tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1 2008-07-07T22:46:35Z KWE's Group's blog on the latest in Luxury Travel & Lifestyle trends. Movable Type 3.34 tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.165 2008-07-07T22:35:48Z 2008-07-07T22:46:35Z

Here's what the research says from the point of view of the consumer: Americans mostly trust the closest information sources - each other, via direct experience and word of mouth. The overall implication for marketers? Communications strategies, which allow direct product sampling experiences for consumers, allowing consumers to form first-hand opinions is key.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ We've also been hearing a lot about the balance of power shifting from trusting traditional media and sources (newspapers, radio, magazines and TV) to trusting more online channels. However, the research shows that that some traditional sources (newspaper, magazine and TV) are still going strong, coming in only second to peers. And surprisingly (to us), radio still ranks high among consumers in overall level of trust. I was amazed to read recently that National Public Radio has has 30 million listeners! So are consumers really influenced by bloggers? There's been a lot of excitement recently amongst marketers about social media - how bloggers are the influencers of today because their followers know they're not getting paid and they'e nvested in their topic/community. Is their influencing power overrated? Perhaps, as blogs rank 30% according to this research. So marketers, don't fret. Trusted, traditional media isn't dead and shouldn't be disregarded (yet). ]]> tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.164 2008-06-30T16:18:18Z 2008-06-30T16:30:25Z

As the Canadian Loonie continues to gain in strength against the US dollar (USD $1 = CAD $1.01), travel suppliers and destinations are turning their sights to the previously undervalued market. Canadians are traveling overseas in greater numbers and spending more. Canadian travel overseas increased 9.9% in 2007 over 2006, which represents 7.4 million trips.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ Mexicana Airlines added direct service from Calgary to Mexico City - and it's off to a flying start (pardon the pun), with their recent inaugural flight arriving fully booked. Need more convincing? Google Trends demonstrates that for the keywords "Riviera Maya hotels" the top two audiences are based in Montreal (1st place) and Quebec (2nd place). Granted, this includes hotels at all price points, but overall, this data clearly indicates that if you're not including Canada in your PR outreach, now is time. And if you have already been, it's time to relook what can be done to reinforce those efforts. ]]> tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.163 2008-06-24T17:19:24Z 2008-07-02T17:36:21Z

Summer time is rapidly approaching so get glammed up and head to the beach. Protect your little peepers from the sun's harmful effects with this year's quintessential accessory, sunglasses. The trend of "the bigger the better" doesn't seem to be fading, so make sure to settle for nothing less than the newest, most blinged-out pair of shades around.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ Franco Vahe. His Due 24 sunglasses included in the Luxuriator Collection have a 2 carat canary diamond and 132 handset pave diamonds, making the total carat weight just under 3.5. Watch out for sticker shock...these babies will put you back $65,000. Yes, for the same price as a brand new Jaguar, you too can look summer fab while mingling with celebs and socialites in the Hamptons, Malibu or Cabo. At a time when the rich get richer, society's elite have to spend their money on something, and this year it comes in the form of customized shades. So don't hate, participate. With summer comes lots of sun, so grab those sunglasses. By: Megan Sterritt, KWE group ]]> tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.162 2008-06-19T20:57:09Z 2008-06-19T21:18:24Z

Today's wedding registries have gone above and beyond the conventional selections of matching towels, blenders, pots and pans. It's not uncommon for couples to be living with their fiance beforehand, or others may be getting married for a 2nd or 3rd time. So these couples have already nested and are well equipped with the basics. Even more helpful in today's soft economy, brides and grooms are using registries to help fund high ticket items such as honeymoons and home improvements - even moving costs! Website www.felicite.com facilitates non-gift item registries, which allows guests to put any amount towards the total.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ Bathroom spas - Though the bathroom has hits place in the traditional registry, couples want to make the bathroom more of a spa experience and are equipping it with luxury features, such as heated towel racks and fountain shower heads. No Gifts, Just Give - Some people who don't want material gifts ask guests to give to their favorite charities. Websites such as the I Do Foundation and JustGive organize guests' donations to help a favorite charity. Sporting goods - Grooms are catching on to registry fever but might not care about decor as much as active gear that the couple can share, such as mountain bikes, golf clubs and tennis rackets. Museums - It's very new and not yet a trend, but couples can register at some museum shops for artwork, books and home decor. Check with your favorite museum to see if they offer a registry. Wine - More popular with older couples, some people register for a wine collection and even the wine cellar. See retailer WineEnthusiast.com. That brings me to the question of etiquette - are these registries considered impolite? Etiquette experts say these registries aren't anymore offensive than the traditional ones. Please note, however, that there is one decidedly tacky way to spread the word - never, never, never put it in an invitation, as no one is obligated to get couples a wedding gift. By: Chelsea Orth, KWE group ]]> tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.161 2008-06-17T20:29:22Z 2008-06-18T20:35:45Z

The rich life sounds incredibly difficult to navigate. So with this in mind, comes Christopher Tennant's "The Official Filthy Rich Handbook," which is written in the same spirit as the "Official Preppy Handbook." The book is a spot-on parody aimed at the rich (i.e. those who possess at least $30 million in assets) or for those social climbers who desire to mimic them. But it's also an accurate and (dare I say) useful field guide.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ Without giving too much away, the book offers witty tidbits of information and advice for the rich, from dress codes and staffing, to security, cosmetic surgery and rehab - all of which can be an absolute minefield for the filthy rich. He also offers some very important travel advice, which could have devastating effects should the rich veer of course: the do's and don'ts on "jettiquette"; how to pick your own PJ (personal jet) when a Gulfstream just won't do; how to dress the part, from Nantucket to Newport; or which sports to engage in (fly fishing, golf, sailing) and those to steer clear of while on holiday (tractor pulls, bowling, rodeos). Overall, it's a brilliant, playful read. By: Chelsea Orth, KWE Group tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.160 2008-06-12T17:58:04Z 2008-06-12T18:13:32Z

Entertainment rooms, yoga rooms, game rooms - they've all been done to death in luxury residential real estate. But how about a residential building that holds a library of women's history materials? In a recent issue of The New Yorker magazine, the "real estate dept" tells of a high school senior who discovered that Elizabeth Cady Stanton, American suffragette and women's rights leader, had lived in her building on Manhattan's West Side. Residents decided to brand the apartment building in her honor, calling it "The Stanton." The highlight of the new branding was to build a media center in the basement for women's history resources. What a concept and a welcome change from the trite names and offerings that one finds in most luxury buildings across many cities. And best yet, named buildings, and especially those which tie in to a true story, generate increased interest among buyers. To read the full article in the The New Yorker, click here.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.159 2008-06-10T16:23:56Z 2008-06-10T16:47:33Z

Hotels are now spending millions on luxurious pools with top amenities such as pool butlers, celebrity-designed cabanas, misting fans, passed hors d'oeuvres, signature sweets and plush beds, as well as the design itself . The reason? According to Conde Nast's Portfolio.com article, "Big Splash" is that pools are now proving to be nearly as profitable as room service. Guests want to just be or be seen at these swanky pools, especially those with wireless internet available poolside, as more guests are opting to surf and work while lounging by the pool.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ WET. Guests can sip cocktails and have a mani/pedi in a cabana designed by celebrity designer Thom Felicia. The 86,000-gallon pool at Atlantic City's Harrah's Resort's transforms into a nightclub in the evening, where guests can rent hot tubs, private V.I.P. rooms or reserve a cabana for $1500 for the possibility of swimming near celebs. ]]> tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.158 2008-06-03T21:47:01Z 2008-06-04T17:49:19Z

Gold is seeing a revival. With slumping currencies and inflation, gold bullion has become an increasingly coveted asset because of its liquidity and intrinsic value. Beyond the financial news, metallics have dominated the fashion scene few seasons now, so it makes sense that gold is permeating correlating industries as well.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ Gold was revered by kings and queens - history tells us that Cleopatra maintained her youth by wearing a pure gold face mask for its beautifying and healing properties. Just when you thought a facial couldn't get more luxurious, the spa industry and luxe beauty products are clamoring to embellish their menus and products with the stuff. For the ultimate indulgence, Japanese company UMO created a 24-karat gold facial - a delicate gold leaf mask that gets lavishly layered and massaged onto the skin, which supposedly lifts and firms the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and removes blemishes. UMO gold facials are becoming available at spas worldwide and costs from $300. More 24-karat radiance is available from Christian Dior, Odile Lecoin, La Prairie, Orlane, who are also launching beauty products containing real gold particles. Small price to pay to feel like a queen, especially if it yields the results they claim. tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.157 2008-05-29T20:21:51Z 2008-05-29T20:29:54Z

With the economy tightening up, marketers are getting imaginative and coming with value adds to attract the affluent's attention, because figures show they are still spending. A survey of over 3700 millionaires by Russ Prince and Lewis Schiff, authors of the book Middle Class Millionaire, revealed that close to 90% of U.S. millionaires, with a household income of $1 to $10 million, say they would increase their spending in 2008 if offered a special value add.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ One of the best examples I've seen recently is the Four Seasons Miami "Something Borrowed" promotion. Brides holding a wedding at the hotel with at least 175 guests may borrow up to $30,000 of Van Cleef & Arpels jewels to wear on their big day. Brilliant! Another clever idea is Le Meridien's "Unlock Art" promotion. In an effort to keep their cultured, worldly guests intrigued, the hotel has created collectable key cards, designed by artists such as Hisham Bharoocha and Sam Samore. But the key cards aren't just arty, they also give guests access to local art institutions such as Vienna's Secession and Shanghai's Museum of Contemporary Art. tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.156 2008-05-27T20:20:24Z 2008-05-27T20:26:20Z

A big question for marketers is if the recession will put a damper on the affluent's travel plans this summer. I've read different surveys on the subject, but basically the results are inconclusive. Probably because travelers are booking so last minute. The latest buzzword in the industry is "stayvacations" - staying at home, being a tourist in your hometown and going places for the day. To address this new potential market, the Trump International Beach Resort in Miami came up with a luxury day experience that includes the use of the pool and beach, a massage and valet parking for under $200 per person.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ It's a clever idea at first glance. But then you have to address the question: if you're an out-of-town luxury traveler paying several hundred dollars to stay at a hotel, do you really want to share your spot at the pool or beach chair with the local day trippers? Would that dilute your brand? tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.155 2008-05-22T22:07:55Z 2008-05-22T23:38:03Z

Personal growth is hot in almost every discipline: coaches for college admissions, parenting, retirement, wellness, fitness and life coaches are now familiar, but have you heard about political leadership coaching to help develop and enhance your personal leadership style? In light of this year's presidential race, this may prove to be a hot niche for motivated, civic-minded citizens. When reading Middle-Class Millionaire, I learned that a common trait among middle class millionaires (a group defined as having net assets of $1 to $10 million) is the use of business coaches. The authors claim that a survey of this group revealed that 45% had hired professional coaches or "life coaches" over a recent three year period and another 42% expected to hire one in the next three years. The reasons given? A need for constant learning and self improvement drives this market segment. The majority of these affluents did not inherit their wealth but earned it, so they are driven individuals by nature and realize the value of having somebody to help them think outside the box.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.154 2008-05-20T22:40:30Z 2008-05-20T22:48:11Z

Everyone will agree that sex sells. But is it the right motivator for the affluent leisure traveler? The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and its agency Turkel think so. They have had a very successful campaign over the past few years in building the Miami brand as the place to go for a sensual, seductive holiday with a fashion sensibility.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ "Miami: Express Yourself." The ads will feature local artists, who the Miami Herald describes as "surreal interpretations of Miami-Dade locals." The city is starting to capitalize on its new prominence in the world of culture and art with its Art Basel, a major new performing arts center, a Herzog & DeMeuron Miami Art Museum, which is underway and more. It's also interesting to note that, rather than considering art as a niche of a larger campaign, the niche is the entire message. San Francisco is doing the same with food and wine. Let's stay tuned. It will be very interesting to watch how this develops. ]]> tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.153 2008-05-15T21:40:08Z 2008-05-15T21:46:48Z

Moving through the airport just got a little bit easier. Special airport concierge services are sprouting up, giving celebrities and other VIPs the "star treatment." Avoid the paparazzi after being greeted at your car, get shuttled to the beginning of ticket lines, past baggage check-ins and through never-ending screening lines, and finally, take a motorized privacy cart straight up to the gate. For fees starting at $95, these five-star services are available for everyone.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ Airport Assistance Worldwide and LJR & Associates are two frontrunners in the race to provide VIPs and the public alike with incomparable luxe services. When it seems the TSA employees are uber-envious of your star status and won't let you just waltz right though, don't worry, your special-services representative will physically save your place in line while you and your accompanying travelers relax in the VIP lounge. By Megan Sterritt, KWE group ]]> tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.152 2008-05-13T22:04:08Z 2008-05-13T22:13:04Z

Want a "singularly" unique travel experience? For those travelers who don't want to share or just be showered with undivided attention and service should try one of these: Within a stone's throw from Ankor Wat, one of the world's most ancient and magnificent temple complexes, stands the aptly named The One Hotel Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia. And it's just that: a one suite hotel offering stylish design and ultimate privacy. The staff is devoted to you and you alone - you literally have the whole place to yourself. Perfect for those seeking to combine luxe accommodation and culture.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ Hotel Everland for a night. It's a one-room, pod-style hotel perched atop the Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Inside the mod green and white pod, is a king size bed, a fully working bathroom beautifully tiled in blue mosaics, a large lounge and mini-bar. However, unlike most commercial establishments, guests are only allowed to stay one night and it's open to museum visitors during the day. The views of the Eiffel Tower are unparalleled, but hurry, the exhibit is only running until the end of 2008. Looking for something more avant garde? Check out a more "modest" part of Berlin's hotel industry - The Single Room Hotel by French artist, Etienne Boulanger. It's a windowless room contained within four walls of billboards, only accessible by stepladder. This inhabitable module was set up according to the standards of a 2-star hotel room and offers a cozy interior including electricity, heat, and hot water with electricity and running water. The billboards not only provide the hotel's architecture but also its economic sustainability, as Boulanger leased the hotel's facade to advertising companies. So while the billboards serve their purpose to draw attention to themselves, they conversely offer an urban camouflage so that its guests can go unnoticed. If you know of any other one-room hotels of interest, please let us know. ]]> tag:www.kwegroup.com,2008:/blog//1.151 2008-05-07T14:50:41Z 2008-05-07T14:54:32Z

Want to buy that new Fendi handbag but you're suffering from the economic slump? Don't fret, there's another option, rent it! According to a recent article in Conde Nast's Portfolio, there's a small but growing retail market and that's the luxury rental business making high end items more affordable.

Karen Weiner Escalera http://www.kwegroup.com/ At Bling Yourself, instead of paying the retail price of $5,600 for a Chopard "happy heart" floating diamond ring, you can rent it for only $500 and still be the envy of many at the party. The company also rents men's Rolex Watches and other high end jewelry. For a membership fee of $29.95 for the Countess Level; $49.95 for the Duchess; and $99.95 for the Movie Star, you can borrow evening bags, designer sunglasses and other goods from Borrowed Bling. You can borrow as many items as you want for up to four months that fall on your membership level. For $300 a month, you can rent Gucci, Prada and Christian Dior bags from the fashion site, From Bags to Riches. My problem with this is returning it after I've had the pleasure of such indulgence.