In 2021, the Viadi Group made its debut on the global luxury vacation rental scene, co-founded by trio: Oli Corkhill, now CEO, along with Auret Van Zyl and Florian Steiger. The group’s vision was clear, combine their expertise to create a powerhouse in the high-end travel space.
An empire of exclusive experiences
Today, Viadi Group is a collection of some of the world’s most prestigious travel brands. There’s Leo Trippi, a luxury alpine travel specialist known for curating exceptional ski holidays in the world’s most coveted destinations. Then, there’s Explorations Company, focused on adventure-driven, life-changing experiences. Add to that WhereToStay.com, a leading name in Caribbean villa rentals, and Edge Retreats, a platform for the ultimate in global ultra-luxury escapes. Not to forget, Villa Guru, crafting bespoke holiday experiences tailored to their clientele.
With offices in the UK, Switzerland, the USA, and now Dubai (as of July 2023), Viadi Group is laying its footprint on the global map.
Why Dubai? Why now?
Corkhill’s affinity for Dubai isn’t just business-driven, it’s personal. Having lived there since 2007, Dubai feels like a second home to him. “There’s something magnetic about Dubai – the pace of change, the freedom to be entrepreneurial, the nostalgia,” he shares. The city’s shift from a transient stopover to a long-term base has made it an essential market for Viadi Group. For Corkhill, Dubai offers an ideal blend of familiarity and opportunity.
Leo Trippi, Viadi’s luxury alpine arm, has seen a remarkable surge in bookings from the GCC, doubling its volume from the region. Meanwhile, Explorations Company and WhereToStay.com are also experiencing significant growth. With an array of offerings; from luxury chalets to bespoke adventure holidays, Viadi’s expansion into Dubai feels like a natural step.
On the ground in Dubai
Corkhill observes a clear shift in the way people perceive Dubai. “It used to be a city where people came for a couple of years and then moved on,” he notes. But with initiatives like golden visas and increased residency options, the narrative has changed. Expats are increasingly viewing Dubai as a permanent home, with many high-net-worth individuals now purchasing properties instead of renting. This shift has opened up a whole new market for Viadi Group’s brands, which have historically catered to royals, diplomats, and locals.
Luxury on the slopes and beyond
For those based in the GCC, popular ski destinations include Courchevel, Megève, St Moritz, and Val d’Isère. Corkhill points out that Leo Trippi, with a heritage dating back to 1882, offers unparalleled access to exclusive, off-the-market chalets. Beyond the slopes, the Caribbean, Balearics, St Tropez, Tuscany, and the Amalfi Coast remain hotspots for villa holidays. But it’s not just villas and chalets – GCC clients are increasingly seeking more immersive experiences with the Explorations Company, from luxury safaris in Kenya to transformational journeys in Namibia.
What’s next for the GCC traveller?
Corkhill hints at an emerging trend – luxury holidays in the US. “Spending Christmas in a luxury chalet in Aspen, followed by a city break in New York, is gaining traction,” he says. For those looking to set trends, he suggests the lesser-known ski resort of Colfosco in Alta Badia, which offers an alternative to the usual alpine destinations.
Personal adventures and family plans
When it comes to Corkhill’s own travel list, he’s got his eyes set on an Arctic adventure with Leo Trippi. “Reindeer rides, snowmobiling with my son Ralph, and maybe a glimpse of the Northern Lights,” he muses. Looking further ahead, he’s planning a family trip to South Africa and Namibia with Explorations Company. “It’s perfect – malaria-free, semi self-drive, zero jet lag, and the freedom to explore at our own pace.”
For Corkhill, time is the ultimate luxury. He values the ability to embark on leisurely trips that prioritise safety, exceptional service, and life-changing experiences, from learning bushcraft with local San men to horseback safaris and balloon rides.
Merging business and leisure
January sees Corkhill heading to the World Economic Forum in Davos, a key event for Viadi Group. “About 60-70 per cent of WEF delegations come from the Middle East,” he notes, highlighting its importance for establishing relationships that span across both business and leisure.
Travelling with purpose
Corkhill believes that travellers today fall into two camps. “There are those who seek social experiences; ski or villa holidays with extended family or friends,” he explains. “And then there’s the networking and business travel crowd, who focus on connections made over dinners, boat trips, and shared experiences.” When it comes to specialist travel, it’s all about the journey. Corkhill observes that clients are becoming more aware of why they’re booking a particular trip, valuing the progress and significance of their travels.
Transformational travel, the Viadi Way
For Corkhill, it’s not just about luxury – it’s about making a difference. Viadi Group, particularly Explorations Company, champions impact-led experiences that are culturally enriching and educational. “Whether it’s supporting a local school in Nepal, helping with rhino translocation in Kenya, or exploring Japan’s culinary scene, it’s all about balance,” he explains.
Corkhill’s mission is clear – to promote travel that gives back. “People feel better when they know they’re making a positive contribution,” he reflects. “It’s about being more conscious of how we travel and what we’re doing.”
A new era for luxury travel
For Viadi Group and its CEO, the future is bright. With a focus on curating exceptional experiences and expanding its reach in key markets like Dubai, the group is set to redefine luxury travel for years to come.
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