Select in the UK Media

I am happy about the fantastic attention we are getting in the British media, which is important for our lovely office in Mayfair. The journalists seem to feel we have something new to bring to the UK, with our concept of warm personal service and our holistic view of luxury. They see that our customers are given special care and enfolded in luxurious ambience from the first cappuccino in our designer chic offices…throughout the entire holiday. They are impressed by our Nordic perfectionism…

Here are a few extracts from the latest interview with me by Adelto, an online magazine devoted to fashion, travel, interiors, style and furniture. The full interview can be seen on the Adelto website under the headline Exclusive interview with Leija Graf, CEO & founder of Select Collection

On our unique niche:

How is your business different from other luxury travel operators?

I think it is that we live as we teach. We create luxury around you from the moment you come into our offices, and we try to keep that level for our customers until they come home again. All done with a very personal touch.¨

On my belief in holistic luxury:

What do the words ‘luxury travel’ mean to you?

Luxury is holistic. It is perfection with so many elements. Charm, authenticity, clean beaches, warm atmosphere, and even social responsibility. We prefer properties that reinvest in the local community, for example by educating the staff’s children or enriching their lives in different ways. These days it is hard to think of a hotel as top luxury if it does not make an effort to reduce waste, and if it is unaware of the absurdity of importing water from the other side of the world in plastic bottles.

On our customer loyalty:

We have 85 per cent repeaters. Our customers love that we are so concerned about them and their enjoyment. Starting with cappuccino in the office, added values on arrival at the hotel, and our eagerness to fix any problems that might occur when far from home. We become friends with so many of our clients.

A lovely question: 

Who would you most love to organise a holiday for and what would you recommend?

President Obama and his Michelle and family. I think they need a holiday. I might take them to Soneva Fushi for the reason that it is so dazzlingly beautiful and authentic, and is run with social responsibility and care for the environment. The teenage kids would love it too for all the activities.

And a pertinent question - why travel with us: 

Why should a luxury traveler plan their next holiday with Select Collection?

Because we arrange individual travel experiences that aim for perfection and meeting a customer’s dreams.

About the coming summer: 

Which destinations, attractions and events are you most excited about in summer 2013?

We have negotiated great deals in Europe especially Greece – very good value luxury. Argentina and Brazil are also very hot destinations and are getting hotter…

 The bottom line of luxury travel:

What advice would you give to travellers who want the ultimate luxury experience?

Always use an authorized tour operator in your own country so you are covered by consumer protective legislation – it should also be an operator that has proper experience of the destinations. We at Select make sure we visit all the hotels in our programme and have very good partnerships with people on the ground in all our destinations.

Other questions I answered included:

• What should every jetsetter pack?
• Can you tell Adelto readers a little about your role and what you do at Select Collection?
• What made you choose a career in the luxury travel sector and how did it come about?
• What’s the best thing about your job?
• What did it mean to be awarded the Swedish Royal Patriotic Society medal for entrepreneurship?
• Can you tell me about the inspiration behind your boutiques?
• What is your travel philosophy?
• What are your expectations for business growth in 2013 for the luxury sector?
• Can you tell Adelto readers a unique fact about you that no one knows?

For my answers to that secret:
http://www.adelto.co.uk/exclusive-interview-with-leija-graf-ceo-founder-of-select-collection/