Managing luxury villas requires specialized knowledge and strategies to meet the high demands of clients. It is a process that can be described as a “career shift” for a professional in the industry. Vasilis Vasiliadis, co-founder of Bill and John, shares with us the most important strategies and lessons from his experience in the world of luxury accommodations.
Transitioning from managing apartments to luxury villas is no simple task. As Vasilis Vasiliadis points out, “The first step is market research, understanding customer needs, and knowing the services they will require from us. To offer an unforgettable stay, we must understand that the services we offer, just like the property itself, are an integral part of the luxury experience.”
Therefore, a key prerequisite for any property manager looking to enter the luxury segment is a deep understanding of the product and the needs of the new target audience. Luxury villa clients are not only looking for an extravagant property but also services that will add value to their experience, such as personal chefs or exclusive activities. Understanding these requests is fundamental to providing an unforgettable stay, which in turn creates the foundation for long-term relationships between owners and guests.
Guest Management: Apartments vs. Luxury Villas
One of the biggest differences in managing these two types of accommodations is the length of stay and guest expectations. Apartment guests usually want short stays to explore the area, while luxury villa guests aim to relax and enjoy their experience without stress, often over a longer period of time. This differentiation also affects the services requested, which may include for example boat or helicopter transfers. Despite these differences, the common expectation for both types of guests is one: impeccable service and prompt communication.
Upgrading your Knowledge and Skills for the Luxury Segment & Secrets to Success
Success is the final chapter of a challenging and demanding book. It requires continuous education and keeping up with market trends. Vasilis Vasiliadis emphasizes the importance of studying the competition and consistently improving your services. By learning from the best and providing exceptional services, a manager can become competitive in the luxury hospitality industry.
Attracting high-profile international guests with substantial income depends on the product. A luxurious property in an exceptional location, with rich amenities and professional service, is essential. Good communication and prompt responses are also integral components of a reliable image and, ultimately, success.
Guests in luxury villas seek relaxation, great views, excellent food, and excursions. For their stay, the location and amenities such as pools, jacuzzis, and activities in the surrounding area are key elements that define the quality of their experience.
The Importance of Service Personalization: Challenges & Opportunities in Villa Management
When it comes to managing luxury villas, personalization is crucial, as guests often request particular, last-minute services. At Bill and John, according to Vasilis Vasiliadis, we treat all properties with the same philosophy, offering five-star service and immediate response to guests’ needs.
Challenges are never absent from the industry, with the biggest being the immediate satisfaction of a guest’s request, as they often demand last-minute additions to services. This requires an exceptionally organized manager with knowledge, experience, network and the ability to respond quickly in collaboration with reliable partners.
Another challenge is the constant competition in the tourism sector. To stay ahead, one must continuously invest in innovation and the evolution of products. The importance of travel, new experiences, and inspiration from other markets that will be transformed into knowledge to improve services is a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success in this field.
The high demand for luxury accommodations is a double-edged sword, as it undoubtedly presents an opportunity but also a challenge due to fierce competition. The co-founder of Bill and John advises anyone aiming to stand out in the market to “offer either exceptional services or properties that meet the highest standards.”
Long-term Relationships with Owners and Guests
The recipe for building long-term relationships is simple: respect, consistency, dedication, and impeccable service.
The most important rule is that all clients, regardless of what they are paying, deserve the same quality of service. The key to success is offering five-star service to every client, with the goal of building the company’s reputation and reliability.
