| Despite the uncertain economic climate, there is | | | | But if the luxury hotels are crowded and the top |
| still a strong appeal among well-to-do travelers for | | | | restaurants all have long waiting lists, how can |
| vacation packages that provide uncompromising | | | | discriminating travelers organize their vacation in |
| luxury and style. This can be noted in the demand | | | | the South of France? To serve these demanding |
| for luxury accommodations on round-the-world | | | | visitors, companies like Luxury Riviera Travel have |
| cruises, the appearance of new airlines specializing | | | | pulled together special tours. These tours are |
| in Business Class and First Class seating and the | | | | usually limited to a small number of travelers and |
| occupancy rates of luxury hotels all over the | | | | feature four star hotel accommodations. |
| world. So it's not surprising that the South of | | | | For example, luxury tours generally feature basic |
| France, a destination associated with travel | | | | programs that can be adapted to meet the needs |
| elegance since the mid-1800's, should remain | | | | and wants of its customers. These packages |
| popular with travel epicureans. | | | | range from a gastronomic tour of Provence with |
| "Our bookings were very solid last year and we | | | | stops in Michelin star properties and specially |
| see the same strength in 2008," observed Cecile | | | | organized cooking classes by award winning chefs |
| Carletti, responsible for sales at the exclusive | | | | to packages that rent luxury yachts for a week |
| Chateau de la Chevre d'Or in Eze, France. The | | | | and combines this with private on-shore visits to |
| hotel and restaurant which has two Michelin stars | | | | key points of interest. All the travelers' needs are |
| and offers breath taking views of the | | | | taken care of before they leave the States. |
| Mediterranean Sea has three restaurants and | | | | Some programs are so all-inclusive that they |
| each of its rooms and suites are individually | | | | include not only the top rooms in the top hotels, |
| decorated in fine, antique furniture. When asked | | | | gourmet meals in Michelin restaurants that with |
| about the weakness of the dollar against the euro | | | | drinks and wine but also private driver/guides that |
| Ms. Carletti shrugs her well tanned shoulders and | | | | assure all ground transportation and excursions in |
| replies, "Yes, we are aware of it of course but | | | | luxury air-conditioned vehicles. |
| our guests don't appear to be greatly affected." | | | | Another major advantage of 'super deluxe' |
| Nor do the guests at another French Riviera | | | | packages is that clients are treated as V.I.P. |
| landmark, the famous Carlton Intercontinental | | | | guests in each property. There is no language |
| Hotel in Cannes. | | | | problem and, as many packages are paid in |
| Built in 1911, the Carlton is a historic monument of | | | | advance in U.S. dollars, no hassle over exchange |
| Belle Époque design and construction and | | | | rates. However, should any problems arrive it's |
| was the backdrop for Alfred Hitchcock's 1956 | | | | good to select a travel packager that is on the |
| classic movie "To Catch a Thief" with Cary Grant | | | | spot and can immediately resolve any issues |
| and the soon to be Princess Grace of Monaco. | | | | without having to call the States for instructions. |