I’m a Luxury Travel Agent: My Clients Love Booking These Winter Travel Destinations
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Stacy Sare Cohen
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Amen Oyiboke
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From palm-lined beaches in warm-weather destinations to coveted slopes in mountain towns known for their high-end après-ski culture, affluent travelers retreat to their favorite vacation spots each winter for a little R&R.
While many of these destinations come with a steep price tag, some of the luxury can still be experienced by everyday travelers with smart planning. Here are the winter travel destinations clients love booking — and what they cost — according to luxury travel agents.
Aspen, Colorado
A playground for the rich and famous, Aspen remains one of the most coveted winter destinations for high-net-worth travelers. Travel designer LaDell Carter of Royal Expression Travels, who creates bespoke travel itineraries for affluent clients, said five-star resorts can start at $2,500 per night.
When it comes to après-ski indulgence, travelers can expect to pay a pretty penny at restaurants and venues — such as $150 to $200 per person at Steakhouse No. 316, $175 per person at Matsuhisa, owned by world-class Chef Nobu, and $1,000 and up for hats at the luxury western-style boutique, Kemo Sabe, noted Carter. However, some restaurants are a bit less expensive. She recalled paying $300 for a party of three at Mawa’s Kitchen.
New Orleans
New Orleans is an ideal warm-weather destination for luxe travelers — and, according to Christopher J. Falvey, a partner at Unique Nola Private Tours, the city offers more than just the party scene it’s often associated with. New Orleans is also steeped in rich history and culture.
Falvey said experiences can be relatively affordable or climb into the thousands for bespoke private tours. “One can spend $500 to $2,000 on average for a private tour, depending on the type of tour. An average weekend for a normal tourist is $500, but if you’re looking for high-end luxury, some options will run you $4,000 to $10,000 or more for the whole vacation.”
“High net worth individuals love our quaint and historic corners, as well as the Garden District, which is a must-see (Paul McCartney recently visited to see the over-the-top Halloween decorations),” added Falvey.
Bend, Oregon
A natural paradise situated east of the Cascade mountain range, Bend is often underrated, according to Sara Breidigan, travel advisor at Lux Oregon Travel, who said the small city is a top winter destination for her clients.
“As soon as they step off the plane, they can smell the fresh pine air. The area is stunning, surrounded by the snow-capped Cascades and the Deschutes Forest,” said Breidigan.
In Bend, guests can stay in a lodge or rent a vacation home, depending on group size, according to Breidigan. “A popular option is Sunriver Resort, which offers amenities such as snowshoe rentals, sleigh rides, igloo rentals, an indoor pool, fitness classes, and a planetarium with stargazing.”
“Most importantly, they offer shuttle service to Mt. Bachelor, where guests can ski and snowboard. One of my favorite pairings is with Wanderlust Tours, which hosts a Bonfire Snowshoe Tour, where guests meander through the snow to a hand-carved amphitheater for a fire and hot cocoa under the stars.”
Lodge stays with a king room start at $220 per night, daily car rentals average $60, snowshoe rentals cost $30 per person, and sleigh rides run $200, said Breidigan. The round-trip shuttle to Mt. Bachelor costs $30 per person, lift tickets range from $99 to $139, and the Wanderlust Bonfire Snowshoe Tour is $150 per person.
For a more budget-friendly stay, she recommended the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, with rooms starting around $122 per night. “It has fewer amenities, but still gives the luxury lodge feel.”
Keystone, Colorado
“The second destination my clients love is Keystone, Colorado,” said Breidigan. “They fly into Denver and rent a Jeep or truck, a perfect way to take their time and explore downtown Denver, before heading to Georgetown. Georgetown is a historic mountain town that is a cute stop for coffee, shopping, or eating at the local brewery, before making their way to the Keystone Lodge and Spa to check in.”
Keystone has extensive amenities, Breidigan said, including a heated outdoor pool, ice skating, s’mores, a sauna, eucalyptus steam room and children’s crafts. Rates start at $271 a night.
When heading to the slopes, visitors can purchase ski lift tickets for $175 per day, try dog sledding for $204 per person, and ride a Breckenridge gondola free of charge, Breidigan said. “Snowmobile tours run $351 for two, and jeep rentals cost $100 per day.”
Breidigan recommends booking early for the best price. “If you want to stay on a budget and enjoy the great restaurants and coffee shops, just choose one activity to spend on.”
“The beautiful mountain views and fresh pine air will still leave you feeling refreshed, recharged and begging to go back again.”
Japan and Thailand
Kara Simmons, founder of Ready, Set, Booked!, said two of the winter travel destinations her clients have loved to book are Japan and Thailand.
“Japan is a great destination for clients who want to still experience the snowy mountains but still [enjoy] hot springs as well. [Winter] is a calmer time to visit, which is also a plus,” said Simmons.
Pricing for winter accommodations, activities, and transportation in Japan costs about $450 to $800 plus per day, she said.
For Thailand, winter is peak season, and you can get incredible luxury for a more affordable cost, said Simmons. “It is also very versatile for those who want some beach, city, and jungle time all in one trip.”
Price estimates for accommodations, activities, and transportation are about $350 to $ 650 plus per day, said Simmons.
At both locations, she has helped travelers budget by finding places that offer free breakfasts through their partnership perks. “Then they load up on a great breakfast and snack lightly until dinner to help save costs.”
“I have also had clients seek out free attractions and resorts that have the activities included in the cost to help with budgeting as well.”
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