Latest news with #luxuryresorts
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Club Med Turns 75, Pivots To Upscale And Grows Mountain Resorts
Club Med Gregolimano in Greece Club Med The famous French, all-inclusive resort brand Club Med has been wooing holiday makers for years. In what many might call a summer camp for all ages (and all times of year), Club Med resorts have included everything from onsite recreation and activities to food and drinks. Some may even call it the catalyst for the booming, all-inclusive market among U.S. hospitality brands like Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt and Hilton Honors, all of which have entered this hotel category (especially in the Caribbean). One of the pool areas at Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic Club Med But, as Club Med completes three quarters of a century, it is realigning its portfolio to key in on more of a luxury-focused customer. It even closed some of its lesser performing resorts several years ago, including its only property in the United States. When the brand first launched, it called its properties villages and focused on an equality-designed approach where everyone enjoyed the same amenities free of charge. As consumers are becoming more segmented in what they are willing to spend and where, Club Med is adding a higher-end category of resorts and accommodations within existing resorts to appeal to that market. Club Med Gregolimano in Greece recently renovated the entire resort, including its guest rooms and suites. Club Med All-inclusive resorts are booming, but can Club Med elevate its brand positioning to go after the same, high-end customer that is willing to pay for the likes of a Ritz-Carlton resort? Or is it seeking to fill a gap between the traditional all-inclusive and the growing number of luxury properties that may outprice certain millennial travelers ticking destinations off their bucket list. This pivot comes from its new Chinese owner Fosun who has led Club Med on a reinvigoration project to elevate its image and draw in more millennials and well-heeled families looking for luxury. Its financial performance tells the story Club Med in the Seychelles Club Med The company's latest numbers highlight just how in demand all-inclusive really is. Last year alone, its business volume reached $2.38 billion, up 7% over 2023. This year, the first quarter already saw a 5.7% increase when compared with last year during the same time period. It also grew its bed capacity by 5%, all of which was in the premium and luxury category, what the brand calls its Premium (four-star resorts) or Exclusive Collection Resorts (five-star properties). The overall number of guests was up 1% to reach 1.5 million people in total last year, and when it comes to those top-tier properties, occupancy rates reached 75% (a 2% year-over-year increase) with the majority being France, China, Brazil, Canada and the United States. One of the newest resort openings is Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic. Club Med expansion of our Exclusive Collection, a curated five-star portfolio that includes resorts, spaces, villas and chalets and our legendary French sailing yacht, Club Med 2. The Exclusive Collection properties include Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic, which has four boutique-style villas catering to those seeking the maximum in privacy, and Club Med Québec Charlevoix with premium lounges offering things like private jacuzzis and a private ski room with dedicated concierge. Club Med in Quebec has quickly become one of the brand's most popular, year-round resorts. Club Med It's these winter properties, some experts say, that are really fueling the growth. According to the South China Morning Post, Fosun Tourism co-president Andrew Xu sees tourist attractions featuring snow and ice to be a major tourist attraction in China, which could be a potential growth region for the brand. This year, Henri Giscard d'Estaing, president of Club Med, announced that the Asia-Pacific region would be key to the brand's growth and announced a restructuring of its executives to help achieve that momentum. Just last month, BusinessToday of Malaysia reported that cold weather-destination bookings from the country have jumped by more than 100%. Club Med Val d'Isère is the newest in its Exclusive Collection of properties. Club Med While many people associate all-inclusive vacations with fun in the sun on the coastline, Club Med has made great strides in growing its winter vacation resorts, which also draw guests during the warmer months for other activities. It has seen a 20% uptick in demand for these destinations, which now accounts for 35% of Club Med's global business. Its mountain properties are not just in the Alps or Quebec's ski destinations. They are also in Vietnam, Japan and China. Its most popular beach properties include locations in Bali and the Maldives. Recent renovations Club Med Gregolimano is fresh from a multi-million-dollar renovation. Club Med Club Med Gregolimano in Greece is one of the newest to show off the shining new effects of this investment. More than $32 million was pumped into this renovation to upgrade interiors with the help of interior designer Jean-Philippe Nuel, including guest rooms, public areas, restaurants and recreational amenities. Among the newest perks are an adults-only pool, padel courts and spa wellness areas. Club Med Cancun has a new sports and wellness island with a dedicated palapa for quiet yoga classes, archery, bocce ball, mini golf, multi-sport courts and the iconic Club Med Circus School where guests can participate in their own trapeze lessons and other daredevil acrobatics. Other changes include a new family play area with its own pool and kids bar, pickleball courts, a Mayan-themed splash park, cinema and kids club activities for ages as young as four months. The pool at Club Med Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic Club Med By the end of this year, Club Med Punta Cana will have an all-new design with newly renovated rooms, upgraded dining venues and a poolside bar inspired by a Dominican casita. Club Med Phuket now offers archery, scuba diving, Thai boxing, and coming soon, a family 'oasis' with a dedicated waterpark and almost three dozen guest rooms for parents traveling with kids. Where are the Americans? Club Med Charlevoix in Quebec Club Med Club Med says all-inclusive experiences are driving 'increased momentum' among American guests, especially at resorts like Club Med Québec Charlevoix and those in the French Alps. Last year, it saw a 16% increase in business volume for North America's mountain resorts. Overall, North America represented a 5% year-over-year increase in business volume highlighting brand awareness among American travelers. The lounge of the Club Med Vittel Golf Ermitage in the France Savoy Alps Club Med The majority of guests at Club Med properties are French, and even the staff usually hail from France or French-speaking countries in addition to the local destination. The fact that Americans have not caught onto the idea of Club Med just yet may be due to the fact its brand name is not as well-known within the U.S. and it does not have a formal loyalty program like its primary competition. What it does offer, however, is European touches no matter where you go, which may appeal to some American travelers looking for something more elevated than an all-you-can-drink pool party. The newly added "Zen" adult pool at Club Med Gregolimano in Greece. Club Med And that's just what Club Med is trying to change about the all-inclusive image. Some properties boast adult-only pools without a bar, like the new pool added to its resort in Greece. Other Europeans are also catching onto the Club Med ethos with British travelers being especially intrigued by the brand's winter destinations, according to an article in The Telegraph. What's next The circus school at Club Med Magna Marbella in southern Spain Club Med All of this growth has also been fueled by home-grown tech tools that it is using to reach a wider range of customers. It launched a WhatsApp channel using artificial intelligence, which Club Med's Richard De Villa tells Travolution addresses over 40% of questions. The brand also launched a comparison tool that helps potential travelers compare different ski resorts. Club Med is counting on courting more American travelers to its resorts. The brand's portfolio includes destinations both near and far from the U.S. with plans to grow in U.S. mountain destinations with all-season resorts in the coming years. The private villa accommodations at Club Med Cefalù in Italy Club Med A new resort at Versant Soleil of Mont Tremblant in Canada is planned for a December 2028 opening, adding to its winter portfolio in the region. Coming soon is a new resort in South Africa, which will provide both beach and safari experiences on the 45,000-acre Hluhluwe game reserve. It will be home to Club Med's first ever surf school. Also on traveler radars are new properties in Oman (Club Med Musandam opening in 2028), Brazil (Club Med Granado opening next year) and Malaysia (Club Med Borneo also opening next year).
The Independent
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Portugal pledges stricter beach access rules amid luxury resort development
Officials in the Portuguese government have committed to improving access to a 27-mile stretch of coastline where rising housing prices, and the development of luxury resorts, has sparked concerns about public access to beaches. Beach towns such as Comporta, coined 'the Hamptons of Portugal', have witnessed a spike in foreign investors and wealthy tourists. In turn, this has resulted in soaring costs and decreased access to public beaches where many local people grew up An assessment by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) of 22 beaches found that nine had access limitations. Of these, seven were restricted by private resorts and two had controlled entry. At Galé-Fontainhas, one of the affected beaches, access runs through the CostaTerra Golf & Ocean Club. The resort is owned by US real estate investor Mike Meldman, co-founder of Casamigos Tequila with actor George Clooney. A young couple, who work at a nearby campsite, told Euronews: 'If you want to get to the beach, you either have to take the path that already existed, which is difficult from behind, or you have to leave your ID at the entrance and go through the campsite. 'It's only when you get back that you'll have your ID card back for security reasons,' they said. Portuguese Minister for the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho, stated that no new tourist development near the beaches can be approved in mainland Portugal without first ensuring public access to beaches. In a speech last month, she insisted that 'there are no private beaches in Portugal and any attempt to limit or hinder the free access of the population to the beaches will be identified' and opposed. 'The beaches in Portugal are public, therefore, access to the beaches cannot be blocked under any conditions.'
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Orgies, threats at breakfast and Champagne at any cost: Private jet attendant reveals what the super wealthy are really like at 45,000 feet
In 2015, Danielle Styron, then 32, was offered her dream job as a private jet flight attendant. It promised a six-figure salary, trips to luxury resorts and full benefits. It seemed too good to be true — and it was. Over the course of two phone interviews, the pilot continually hinted at the 'alternative lifestyle' of the plane's owner, a religious man who split his time flying with his family half the month and with his girlfriends the other half. As the conversation went on, it became clear the role involved participating in orgies with the girlfriends onboard while the owner watched. 'We only fly them once a month, so it's not like you have to be a lesbian, you would just need to have fun with them,' the pilot assured her. Styron writes about the seedy job interview — and the seven years she spent flying with the rich and famous — in her dishy new memoir 'The Mile High Club: Confessions of a Private Jet Flight Attendant' (Post Hill Press; out now), co-written with her brother, James Styron. 'Names have been changed to protect (us from) the malevolent,' the intro reads. 'Behaviors have been presented to humble them. You know who you are.' Styron, now 41, didn't end up taking the job with the orgy-loving jet owner, but she went on to work for for a number of difficult people. Some of her clients, she writes, were 'miserable, vampires of human joy.' One passenger berated her for not having the proper tequila stocked, even though it wasn't requested. Anorexic, food-obsessed wives micro-managed everything that came out of the galley kitchen. An assistant threatened to punch her in the face over a not-hot-enough breakfast sandwich. Then there was the time a woman shoved Styron into a bulkhead mid-turbulence because her beloved puppies got jostled. 'She treated the dogs better than any human on board,' Styron writes. One of her lowest points was being asked to source Champagne on the tropical island of St. Maarten, just after it had been devastated by a hurricane. The client demanded bubbles despite the natural disaster. 'I'm standing there thinking, 'There's no Champagne. There was just a major hurricane. People are standing outside waiting for bread, and you're asking me to spend $20,000 on bubbly,'' Styron told The Post. There was only one supermarket open, which Styron begrudgingly patronized in search of the requested Champs. 'It felt dystopian,' she said. Then there was the two-timing bigwig who would fly with his pregnant wife one day and his mistress a few days later. 'As a woman, it was hurtful to be a part of that,' she said. 'Even though I had no choice. What was I going to do, blow my life up to be like, 'Yo, your man's cheating on you?' She probably already knew.' Sometimes, as the title of the book suggests, passengers got intimated in flight. She and her crew knew the drill: retreat to the front, let the guests go at it, and deal with the cleanup later. 'It's usually in the bathroom, galley, or right there on the sofa,' she writes. 'It's their house, right? Private jets are like flying living rooms.' Despite the uncomfortable situations and challenging passengers, the jobs also entailed plenty of good times and perks. She partied in Las Vegas with pilots and jetted off to Costa Rica, Aspen and St. Barts. One time in LA, the plane broke down on the tarmac, a typical mechanical delay. Danielle was tasked with keeping the charter guests fed and entertained while the pilots tried to fix the plane. The lead passenger was none other than actor and comedian Jamie Foxx. Unlike most high-profile clients, he took the delay in stride. He was 'the most delightful celebrity,' she said. 'He was cracking jokes and telling stories. He was pure light. [After three hours on the ground,] we were out of food, the mimosas were gone, people were losing patience, but not Jamie. He was still smiling. Still gracious. It restored my faith in humanity.' Misery, however, seemed to be more the norm. 'You think these people have it all,' she said. 'But I saw the opposite. They're really insecure. Their friends are all about one-upmanship. One man owned several planes, had a beautiful wife, everything in the world, and he was obsessing about his hair plugs. Like who cares?' Styron ultimately retired from aviation and went back to doing what she'd done before, working as an aesthetician. She now owns Fluff NYC, a brow and skincare studio on the Upper East Side, where she tends to people's faces — not their egos. 'It's less glamorous,' she said with a laugh, 'but way more peaceful.' Solve the daily Crossword
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The 3 Best Resorts in Wyoming of 2025
Wyoming has long drawn travelers seeking solitude, scenery, and a slower pace. It's a state where rolling sagebrush plains give way to the jagged peaks of the Tetons, and where the world's largest concentration of geysers can be found. It's also a place where plentiful wildlife—including bears, lynx, wolves, and cougars—roam wild and free. But tucked away in all that wilderness are tiny pockets of quiet luxury—resorts that pair rugged charm with thoughtful hospitality. Travel + Leisure readers revealed their favorite Wyoming resorts in the 2025 "World's Best Awards" survey, and they seemed to have a soft spot for one specific destination. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. All three of the best Wyoming resorts were located in one special place: Jackson Hole. This scenic valley is located between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, and serves as a gateway to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park. It's also home to the National Elk Refuge, a sanctuary for one of the largest elk herds in the country. Jackson, Wyoming, is perhaps the most well-known town in the valley and is famous for its Wild West ambiance, which you can explore at landmarks like the National Museum of Wildlife Art. However, Jackson is also known for being a hot spot for the rich and beautiful, and it's no mistake that luxury hospitality brand Aman's first North American location, Amangani (No. 3), opened here in 1998. The neighboring town of Teton Village is also a traveler favorite—and it just so happens to be home to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, which came in at No. 2 on our list. Keep reading to find out which Wyoming resort came out on top. Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa at Jackson Hole Lounge chairs around the pool at the Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa. Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa The Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa at Jackson Hole, a regular in the World's Best Awards, moved to the No. 1 position from its spot at No. 4 in 2024. Travelers love that the resort feels scenic and wild, but is also close to downtown Jackson. It's set along a creek on a 12-acre property that's directly across from the National Elk Refuge & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center. And even though it offers stunning views of the countryside, the resort is also just a 10-minute walk from the Jackson Town Square, the center of town. 'This is my new favorite place in the whole world! Besides being a luxury cabin, along a beautiful, peaceful river, it is a beautiful place to behold,' one reader wrote. 'While sitting by nightly fires, roasting a s'more, listening to the beautiful sounds of nature, there is a plenitude of swings, comfortable Adirondack chairs, and even tipis to enjoy!' Travelers also noted that Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa is 'great in all seasons. 'The ambience and overall feelings you have from being at this place while covered in snow are indescribable,' a reader said. 'If I had to choose one word to describe it, I would say, 'Fairytale.'' If I had to choose one word to describe it, I would say, 'Fairytale.' — T+L Reader 1. Rustic Inn Creekside Resort & Spa: Jackson, Wyoming Reader Score: 93.14 2. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole: Teton Village, Wyoming Reader Score: 90.51 3. Amangani: Jackson, Wyoming Reader Score: 88.75
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
The 5 Best Resorts in Indonesia of 2025
Indonesia may comprise more than 17,000 islands, but when it comes to resorts in this massive Southeast Asian nation, T+L readers far and away love those on Bali the most. It makes sense, when you think about the beauty and variety of things to do across the island's 2,230 square miles. From the temple in Uluwatu perched high above the sea to the tranquil yoga retreats tucked away in the jungles of Ubud, Bali is an ideal escape for both wellness seekers and those looking for something more adventurous. The same can be said about its luxury resorts, which offer myriad experiences you won't find anywhere else. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. One of the many Dining Beyond Culinary Experiences at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Bali. Richard Bryant/Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve In the southern resort region of Nusa Dua, The Mulia once again earned the runner-up spot on this year's list, and readers raved about the food: 'The restaurants are exceptional, especially the Sunday Brunch at Soleil—it was a highlight of our trip.' They also loved the family-friendly offerings: 'Our kids loved playing in their kids pool, kids club, and at the beach. It was the perfect place for a family vacation in Bali.' The Mulia's neighbor in Nusa Dua, The St. Regis Bali Resort, secured the No. 5 spot this year, thanks to an 'absolutely wonderful team. From the airport greeter to the drive out to the resort, everyone is exceptional! They recall your name, your preferences and are genuine in their effort to see that you have a great experience while enjoying the resort.' Rounding out the list is The Ritz-Carlton, Bali (No. 3), also in Nusa Dua, and the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay (No. 4). Aside from the Four Seasons' amenities like the Sundara Beach Club and the Healing Village Spa, it offers adventure-focused experiences for guests like helicopter tours, fishing expeditions, and surfing lessons. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve The Reserve two-bedroom pool villa. Richard Bryant/Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve 'Feels like heaven.' That's how one reader described this year's winner, which occupies a large swath of verdant jungle along the Ayung River in Ubud. 'It's completely immersed in nature, and wellness is at its core,' added the reader. The resort is made up of 35 suites and 25 pool villas, the latter named for the private swimming pool that comes with each one. But even entry-level suites here are enormous by most resort standards, clocking in at 1,076 square feet with views of the rain forest or rice paddies. Service was also a major draw, as one guest noted: 'The entire staff is top notch, extremely respectful and friendly.' As for the food? 'The restaurants are without exception outstanding. The set menu at Kubu [Madapa's fine-dining venue] is highly recommended.' The entire staff is top notch, extremely respectful and friendly. — T+L Reader 1. Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Reader score: 99.18 2. The Mulia Reader score: 98.72 3. The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Reader score: 98.64 4. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay Reader score: 98.36 5. The St. Regis Bali Resort Reader score: 97.68
