Luxury travel can mean different things to different people. For some, taking up
residence at a private island in Tahiti qualifies (and we certainly aren’t
going to argue with that), while for others a spacious suite overlooking
Central Park in New York is the very definition of luxury (OK, so we won’t
quibble over that one, either). Whatever you imagine luxury to be, it’s safe to
say that for pretty much everyone it means the very best in accommodations,
service and amenities: think a trail of rose petals leading from your room to
the spa and, well, you get the picture. While there are certainly plenty of
luxury travel options, there are equally as many reasons to gather a group of
friends or family and enjoy your version of the very, very good life. A few:
- You deserve it. That’s right, a little indulgence every once in a
while is good for the mind, body and soul, particularly when it’s shared with
those who are closest to you. Life can be hectic and fast-paced; some pampering
can help you reenergize and get perspective.
- No worries. True, Groople.com helps you and your travel
companions find exactly the kind of five-star experience you’re after. But once
you arrive at your destination, you’ll be the recipients of the very best
service available in the travel industry. It’s the indulgence of having all
your needs taken care of instantly, and more than a few anticipated before you
even ask.
- Mark a moment. Turning 50? Did your child just graduate from
college? Get a promotion? Whatever the milestone, a luxury getaway with your
family or close friends is a way to celebrate unlike any other.
Great Luxury Trip Destinations:
Luxury
travel has flourished over the last decade, making it possible to go virtually
anywhere in the country or the world and get five star treatment. Here are some
of our suggestions for a pampered group getaway.
A deep
tissue massage, mud facial treatment and healthy, and delicious cuisine are
sure to put you and your friends in the right frame of mind. These destinations
offer some of the best in luxury spa resorts.
- Tucson, Arizona
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Calistoga, California
- Phuket, Thailand
For some groups, the quality of a
golf course is a lot more important than whether it has a spa, or even what
kind of rooms they’re staying in. In these choice golfing spots, there’s no
need to compromise on anything.
- Kauai, Hawaii
- Sea Island, Georgia
- Pebble Beach, California
- Pinehurst, North Carolina
- St. Andrews, Scotland
It’s natural to think sunshine and
warmth when you conjure up images of a luxury vacation. But there are plenty of
places to go for great skiing and winter fun when the temperature is frigid.
- Vail, Colorado
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Killington, Vermont
- Whistler, Canada
- St. Moritz, Switzerland
Plan Your Luxury Trip:
Indulgence may have many different forms, but none of them
will happen unless you do a little planning. Groople can help. A few
suggestions:
- Create a
Groopvine page. There, you will be able to communicate with friends and
family about the type of luxury trip you want to take; set up polls to
decide on dates, locations, and hotels; share information about your
chosen location; and even share pictures from the trip once you’re back.
- Decide
what kind of getaway you want to take. Check out Groople’s Where to Go:
Great Ideas for Luxury Group Travel for suggestions.
- Find a
hotel or resort. Groople will help you find a hotel or resort that matches
your conception of luxury, with only the very best in amenities and
service considered. Groople can find the best group rates for your group,
and will enable everyone in your group to pay separately.
- Decide on
your itinerary. Communicate via Groopvine to make plans ahead of time for
activities you’ll want to book before you go.
Tips for Planning your Luxury Group Trip:
Groople has
helped many travelers get away on the luxury journey of a lifetime. With all
that experience we’ve learned a few things, and we always like to share the
wealth. Keep this in mind:
- A spa is not always just a spa. Lots of luxury destinations like
to promote their spa facilities, but not all spas were created equal. Some,
like Canyon Ranch in Arizona, provides visitors with a complete experience, not
just offering spa treatments but also lectures on wellness, yoga classes,
guided hikes and much more. Other resorts have much smaller facilities, with
just a few rooms for massages. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but
just know the difference as you make your plans.
- Luxury experience, bargain price. Perhaps more than any time in
recent history it is now possible to book a high-end group vacation for a
relatively bargain price, particularly when you work with Groople. For many,
the word luxury is enough to send them scurrying away, jolted by pre-sticker
shock. Don’t. In a down economy, with luxury resorts eager to fill the rooms,
deals are possible.