Transforming the Luxury English Country Hotel

England is arguably the epicenter of outmoded approaches to luxury, so it’s refreshing to see a shift in approach at some country hotels.

Most high-end guests no longer head to these properties for gilded opulence, but rather to connect with a particular location, which necessitates a different kind of mentality when it comes to service.

For feedback or news tips, reach out via email at pw@skift.com or tweet me @paddywhyte.

— Patrick Whyte, Europe Editor

5 Looks at Luxury

A New Generation of Luxury in the English Countryside: There are a number of socioeconomic factors driving the investment and interest in refurbished luxury English countryside escapes, but the most basic is a driving desire from all involved to reconnect with sunlight, nature, and conscious meals in a comfortable setting.

Six Senses Hotels to Build Its Own Brand Within IHG: Don’t Expect Spas Across Portfolio: The wellness market is huge, but InterContinental Hotels Group hasn’t had a finger in it. Watch that change as it leverages the Six Senses acquisition for spa concepts for its brands.

Rosewood Hotel CEO Demands ‘Sense of Place’ in Each Property: An ambitious expansion strategy won’t stop Rosewood from tailoring each of its 21 planned properties to the cities they’re in. CEO Sonia Cheng says localization is a critical differentiator for Rosewood. Cheng talked about bringing a sense of place to each of the Rosewood properties.

Will Vietnam Overtake Thailand as Asian Playground for Russians? Europe is the top growing source for the Asia-Pacific, and it’s not because of growth from Asia’s traditional European markets such as the United Kingdom. It’s because of a huge spike in Russian arrivals. And Vietnam benefits.

Qantas Scales Back Ambitions for Ultra-Long Flights: The initial plans for bunks and even a crèche always seemed pretty far-fetched. Qantas is now just trying to make sure the economics of the new routes stack up.

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Skift Europe Editor Patrick Whyte [pw@skift.com] curates the New Luxury newsletter. Skift emails the newsletter every Tuesday.

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