With many years spent in Michelin-starred kitchens and then jetting around the globe with the Greek royal family, Benjamin Vaschetti honed his expertise in delivering exceptional travel and culinary experiences. Today, together with his wife Natalia, they have created Maison Benjamin, a luxury travel and lifestyle firm offering a suite of tailored services to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and multi-family offices. Looking ahead, the pair see five trends shaping luxury travel and management.
Venturing to new frontiers
The private race to space has mainly been led by billionaires such as Elon Musk with SpaceX, Jeff Bezos with Blue Origin, and Richard Branson with Virgin Galactic. However, new innovative boutique companies are now entering the arena, focusing on luxury travel. Space travel is no longer a distant dream for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families. Companies like Space Perspective are making it possible to experience space without the extensive training typically required for astronauts.
Passengers can enjoy a six-hour journey to the edge of space that feels as simple as boarding a plane. During this trip, they can take in breathtaking views of Earth, an experience that real astronauts describe as transformative. Space Perspective allows travellers to enjoy a sip of champagne and time for quiet contemplation while gazing at our planet from a remarkable vantage point.
Crossing off bucket lists
As people strive to make the most of their time on Earth, ticking items off their bucket list remains a strong trend in luxury travel. For sun-loving nature enthusiasts, it could mean encountering a lion in the wild, evoking the romance of Out of Africa, or unwinding with a cocktail on the sugar-white sands of a secluded tropical island. And for those who love snow, skiing down the Swiss Alps or taking in the stunning auroras in Iceland may be more appealing.
For adventurers looking to explore beyond the ordinary, the White Desert, established by polar explorers, is pioneering luxury polar travel. Guests can stay in a luxurious pod, walk alongside Emperor Penguins, try ice climbing, embark on an Arctic truck safari, and explore the pristine ‘white desert.’
“At Maison Benjamin, sourcing and crafting once-in-a-lifetime or bucket-list experiences for your clients is like an art, and it’s the challenge of turning a dream into a reality that keeps us going.”–
Home away from home
The 2020 pandemic significantly impacted all aspects of life, including the travel industry. Among HNWIs, a new trend emerged: a preference for serene getaways that resemble the cosy comfort of their homes. These sought-after dream destinations provide the luxury of a five-star hotel within the privacy of a secluded residence. Families can reconnect and unwind in peaceful settings, whether in mountain hideaways or beachside villas while enjoying top-notch services. These retreats cater to clients looking for long stays or even remote work options, combining a sense of sanctuary with the luxuries they are accustomed to.
Community and connection
On the opposite side of the spectrum, following the isolation induced by the pandemic, some UHNWI started placing higher value on community and connection. This increased the demand for exclusive gatherings to bond over shared passions, such as art, wine, and gourmet cuisine. For instance, the C3llar Wine Society curates intimate gatherings for wine enthusiasts, including private dinners in major cities and exclusive tours in famed wine regions like France and Italy. These experiences foster meaningful connections, allowing individuals to mingle with experts and like-minded peers in a refined yet relaxed environment.
“When Family Offices select a service provider, it’s essential to consider factors such as the firm’s experience, range of services, client focus, and alignment with your client’s values and objectives.”–
Good-old concierge services
Finally, in an increasingly digital world, personal concierge services remain irreplaceable. UHNW families rely on these services for everything from VIP event access to real estate and lifestyle management. From making luxury travel arrangements to securing access to exclusive events, personal shopping, and expert consultations in fields such as art, real estate, and interior design, these services provide a sense of ease and personalisation that families rely on to make everyday life both convenient and extraordinary.
To sum it up
The demand for personalised, all-encompassing travel and lifestyle services is rising as family offices look for providers who can deliver unique, high-touch experiences. Led by Vaschetti, Maison Benjamin is redefining what is possible for high-net-worth individuals and family offices. With a rich background in crafting exceptional experiences, it combines unmatched expertise with a passion for creating bespoke journeys, from space exploration to secluded retreats and community-driven gatherings. Their ability to curate transformative, bucket-list experiences while maintaining discretion and exclusivity ensures clients’ needs are met with the utmost precision and care.
About Maison Benjamin
Lifestyle & Travel management for family offices involves providing comprehensive, tailored services to meet the diverse needs of ultra-high-net-worth families. These services ensure that both financial and personal aspects of the family’s lifestyle are managed seamlessly. We have the solutions for your family office and ultimately for your clients.
