Luxury Travel Destinations - With the travel experts Scott Dunn

1. What are the current trending destinations for luxury holidays in 2024?

This year families are looking to the UAE for some winter sun, in particular Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas in Abu Dhabi – home to our first Middle Eastern Explorers Kids Club, that opened last summer.

There’s an insatiable interest in France this year – our recent Annual Guest Survey revealed France to be the UK’s No.1 wish list destination for 2024 in anticipation of exciting events such as the 2024 Olympic Games and it certainly is all eyes on France. Our Spring 2024 travel trends report reveals over a third (34%) of Brits are planning to visit France on holiday this year – and a quarter (25%) of those going are visiting for the very first time. Adding to this momentum, we’ve launched an incredible new French portfolio for 2024, offering new product and bespoke adventures in lesser-known region with highlights including a private viewing of Emile Hermès’ coveted collection of novelty treasures and visits to the Dior Mansion and Gardens.

South Africa is the perennial favourite, Canada is popular for adventurous families, Thailand & Vietnam for culture, food & beach combined.

Couples are booking Finland for winter, propelled by 2024 projected to be the best year to witness the Northern Lights in decades due to a solar maximum. Those searching for sun are booking the Maldives, Italy for food & culture or skiing in the Dolomites. India, especially Rajasthan is having a moment as well as Sri Lanka for safari & beach – often twinned with a trip to the Maldives.
- Olie Summers, Head of Tailor Made

2. How can you help couples/families personalise their holiday experience to make it truly unique?

During the initial call with guests, our travel experts take the time to discover their individual preferences, interests and passions in order to tailor their trip to ensure each itinerary is as unique as our guests.

For example, a couple who loves art, we arranged an art historian to accompany them on their honeymoon through Italy and took them behind-the-scenes of an Renaissance art restoration project. A family whose parents love to dive, we arranged a diving course for the kids in the Maldives so by the end of the trip they went on a family dive and are heading to Indonesia next.
- Olie Summers, Head of Tailor Made

3. Can you provide examples of exclusive experiences or activities that you have arranged for previous couples/ families.

A samurai class for teens on family trip to Japan, Vespa food tour in Vietnam, stargazing with an astronomer in Chile’s Atacama Desert, craft your own perfume in the South of France. 
- Olie Summers, Head of Tailor Made

4. How do you ensure privacy and seclusion for couples without children at the selected destinations?

We can recommend the best adults-only hotels, remote lodges and private villas for total seclusion. 
- Simon Lynch, Global Director of Sales

5. What are some luxurious accommodation options that you recommend for couples / families?

For families, there’s no better luxury than having access to an incredible kids club while on holiday and our award-winning Explorers Kids Clubs uniquely offers childcare for children aged as young as 4 months to 11 years + in family-friendly resorts. Firm favourites include Daios Cove in Crete, Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal around The Mediterranean. Further afield, we’d recommend Shanti Maurice in Mauritius or Niyama in the Maldives. These clubs offer guests safe, fun and unique childcare in premier facilities with outstanding activities and experiences. 

For couples, we have a curated collection of the world’s most luxurious accommodation. Luxury means something different to everyone – for some it’s a tented camp in the African bush, for others it’s a blissful wellness retreat in the Maldives.
- Claire Horner, Head of Scott Dunn Explorers.

6. How do you handle travel logistics and transportation arrangements for your clients?

Seamless logistics can make or break a holiday and we understand how important it is – especially if you’re travelling with young kids. From VIP meet & greet on arrival at the airport to luxurious private transfers and securing the best available seats on an aircraft, we take care of all transport logistics so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
- Simon Lynch, Global Director of Sales

7. How do you handle unexpected situations or emergencies during your clients holidays?

We have 24/7 support available to our guests, with someone always ready to help at the other end of the phone thanks to our global team based in London, San Diego, New York and Singapore.
- Simon Lynch, Global Director of Sales

8. Can you recommend any unique holiday activities or experiences that we may not have considered?

Guests can get hands-on involvement in a conservation project (eg Rhino tracking in South Africa), attend a local festival to immerse themselves in the culture (eg attend a Sacred Tshechu Celebration in Bhutan), explore on foot, bike, or horseback to see a destination from a new perspective (eg cycling in Japan).
- Olie Summers, Head of Tailor Made

9. What is your process for working with couples/ families to create a customised itinerary?

Start with a phone call to discuss ideas, follow up with outline itinerary and customise until everyone is happy. We’re experts at handling family dynamics, ensuring the trip encompasses something for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
- Olie Summers, Head of Tailor Made

10. How far in advance should we book our holiday to secure the best options and availability?

It varies by destination, 6-12 months in advance will ensure you get the best value flight fares and first pick of accommodation and experiences. For bucket-list experiences such as the Great Migration / Cherry Blossom in Japan we always recommend booking at least a year in advance.
- Olie Summers, Head of Tailor Made

11. Anything else you think our clients would like to hear about with regards to booking their luxury holiday.

With an insatiable appetite to discover the world pivotal to the company’s ethos, Scott Dunn relish the planning and revel in the detail – knowing it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference. Indeed, Scott Dunn’s destination specialists have visited every property they sell, and each year spend at least one month in their area of expertise. As a result, the team is perfectly positioned to advise on the best type of holiday, hotel or experience for a family holiday, romantic break or honeymoon, sporting week away or last-minute weekend escape.  Every Scott Dunn holiday is tailor-made according to guest requirements and budget. Scott Dunn also do not actively recommend some 5-star properties and instead prefer to focus on seeking out properties that are off the beaten track.
- Simon Lynch, Global Director of Sales