You’d think that luxury travel has been around for so long that its definition has pretty much been settled. Far from it, people’s perception of what defines luxury travel accommodation varies widely. This is why we’ve found it important to list some of the elements that we believe must be present for accommodation to qualify for this elite characterization.
Of course, these are not established or universally agreed upon standards but it’s going to be difficult to sell a hotel room or villa rental (such as luxuryretreats.com) as luxurious if it doesn’t have them.
#1 Uniquely Stylish Bar
There are thousands of bars around the world but have you ever walked into a bar and the tasteful architecture and elaborate styling made it unforgettable? A luxury hotel or villa rental should not only have a bar but one with an opulent ambience that sets it apart from the ordinary. It should be inviting and a place you wouldn’t mind spending an entire day in.
Comfortable seating, curated cocktail menus and knowledgeable bartenders are essential. If you’ll be staying a week or two at the hotel or villa, chances are you won’t be in the bar every day. However, a classy bar means even the few times you’ll be there will be memorable.
#2 Extensively Equipped Gym
If you are going to spend a lot of time sipping the finest cocktails and feasting on calorie-rich exotic cuisine, you’ll want to be certain that there’s a treadmill within the vicinity whenever you want to burn that extra fat.
Gyms aren’t created equal so not just any will do. To distinguish itself from the average gym, it must be fitted with nothing less than state-of-the-art equipment. It’s certainly a plus if the hotel has a pool and a spa too. Luxury villa rentals may not have a gym within the premises but having one within a few minutes’ drive or walk from where you’ll be staying should suffice.
#3 Knowledgeable Concierge
We often rate travel destinations based on their aesthetic appeal and available facilities. But your experience is likely to be far more dependent on the people you interact with during your stay than the beauty that surrounds you. The presence of a knowledgeable concierge is vital.
You are already paying top dollar to stay there so it’s only natural that you have access to all the local insider tips. As you stroll through the neighborhood or check out local attractions and sights, someone who knows the best places to go would certainly come in handy. When you ask which are the best luxury bars in the city, the concierge should not only tell you which ones these are but should be happy to facilitate a reservation for you.
#4 Fine Dining
After you’ve spent the day exploring the city or have burned dozens of calories at the gym, you’ll be looking forward to a delicious meal. Of course, you can always get that out there. Still, it’s reassuring to know that the place you are staying in has an impressive menu for the times you don’t want to leave the comfort of the premises.
Luxury dining is all about delicious, enticing, refined and exotic cuisine with a classy but unpretentious atmosphere that perfectly complements the meals.
#5 Exquisite Linen
No matter how much fun you’ll be having out there during your vacation, you’ll inevitably spend several hours of each day in bed sleeping or just resting. While the quality of the bed itself is important, even average hotels usually have that figured out. What distinguishes the beds of luxury accommodation from that of run-of-the-mill locations is often the quality of the bedding.
The linen and sheets must be top-notch. Some of the best hotels and luxury villa rentals go as far as giving guests the opportunity to choose the type of pillow and linen they prefer. Whether you want the hypoallergenic or choose the super-soft, it should provide an environment that makes your sleeping times heavenly bliss.
These features are critical for luxury accommodation but there’s so much more. If there’s anything else that you consider a must have for your vacation, talk to your travel agent and there’s a good chance they’ll be able to find you a place that has exactly what you need.
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from Carmen Edelson – Luxury Travel Blogger
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