Hotel d’Inghilterra Rome – Starhotels Collezione has been accepted into Virtuoso’s portfolio of luxury travel partners, comprising 2,500 preferred suppliers in 100 countries.

Set steps from Piazza di Spagna and Via Condotti in Rome’s fashion district, Hotel d’Inghilterra blends historic charm with contemporary Italian style, a favourite of the international élite since the 19th century for its superb location, eclectic interiors, and innate elegance.

Following an extensive refurbishment, the hotel restored its historic façade, rooms, suites, and common areas to original splendoir, enhanced by Italian master craftsmen as part of Starhotels’ “La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory” patronage project.​ 

“Following a conservative restoration, our historic palazzo once again embodies Roman elegance and livedin authenticity,” said Massimo Colli, General Manager of Hotel d’Inghilterra. “Partnering with Virtuoso allows us to share that sense of place with a global community of luxury travel advisors and guests, pairing our celebrated service and Italian hospitality with privileged access to experiences that feel genuinely of Rome.” 

Rooms and suites are uniquely styled like a private residence, blending antique pieces with contemporary craftsmanship. Highlights include Executive Suites, Balcony Suites overlooking Roman rooftops, and the Penthouse Suite with a 70 square-metre terrace framing views from Villa Medici to the Vittoriano. The new SPA Suite, which debuted in July 2025, offers an intimate wellness sanctuary with treatment areas and signature rituals.​ 

Dining includes Café Romano, an elegant Italian salotto with a refined dehors on Via Borgognona, where seasonality-driven menus inspired by Roman tradition are served. Café Romano Lounge Bar serves timeless cocktails, while the recently inaugurated Terrazza Romana rooftop cocktail bar introduces signature drinks in a Mediterranean urban garden, with views of Rome’s domes.​ 

A storied guest list spans Oscar Wilde, Ernest Hemingway, Hans Christian Andersen, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor; today, the property continues to attract a refined international clientele for authenticity and Italian hospitality at the heart of Rome.

Hotel d’Inghilterra joins Virtuoso’s collection of the finest luxury hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour operators and other travel entities worldwide. Hotel d’Inghilterra’s acceptance into Virtuoso gives it direct relationships with the world’s leading leisure travel agencies in North and Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.  

As a Virtuoso preferred partner, the hotel now offers exclusive benefits to Virtuoso clients, including daily breakfast for two, a €100 food and beverage credit, welcome amenities, and preferred upgrades as well as early check-in and late check-out, both subject to availability.

View the property online here.

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This week, LATTE chats exclusively with Sandrine Camia, the Deputy Director Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority. Sandrine has had a spectacular career in luxury hospitality, with roles at ultra-luxury properties including Hotel Lutetia in Paris and Hotel Martinez in Cannes, both properties of the Taittinger Family.

She is the former Director of Sales, Marketing and Communication for Hotel Royal Riviera in Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat and Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, before taking over as Director of Monaco Convention Bureau.

A savvy luxury marketer, Sandrine is familiar with Virtuoso and many advisors know her face from decades of attending Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, along with all the other major MICE & leisure shows around the globe.

We start our conversation with Sandrine, discussing the importance of the cruise sector for Monaco.

Sandrine, can you tell us how significant cruising is to Monaco? How many cruise visitors arrive to the Municipality by sea annually?

Cruising is a selective and high-value segment for Monaco. The Principality has implemented strict regulations governing the size of vessels, total number of passengers and crew, and environmental performance, to protect its coastline and urban environment. As a result, Monaco primarily welcomes smaller, upscale ships rather than mass-market liners.

Each year, Monaco welcomes around 200,000 cruise passengers — a relatively modest figure, but one that generates a significant economic impact for the destination, particularly for restaurants, shops, and local businesses, especially those in the Old Town and main visitor districts. There is also a growing number of pre- and post-cruise stays, as Monaco’s strategy focuses on attracting cruises that begin or end in the Principality, encouraging longer stays and deeper engagement with the destination.

What is it about the French Riviera and Monaco that lures cruise lines and passengers to your part of the world?

The Mediterranean is already a dream destination for cruise travellers — admired for its diversity of landscapes, art of living, gastronomy, and culture — and the French Riviera embodies all of that in one glamorous coastline. Within it, Monaco stands out as an unmissable stop, offering unique experiences and accessibility.

The Principality’s unmatched quality of service, particularly through its world-class hotels, its rich cultural and gastronomic scene, and the history of the Princely Family, which has reigned for more than 700 years, give Monaco an identity like no other port in the Mediterranean.

Nestled between the French and Italian Rivieras, Monaco’s compact size allows visitors to explore its many attractions entirely on foot from the harbour, discovering monuments, museums, gardens, shopping, and fine dining within minutes (even if a day is enough to experience all of Monaco’s facets).

With your stellar hospitality career to date, what do you think about ultra-luxury hotel brands entering the superyacht space (Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Orient Express, Aman)? And what new opportunities do these brands present for Monaco?

Thank you very much for the kind words.

I see it as natural convergence: iconic hotel brands bringing their signature service and lifestyle from land to sea. It’s a perfect fit for Monaco, where excellence, and tailor-made experiences are already part of the destination’s DNA.

We already see Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection turnarounds and calls scheduled for Monte-Carlo, and Four Seasons Yachts featuring Monaco in its inaugural Mediterranean programming. These products are completely aligned with Monaco’s positioning.

How is the destination evolving its cruise offering to cater for guests arriving by sea?

Three priorities:

1. Selective sizing & quality: Monaco targets ships under 250 meters and carrying less than 1,250 guests and crew combined, favoring premium and ultra-luxury lines that match the Principality’s positioning and offering

2. Sustainability: Monaco continues to advance its sustainability agenda, with shore power installation at the cruise pier set to be completed soon, allowing ships to connect to electricity and significantly reduce emissions.

3. Guest experience: Simple, easy city access; Curated tours beyond the clichés, alongside visits to Monaco’s must-see landmarks and coordinated calendars so guests step into Monaco’s year-round cultural and sport events.

Have you personally cruised, and if so, where and with which brands? And what was your most recent voyage?

I haven’t taken many cruises personally, but my most recent one was with Crystal last May, during the Virtuoso Overseas Symposium, which sailed from Barcelona to Monaco. Beyond its beautiful itinerary, that ship holds special meaning for a representative of the Monaco destination — it features several iconic Monaco brands on board, including the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Beefbar.

Beyond cruising, how is Monaco evolving to overcome overtourism and to appeal to day visitors, overnight stayers and villa guests?

In Monaco, we do not view tourism as a problem of “overtourism” in the usual sense, because welcoming visitors is at our core : Monaco was created for tourism in 1863, and we have been a land of hospitality for more than 160 years.

Our approach is holistic: the offer is tailored for day-visitors and overnight guests and the local community and residents are comfortable with the rhythm because it is managed, high-quality and respectful of the destination. We don’t aim for mass volumes; our focus is on experience, balance and value.

For business tourism, we already host over 300 major events annually, which smooths seasonality, supports mid/low season stays, and underlines that Monaco is a destination year-round, not just at peak holiday times.

Do Monaco’s famed hotels provide enough high-end rooms in peak season? Is there room for more luxury inventory or new ultra-luxury brands?

We’re not in a situation of saturation. Monaco’s hotels undergo regular, thoughtful renovations to maintain the highest standards, with projects often focused on larger rooms and more suites rather than simply increasing capacity.

These ongoing enhancements reflect Monaco’s constant pursuit of excellence and consider the needs of both high- and ultra-high-contribution individual guests and the business and group segment, which remains essential to the destination’s year-round appeal.

Here are a few examples of recent renovations:

The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo was entirely revamped in 2019, a complete transformation that reaffirmed its position as one of the world’s leading palace hotels.

Other major projects are ongoing or recently completed: the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Monte-Carlo Beach, and Fairmont Monte-Carlo, each enhancing their offering through extensive renovations or new suite collections.

Given Monaco’s hotel mix — already composed of over 80% four- and five-star properties — future developments will continue to prioritise quality over quantity. There is still room for new openings, particularly in neighbouring municipalities, where several lifestyle-oriented four-star projects are planned. These will complement the Principality’s offer, catering both to the leisure segment and, importantly, to the meeting & convention market, especially following the 6,000 m² expansion of the Grimaldi Forum.

Is Monaco’s culinary scene keeping up with visitor demand? Latest dining venues and “out-of-towner” experiences?

Monaco is, without a doubt, a gourmet destination. It offers an extraordinary variety of dining options — from Mediterranean to Italian, French, Belgium, English and Asian influences — with a strong commitment to fresh, locally sourced produce and a genuine “farm-to-plate” philosophy.

It boasts the highest concentration of MICHELIN-starred restaurants per square kilometer in the world — 13 stars spread across 8 restaurants — an exceptional figure that perfectly reflects the destination’s passion for gastronomy.

In recent years, Monaco’s culinary landscape has also become increasingly vibrant and festive, with the arrival of international lifestyle dining concepts that add a new dimension to its gourmet appeal.

Here are some of the most recent openings — and truly, not a single season goes by without a new restaurant or bar opening in Monaco:

· Amazónico Monte-Carlo : a lively, jungle-inspired concept blending dining, music and late-night energy.

· Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac at the Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo, already two MICHELIN stars, offering refined Mediterranean cuisine with contemporary flair.

· Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, a restaurant by Yannick Alléno, showcasing the chef’s signature modern French cuisine and relaxed refinement.

· L’Abysse Monte-Carlo, a gourmet Japanese restaurant by master chef Yoshinori Shibuya, newly opened in 2025 at the Hôtel Hermitage, offering an exceptional omakase-style experience that has already earned two MICHELIN stars.

· Blue Bay – Marcel Ravin, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort: two MICHELIN stars, reopened in 2024 after a stunning redesign and now offering exclusive chef’s table formats.

· The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, completely reimagined, remains the beating heart of Place du Casino.

· Marlow, a new English dining concept bringing a modern, cosmopolitan energy

· Jondal Monte-Carlo, which launched its first Monaco season this summer at the Monte-Carlo Beach, will reopen for the 2026 summer season, continuing its relaxed yet elegant Mediterranean spirit.

Coya Monte-Carlo and Nikki Beach Monte-Carlo, both established for several years, have become essential fixtures in Monaco’s festive dining scene — Coya with its vibrant contemporary Peruvian cuisine and lively atmosphere, and Nikki Beach with its rooftop setting at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo, overlooking both the Grand Prix hairpin and the Mediterranean Sea.

For out-of-towners, Monaco offers an exceptional range of seasonal and immersive experiences — from beach clubs, including the new Monte-Carlo Beach by Jacquemus concept, to exclusive wine tastings following the reopening of the legendary Hôtel de Paris wine cellar, one of the largest private hotel cellars in the world, housing over 350,000 bottles. All of this, of course, within walking distance of their hotel or the pier.

Monaco is once again playing host to the Forbes Travel Guide Summit in 2026. How important are events like ‘The Summit’ and other hospitality conferences to Monaco?

Events like the Forbes Travel Guide Summit are extremely important for Monaco — they perfectly align with the Principality’s core values of excellence, hospitality, and innovation. Monaco was the first destination outside the United States to host the Summit earlier this year, and we are very proud to welcome it back in February 2026. It brings together some of the world’s most influential leaders in luxury travel and service, which resonates deeply with Monaco’s positioning.

More broadly, business tourism is one of the pillars of Monaco’s year-round activity, representing nearly 30% of all hotel room nights sold in the Principality. Every year, we host more than 300 professional events, including major international congresses that have been established here for over a decade. The recent 6,000 m² expansion of the Grimaldi Forum further strengthens our capacity to welcome large-scale, high-quality gatherings.

In 2026, Monaco will also host the MICHELIN Guide ceremony and continue to welcome prestigious global events such as the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year. All of these reinforce Monaco’s role as a true hub for international business events.

Your role must see you travel the globe frequently. How many days are you on the road? Carry-on or checked?

I’m on the road about once a month for must-attend forums such as Virtuoso Symposium, ILTM shows, and others. My role also involves regular international roadshows organised by our overseas promotion offices (we have one in Australia and six others across three continents).

I’m not a light packer — I’m a girl who loves her outfits and likes to have options, so I always end up taking a bit more than necessary. But I do keep a spare outfit in my cabin bag, just in case my suitcase decides to travel on a different itinerary!

Besides Monaco (Nice, more specifically), what is your favourite city to fly into, and why? When were you last there?

I’ve been travelling since I was a child — my father worked for Air France, so travel has always been part of my life. My favourite city to fly into is New York, the first city I ever discovered with my father. I’ve been back more than 50 times, both for work and for pleasure. I just love the city’s energy and rhythm — everything feels a little larger than life, and it still manages to surprise me every single time I go back.

I also have many friends in New York, people I’ve known for years, most of them travel industry professionals. That’s one of the things I love most about my job — it allows me to meet incredible people from all over the world and to connect with different cultures and perspectives.

As for my most recent long-haul trip, it was to Australia two months ago — and I promise I’m not saying that just because this is an Australian publication! It was a truly unforgettable family journey exploring Sydney, Uluru, and the Great Barrier Reef — one of the most remarkable travel experiences I’ve had in recent years.

Finally—this is ‘LATTE’ afterall—what’s your favourite coffee beverage?

I don’t like my coffee too strong — even though in Monaco, as in nearby Italy, people usually drink it ristretto. I prefer a smooth, balanced espresso, That might also be because I’ve learned to appreciate American coffee, which is much lighter — and a bit more forgiving first thing in the morning!

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Travel management company Talma Travel Solutions has expanded its global footprint with the acquisition of Bay Travel Group, based in Sydney, Australia.

The $10 million deal strengthens Talma’s presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and marks a key milestone in its international growth strategy. The company is considered one of the world’s 25 largest travel management companies.

“The acquisition of Bay Travel is another step in our strategy to expand globally, this time in Australia,” said Iya Magen, CEO of Talma Travel Solutions. “It allows us to strengthen our presence in new geographic regions and deliver exceptional service to additional international clients. We continue to develop innovative, technology-based business travel solutions tailored to every client, anywhere in the world.”

The Australian acquisition is the latest in a series of high-profile deals for Talma and follows the company’s U.S. division’s acquisition of Solutions Travel. In recent years, Talma has also grown its global presence with majority stakes in Norad Travel Group and Blue Cube Travel in the UK, as well as Brickell Travel Management in the United States. Both Bay Travel and Brickell Travel are Virtuoso-affiliated agencies, further enhancing Talma’s luxury and high-end travel offerings. 

In addition to its mergers and acquisitions, Talma is developing an advanced technology platform for corporate travel management – a new business arm focused on streamlining travel agents’ work through automation, data integration, and AI-driven analytics.

As with Talma’s other mergers and acquisitions, the retention of Bay Travel Group’s leadership is a key component of the partnership. “This alignment with Talma will bring us amazing growth – more business opportunities, greater access to cutting-edge technology, and the power of an international network,” Alan Wolf, Managing Director of Bay Travel Group, said. “We are very pleased to report that what our partners, staff, and clients appreciate from us – our values, vision, and commitment to excellence – will remain the same.”

Talma plans to continue expanding throughout the Asia-Pacific region in 2026 through additional acquisitions and strategic partnerships, with the goal of cementing its position as one of the world’s leading corporate travel management companies.

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Spencer Travel has broadened its Independent Contractor (IC) model, welcoming 10 new experienced travel professionals to its ranks in the past two months.

This signifcant expansion reflects the increasing appeal of Spencer Travel’s “trusted brand, strong reputation in the Australian luxury travel market, and the supportive framework if offers to ICs seeking freedom, flexibility and the strength of an established business behind them,” the firm said.

The move comes after the Sydney-based travel agency recently sold its corporate travel division to LodgeLink, as part of a strategic restructure.

Penny Spencer, Managing Director of Spencer Travel Holdings said she was thrilled to welcome a “talented group of professionals” to the Spencer Travel network.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see experienced consultants recognising the value in aligning with the Spencer Travel brand — where independence and entrepreneurial spirit are celebrated, but the support, systems, and community of a larger business remain,” she said.

The new affiliates bring a wealth of expertise across luxury leisure and bespoke travel design. Joining under the Spencer Travel umbrella provides them with access to premium preferred partnerships, advanced booking technology, marketing support, and the credibility of one of the most awarded travel brands.

“Our Independent Contractor model empowers consultants to build their own business, their way, while benefiting from Spencer Travel’s trusted reputation, Virtuoso membership, and decades of industry leadership,” Spencer added.

“The strong momentum we’re seeing is a testament to the culture we’ve built — one that’s collaborative, values-driven, and focused on shared success.”

Part of the company’s broader Spencer Travel Affiliates division, Spencer Travel’s Independent Contractor model continues to lure high-calibre advisors looking for a premium home for their travel business, with further growth anticipated into 2026.

Interested ICs can reach out to Spencer confidentially to discuss the model.

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Last month, India-based TBO acquired U.S.-based Classic Vacations from The Najafi Companies for an estimated US$125 million.

At the time of the acquisition, the companies said the move “brings together the power of TBO’s first-class technology platform and worldwide inventory with Classic Vacation’s vast network of luxury travel advisors and suppliers.” TBO’s expansion into serving the premium outbound travel market, it said, aligned strategically with Classic Vacation’s exclusive B2B brand and high-value advisor network.

LATTE caught up with Classic Vacations CEO Melissa Krueger this week to get the latest on the acquisition—including what it means for advisors and suppliers and what’s next for the company.

“The primary motivation for joining the TBO family was access to advanced technology and the opportunity to be a global brand—one capable of serving a broader range of travel advisors and their clients worldwide, at the same time,” Krueger said. “From a strategic standpoint, the move perfectly aligns with where Classic is and has been heading.”

First-Class Technology

That technology was a focal point of both the initial announcement by TBO and Classic Vacations in September and again this week in speaking with Krueger. “TBO brings us first-class technology platform that the wholesale market has never had access to,” she told LATTE.

Specifically, this looks like multiple different aspects. Krueger mentioned TBO will afford Classic Vacations:

• “New levels of connectivity for advisors from a global scale and inventory perspective”
• “The infrastructure to service advisors globally”
• “Expanded destination knowledge and inventory”
• “Faster, smarter, more intuitive booking tools, [making] it easier for advisors to find and customize the perfect trip, either on their own or in conjunction with one of our res agents”
• “AI-driven personalisation, helping advisors better anticipate client preferences and access insider experiences tailored to each traveller”
• “Improved back-office systems”
• “Smoother processing, streamlined support [and] real-time data visibility”

Classic Vacations, according to Krueger, had already being undergoing a “digital transformation,” and this will now speed that process up. In our conversation, she even borrowed a favorite maxim of Virtuoso’s Chairman and CEO, Matthew Upchurch: “automate the predictable to humanise the exceptional.”

Benefitting Advisors and Suppliers

Krueger told LATTE that advisors have nothing to fear with the acquisition, as it won’t change “what defines us,” which she described as high-quality and personalised service.

Beyond improved service – through new booking and AI tools, for instance – Classic Vacations will also benefit from the existing global coverage of TBO. “With TBO’s scale, we now have the ability to match the global footprint of the consortia that we partner with and to support the advisors whose clients are traveling anywhere in the world,” explained Krueger.

She also mentioned that the move will allow Classic “to expand into new source markets,” adding, “we’ll no longer just be leading the U.S. luxury wholesaler market; we’re becoming a global luxury platform.”

In addition, Krueger noted that the acquisition and new technology will not only benefit advisors, but Classic Vacations’ supplier partners. “This (the acquisition) benefits not only our customers, but also our suppliers – and I think this is really a key differentiator for Classic,” she said. “We have never, ever been about just shifting share; that kind of transactional approach to growth only hurts suppliers. Our goal is to grow the supplier business alongside ours.”

Krueger continued: “We’re not interested in growth just by stealing market share. We’re interested in growth truly by supporting our suppliers and our customers.”

“Everybody wins,” she said.

Potential Future Acquisitions by TBO

Changing hands is nothing new to Classic Vacations. Since its founding 47 years ago, it has had five different owners. It was privately held, then joined a publicly traded company. In 2002, Expedia Group acquired Classic Vacations, where it remained part of the portfolio until Phoenix, AZ-based private investment firm Najafi Companies purchased it. Then, in September, The Najafi Companies sold it to TBO.

Speaking on the numerous changes in ownership, Krueger said, “what gets you through your first 50 years is not going to be what gets you through the next 50 years.”

She added: “Now, I believe we have found our forever home.”

Beyond Classic Vacations, TBO appears to be on the lookout for additional acquisitions. In the September announcement, Ankush Nijhawan, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director of TBO, said, “This acquisition continues to further our strategy to invest in both organic and inorganic growth opportunities. As we start working on integrating Classic Vacations with TBO, we will remain open to similar strategic alliances going forward,”

When asked about what these “strategic alliances” could look like, Krueger told LATTE she won’t speak for Nijhawan, but said, “I would emphasize that the statement if very self-explanatory.”

Should another brand or company become available that “makes sense for our customers and it makes sense for our suppliers, we are in a very, very good position to take a look at it,” Krueger explained. “It’s a very exciting time for us.”

Setting Classic Vacations Up for Success

What’s most exciting, Krueger said, is that “all of this comes at a time when luxury travel is thriving.”

She pointed to Future Market Insights, which values the global luxury travel market at US$2.6 trillion in 2024 and projects it to reach US$4.24 trillion by 2032 – a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%. “So, appetite for curated, meaningful experiences has never been higher,” said Krueger. The acquisition, she added, will position Classic “to meet that demand globally.”

As for what’s driving business, Krueger pointed to Europe. “Southern Europe remains incredibly strong,” she said, calling out Italy and Spain in particular. She also noted Scotland and Ireland have seen “surges” this year. Beyond Europe, Japan and Southeast Asia are “making an impressive comeback.”

Krueger also mentioned the increasing importance of wellness. She again pointed to Future Market Insights’ reporting that global wellness tourism will reach US$1.2 trillion by the end of 2025. The sector is growing at 10.4% annually and is on track to reach US$3.3 trillion by 2035.

Overall, though, “anything that brings connection, presence and authenticity is going to check the boxes,” Krueger said.

Her goal as CEO of Classic Vacations, under the new ownership of TBO, is to set the company up for success—to take advantage of those strong projections for the future of the global luxury and wellness travel industries. Krueger told LATTE that she’s confident in the direction the company is heading.

“Classic and TBO are building what we believe will be the premier global luxury travel platform,” she said.

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Virtuoso hosted its 2025 Chairman’s Event from 14 to 17 October in Los Cabos, Mexico, with the annual gathering recognising the network’s highest-performing travel agency members.

It also acted as a showcase of what the host destination has to offer upscale travellers. This year’s event took place at Grand Velas Los Cabos, an all-inclusive luxury retreat, with support from the Los Cabos Tourism Board and Virtuoso’s preferred hotels in the region.

Speaking at the event, Virtuoso Chairman and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch reflected on the group’s achievements over the last year. “When I look at the calibre of professionals within this group, I’m reminded of the power of this network,” he said.

“You are the engine behind that, and I couldn’t be prouder of what you accomplish day in and day out. This event is intended to celebrate you, and to thank you for your dedication to your clients, to Virtuoso and to the wider industry we are all part of.”

Key network data, shared by Executive Vice President of Strategic Communications David Kolner, revealed that future leisure sales are projected to increase by 24%, with high-value bookings of US$50,000 or more expected to rise by 36%. Year-to-date sales for January through September 2025 showed a 13% year-on-year increase.

Kolner also highlighted findings from Virtuoso’s 2026 Luxe Report, noting that 67% of advisors anticipate increased travel demand in 2026, while 66% expect higher client spending.

Overall, the event saw the network welcome 133 agency owners and managers from nine regions around the world for four days of relationship-building and destination immersion. The program opened with a welcome reception on 14 October, with attendees taking part in immersive activities designed to highlight the region’s best offerings.

The “Design Your Day” program included paddleboarding to the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, participating in a farming workshop at Paradero Todos Santos, hiking and bird-watching in Sierra de la Laguna, and meditation and sound healing sessions at Monte Cardón. A special dine-around excursion invited guests to explore culinary offerings at eleven of Virtuoso’s preferred hotels in the area.

Business and networking were also central to the event. The business session, led by Virtuoso’s Senior Leadership Team, provided updates on industry insights and network developments.

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Remote luxury travel network Savenio is doubling down on culture, fit, and loyalty in a year that saw it grow to 50 members and transaction values soar to new heights.

The last financial year saw the network’s total transaction value (TTV) surge by 20%, a milestone Managing Director David Brandon described as “an incredible achievement by our network of outstanding luxury travel advisors”.

Already, the next financial year looks set to surpass that growth rate, with the network embarking on the next phase in its journey with the “right people” in place.

Speaking to LATTE at the Savenio Symposium at the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef Resort earlier this week, Brandon explained that a change of contract at the middle of the year had seen five agents depart. But those exits had been outweighed by network growth with the group adding eight new members.

The “uproar” caused by the changes had an added benefit, according to Brandon. “I wanted to find out who was loyal,” he said.

The rethink of its model followed a significant slashing of monthly consultant fees during the pandemic when the industry ground to a halt. The move was aimed at keeping the community afloat.

But as business gradually came back, eventually rebounding to pre-pandemic levels, it became clear that an adjustment was once again required. “Turnover went up hugely,” Brandon said. “Now it’s starting to stable out, but it’s still a lot, lot higher than what it was beforehand.”

Now, looking ahead, Brandon is confident that Savenio is poised for continued growth. “I think it’s going to be a stable market now for the next few years,” he predicted.

Founded as a pivot away from traditional agency models, then gathering force from 2017, Savenio has grown into an industry force by championing community over scale. “We’re not a numbers game,” Brandon stressed. “It’s about the right people.”

That philosophy now defines how Savenio recruits, with Brandon personally conducting every interview. “They’ve got to be community-minded,” he said of what he looks for in new members. “I ask so many questions to find out whether they’re the right fit.”

It’s not about turnover either. If Brandon sees potential in an advisor, he will ensure they get the right training to get them to where they need to be, he explained.

This approach has created a network of faithful advisors, many of whom have been there for more than 10 years, thanks also to the minimal overheads involved and the flexibility of the home-based model.

“All you need is a computer and knowledge,” Brandon said. “And there’s a few here into their 70s and 80s, still doing it.”

While Saveno is affiliated with both Virtuoso and Magellan, giving advisors access to a broad mix of luxury and mainstream travel offerings, Brandon believes it’s the independence and boutique feel that keep agents engaged.

Perhaps the most telling sign of Saveno’s cultural pull came recently with the return of long-time advisor Donna Phillips, who had previously left the network to explore other opportunities.

“I think it’s the community we have, and what we offer,” he reflected. “People realise what they’ve lost.”

Now, moving into this next chapter which will see the Savenio Symposium head overseas for the first time to Auckland in 2026, Brandon stresses the network isn’t chasing scale.

“There’s not many else out there doing what we’re doing,” he said. “So there’s no real target. Just the right people.”

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Desa Potato Head Bali has joined La Collection‘s portfolio of hotels and resorts across the Asia Pacific, becoming its first property in the popular destination.

Located in Seminyak, Indonesia, the iconic resort joins La Collection as a flagship property, symbolising a shared vision of responsible luxury, creativity, and purpose-driven travel. It is also a member of Virtuoso and Traveller Made.

“We are incredibly proud to welcome Potato Head into the La Collection family,” said Craig Farrell, Co-Founder & Director of Sales at La Collection. “This is more than a beautiful resort; it’s a blueprint for the future of hospitality.

“Akili and his team have demonstrated that radical environmental stewardship and world-class guest experience are not mutually exclusive – they are the definition of modern luxury. Their integration of art, culture, and community aligns perfectly with our vision for the Asia Pacific portfolio, which seeks out truly singular, purpose-driven experiences.”

Consisdered a “Creative Village,” Desa Potato Head breaks away from traditional hospitality models by fusing art, music, design, and regenerative practices. It features two unique hotel concepts – Potato Head Studios and Potato Head Suites – alongside its iconic beach club, curated library, co-working and listening space Dome.

It also offers a daily schedule of wellness experiences such as sun salutations, energy activation, and traditional Balinese Jamu making. Its guiding philosophy, “Good Times, Do Good,” runs through every aspect of the guest experience.

Far from being just a sustainable resort, Desa Potato Head Bali is internationally recognised for its pioneering approach to regenerative tourism. The property is committed to a near-zero-waste-to-landfill goal, made possible through its on-site Waste Lab, which transforms discarded materials into functional art, design pieces, and guest amenities. Guests are encouraged to engage with this circular economy by joining the popular “Follow the Waste Tour”, participating in sustainable workshops, and dining at Ijen, Southeast Asia’s first zero-waste restaurant.

Ernst Ludick, Managing Director of Desa Potato Head Bali, added: “Joining La Collection offers us a powerful platform to share our regenerative mission with a wider globsl audience. Our Desa is a vibrant ecosystem designed to inspire creativity and progress.” He emphasized that the partnership invites more conscious travellers from Australia and New Zealand to explore how “Good Times, Do Good” can shape their travel experiences and benefit both the environment and local community.

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Southern Crossings‘ decision to focus exclusively on Fiji in the South Pacific is paying off, with the luxury DMC revealing that its US business to the destination has exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

The move came about during the industry lull caused by COVID, which provided the opportunity for the team at Southern Crossings to “rethink, review and refine” business procedures, strategy and direction, Founder Stuart Rigg told LATTE. “Time well used, as the rebound in our business demonstrates,” he added.

“We made the decision to focus our South Pacific attention to specialise purely on Fiji – as this is a destination that we have the experience and long-standing connections to be able to deliver a real difference and take the visitor experience to the next level.”

The company’s profound knowledge of the destination means the experiences Southern Crossings offers in Fiji go far beyond just picture-perfect beaches. “The Southern Crossings Fiji experience is really about exploring the destination’s idyllic islands to enjoy an unhurried, exclusive and authentic experience,” Rigg explained.

“This includes unique access to off-the-beaten-path destinations like COMO Laucala and Kokomo Private Island, private yacht charters, hands-on conservation work, and world-class diving and surfing.”

New direct flight routes, a favourable exchange rate, and the continued rise of ultra-luxury offerings have also contributed to the surge. For Southern Crossings, the momentum accelerated further after the company was named a Virtuoso Preferred On-Site partner for Fiji in May 2024, significantly boosting its visibility within the global luxury travel advisor network.

The Fiji focus was not the only game-changing tactic to emerge from the pandemic, Rigg revealed. Also among the changes were internal process upgrades, including a new CRM system, a cutting-edge booking platform, and most recently, a Southern Crossings-branded itinerary app. These tools are designed to streamline the traveller journey but also to align with the company’s push for more environmentally conscious service delivery.

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A series of key appointments has bolstered the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s global sales team, adding more than 60 years of combined experience in luxury hospitality.

The new hires come at a pivotal moment for the brand, following the launch of its newest superyacht, Luminara, in July 2025, and ahead of its debut Asia-Pacific winter season.

Bonnie Newman has been named Regional Director, Trade Sales – West USA & Western Canada. With a background leading sales strategies at SeaDream Yacht Club, Virtuoso, and Aurora Expeditions, Newman brings a wealth of expertise to the role.

“Her history of building partnerships and driving growth through the travel advisor community will be a strong asset,” RCYC said. She will focus on enhancing brand presence in the West and nurturing relationships with key partners such as Signature Travel Network.

Also joining the team is Kathy Lu as Regional Director, Trade Sales – Southeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada. Lu has over 17 years of experience in luxury cruising, including roles at Explora Journeys and Crystal Cruises.

At Explora, she “achieved milestone sales results, including closing the largest sale in the company’s history.” She will now spearhead sales strategies and manage relationships with prominent trade partners, including Virtuoso.

Meanwhile, Jessica Painter has been appointed Director, Charter & Incentive – Global Sales. With more than 15 years in luxury group sales, including leadership roles at EDITION Hotels and JW Marriott, she brings a proven track record of success. At The Tampa EDITION, she “exceeded revenue goals by 141% in its opening year.” Painter will now focus on charter buyouts and group sales strategies for meetings and incentive travel.

The three new hires follow on from the recent announcement of Melissa Ong as Director, Travel Partnerships – Asia, based in Singapore.

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