Mariek Anselme is the co-founder of A.M.A Alternatives – a well-established and modern luxurious villa rental firm. With a world upbringing in among the world’s most dynamic cities, together with Amsterdam, Paris, San Francisco and Los Angeles, Mariek’s love for journey and journey was instilled in her from an early age. On this interview with Mariek she tells us extra in regards to the A.M.A Alternatives journey thus far, insights into the sector, and suggestions for 2023 high locations. Learn on to find extra.
You studied luxurious and trend administration at college, there isn’t an apparent hyperlink, what prompted you to focus particularly on property
My bachelor’s diploma was in enterprise administration and my Grasp’s diploma, though it was primarily based extra on trend, taught me find out how to construct and develop a luxurious model. This, mixed with my love for journey, hospitality and inside design, is what drew me to the posh journey sector.
Please inform us extra in regards to the A.M.A Alternatives journey thus far and describe a typical day for you if such a factor exists.
My enterprise associate Andre and I launched A.M.A Alternatives at 25 years previous with simply over 15 properties on the French Riviera. We have been the primary trip rental firm within the area that targeted on providing bespoke providers and experiences quite than simply handing over a set of keys. As we established ourselves domestically, our purchasers began asking if they might hire with us in different locations. This sparked the start of our growth exterior of the South of France. A.M.A Alternatives development has been natural and pushed by our purchasers eager to return with us, which has not solely been nice validation however massively rewarding. Immediately, our portfolio consists of over 1000 choose properties in Europe’s most trendy locations. As the corporate has grown, I now spend most of my days on the workplace. I primarily overlook our concierge staff, portfolio development, new partnerships and model improvement. I do nonetheless take pleasure in journeys to our locations to fulfill our companions and go to villas, which is all the time a spotlight!”
The variety of properties throughout the A.M.A Alternatives portfolio has grown at a powerful charge; how do you guarantee every of the properties meet the high-quality requirements related to the A.M.A Alternatives model?
We choose the highest 1% of professionally managed properties in every vacation spot. We do that by handpicking every property and making certain they cross our in depth standards guidelines. The properties in our portfolio are topic to common website visits by our trusted staff and companions. Furthermore, we rigorously vet the perfect property homeowners and native house administration firms that adhere to our strict high quality requirements. This not solely supplies our company with a world-class collection of villas, it additionally ensures skilled on-site help all through their keep.
And on that notice, what can company anticipate from the A.M.A Alternatives expertise?
At A.M.A Alternatives we imagine the journey expertise begins the second you arrive on our website. All of it begins by connecting with our company and understanding their desires and wishes to make sure the right match for his or her vacation house. As soon as a reserving is confirmed, our company are launched to their devoted concierge who will help in tailoring their keep.
What actually units us aside is our industry-leading high-tech strategy. Company can seamlessly request providers, suggestions, share their journey itinerary and extra, immediately from their account. Extra importantly, we place a robust emphasis on our staff all the time being responsive, attentive and clear with our company.
You signify properties in among the world’s most trendy locations together with Mykonos, Ibiza and the French Alps. The place is subsequent and why?
We’re increasing to over 15 new locations within the coming yr together with Corsica, Lake Como, Portugal, Crete, Corfu and the Swiss Alps. Visitor suggestions is the primary driver for our growth efforts. When company inquire about sure locations or once we communicate with them about their upcoming journey plans, we use this information to assist decide what locations we must always broaden to subsequent.
The luxurious journey {industry} is continually evolving to exceed the expectations of accelerating discerning travellers, what are your ideas on how the sector is evolving?
Now greater than ever, company are on the lookout for consistency and ease when reserving their distinctive getaway. I believe that firms like A.M.A Alternatives, who make investments closely in know-how and concentrate on fixing issues, would be the ones that stand out above the remainder.
And any insights on which would be the high locations for luxurious journey in 2023?
I see that travellers in the present day are in search of much more genuine locations the place they’ll immerse themselves within the native tradition whereas nonetheless accessing facilities and conveniences that the posh traveller is accustomed to. Off-the-beaten-path locations equivalent to Puglia and Paros will probably be on the high of the checklist. Mallorca is one other vacation spot that’s rising in recognition for all the proper causes.
Luxurious is a extremely subjective idea – what does it imply to you personally?
After I consider luxurious I consider distinctive high quality, authenticity, consideration to element and customized service. To me, that is what luxurious is at its core.
What’s your life motto? (you probably have one)
The key to getting forward is getting began.” I’m a robust believer in actively in search of alternatives, staying optimistic, placing your self on the market and forging your personal path. Visualizing your success is vital however going for it’s the solely technique to get there.
