Luxury Packages Still Strong In Riviera Travel Industry

By Paul Lacter, Vice President, European Operations, Luxury Riviera Travel.

Despite the uncertain economic climate, there is still a strong appeal among well-to-do travelers for vacation packages that provide uncompromising luxury and style. This can be noted in the demand for luxury accommodations on round-the-world cruises, the appearance of new airlines specializing in Business Class and First Class seating and the occupancy rates of luxury hotels all over the world. So it's not surprising that the South of France, a destination associated with travel elegance since the mid-1800's, should remain popular with travel epicureans.

"Our bookings were very solid last year and we see the same strength in 2008," observed Cecile Carletti, responsible for sales at the exclusive Chateau de la Chevre d'Or in Eze, France. The hotel and restaurant which has two Michelin stars and offers breath taking views of the Mediterranean Sea has three restaurants and each of its rooms and suites are individually decorated in fine, antique furniture. When asked about the weakness of the dollar against the euro Ms. Carletti shrugs her well tanned shoulders and replies, "Yes, we are aware of it of course but our guests don't appear to be greatly affected."

Nor do the guests at another French Riviera landmark, the famous Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes. Built in 1911, the Carlton is a historic monument of Belle Époque design and construction and was the backdrop for Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 classic movie "To Catch a Thief" with Cary Grant and the soon to be Princess Grace of Monaco.

But if the luxury hotels are crowded and the top restaurants all have long waiting lists, how can discriminating travelers organize their vacation in the South of France? To serve these demanding visitors, companies like Luxury Riviera Travel have pulled together special tours. These tours are usually limited to a small number of travelers and feature four star hotel accommodations.

For example, luxury tours generally feature basic programs that can be adapted to meet the needs and wants of its customers. These packages range from a gastronomic tour of Provence with stops in Michelin star properties and specially organized cooking classes by award winning chefs to packages that rent luxury yachts for a week and combines this with private on-shore visits to key points of interest. All the travelers' needs are taken care of before they leave the States. Some programs are so all-inclusive that they include not only the top rooms in the top hotels, gourmet meals in Michelin restaurants that with drinks and wine but also private driver/guides that assure all ground transportation and excursions in luxury air-conditioned vehicles. Another major advantage of 'super deluxe' packages is that clients are treated as V.I.P. guests in each property. There is no language problem and, as many packages are paid in advance in U.S. dollars, no hassle over exchange rates.

However, should any problems arrive it's good to select a travel packager that is on the spot and can immediately resolve any issues without having to call the States for instructions.

Paul Lacter is Director of European Operations for Luxury Riviera Travel, a travel planner specializing in elaborate trips to the South of France. He lives and works on the French Riviera. More information is available on luxury packages on the company website

Luxury Riviera Travel specializes in all-inclusive luxury vacation travel packages to the French Riviera and Provence.

More information is available on luxury packages on the company website.