OK, so it wasn’t all spa treatments, Michelin star dinners and champagne I had the arduous task of enduring the last two weeks in Europe, I was actually there to attend ILTM – the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes. Sixty meetings over three days really took it out of the boy, but the stakes are high in this luxury travel game and you need to stay ahead of the pack so I thought it best to man-up and hit the ILTM floor for what is three days of fab luxury travel talk with the best of the best.
Here are some highlights and hot picks for 2013. Which ones make your list?
The Soho House group was first up, where I met Charlie Warren and Dominic Hofer …. could these be the happiest hoteliers of the show? Soho House is a fab collection of chic “houses” around the world where you can dine, drink and stay the night – they are going global with locations in Berlin, London, NYC, Los Angeles, Miami… you get the picture – I begged them to open one in Sydney! Now wouldn’t that be the perfect fit? The Berlin House complete with rooftop pool is definitely on my list for 2013.
Another stand out was The Sanchaya on Bintan island. This chic beachfront estate will put Bintan back on the map. Stunning villas with interiors to match,coupled with its picture perfect beachfront location make this one to watch for 2013.
The Regent Bali located in Sanur will also open in 2013. The Regent is the first Five Star hotel to be built in Sanur for years and will be a stunning addition to the luxury hotel scene here. I believe it’s just what Sanur needs (I adore this little village where you can still find the traditional basket and sarong shops .. unlike glitzy Seminyak!). An all-inclusive villa rate rules here, where your suite comes with a daily spa treatment, complimentary mini bar stocked with selected snacks & alcoholic beverages … oh and butlers will be on call for all of your needs, including the laundry …. now that’s luxury.
Hotel (and restaurant) group Fasano have been on my radar ever since they opened their chi chi Rio de Janeiro property Fasano Rio de Janeiro, this is where Philippe Starck meets Bossa Nova – think glamour and sophistication perfectly located on Ipanema Beach. The boutique hotelier has expanded nicely and now have luxury outposts in Sao Paulo, Boa Vista and my new favourite, Punta del Este in Uruguay. Stunning hill top views combined with luxurious accommodation make this one to add to the list for 2013. Take me to Rio and Punta del Este … NOW!
My mates at JK Place are opening in Rome in 2013 so keep this one high on the list. If it is anything like their iconic properties in Florence and Capri (it will be!) you can’t possibly miss it and with GM Samuel Porecca at the helm delivering bespoke hospitality at its best, we have another delicious alternative in Rome.
A London legend is reborn when Cafe Royal re-opens as a luxury hotel this month and I got the low down on this direct from Mark Allvey (who is VP Sales & Marketing for the luxury property) when he happened to be sitting next to me at dinner at Le Petite Paris one night. It all sounds amazing and is one of London’s highly anticipated luxury hotel openings of the moment.
So bring on 2013, it will be filled with loads of new fabulous properties worldwide for us to explore, contact me now and let’s create your next adventure together!
Here are a few scenes from the ILTM show floor:
Where's Brent Been? 
Brent,
Fasano Punta del Este absolutely Rocks !! Shall be there from Dec 27th
Regards Federico
Hi Federico!
Have fun at Fasano Punta del Este, I am very envious! Hopefully I get to stay there in 2013.
Love it Brent! Can’t wait to see you again in 2013.
Thanks Tiffany! I cant wait to see YOU in 2013. Shall we plan it now? Snow or sun?
I love the Fasano hotels. I stayed at them in São Paulo and Rio this year. Fasano São Paulo was chic and sophisticated and Rio had a spectacular view over looking Ipanema Beach. I will be returning in April 2013.