Abercrombie & Kent has rolled out a new line of ultra luxury villas catering for families and small groups of up to 19 guests, initially in Italy, LATTE can exclusively reveal.
A&K Private Estates expands on Abercrombie & Kent’s existing Villa program sold in the UK and to a lesser extent, the USA, but not actively pushed in the Australian market. Whereas Private Estates are now accessible to key markets, including Australia, having launched online late last week.
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Speaking exclusively with LATTE at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, Debra Fox, Managing Director Australasia – A&K and EVP, Trade Sales APAC – A&K & Crystal said the Private Estates will be “curated at the highest standard”, a notch above the already exceptional standards of the Villas range.
The collection debuts with five country houses ranging from five- to 10-bedrooms and accommodating up to a maximum of 19 guests. Known as ‘The Chianti Collection,’ as the name implies, they are located in the Chianti region of Italy. The portfolio comprise restored farmhouses, ancient towers, wine estates and manors. They include Palazzo Bellavista, Borgo Castelletto, Il Cellese, Podere La Piana and Podere La Gloria.
Each member of the Private Estates are located in a different regions of Chianti and target a different holiday preference such as a family or a group of friends.
The Private Estates collection differs, in part, from the existing Villa options based on the level of inclusion. Each of the five estates in Chianti are accessed from Florence and include private round-trip airport transfers, welcome and farewell dinners prepared by a chef, wine-tasting at the villa or a winery on the estate, cooking classes with a local Italian chef, a case of Tuscan wine and welcome hamper of specialty foods from local producers, daily housekeeping and more.
Fridges are stocked with groceries chosen by the guest before arrival by a concierge who is on call throughout the guests’ visit.
“It’s a luxury villa, but with all the elements that can be a little hard and awkward to coordinate, taken care of by A&K in advance,” Fox explained.
Given the demand for Italy in peak season, Abercrombie & Kent has secured space at each property for the entire summer (peak season), enabling exclusive access to guests on a first-in basis.
Properties are sold on six-night/seven-day blocks, leading in online from AU$80,000 to AU$120,000 per week (US$55,000 to US$90,000 per week). Prices are commissionable for travel advisors.
Fox added that the A&K Private Estates will be expanded to other regions of Europe in coming months.
For more information on the A&K Private Estates collection, click here.
LATTE is reporting from Virtuoso Travel Week as a guest of Virtuoso.
