Articles tagged “resorts”

Millennials think they invented experiential, lifestyle brands. But Margaritaville CEO John Cohlan was perfecting these ideas before many of today's hotel execs had sipped their first margaritas. Cohlan helped to turn Jimmy Buffett's music into a billion-dollar empire, and he has lessons to share.

Danny Akaka, a historian and ambassador at Auberge Resorts Mauna Lani in Hawaii, represents the best of modern cultural diplomacy. He's worked at the property for 39 years and shares the stories, oral traditions, and spirit of the area with guests who can't get enough. As luxury travelers look for more meaning in their travels, this is a masterclass on how to broker it elegantly.

Jareth Vermeulen is tasked with showing tourism’s greener side at Aruba’s Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

While the "one-island, one-resort" concept will remain its unique sell, Maldives is moving to diversify its product offering, a step in the right direction. The question is, will investors bite?

So what good has come out of the Maldives' reopening since July 15? A lot actually, which other resort destinations may learn from, albeit this paradise has its unique strengths.

In a very crowded and highly competitive short-term rental field, it makes sense that Expedia Group's Vrbo would try to stand out, albeit as a travel business serving families. Why go after the backpackers and younger generation when that isn't your core customer anyway?

Independent hotels are well-positioned to capitalize on a growing consumer appetite for experiential destinations and one-of-a-kind moments. Enduring soft brands like Preferred Hotels & Resorts are now taking advantage of this shift by tapping their 50-plus years of experience delivering for consumers while boosting revenues and lowering costs for hotel owners.

Canyon Ranch is pretty relaxed about its market status in the wellness space. It's keeping its head down while adding partnerships and locations at its own pace.

Not only are resort fees an annoyance for hotel guests, but they put the onus on travel advisors to make sure clients are aware of what their stay will actually cost. Some advisors are fighting back by steering clients toward properties that don't charge the fees.

Creative meeting planners are embracing the small-scale gathering, as attendees demand that events be more interesting, memorable, and worth their time. Destinations with unique hospitality options and easy access to nature are best poised to capitalize on this move to miniaturize meetings.