feedback we have from clients is overwhelming and I strongly believe they feel the extra TLC they receive from us.

FOUR SPOTS FOR REST, RELAXTION AND TOTAL LUXURY

Wednesday, May 9th, 2018

It’s that time of year again when thoughts turn to a vacation for some much-needed time out. More than just topping up your tan, rest and relaxation is imperative for productivity and rejuvenation. As such, wellbeing travel has come to the fore in recent years, with stunning spas, tranquil luxury villa rentals and revitalising settings to help aid the ‘R&R’ process.

However, the ultimate break requires the ultimate retreat, and to help inspire, we’ve compiled our top four luxury destinations for those seeking chic chill.

Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy

Picture postcard views of rolling hills, vast vineyards and sun-kissed skies make Tuscany one of the most idyllic settings for a relaxing break. For those that enjoy unwinding through art, there’s plenty of landscape to paint, while those who enjoy cultural walks or love Italian cuisine are spoilt for choice. If seclusion is what you’re after, then its remoteness makes it highly desirable. Luxury villa rentals in Tuscany are often nestled in rugged mountains and charming countryside retreats.

Ibiza

Ibiza, Spain

Where party and peace come together in natural harmony. The spectacular island of Ibiza is home to some of the most luxurious villa rentals offering elegance, beauty and the ultimate in chill. Without having to leave your property you can soak up the sun, lounge by a salt water pool and enjoy sundowners with the best view in the house. The island also has its fair share of secluded coves, fitness retreat and detox camps, as well as the blissful island of Formentera awaiting your discovery.

Ontario

Ontario, Canada

When it comes to getting away from it all, Ontario offers an exciting alternative from the daily grind. By night, luxurious lodges provide the perfect setting to unwind, while the great outdoors await discovery by day. Spanning 400 acres, High Park is a great starting point to explore with nature all around. Of course, most tourists come for the Great Lakes – some 250,000 in total, offering undeniable tranquility while getting back to nature at the same time.

St Barth’s, Caribbean

When only five-star pampering will do, bathe in the complete luxury and transformative settings of St Barth’s. Alcove beaches with pristine white sand and calm aqua waters offer unrivalled views for beach lovers, or you may prefer to sip cocktails from the privacy of your own pool. St Barth’s, after all, is known for its high-end heavenliness, with luxury vacation homes, daytime yoga sessions and divine eateries awaiting your visit.

If you’re in search of sun, sea and luxury, then Global Luxury Villas to discover your dream vacation today!

LUXURY ST TROPEZ, FOR THOSE THAT ‘CANNES’

Saturday, May 5th, 2018
Festival de Cannes

Stars from the Silver Screen and the great and the good from the film industry descend to Cannes once again this May 8- 19, for the ‘Festival de Cannes’.

As only an event of this stature can command, nothing less than the best luxury vacation rentals will suffice. After all, this is a city steeped in glamour and class.

With its elite selection of luxury vacation rentals, Global Luxury Villas provides the perfect solution for holiday homes to rent for guests attending the Festival. With a wide selection to choose from, many of the luxury holiday homes include special touches – from a personal chef to a housekeeper. Every stay includes a personal concierge service, to help secure reservations to the most exclusive venues in the city, at the best value for your visit.

What are the highlights this year?

As one of the greatest and most widely publicized celebrations of film, and now in its 71st season, this year’s event promises to be another memorable year, with Cate Blanchett named President of the Jury.

Cate Blanchett
The list of shortlisted films has just gone live here too.

Free Screenings

As usual, open-air screenings at the Cinema de la Plage are open to all from 9pm during the Festival. Usefully, this is opposite the Hotel Majestic – one of the prime locations for a pre-and post-film Prosecco. It’s always a guaranteed venue to rub shoulders with industry insiders too.

Alternatively, if you’re happy to mingle with bystanders, the Red Carpet and Blue Carpet zones in and around the coveted Debussy Theatre, are great vantage points to soak up the atmosphere.

Invite Only Screenings

Those on the inside, including; investors, journalists, directors, publicists, actors and producers, will need to apply for a badge beforehand for accreditation.

Grand Theatre Lumiere
For those lucky enough to have bagged an invitation to the Grand Theatre Lumiere, it’s a strictly black-tie or evening dress affair. The Gala screenings are held every evening, and passes are essential.
The latest events are updated to: http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/

Where to Schmooze!

For a touch of elite luxury, the annual Chopard gathering is not to be missed on May 11, returning to the legendary Savarona yacht. If you are lucky enough to be on the guest list to the Swarovski lunch (May 19) you can look forward to rubbing shoulders with Penelope Cruz, heading up the intimate get-together.

Savarona Yacht
Meanwhile, the delectable de Grisogono party (May 15) held at the Hotel du Cap Eden Roc is sure to deliver high octane fun!

Cannes Grisogono Party
Finally, die-hard Star Wars fans cannot miss ‘A Star Wars Story, Orchestra’ on May 15 at Corbeille.

For an altogether more public event, look out for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for top gatherings with fundraising initiatives.

Where to wine and dine

One of the ultimate Cannes venues is the Hotel du Cap Eden-Roc, a great location for lunch, dinner and post-theatre drinks.

Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez
However, La Palme d’Or at the Martinez Hotel is the place to be when the film set take over. It offers the finest dining experience with sweeping views of the golden stretch of Cannes famous beach. Afterwards, trot over to its ‘Bar l’Amiral’ for a glass of bubbly, usually with an A-lister standing next to you.

For lunch, 45 La Croisette at Le Grand Hotel is the perfect spot for a two-course lunch, with a delightful selection of fresh seafood and an excellent wine menu.

Carlton Luxury Vacations
However, since time began, the bar at the Carlton Hotel is the go-to destination for a sophisticated night cap, in this ultra glamourous spot.

For the latest information on the Cannes Film Festival, visit: www.festival-cannes.com/en and for luxury and last minute villa rentals, Global Luxury Villas.