The Australian founders of Addicted to Maldives have unveiled their latest project centred around the domestic market: Addicted to Australia.
After enjoying success with Addicted to Maldives, Travel Addiction Group’s creators Di and Paul Lechner have been busy planning an entry strategy into some of their other favourite destinations, with Australia being the first new venture.
Replicating its consultancy-based formula and personalised approach that Addicted to Maldives is renowned, the group’s Australian extension will focus on unique, boutique travel experiences with a penchant for luxury.
Addicted to Australia Co-Founder and CEO Di Lechner told LATTE the company has worked hard at building its network and that the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent international travel ban saw the pair fast-track plans for expansion.
“Our clients value our relationship-based approach, leading them to often ask if we can assist with other destinations.
“We had been giving some thought to pivoting the business for some time due to growing demand from both our local and international markets, however, the Maldives was going from strength to strength for us… enter COVID-19 and the border closures. This provided us with the time and opportunity to expand our business model,” Lechner explained.
“The launch of Addicted to Australia was driven by conversations within our travel network and the demand for a local partner whom advisors know and trust.”
Addicted to Australia is working with a suite of leading Australian properties including qualia, Capella Lodge, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley and Mt Mulligan Lodge – all members of the Luxury Lodges of Australia. Other luxury accommodation includes Orpheus Island Lodge, Halcyon House, Islington Hotel and COMO The Treasury.
“We know that Australians have a broad taste in travel preferences so we have partnered with a variety of providers to ensure every desire is met,” Lechner said.
“Having said that, we remain true to our iconic Addicted to Maldives brand – which emphasises luxury – and have carefully curated our domestic hotel partners accordingly.”
The portfolio currently consists of 21 properties, with more to come.
Lechner told LATTE that Addicted to Australia is negotiating contracts with a number of other luxury Australian properties “to ensure we are offering our clients, a broad range of choice”.
“We will continue to carefully curate our portfolio of properties that we partner with, ensuring that they align with our brand and with a focus on the overall guest experience and not just glossy hardware.”
“What each property has in common is that they offer true luxury in the form of one-of-a-kind experiences and offerings,” she explained. “Whether you’re looking for a glamping getaway or an opulent, high-end retreat, our expert concierge team is available to individually tailor your Australian adventure, while providing complete peace of mind in the knowledge that every detail has been meticulously considered.”
The team will create individualised itineraries for their guests and travel partners.
“Some of our clients are surfers, some looking for romance and others still are chasing the perfect destination for a family getaway,” Lechner explained. “We see ourselves as travel matchmakers and get a thrill out of identifying the perfect destination and holiday experience for every single person we chat to!”
Beyond the Maldives and Australia, Travel Addiction Group has also earmarked a potential expansion to New Zealand and the South Pacific “when the time is right”. The new website already lists VOMO Island and Kokomo Private Island in Fiji stemming from customer demand for the company’s concierge expertise.
And quizzed if Travel to Maldives’ relationship with the Virtuoso global luxury travel network would potentially be carried over to the new venture, Lechner told LATTE: “It’s an opportunity that we will explore once Addicted to Australia is a little more established.”
See addictedtoaustralia.com.au/
Lead image (supplied): Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort
Want to be in the luxury travel know? Subscribe to our free eNewsletter here to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.