Transforming the Luxury English Country Hotel

Luxury Travel News

The Skift New Luxury column is our weekly column focused on the business of selling luxury travel, the people and companies creating and selling experiences, emerging trends, and the changing consumer habits around the sector.

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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