Global concierge service Quintessentially is a luxury lifestyle management group founded in London 25 years ago. It now operates from 35 offices worldwide with over 50 languages spoken, and a diverse ecosystem of advisors and partners.
Are you trying to secure VIP tickets to the U.S. Open this year? Perhaps you are feeling more adventurous and want to track mountain gorillas in East Africa or simply score a table at La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills on a Saturday night. Look no further than this client-driven platform whose dedicated lifestyle managers provide members with personalized support.
Quintessentially’s U.S. CEO Lauren Wilt oversees the brand’s strategy, corporate development and day-to-day operations with a team of 50 across six cities.
Wilt joined the company as Head of Membership in 2013, after a previous role at the Cipriani Group. Here are her insights on the growing concierge industry and traveling in 2025.
Explain the services that Quintessentially provides.
Travel, tickets and dining are our most common request categories; however, what makes Quintessentially truly unique and stand out are all the other things we do for our members. We take a 360-degree approach to lifestyle management, which means we support our members in all facets of their lives. From day-to-day support like finding dog walkers, to arranging appointments and sending gifts to loved ones, we also have specialists in numerous areas such as property and estate management, education and private clubs.
What are the most in-demand travel or hospitality requests from your clients?
Time and time again, we see members who want to travel to familiar destinations such as Aspen or St. Barts and explore new places for their larger trips. They rely on us the most to tell them about the top properties, must-try restaurants and “must-visit” destinations to put it on their radar during the planning process. There has been an uptick in wellness-focused retreats; North American destinations like Mexico and Arizona and global destinations like Switzerland, Thailand and beyond. There has also been a surge in exploring the unexplored, which means destinations like Bhutan, which is not only a trending destination but also has great traction among our members globally and provides the opportunity to stay at luxury accommodations like the Aman or Six Senses. On a smaller scale, we are being tasked with requests like quick ski trips. The Presidential Suite at Hotel Jerome was a member favorite over Presidents Day weekend, for example.
Is there a particularly challenging request that your team was able to resolve?
Earlier this year as the catastrophe of the fires has wreaked havoc on Los Angeles, it has been a particularly challenging time, not only as the CEO who has a large team in California but as a long-term LA resident and member of the community. Understanding the impact these fires have had on our members has been devasting, but it’s been encouraging to know we’re a team not only of experts, but also of friends, sisters, daughters, mothers and fathers who care about our members like their own community. As everyone has been impacted in different ways, we’ve been able to help families relocate for short-term stays in comfortable hotels while they wait to return to their homes, find suitable rental properties within certain criteria for those who have lost their homes completely and work with trusted organizations to provide a resource to members looking to make contributions for those in need.
What trends are you seeing in luxury travel in 2025?
Luxury travelers are prioritizing self-care and holistic well-being. This includes stays at wellness retreats like SHA Wellness offering personalized programs like yoga, meditation, nutrition and spa therapies, and Chenot Palace Weggis, which offers advanced programs that focus on rejuvenation to delay the onset of biological aging. These destinations—be it in the mountains, by the ocean or at cutting-edge urban spas—are seeing a surge in demand.
Belated and extended honeymoons: Weddings now are so much different than they used to be because more and more frequently the couple has a global network of friends. This, coupled with the growing popularity of destination weddings, means that often couples are now taking a pause between their wedding and honeymoon. It’s nice to fully reset and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, which may take place in exotic locations like Mozambique, the Outback, Rwanda and beyond.
Soft travel: Traveling somewhere to reset and relax versus packing it in. The era of jam-packed itineraries is fading and is now being replaced by a desire for slow, intentional travel. Luxury travelers are seeking destinations where they can truly reset—long stays in serene locations, which for some may be tucked away in Jackson Hole and for others St. Barts, providing both a time to connect with nature and experiences designed to refresh both body and mind.
Cultural Immersion: Travelers are looking for meaningful engagement with local cultures. They want to explore destinations through hands-on activities like cooking classes, art workshops or guided tours with historians, creating deeper connections and more authentic memories. A property that comes to mind is Hacienda AltaGracia, tucked away in Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica, which gives it edge and creates an environment where cultural immersion is at the root of who this property is and everything they do.
Adventure Tourism: Luxury adventure travel is booming as avid travelers want an outside-the-box experience; there really seems to be a surge in making once-in-a-lifetime trips at the forefront of their planning. From expeditions in Antarctica to glacier hiking in Iceland to private safaris in Africa, the focus is on tailor-made experiences that balance thrill with comfort—think luxury campsites, expert guides and personalized itineraries.
You have recently visited Nicaragua, El Salvador, Sri Lanka, Morocco and Costa Rica for surf trips and completed a 500-kilometer cycle challenge across the South of France. Any personal traveling tips for a seamless experience on the road or in the air?
Travel prepared: Before arrival, I’ve done my research and worked with our expert team of travel advisors to map out where I want to eat, what I want to see and experiences throughout the trip. While this helps set me up for a successful vacation, there are a few habits I always follow upon arrival.
Walk: I love to take a walk right away. This helps with much-needed fresh air after travel and to get my bearings in a new place. If it’s a city break, I love to see what’s around the immediate area, and if I pass a local grocery store, I always pick up some local snacks, which can be a great indicator of the culture. If it’s a country or nature holiday, a walk helps me to see what’s on property and explore what’s available during my stay.
Talk: Whether it is to people in the airport, the taxi driver to my hotel or the person checking me in, I always try to be as friendly as possible and ask questions. Locals are a great way to learn about your destination’s history and culture. They will also know of citywide events to look out for and are a great source for insider tips when navigating a new destination, such as an off-the-beaten-track local restaurant or shop.
Unpack: It takes a few minutes, but I find in the long run it’s a time-saver during a vacation. Unpacking also helps me feel settled and at home in an unfamiliar place.
Gratitude: I try to ensure I understand and can say basic words and sentences in the local language, especially greetings and words of gratitude.
Which Beverly Hills properties or restaurants are the most sought-after for bookings?
Polo Lounge (The Beverly Hills Hotel), Dante (The Maybourne Beverly Hills), Matsuhisa, Sushi Note Omakase, La Dolce Vita, Nozawa Bar, Funke, Matū and Marea.
What do you never leave home without and why?
Besides my phone, there are a few things I tend to never leave home without. First, I love my Smythson cardholder, which is personalized with my initials. I’ve never been a fan of large wallets, and my Smythson fits in any pocket, with everything I need whether staying local or traveling domestically. Wherever I go, I also always have a Kosas Lip Fuel within arm’s reach. It’s my lip balm, lipstick and lip gloss all rolled into one super sleek tube that fits anywhere. Finally, when traveling, I never leave home without my Kindle. I’m an avid reader and this fits easily into any purse or carry-on luggage. I’m also a huge advocate for packing cubes, which help me stay organized and efficient on any trip. My favorite packing cubes are my monogrammed Mark & Graham set.
