The LUX Collective
In conversation with... Sarah McGlynn, Head of Sales & Marketing UK, Ireland, The Lux Collective
Q What are your main responsibilities?
A: As Head of Sales I am responsible for overseeing all the sales and marketing activities of the company, with the help of my new Sales Manager, Richard Hey. I try to find innovative ways to drive growth in sales and visibility of our hotels across my markets. Most importantly, I build relationships with our valued travel partners and keep up to date with market trends.
Q Tell us about The Lux Collective?
A: The Lux Collective is a global hotel operator of own brands and managed properties. We deliver worldclass hospitality experiences.
Q Why create a new portfolio of brands?
A: When it comes to hospitality everyone’s definition of ‘perfect’ is different. That’s why we have created a portfolio of four brands: LUX*, SALT, SOCIO and TAMASSA. Each brand offers a very different experience for guests.
Q What makes you a ‘hospitality company with a difference’?
A: The Lux Collective is a small group and we value every team member’s ideas and input. We believe in innovation, new experiences and affordable luxury, with surprises that make each moment matter. With the launch of SALT we wanted to offer a new holiday experience for those clients who are looking for ‘cultural discovery’ and insights into the lives of locals.
Q Tell us more about SALT.
A: We believe in meaningful travel. That’s travel that takes you to people, not just places. We believe that it is time for a travel movement; travel that protects our environment by encouraging local communities and productions. At SALT of Palmar, there are no singleuse plastics and no buffet to avoid food waste. The restaurant offers an à la carte service with 100% organic and local food; our SALT Farm produces and supplies the restaurant. It is the first SALT resort but more are on the way, starting with SALT of Wolong, China.
Q What is new for 2019?
A: LUX* revealed LUX* North Male Atoll in February, an era-shaping resort in the Maldives. Each of the 67 double-storey residences is crowned with a magnificent private Sky-Lounge, offering indoor-outdoor living and a unique perspective on the Indian Ocean. For the second year, LUX* Bodrum Resort & Residences will open on the May 1.
Q And next?
A: LUX* Phu Quoc, Vietnam, is our forthcoming opening in 2020. This overwater resort will be set in a breathtaking UNESCO heritage bay. We are also strengthening our presence in Europe and France is our next destination for 2021.
Q How important is the trade to you, particularly travel agents?
A: We really value our trade partners, and we have a dedicated online platform called LUX* B2B (luxb2b.com). It clusters all relevant information on our resorts and destinations, our online gallery and all contacts for head office and resorts. Agents can also find our e-learning LUX* Expert course here. Agents that become a LUX* Expert can claim two complimentary nights in one of our resorts.
Q Tell us a couple of your own memorable experiences staying at a LUX property.
A: Having stayed in all of our hotels I have so many memorable moments, but swimming with sharks was definitely an unforgettable experience when I stayed at LUX* South Ari.