Privacy and safety have become synonymous with 2020 – sparking a movement of protocols, premium hygiene and attentiveness. From hotels installing bipolar ionisation technology to help neutralise viruses to restaurants distancing tables and maximising delivery services, no business has gone unscathed.
With regional and international borders closed, travellers were no longer booking seats, and reduced capacity saw commercial airlines hit exceptionally hard. But as the world cautiously recovers, sentiment around travel slowly begins to shift – particularly for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. More families and businesses are willing to travel again, even before a COVID-19 vaccine is widely available.
“Historically, travellers associated safety only with what happens outside of the aircraft. Now, the journey to the aircraft, the in-cabin experience and the final destination are the driving factors.” – Ian Moore
With price the least important factor when booking, 79 per cent of UHNWIs are more inclined than before to travel by private jet, considering it a safer and more reliable flight solution. Acknowledging this, private airline business VistaJet launched Private World, a global program for personal travel.
“VistaJet’s Private World is a portfolio of the world’s finest accommodation and partners – our favourite suites, residences, ski lodges, yachts, private islands and estates, with a focus on privacy and personalised service,” says VistaJet Chief Commercial Officer Ian Moore.
Members consisting of global business leaders, entrepreneurs, visionaries, founders, dignitaries, royals and families can choose from the best suites in the cities where VistaJet customers fly for business such as London, New York, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Dubai, Milan, Nice, Beijing, Shanghai and Moscow.
Also, Private World extends to the most in-demand sea and mountain resorts – Courchevel, Maldives, The Bahamas, Aspen, Fiji – and off-grid destinations including estates, islands and yachts.
“Safety and health are the top priorities when travelling during the pandemic,” Ian tells The CEO Magazine. “With privacy and safety paramount, health is being factored into travel choices more than ever before. The concept of safety is changing.
“Historically, travellers associated safety only with what happens outside of the aircraft. Now, the journey to the aircraft, the in-cabin experience and the final destination are the driving factors.”
As the number of touchpoints significantly decreases when flying private – 20 interactions as opposed to 700 when flying commercial – the travel industry expects to see an increased number of first-time private flyers looking for safer and more reliable alternatives.
“Private World marks the start of a radical transformation of the top end of the travel industry – a shift in the business model not governed anymore by volumes of booking but led by quality, trust and shared values.” – Matteo Atti
“VistaJet is not only providing point-to-point flight solutions to 187 countries on its fleet of over 70 aircraft but is also creating an extension of its members’ lifestyles,” Ian says.
“We collect feedback and listen to the needs of its customers and work with the world’s most influential brands to create exclusive experiences only available to VistaJet members.”
The VistaJet Private Office, part of the global program, connects members to its partners to help create a tailored and personalised travel experience. When members arrive at their chosen destination, they receive a personal welcome from the general manager and swift access to their accommodation without check-in.
“Private World marks the start of a radical transformation of the top end of the travel industry – a shift in the business model not governed anymore by volumes of booking but led by quality, trust and shared values,” VistaJet’s Executive Vice President of Marketing and Innovation Matteo Atti says in a statement.
“Our selection of partners is inspired by the desire to protect, preserve and promote the highest know-how of the best hospitality services. We work every day to ensure customers can access the best the world has to offer. Our members know that when they enter the VistaJet Private World, they step into a place of tranquillity, safety and excellence.”
Discover VistaJet Private World
VistaJet to Suite
VistaJet members can seamlessly request the best suites and rooms at the world’s leading hotels through the company’s reservation partner, Quintessentially Travel.
The global luxury accommodation offerings include The Peninsula Hotels, Dorchester Collection, Four Seasons, Swire Hotels, The Maybourne Group and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts.
VistaJet to Island
Situated in the Maldives is Velaa Private Island. The secluded nature of the island allows guests to enjoy private picnics, wine tastings and a game of golf at the Velaa Golf Academy.
Additionally, Necker Island – Sir Richard Branson’s luxury private island in the British Virgin Islands – is set among the turquoise and coral reef-infused waters. The island is available for exclusive use with 20 rooms for up to 40 guests. Activities include two tennis courts, kite surfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing, yoga, Pilates, snorkelling and paddleboarding.
The other option is Laucala Private Island. Spanning nearly 1,416 hectares, the destination is a refuge in the South Pacific. Laucala is a former coconut plantation and features 25 villas set amid the palms with private ocean views. It is only reachable via its private jet airstrip.
VistaJet to Slopes
Travellers can choose from a selection of Auberge Resorts Collection stays including Hotel Jerome in Colorado as well as Madeline Hotel and Residences in Telluride or opt for Caldera House – Jackson Hole’s newest hideaway steps from the mountain’s iconic tram.
Additionally, there’s the Collection’s L’Empyrée 1850 – an exceptional 250-square-metre duplex penthouse apartment in the heart of Courchevel. The penthouse is less than a minute’s walk from many of the resort’s bars, restaurants, spa and retail outlets.
VistaJet to Yacht
One of VistaJet’s favourites yachts is Ocean Emerald in Thailand – a striking 41.3-metre silhouette with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, five suites sleeping up to 10 guests, a game station, and two chefs.
Members also have the option of booking Blush. Located in the Caribbean, the yacht has excellent sailing performance and sleeps up to 10 guests. If the Bahamas is more appealing, Bella is a sleek 45-metre Feadship motor yacht with exquisite outdoor areas across four decks.
VistaJet to Estate
The Lauren Berger Collection features entire private property rentals for business or leisure travel. Destinations include the US, Canada, Antarctica as well Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa.
Members looking for a nature-focused getaway can book Brush Creek in Wyoming. The ranch resort is an award-winning 243-hectare venue, offering private mountain space and awe-inspiring views.
For a city destination, there’s the Townhouse Edward on New York’s Upper East Side. The newly renovated seven-storey townhouse is located in a historic building comprising 11 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and three powder rooms.
Additionally, Casa Palapa in Mexico’s Riviera-Maya is an eco-beachfront home featuring a swimming pool and traditional open walls overlooking the beach below.
If Italy is on your radar, you can book the Isola Santa Cristina, a historical private island retreat that’s just 30 minutes from Venice and offers a sublime view of the surrounding Venetian lagoon.
Further, The Collection combines landmark and statement villas, private residences and residential hotels across the globe, including Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Courchevel, London, Paris and New York.
VistaJet recommends Villa Wake Up, located in Saint Barthelemy, featuring sea views and access to Flamands Beach. The property stretches over 1,650 square metres and includes a dedicated team of a butler, private chef and housekeeper.
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