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| Accommodations at Four Seasons Chiang Mai |
Since many clients announce their engagement around the holidays through Valentine's Day, we've rounded up our top resources on delivering a stellar wedding and honeymoon.
How to Close A Luxury Destination Wedding Sale
We asked the winners of the Top 25 All Star travel advisors from Travel Agent magazine’s November 16 issue to share their top tips for closing the sale of a luxury vacation, particularly honeymoons and weddings. The recurring theme across the board was making sure advisors listen to clients’ specific needs and wants, while still providing suggestions on how they can enrich their experience.
The advisors also stressed the importance of knowing all details of what travel suppliers are offering. Having all the information available when it comes time to discuss options with a client can ultimately close a deal.
Read the story here.
Why Thailand's Honeymoon Market Is About to Take Off
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) enhanced its efforts this year to appeal to the more lucrative honeymoon and destination wedding market. One way the organization reached out to this particular sector was with a 12-day Honeymoon FAM trip, in which 13 North American agents were invited to travel through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai and Koh Samui.
Thailand’s diverse scenery, unique heritage and collection of hospitality brands aimed at Millennials are all selling points for romance travel. During the trip, the agents stayed at the Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai, Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel & Spa, and St. Regis Bangkok, among others. However, many of the attendees said the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui would be the most appealing to their honeymoon clientele due to the fact that it caters to active travelers, particularly those interested in water sports, such as snorkeling, kayaking and diving.
Many agents also agreed that the increased demand for more exotic destinations weddings and honeymoons works in Thailand’s favor. Sites like Sukhothai Historical Park, Patara Elephant Farm and Doi Suthep Temple, among others, can be used as selling points for romance travel.
Read the story here.
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| A gay wedding in Hawaii // Photo by Purple Orchid Wedding/Charla Photography |
Celebrate Romance in Hawaii With the Latest Weddings, Honeymoon and Vow Renewal Offerings
Hawaii offers a variety of options when it comes to weddings, vow renewals, honeymoons and general romance celebrations.
Clients seeking an adventure wedding can choose a paddle boarding or canoe wedding package, both offered through Outrigger Waikiki and Adventure Weddings Hawaii. The popular Hawaiian wedding agency, White Orchid Wedding (WOW!) also provides packages ideal for same-sex clients looking to tie the knot. The “White Orchid Wedding” package includes a private oceanfront White Orchid Beach House wedding site for three hours, while the “Sunset by the Sea” package is designed for a small intimate celebration with sweeping views of several islands.
Additionally, Kaanapali Beach Hotel and Hyatt Regency Maui both offer a variety of romance packages as well.
Read the story here.
Top Honeymoon Suites Around the World
Choosing the right accommodations and destination for a clients’ honeymoon could bring repeat business for an agent, so it is important to understand the couple's idea of a "romantic getaway".
Properties around the world focus on these key amenities and romantic touches, particularly in suite accommodations. Features like private balconies, couples spa treatments, rain showers, double vanities in bathrooms and butler service add to the honeymoon experience.
In Hawaii, the Premium Ocean View Deluxe at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Hawaii Island offers sweeping views of the ocean, a soaking tub and a private lanai, while the Two-Bedroom Premier Suite at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Maui, treats couples to an in-room spa treatment followed by a candlelit dinner.
Newlyweds in Mexico staying in the Romance Ocean Front One Bedroom Suite at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya will enjoy a welcome bottle of tequila and aromatherapy pillows and linens, as well as a private terrace with plunge pool and double sun lounger.
Penthouse Skypool Butler Suites at Sandals LaSource Grenada in the Caribbean are ideal for couples looking for spacious accommodations, with a full living room, butler pantry and wet bar.
Also in the Caribbean, the Galaxy Sanctuary at Jade Mountain in St. Lucia offers ultimate seclusion, with a private infinity pool offering views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons, and a bedroom and living area that merge into one space.
The Santa Catarina Master Suite at Casa Palopo, Guatemala encourages honeymooners to embrace a sense of sense of seclusion, as there are no TVs. Instead, they can enjoy breakfast or a bottle of sparkling wine while watching the sunset over the volcanoes across the nearby lake.
City-loving couples will enjoy a stay in the Shangri-La Suite at the Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London, with 180-degree city views and close proximity to sites including the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
The Royal Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, in South Africa is ideal couples who want to spread out and relax, with 2,000 square feet of space across three floors, while the Ayana Villa at the Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali is great for nature loving couples just beginning their lives together, as it offers 32,000 square feet of secluded tropical gardens.
Read the story here.
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| Galaxy Sanctuary at Jade Mountain, St. Lucia |
Weddings and Honeymoons for Affluent Millennials
Travel advisors have a particularly challenging task when it comes to creating trips for their affluent Millennial clients seeking destinations weddings and/or honeymoons.
Many of the advisors we asked reported that their affluent clients are typically in their 20s or 30s, and are seeking exotic destinations and unique experiences, as well as a trip that offers great value for their money. However, brands like Karisma, AMResorts and Palace and Hard Rock, as well as properties like Sandals, Paradisus and Excellence, still appeal to a majority of newlywed clients, due to the value that all-inclusives offer.
Read the story here.