Leading luxury tour operator Elegant Resorts this week revealed that Clients are more determined to travel than ever as part of its annual Luxury Travel Trends Report. The report follows extensive research based on client surveys and current travel booking trends to help determine clients’ feelings towards travel as the cost-of-living crisis continues.   A Genuine Desire to Travel   The survey has revealed that while the cost-of-living crisis is certainly on people’s minds, Elegant Resorts’ clients are determined to travel in 2023. 55% of those who responded to the survey said that they would not be travelling less but would consider dropping other luxuries if necessary, while 80% are planning to take three trips at least this year and 13% are expecting to take five trips or more. They are also seeing that the average booking value has increased by 48% since before the pandemic, reaching £28.5K. With a strong financial position due to the restrictions of the last couple of years, clients have led a surge in demand with bigger budgets as they are keen to indulge, even when considering the general increase in the overall costs of flights and accommodation.   Holidaying Differently   During the pandemic the operator saw a surge in bookings for single-centre beach holidays, but now holiday makers are keen to venture further afield and make every break matter. 40% of respondents are planning multi-centre itineraries full of cultural experiences and 73% want to book city breaks for the same reasons. Another key trend is the rise of wellness holidays, with mental wellbeing considered the number one lifestyle priority and 22% of clients planning to book a retreat. These are holidays that matter and enrich their lives.   A Shift in Destinations   The traditional holiday locations are still firm favourites, but Europe has now taken the top spot from the Caribbean with countries like Italy, Spain and Greece being ahead of the rest. 75% of the survey respondents confirmed that they intend to book a European break in 2023 and 46% are hoping to go to the Caribbean this year. Early 2023 bookings confirm that Dubai is firmly back on the map, with the top 5 destinations being Barbados, Spain, Greece, The Maldives and Dubai. The USA, South Africa and Portugal are proving to be popular emerging destinations while Thailand, Australia and New Zealand are making a slower but steady recovery following the pandemic.   Lisa Fitzell, Managing Director of Elegant Resorts commented: “The start of 2023 is very encouraging. We have had some exceptional weeks and I hope that this year will bring our full recovery and see us perform better than previous years. Holidays are very important to our clients, who cherish the long-lasting memories they bring with loved ones. Going away is also key to wellbeing, and as a result of this we launched our Wellness Collection earlier this year allowing clients to book retreats whilst continuing to use the expertise and personalised service we offer.”   You can access the full report here

 

Oh, the Places You Will Go!

  If you're tired of the cold British weather and are ready for another dose of holiday sunshine, now is the perfect time to swap busy days at work and hectic school schedules for a sun-drenched escape, making family memories that simply can't be created in the classroom or the office. Whether learning a new skill on a white-sand beach in the Maldives or ticking off a bucket-list item with those you love, there has never been a better time to start thinking about your next luxury holiday with Elegant Resorts.   As always, our experts are on hand to help make your travel experience the best it can be, no matter your family’s destination, and will go above and beyond to create meaningful family memories for you and your loved ones.   To find out more about our range of family-friendly destinations or to plan your next luxury escape, please contact our Luxury Travel Specialists Today!    

A Family-Friendly Haven Full of Activities

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

  The whole family will be immersed in the natural beauty and rich culture of Bali during a stay at this all-villa beach resort. The wonderful Jimba Club for children offers a range of island inspired activities based around different daily themes and guests of all ages can join an expert instructor for surf lessons in the sheltered confines of Jimbaran Bay or embrace the rides and slides (including Asia's steepest) at the nearby Waterbom Bali waterpark. And when it's time to refuel, children under 6 dine for free, while half price meals are offered for children aged 7-12 years old.    

Fun, Educational and Culturally Enriching Experiences

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

  Set on a private, lushly planted coral island and styled like a charming Maldivian village, families will love the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa.   Available for children from the ages of 4 to 12 years old (or younger with a private babysitter), the Kuda Mas ("small fish") Club keeps even the smallest of guests entertained during their holidays with an action-packed programme featuring a wide range of creative crafts and games, beach and outdoor activities including coral reef building, treasure hunts, mini-spa experiences and baby sea turtle feeding and monitoring.    

Make A Splash in Dubai

Atlantis, The Palm

  Priding itself on offering a plethora of family fun for guests of all ages, Atlantis, The Palm offers an extensive range of innovative kids’ clubs, more than 1.4km of private beaches and exciting adventures for the whole tribe. Younger guests, aged 3 to 12, can spend the day at The Atlantis Explorers Club, enjoying the underwater theatre, playgrounds and creation zones for children who love arts and crafts.   Teens can also join in on the fun with a trip to The Zone, a fun-filled area that features the latest in full motion simulators and other video games, as well as karaoke, dancing, musical instruments and DJ decks.  Bring little thrill seekers down to make a splash at the biggest kid’s only waterpark experience in the Middle East - Splashers Lagoon & Cove. Open only to families with young children, Splashers Lagoon & Cove has a private entrance within Aquaventure, the world’s largest waterpark.    

Experience the Magic

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort

  With all that’s going on at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, you may find it difficult to tear yourself away to visit the adjacent Magic Kingdom® Park and Epcot®. Built with families in mind, the resort is home to many child-friendly activities, from the complimentary 'Kids For All Seasons' camp to the Dive-In cinema screen - a unique experience that can be enjoyed by all ages.   Don't miss the 'Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & Pals' character breakfast held twice at the Ravello restaurant where the, always entertaining, characters will supply plenty of smiles and a photographer will capture the magical moment to cherish forever. Families can also avail themselves of the Disney Planning Centre and transport to and from the Disney Parks, making for a truly magical family holiday!    

Award Winning Stays

Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort

  Renowned for their family-friendly experiences and stays, Pine Cliffs, a Luxury Collection Resort offers families a luxurious place to reconnect and recharge. Awarded 'Best Family Resort in Portugal', the facilities for children at Pine Cliffs are truly world-class, with activities for everyone.   Guests under 8 years can head to Porto Pirata Children's Village, offering endless fun and discovery, complete with two wondrous, life-size, pirate ships and a thrilling programme of activities, including Pirate's Day, mini golf tournaments, limbo dancing and aqua fun in the kids' swimming pool. Meanwhile, older children, aged 8 to 12 years, have access to the laid-back, fully supervised, Junior Club, where they can take part in beach volleyball, archery lessons and aqua ball.    

An Unforgettable Adventure

Elounda Peninsula All Suite Hotel

  For a luxury family getaway, few hotels rival Elounda Peninsula. The Creche in Kids' Ark, for children from 4 months to 4 years old, follows an animal-themed concept, and offers two pools, playgrounds, and a vegetable garden. Set in its own corner of the resort, The Kids' Park - for 5 to 12-year-olds - boasts a ball games court and shallow pools with waterslides, whilst teenagers can enjoy golf and tennis lessons, water skiing, and various ball games. For something unique, football lovers can head to the Valencia Soccer School Camp, where, together in partnership with Global Premiere Soccer, children can learn the Valencia FC values of teamwork, both on and off the pitch, directly from the club’s professionals.    

A Sports Academy for Everyone

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

  A stunning five-star family hotel on the Dalmatian coast brimming with child-friendly facilities and amenities as well as a wonderful spa, Sun Gardens is a top choice for a luxury family holiday in Croatia. Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is also home to some of the best sporting academies with summer camps for children aged 7-15 years in football, swimming, tennis, basketball and much more! Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is also home to some of the best sporting academies with summer camps for children aged 7-15 years in football, swimming, tennis, water sports, as well as guest Campioni Soccer Academy featuring UK football legends and Campioni Dance Academy led by AJ Azari!

  Leading luxury tour operator Elegant Resorts is launching its first agent portal this week as the company reinforces its commitment to the trade.   The dedicated portal has been designed with agents in mind, following feedback gathered over a number of months by the operator. The platform offers a simple login for a customised experience, with access to a wealth of relevant information and assets, which enable agent partners to deliver a seamless experience.   In the first phase of development, agents will be able to access detailed information about the Elegant Resorts' team, as well as events, incentives, offers and marketing assets. They can simply log into their existing account, or sign in to register.   Functionalities featured on the platform:   Team: Detailed profiles of the Elegant Resorts team members, showcasing their knowledge and experience.   Incentives: Access to all current booking incentives and promotions available to agent partners.   Favourites: Function to select “favourite” products and receive alerts when a new offer is loaded.   Downloadable offers: All Elegant Resorts’ offers are available to download in a white label format for agent partners to display or share with their clients.   Events: Dedicated events section with details and images from previous events as well as a calendar of up and coming events for agents to register their interest.   Tracy Docherty, Agency Sales Director at Elegant Resorts commented: “Over the past 6 months we’ve heavily invested in designing and developing a portal for the sole use of our travel agent partners and homeworkers. It will offer a login, through which agents will have access to a host of useful tools, Feedback from partners indicated that they regularly book a number of core hotels with us, and they wanted relevant offers to target their regular bookers. This is the first phase of our commitment to ensuring our agent partners and homeworkers feel valued and receive a seamless experience with Elegant Resorts. We look forward to receiving their feedback on phase 1, as work on phase 2 is already underway.”

 

5 Reasons You’ll Love Huvafen Fushi

 

NORTH MALÉ ATOLL, MALDIVES

  A multi-award-winning secret haven on North Malé Atoll in the magical Maldives, Huvafen Fushi promises pure escapism in a truly breathtaking setting. At this luxurious retreat, forty-four spacious and contemporary bungalows and pavilions boast their own private plunge pools, comprehensive 24-hour 'Thakuru' butler service, luxury facilities, and uninterrupted views of the ocean sunsets.   With the world's first - and only - underwater massage treatment rooms, guests can surrender to underwater bliss at Huvafen Spa, relish the wealth of marine activities, or enjoy world-class dining at the array of unique dining destinations. This island paradise continues to tempt travellers back time and time again, offering timeless barefoot luxury with a contemporary touch.   To find out more or to book your luxury escape to Huvafen Fushi, please contact our Luxury Travel Specialists today!    

1. World-Class Dining Experiences

  Tantalize your taste buds with some of the Maldives’ finest cuisines during your stay at Huvafen Fushi with six unique dining destinations, each offering enticing aromas, unforgettable tastes and striking dining spaces.   Indulge in an unforgettable breakfast full of international flavours at Celsius, relax with your feet in the sand as you enjoy irresistible Mediterranean cuisine at Forno, entice your senses with a Japanese Izakaya-style dining experience at the overwater Salt, enjoy innovative and fresh food in a relaxed, bistro-style setting at Raw, or experience a treasure trove of rare vintages at 'Vinum', the Maldives' first underground wine cellar.    

2. A Luxury Spa Like No Other

  With the world's first - and only - underwater massage treatment rooms, Huvafen Spa is a place where the depth of the water element can be experienced like never before. Each treatment is personalised to individual requirements, from simple massages to totally bespoke experiences and guests will love the mirrors cleverly situated beneath massage tables so the aquatic display can be viewed throughout your treatment, even on the upper level, there are glass-bottomed treatment areas, perfect for watching the ocean life.    

3. The Perfect Location For Romance

  Surrounded by deep, powder-soft white sand and gin-clear aquamarine water, Huvafen Fushi is a perfect tropical destination for romance. All accommodation is detached, adding to the feeling of privacy, while the resort's bijou scale lends itself to a romantic, peaceful escape.   With a choice of dining venues (with options for romantic in-villa dining), pampering spa treatments available at the underwater spa, watersports aplenty and a stunning fibre-optic swimming pool to laze around, conveniently located adjacent to the open-air, foot-in-the-sand bar, this cool, contemporary resort is a heavenly, peaceful haven which would suit couples who prefer smaller, more intimate, resorts.    

4. Magical Maldivian Marine Life

  Sink into pristine, powder-soft white sand as you walk around this tiny, peaceful slice of paradise and visit the beachside watersports centre to choose from a wide range of watersports activities, perfect for uncovering some of the ocean’s wonderful marine life. Revel in an underwater realm at Huvafen Fushi's FLOAT, where diving opportunities for beginners and qualified divers alike are available.   With such an isolated spot to dive and minimal boat traffic, the area is largely undisturbed offering the best views of the marine life and the utmost in diving privacy. Don’t fancy getting wet? Enjoy a bespoke fine dining underwater experience or head to the Spaquarium and watch the reef come alive in front of your eyes as you sip on champagne and allow yourself to be utterly pampered.    

5. Service That Goes The Extra Mile

  Experience sheer bliss at Huvafen Fushi and let your personal ‘Thakuru’ (butler) take care of your every desire. With attentive staff and discreet and unsurpassed levels of service, you won’t have to worry about a single thing. Proactive and innovative, your private Thakuru will be with you throughout the duration of your stay, ensuring that you are satisfied and content with every aspect of your luxury escape.   Not sure what to experience first? Let your Thakuru do the hard work and turn your dreams into a reality – from organising marine adventures to ensuring your romantic rendezvous goes off without a hitch, the staff are happy to go above and beyond to ensure your holiday is perfect.  

 

The Slopes Are Calling…

  If you’ve been dreaming of sun-dappled mountains and the ultimate skiing experience, there has never been a better time to book a luxury ski adventure with Elegant Resorts. With high demand and availability already becoming limited around peak dates, we recommend booking now to avoid disappointment and secure your ski sojourn!   From the slopes of Switzerland to the fresh alpine air of France, there are plenty of cosy chalets and stylish, ski-in/ski-out hotels to choose from. The fun doesn’t end when you step off the snow either; from state-of-the-art spas and heated swimming pools to Michelin-starred dining and imaginative kids’ clubs, immerse yourself in your very own winter wonderland.   To find out more about our incredible ski offerings or to book your next ski escape, please contact our Luxury Ski Team today on 01244 897 387  

  The most inspiring range of one-of-a-kind properties and experiences in the world, the Auberge Resorts Collection portfolio captivates guests with distinctive design that makes each of their 22 properties a welcome discovery. While each property is unique, all share a crafted approach to luxury and bring the soul of the locale to life through captivating design, exceptional cuisine and spas, and gracious yet unobtrusive service. From Santorini to Santa Fe, Mexico to Maine, California to Costa Rica - wherever you stay, you can expect service that is intimate, stylish, and soulful.     But more than just setting a new standard of luxury living, Auberge resorts is dedicated to providing its guests – both young and old – with fulfilling experiences that connect them to the culture, people, and natural charm of the location. That might be a private wine tasting experience from the Napa Valley’s beautiful Auberge du Soleil, a full body reboot at the Mayflower Inn & SPA in Connecticut, an ancient Mya tradition with Cenote gratitude ceremony at Etereo, or perhaps an Anguillan culinary adventure with local Michelin Star chefs at Malliouhana.     There’s perhaps nowhere more romantic than Grace Hotel in Santorini. Home to the largest infinity pool in the region, this hideaway offers private dining with the most breath-taking views of the caldera and unique degustation experience with an impressive Michelin starred chef.     Ready to experience the Auberge difference?   Visit our website or get in touch with one of our Luxury Travel Specialists to start planning your luxury escape.

 

Where Will the Summer Take You?

  If you're ready for another dose of holiday sunshine, now is the perfect time to swap busy days and hectic schedules for a sun-drenched European escape. Whether you want to create family memories that last a lifetime or are dreaming of the ultimate romantic escape, we've picked the perfect collection of properties to suit all styles. But make sure to act fast to safeguard your luxury holiday and secure the price, as high demand for travel means that availability is ever decreasing!  

For Beachfront Tranquillity…

Myconian Ambassador Hotel Relais & Châteaux - Mykonos, Greece

  Just mere steps from the soft sands of Mykonos' most famed beach, Platis Gialos, lies Myconian Ambassador Hotel Relais & Châteaux, an exclusive five-star, family-owned hotel which promises guests a slice of paradise. Boasting an outstanding choice of spacious accommodation that reflects the ambience of its surroundings, an oasis of relaxation for both mind and body at the impressive Thalasso Spa, and gourmet menus at the hotel’s exquisite eateries, you’ll never want to leave! This tranquil oasis is the ideal destination for a romantic couples’ escape.  

 

For Mediterranean Magic…

Porto Elounda Golf & Spa Resort - Crete, Greece

  For a luxury family getaway, few hotels rival Porto Elounda’s incredible offerings. Home to an impressive range of children’s activities and the first Six Senses Spa in Europe, the whole family is sure to enjoy their stay! Adults can enjoy time in the magnificent 2,200m² Six Senses Spa with an authentic Greek holistic experience or exploring the Aegean Sea after a visit to the PADI-certified scuba diving centre while younger ones play in the interconnecting family rooms or join in with the wealth of activities offered. The Porto Elounda Soccer School welcomes youngsters of all abilities while the Kids' Ark Creche promises playgrounds, a vegetable garden, and a range of entertaining activities for children of all ages!    

For Time Well Spent…

Lefay Resort & SPA Lago Di Garda - Lake Garda, Italy

  Recently refurbished and set amongst 27 sumptuous green acres of olive terraces, lemon groves and woodlands within Alto Garda National Park, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda is the perfect balm for the wearied traveller. Extending over 4,300m2 and known as one of Europe's best spa resorts, the large spa combines the principles of classical Chinese medicine with western scientific research to rejuvenate mind, body and soul within the 22 treatment rooms, including indoor and outdoor spaces for rejuvenating activities, and an adult’s only space, perfect for a romantic spa afternoon together. With blissful views across Lake Garda from almost every spot in the resort, just a few days here will leave you feeling entirely renewed.    

For Activities the Whole Family Will Love…

Forte Village - Sardinia, Italy

  A member of 'The Leading Hotels of the World' and set in its own tropical gardens, Forte Village is ideal for families or friends travelling together, with an eclectic range of accommodation options all offering the utmost comfort. Little ones will love Children's Wonderland, a tiny town with a fire station, library, cinema and more, while adults can experience true bliss at the world-class Aquaforte Spa, where you can plunge and soak in six thalassotherapy pools, soothing any aches and stresses away. With a fabulous selection of academies for 2022 (including football, basketball, rugby, netball, hockey, tennis, fencing, and many more!), a myriad of marine-based activities, incredible eateries with distinct menus, and amazing facilities, your family will love Forte Village.    

The Epitome of Excellence Awaits You…

Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden - Tenerife, Canary Islands

  Tucked away between a sub-tropical landscape and the nearby beautiful local natural beaches, the newly renovated Hotel Botanico & The Oriental Spa Garden is the ideal choice for an elegant and luxurious resort holiday. Lesser known amongst tourists and away from the busy crowds, this classic hotel offers a slice of authentic Tenerife with six acres of magnificent exotic gardens, ideal for a spot of sunbathing before visiting award winning The Oriental Spa Garden for one of the many rejuvenating therapies and fabulously inventive facilities such as ice-temples, whirlpools, underground music and garden waterbeds. A true sense of peace prevails throughout this spa sanctuary, offering the ideal destination for romance and relaxation.    

For All Seasons Family Fun…

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama - Tenerife, Canary Islands

  Blessed with year-round sunshine and set within a stunning 400-acres oceanfront estate The Ritz-Carlton, Abama offers everything you could want from a family holiday. Proudly boasting the largest Ritz Kids Club in Europe, children can get involved with the colourful calendar of activities, from mindfulness sessions and talent competitions to graffiti workshops and sports bootcamps, there’s something for every taste. Meanwhile, fun in the sun is easily found at the Ritz Kids outdoor playground, equipped with slides, swings, see-saws and trampolines, or at one of the family-friendly swimming pools. Adults need not miss out on the fun with an awarded spa promising new soothing rituals and treatments, a unique white sandy beach offering comfortable lounges to relax with fresh dishes from the Beach Club, and sensational eateries with delicious gastronomy - including two Michelin-starred venues!    

For Exquisite Experiences…

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira – Funchal, Portugal

  Set on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Funchal and Atlantic Ocean, Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira has been a standard-bearer for excellence on Madeira for over a century. The perfect place for a romantic break, this iconic hotel boasts a rich history of famous visitors, a timeless atmosphere, and the best in luxury accommodation. The lush gardens invite you to bask in the island’s sub-tropical climate, while The Spa at Reid’s Palace offers indulgent treatments by Natura Bisse, Aromatherapy Associates, and LaStone. Reid's Palace is blessed with having some of the best fine dining restaurants in Funchal, with the William Restaurant serving innovative, contemporary cuisine so acclaimed it as earned the restaurant its first Michelin Star!    

For Something Special Every Day….

VILA VITA Parc Resort & Spa – Algarve, Portugal

  From dolphin-spotting, family yoga sessions and watersports, to programmes dedicated to golf-loving guests, a children's club and a luxurious spa, this prized Portuguese resort provides an array of attractions that balance quality family moments with time-out for two. Highlights include eleven restaurants (including one with no less than two Michelin stars!), secluded sandy beaches, tennis courts and extensive golf facilities, while Annabela's Kids' Park invites four to 12-year-olds to embrace an ever-changing schedule of fun-filled activities, including beach games, mini golf, t-shirt painting, magic shows, baking cookies, excursions, pyjama parties and discos! Older kids, meanwhile, can celebrate their coastal surroundings by carving waves during expert-led surf lessons.

  We are excited to announce the launch of our new online travel agent training providing a great opportunity to learn more about our Elegant Hotels Collection. The course will provide details about our brand programmes, the individual properties and which one is the best fit for your clients, as well as outline our great selection of wedding programmes, dining choices and recreational activities.

  Leading luxury tour operator Elegant Resorts launched its annual Luxury Travel Trends Report after conducting two client surveys in the months of June and November 2021, to determine future travel plans and the trends defining travel in 2022.   The survey revealed significant changes to people’s outlooks, lifestyles and travel preferences. The luxury traveller in 2022 is more conscious of the environment, plans more meaningful experiences, is happy to spend more, to stay longer and spend quality time with loved ones. They are booking holidays with a short lead time and prefer to book using the expertise of a travel specialist that offers flexibility and financial protection.

A Genuine Desire to Travel

Clients’ thirst for travel has been clear from the start of the pandemic with 76% of respondent saying that their budgets had remained the same and 16% stating that they intended to spend more. The average booking value for 2022 has increased by 46% compared to 2019, while the duration of their stay is 25% longer than before. Lead times are increasingly shorter with 49% of January 2022 bookings being for departures in quarter one.   The survey revealed that 91% of respondents are keen to create more meaningful experiences and 94% want to spend more time with family and friends, having spent so much time apart over the past two years. As a result, the average party size has increased by 20% versus 2019, while interest in villa holidays rose by 30% and family breaks by 29%.   Expertise, flexibility and protection are three key expectations as clients plan their holidays in 2022. The research confirmed that 97% of clients who participated value a specialist’s expert knowledge when it comes to organising a holiday, while 98% want flexible terms and conditions to amend their bookings without charge. Elegant Resorts has also experienced an uplift in clients returning to book with them having booked direct for many years.  

Key Destinations for 2022

The pandemic has had a big impact on people’s travel plans with 43% confirming that their bucket list had changed. Booking patterns and trends are different in 2022, with fewer bookings for more adventurous tailor-made itineraries, and more popularity for single centre beach holidays, as people are keen to relax and rejuvenate (94%). City breaks are also proving to be popular with 80% confirming that they would like to take a city break in the next 6 months.   Following the launch of the UK and Ireland collection in 2020 Elegant Resorts experienced a rise in interest for staycations with 58% of clients interested in booking holidays on home soil. However, the Caribbean (42%), Europe (27%) and the Indian Ocean (14%) remain firm favourites.   Top 5 destinations for 2022:

1. Barbados
2. Maldives
3. Spain
4. Greece
5. Italy

Top 5 destinations booked since 1 January 2022

1. Barbados
2. Spain
3. Dubai
4. Maldives
5. Antigua

Top 5 emerging destinations booked since 1 January 2022

1. Canada
2. St Vincent and the Grenadines
3. Anguilla
4. Portugal
5. Oman

 

The Rise of the Responsible Luxury Traveller

  Elegant Resorts’ research revealed that there has been an increase in the importance of certain factors when booking a holiday. Travelling more sustainably has become key when planning a trip as 99% of those who responded are more conscious of the environment (29% increase versus 2020). 90% have also said that they want to avoid overdeveloped areas and give back to communities, 85% want to stay in hotels that have a strong responsible tourism policy, and 73% want to fly with a company that has lower carbon emissions.   Commenting on the findings, Managing Director at Elegant Resorts, Lisa Fitzell said: “While 2020 and 2021 have been very challenging years, our clients have remained incredibly resilient and are keen to travel the world again to create long lasting memories with their loved ones.   “This pandemic has changed us, as a business we have learnt to be more flexible and agile to adapt to all the complex rules and changes that have come our way. Our clients have changed too, their priorities have evolved, spending time with loved ones has taken centre stage. They are more conscious of their impact the environment and more cautious when it comes to booking holidays with the expertise of travel specialists who can offer guidance and financial protection has become their top priority.   She added: “2022 has started very well for us, and we are full of optimism. Let’s hope we are now over the biggest hurdle and that our beloved travel industry can slowly resume to some kind of normality.”

Luxury operator Elegant Resorts, is launching Saudi Arabia as a new addition to its destination portfolio this month. The new partnership will commence with a multi-platform marketing campaign, A Journey of Discovery, to inspire discovery of Saudi heritage and culture. A selection of bespoke itineraries in Saudi have been curated to appeal to a variety of tastes - from a 10-day fully immersive tour to a twin-centre stay combining Jeddah and Abu Dhabi. The key regions to be featured are Riyadh the capital of Saudi, AlUla, home to Saudi's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and Jeddah, Saudi's cosmopolitan hub on the Red Sea. Lisa Fitzell, Managing Director at Elegant Resorts, commented: "We are thrilled to be partnering with the Saudi Tourism Authority and to be the first to put the destination on the map for culturally inquisitive UK travellers. This unexplored destination is ready to warmly welcome tourists seeking adventure, authenticity and something new." Nimit Amin, Director UK & Ireland, Saudi Tourism Authority said: "Saudi is one of the most exciting tourism destinations today, and we look forward to inviting UK travellers to discover the treasures of this unique country with Elegant Resorts' multi-platform campaign and bespoke itineraries." Program highlights include a visit to the 4,000-year-old rock carvings at Umm Sanman, a Thamudic font writing experience with a local family, stargazing in AlUla, and shopping for handmade jewellery and spices in the famous Souq Al Alawi in Jeddah, as well as a twin-centre holiday in Saudi and Abu Dhabi.

Luxury tour operator Elegant Resorts is running a series of virtual events to help travel agents brush up on their product and destination knowledge. The company said the seminars will take place during March and the end of April. Each session will be led by Elegant Resorts' key suppliers and focus on specific hotels, destinations or themes. Agents who register will be sent, in advance, a selection of drinks and nibbles. The seminars will focus on Tuscany, Barbados the Elegant Way, Specialist Caribbean, Luxury Cruise, Specialist Cruise and Borgo Pignano, Italy. To register their interest, agents should contact Head of Agency Sales Jon Hardcastle by email: [email protected] Hardcastle said: "These sessions aim to leave agents full of inspiration which will in turn help to secure those precious bookings. "We are keen to maintain strong relationships despite the current restrictions and, as we've received such an amazing response from previous events, we've planned many more."