Question 1

What does a VIP concierge in Cartagena actually do?

Accepted Answer

A real VIP concierge acts as your local operations team—not a suggestion desk or travel agency.What we handle:• Itinerary design — Day-by-day planning that actually works on the ground• Vendor coordination — Villas, yachts, restaurants, nightlife, security all synced• On-ground hosting — Bilingual host with your group managing timing and flow• Real-time problem solving — When things change, we fix them immediatelyThe difference:Instead of managing 5-7 separate vendors who don't communicate with each other, you deal with one accountable team responsible for the entire experience.Pro tip: If you're coordinating a group of 8+ people, the value of having someone on the ground managing logistics becomes obvious within the first 24 hours.

Question 2

How is Elite Cartagena different from a hotel concierge?

Accepted Answer

Hotel concierges are helpful but structurally limited.Hotel concierge limitations:• Restricted to in-house vendor lists and partnerships• Commission-driven recommendations• Rarely handle off-property logistics• No control once you leave the lobby• Work for the hotel, not for youElite Cartagena difference:• Independent operation — We work across all villas, venues, and providers• Full logistics control — Before, during, and after each experience• On-ground execution — We're physically present managing your group• No conflicts of interest — We recommend what's best, not what pays us commissionWe don't just recommend restaurants—we secure the table, coordinate transport timing, handle dietary requirements, and ensure you arrive when the vibe is right.

Question 3

Who typically uses a VIP concierge service in Cartagena?

Accepted Answer

Our core clients:• Bachelor & bachelorette groups — See our bachelor party packages• Corporate executives — Board retreats, incentive trips, client entertainment• Private celebrations — Milestone birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions• High-profile travelers — Anyone requiring discretion and seamless execution• Group organizers — The person responsible for making sure 10-30 people have a good timeCommon thread:Most clients hire us because they don't want uncertainty—or surprises—once they arrive. They value certainty of execution over saving a few hundred dollars.Typical group size: 8-30 peopleTypical trip length: 3-5 nightsPeak periods: December-April, holiday weekends, bachelor season (year-round)

Question 4

Is a concierge worth it if I can book things online myself?

Accepted Answer

You can book everything yourself. The question is whether you should.The Cartagena online booking reality:• Bait-and-switch listings — Photos don't match reality, especially boats• Inflated rates — Resellers mark up 30-50% on Airbnb and booking sites• Unresponsive vendors — Messages go unanswered until it's too late• Hidden charges — Fuel, taxes, service fees appear at checkout• No recourse — When something fails, there's no one accountableWhat a concierge adds:• Vetted providers — We've used them for years, not found them on Google• Local leverage — We can make calls you can't make from abroad• On-ground oversight — Someone is accountable when you arrive• Problem resolution — When things go wrong, we fix them in real-timeBottom line: For solo travelers or couples doing simple trips, DIY works. For groups of 8+ with nightlife, boats, and villas—the complexity multiplies and so do the failure points.

Question 5

Can you manage villa, yacht, nightlife, and staff under one coordinated plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes—this is one of our core services and where we add the most value.What coordinated planning looks like:Example Day Flow:• 9:00 AM — Yacht departs (we confirmed marina logistics the night before)• 5:00 PM — Yacht returns, transport waiting at dock• 5:30 PM — Group arrives at villa, chef is prepping dinner• 8:00 PM — Dinner served, mixologist handling drinks• 11:00 PM — Transport staged, nightlife reservations confirmed• 11:30 PM — Arrive at club, host walks you past the line to your tableWhat we manage:• Yacht return timing synced with dinner prep• Transport staged so no one waits• Chef briefed on headcount and timing• Club reservations aligned with realistic arrival time• Contingency plans if anything shiftsThis level of coordination is nearly impossible without an on-ground operations team managing the timeline.

Question 6

What makes Elite Cartagena different from online planners or marketplaces?

Accepted Answer

We are not a marketplace, broker, or lead-generation site.What marketplaces do:• Aggregate listings from multiple vendors• Take a commission and hand you off• No accountability for execution• Customer service is an email form• If a vendor fails, it's "not their problem"What we do:• Local operations team — Physically based in Cartagena since 2013• No hand-offs — Same team from first message to final night• Vetted vendors only — We've worked with them for years• One point of accountability — If something fails, we own it and fix it• Real-time support — WhatsApp direct to someone who can actThe test: When something goes wrong at 11 PM on a Saturday—who answers? With us, it's someone who knows your itinerary and can solve the problem within the hour.

Question 7

How fast do you respond on WhatsApp?

Accepted Answer

We operate on same-day response standards—typically within 1–3 hours during business hours.Response time by service tier:• Virtual Concierge ($100/day) — Same-day response, usually within 1–3 hours• Full VIP Concierge ($250/day) — Near real-time (we're actively managing your schedule)• Group Trip Management — Dedicated line with priority responseAfter-hours coverage:• Nightlife hours (8 PM–3 AM) — Active monitoring for Full VIP clients• Emergency situations — 24/7 response regardless of tier• Planning phase — Business hours response (Colombia time: EST)What "real-time" means for Full VIP:When you're on the ground, we're tracking your timeline. If your yacht is running late, we're already adjusting dinner reservations. If a venue is overcrowded, we're pivoting to backup options before you even text us.Pro tip: Add our number (+1 516-493-6070) to your contacts before you arrive—WhatsApp is the fastest way to reach us.

Question 8

Will I have one person or multiple contacts?

Accepted Answer

One primary point of contact—always.How communication works:• Planning phase — One bilingual concierge handles all communication• On-ground execution — Same person or designated host you've already met virtually• Internal support — A team works behind the scenes, but you never deal with multiple contactsWhy this matters:• No repeating yourself to different people• No details falling through cracks between departments• No "I'll have to check with my colleague" delays• Continuity from first inquiry to final nightWhat your contact handles:• Answering questions during planning• Coordinating all vendors and logistics• Briefing the on-ground team on your preferences• Being available during your trip for any issueThe handoff problem we solve: Most travel planning involves multiple agents, departments, and vendors who don't talk to each other. With us, your concierge knows every detail because they've been managing everything from day one.

Question 9

Do you provide support during nightlife hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes—Full VIP Concierge includes daytime and nighttime coverage.Why nighttime support matters in Cartagena:• Entry timing windows — Clubs have optimal arrival windows; too early is dead, too late risks capacity• Table positioning — VIP tables can get "reassigned" if you're late without coordination• Transport flow — Late-night transport needs staging; taxis disappear after 2 AM in some zones• Safety logistics — Routes and venues matter more after midnightWhat we manage at night:• Confirming reservations and arrival timing• Coordinating with venue hosts for seamless entry• Monitoring your transport staging and exit timing• Handling any issues that arise (lost items, venue changes, transport problems)• Backup plans if a venue isn't working for your groupCoverage hours:• Full VIP clients: 8 AM – 3 AM active support• Emergency line available 24/7Pro tip: The difference between a good night and a frustrating one in Cartagena is often just timing and coordination—that's exactly what we manage.

Question 10

Is Cartagena safe for groups and nightlife?

Accepted Answer

Yes—when handled properly. Read our full Cartagena safety guide.The reality:The main tourist areas (Old City, Getsemaní, Bocagrande) are generally safe. Problems arise from:• Poor planning and late-night logistics• Unvetted transport or street-hailed taxis• Over-intoxication without group management• Wandering into areas you shouldn't be• Engaging with street hustlers or unsolicited "helpers"What we do to minimize risk:• Route design — We plan movement through known-safe corridors• Timing optimization — Avoid peak-risk hours in wrong places• Vetted transport — Every driver is someone we've used for years• Venue coordination — Hosts know you're coming and watch for your group• Exit strategies — Transport staged before you need itSecurity add-ons (optional):Licensed private security available for groups wanting extra peace of mind—$150-300/night depending on requirements.Bottom line: Most incidents happen to unprepared travelers making poor decisions late at night. With planning and local support, Cartagena is an excellent destination.

Question 11

Do you provide licensed private security for tourists in Cartagena?

Accepted Answer

Yes—we work exclusively with licensed, professional close-protection teams.What our security service includes:• Licensed professionals — Colombian security credentials verified• Discreet presence — Plain clothes, professional demeanor• Movement control — Managing group flow through venues and streets• Venue coordination — Advance communication with hosts and managers• Transport oversight — Ensuring safe pickup and dropoffWho uses this service:• Executives and high-profile travelers• Large groups wanting extra coordination• Anyone prioritizing smooth logistics over cost• Groups with valuable items or equipmentPricing:• $150-300 USD per night depending on group size and requirements• Full-day coverage available for yacht and island tripsImportant note:Most clients choose security for smoother logistics rather than perceived danger. Having someone manage group movement, venue entry, and transport staging simply makes the night easier—especially for groups of 15+.What security is NOT:Not intimidation, not armed guards, not a "show of force." It's professional coordination that happens to include someone trained in situational awareness.

Question 12

How do you vet drivers, boats, and vendors?

Accepted Answer

We only work with vendors we've used repeatedly over many years.Our vetting process:Drivers:• Personally known to our team for 3+ years minimum• Licensed, insured, and registered vehicles• Track record of reliability and professionalism• Backup drivers available for every routeBoats & Captains:• Vessels inspected for safety equipment and maintenance• Captains verified for proper maritime licensing• Insurance documentation confirmed• We've personally used the boat before listing it• See our vetted yacht fleetVenues & Restaurants:• Direct relationships with owners and managers• Regular visits to verify quality and service• Backup options for every reservationVilla Staff:• Background-checked through trusted local networks• References from other clients we trust• Trial periods before full recommendationWhat we don't do:• No street brokers or random dock vendors• No anonymous marketplace bookings• No first-time vendors for client tripsThe test: If we haven't used them ourselves multiple times, we don't recommend them to you.

Question 13

What are the most common scams travelers face in Cartagena—and how do you prevent them?

Accepted Answer

The most common issues we see:Yacht Scams:• Fake photos that don't match the actual boat• Hidden fuel surcharges ($200-400 added at dock)• "Bait and switch" to inferior vessels• Unlicensed boats with no insuranceNightlife Scams:• Table minimums that triple once you're seated• Overpouring cheap liquor into premium bottles• Unexpected "service charges" on final bills• Fake VIP access that lands you in general admissionVilla Scams:• Photos from years ago; property now run-down• Listings not controlled by actual owner• "Mandatory" staff fees not disclosed upfront• Security deposits that never get returnedTransport Scams:• Meters that run suspiciously fast• "Broken meter" followed by inflated cash price• Drivers who take unnecessarily long routesHow we prevent all of this:• Vetted operators only — We've used them for years• Clear inclusions — Everything confirmed in writing before payment• Pre-negotiated pricing — No surprises at checkout• Real accountability — We have ongoing relationships with vendors; they can't disappear• On-ground oversight — We verify delivery matches promiseThe protection: When you book through us, vendors know they're accountable to someone local who will follow up.

Question 14

Can you help me avoid yacht scams in Cartagena?

Accepted Answer

Yes—yacht scams are extremely common online and one of the main reasons people hire us.The most common yacht scams:• Fake photos — Listing shows a 60ft yacht; you get a 40ft boat• Hidden fuel charges — "$800/day" becomes $1,200 when fuel is added at dock• Unlicensed vessels — No insurance, no safety equipment, no recourse• Vendor disappears — After deposit, communication stops• Last-minute "upgrades" — Original boat "unavailable," inferior replacement offeredHow we protect you:• Personally inspected vessels — We've been on every boat we offer• Transparent pricing — All-inclusive rates with fuel, crew, and amenities specified• Licensed captains — Verified maritime credentials• Insurance confirmed — Required documentation on file• Relationships — We work with the same operators repeatedlyBrowse our vetted fleet:See all available yachts with real photos, accurate specs, and transparent pricing.Pro tip: If a yacht deal seems too good to be true on Airbnb or a random website, it almost certainly is. The "savings" disappear when the boat doesn't match the photos.

Question 15

Which islands are best for yacht days near Cartagena?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your group's energy, priorities, and timing.Rosario Islands (45-60 min from marina):• Best for: Clear water, snorkeling, beach clubs, relaxed vibes• Beach clubs: Bora Bora VIP, Capri, Bendita Beach• Pros: Most scenic water, best snorkeling, premium club options• Cons: Longer travel time, can be crowded peak seasonCholón (50 min):• Best for: Party atmosphere, bachelor groups, high-energy days• What it is: Floating party lagoon—boats tie together, DJs, vendors• Pros: Iconic Cartagena experience, social, memorable• Cons: Chaotic, no bathrooms, can get overwhelmingTierra Bomba (15-20 min):• Best for: Shorter trips, calmer seas, quick beach club access• Beach clubs: Blue Apple, Fenix, Makani• Pros: Close to marina, good for groups prone to seasickness• Cons: Less dramatic scenery than RosariosOur recommended route (8-hour charter):Snorkeling → Cholón (1-2 hours) → Beach club for lunch → Return by 5 PMWe customize routes based on crowd density, timing, weather, and your group's priorities—not generic itineraries.

Question 16

What happens if weather disrupts our boat day in Cartagena?

Accepted Answer

Weather rarely cancels boat days when planned correctly—but we have contingencies for everything.

Normal weather reality:
• Cartagena's tropical conditions allow boating year-round
• Light rain typically passes in 30-45 minutes; trips continue
• Morning departures (8:30-9:30 AM) have calmer seas

The only scenario that cancels trips:
DIMAR Red Flag — Colombia's maritime authority closes the port due to dangerous sea conditions. This is rare (2-3 times per year) and typically during severe storm systems.

If DIMAR closes the port:
• Option 1: 100% credit toward a future date
• Option 2: Reschedule to another available day during your stay
• Option 3: Premium alternative itinerary

Alternative day experiences:
• Private chef lunch at your villa
• Pool party with DJ and bartender
• Rooftop bar hopping with transport
• Spa day at a luxury hotel
• Old City food and cocktail tour

Pro tip: Build flexibility into multi-day trips. If your boat day gets weathered out on Day 2, we can often reschedule to Day 4. Having us manage logistics makes pivoting seamless.

Question 17

Can you secure reservations at restaurants that say they're fully booked?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes—through direct relationships with owners and managers.How we access "unavailable" tables:• Owner relationships — Direct lines to decision-makers, not OpenTable• Cancellation access — We hear about openings before they're public• Off-menu arrangements — Private rooms, chef's tables, special seatings• Timing leverage — Earlier or later slots that open up flexibilityTop restaurants we have relationships with:• Carmen, La Vitrola, Celele (fine dining)• Alma, Candé, El Boliche (trendy spots)• Private chef experiences as alternativesWhat we manage:• Reservation timing aligned with your day flow• Dietary requirements communicated in advance• Table positioning for groups (not split across the room)• Transport coordination so you arrive at the right timePricing reality:Fine dining in Cartagena: $50-150 per personTrendy restaurants: $30-80 per personPrivate chef (8-12 people): $50-80 per personPro tip: For peak dates (New Year's, Valentine's, Easter), top restaurants book out 2-4 weeks in advance. Let us know your dining preferences early.

Question 18

How does nightclub table service work in Cartagena?

Accepted Answer

Top clubs in Cartagena operate on table minimums, not cover charges.How it works:• You reserve a table with a minimum spend (bottles, mixers, service)• Minimum spend varies by club, night, and table location• Payment is typically upfront or secured with a card on fileTypical table minimums (2026):• Standard tables: $300-500 USD minimum• VIP/premium tables: $500-1,000+ USD minimum• Peak nights (NYE, holiday weekends): 2x normal minimumsWhat we manage:• Table placement — Premium positioning, not the back corner• Timing coordination — Arrival windows so you don't wait outside• Minimum negotiation — Best available terms for your group size• Host coordination — Someone meets you and walks you in• Billing clarity — No surprise charges at the end of the nightTop nightlife venues:• Alquimico (cocktails, multiple floors)• La Jugada (upscale lounge)• Babar (late-night dance)• Tu Candela (salsa/crossover)Pro tip: Cartagena nightlife peaks between 12-3 AM. Arriving at 10 PM means an empty club and awkward waiting. We time your dinner and transport so you walk into the right energy.

Question 19

Can you coordinate nightlife for large bachelor or bachelorette groups?

Accepted Answer

Yes—group nightlife is one of our specialties.What makes group nightlife complicated:• 15 people can't walk into a club without a plan• Transport for large groups requires staging• Table reservations need to accommodate headcount• Not everyone moves at the same pace• Someone always gets lost or delayedHow we manage it:Pre-Night Setup:• Tables reserved and confirmed with venue• Transport staged at villa/dinner location• Venue host briefed on your arrival time• Entry arranged to skip standard linesDuring the Night:• Host manages group flow and timing• Transport on standby for early departures• Venue liaison handles any issues• Communication channel for splitting/regroupingExit Strategy:• Transport staged before you're ready to leave• Safe corridors for walking to vehicles• Head count before departureOptional add-ons:• Security escort ($150-250/night)• Dedicated photographer ($200-300/night)• VIP bottle presentation for bachelor/ettePro tip: The best bachelor nights in Cartagena flow through 2-3 venues. We map the route so you hit the right spots at the right times without logistical chaos.

Question 20

Can you help source villas for large groups?

Accepted Answer

Yes—we work with high-end private villas across Cartagena that most travelers can't access directly.Our villa network:• Old City mansions — Historic colonial properties with rooftop pools• Bocagrande penthouses — Modern towers with ocean views• Castillogrande estates — Gated waterfront compounds• Isla Barú private villas — Beachfront exclusivitySee our available luxury villas.Why book villas through us:• Unlisted properties — Some owners only work through trusted referrals• Net owner rates — Skip Airbnb's 15-20% service fees• Verified listings — We've stayed in or inspected every property• Staff coordination — Chef, housekeeping, and security aligned with villaTypical pricing (2026):• 4-6 bedroom Old City villa: $800-1,500/night• 6-8 bedroom premium property: $1,500-3,000/night• 10+ bedroom estate: $3,000-6,000/nightPro tip: Secure Full VIP Concierge when you book your villa. This guarantees our senior team's availability for your dates and ensures all logistics (yacht, nightlife, staff) are managed cohesively from day one.

Question 21

Do you provide private chefs and in-villa staff?

Accepted Answer

Yes—we coordinate all in-villa staffing aligned with your daily itinerary.Available staff:• Private chefs — Colombian, international, or fusion cuisine• Mixologists/bartenders — Cocktail service for events or daily• Servers — Professional service for dinners and parties• Housekeeping — Daily cleaning and turndown service• Butler service — Full-time villa managementPrivate chef details:• Cost: $50-80 per person for dinner (ingredients + chef fee)• Menus: Customized based on preferences and dietary requirements• Service: Full preparation, service, and cleanup included• Capacity: Most chefs handle 6-20 guests comfortablyWhat coordination looks like:If your yacht returns at 5:30 PM, the chef arrives at 4 PM to prep. Dinner is ready when you've showered and changed. Timing is managed—you just show up.Popular packages:• Welcome dinner on arrival night• Recovery brunch after big nights• Pool party with chef + mixologist + serversPro tip: Private chef dinners are often more memorable (and similar cost) to fine dining restaurants—and you don't have to transport your group anywhere.

Question 22

Can you organize in-villa parties or private events?

Accepted Answer

Yes—from intimate dinners to full-scale productions.Events we regularly produce:• Birthday dinners and celebrations• Bachelor/bachelorette themed nights• Pool parties with DJ and bottle service• Recovery brunches• Proposal setups• Anniversary dinnersWhat we manage:• Staffing — Chef, servers, bartenders, DJ as needed• Setup — Décor, table settings, lighting, sound• Timing — Coordinated with your day flow• Logistics — Deliveries, equipment, vendor access• Execution — We're present to ensure everything runs smoothly• Cleanup — Villa returned to original conditionTypical event costs:• Elevated dinner party (12 guests): $800-1,200 total• Pool party with DJ + bartender (20 guests): $1,500-2,500• Full production event: Custom quote based on scopeWhat makes events seamless:When we manage your villa, yacht, and events, everything connects. The chef knows your group just got back from the boat. The DJ knows when to start based on dinner timing. Nothing is improvised—but it all feels effortless.Pro tip: Recovery brunches on the final day are underrated. After 3-4 nights of going hard, a relaxed morning with eggs benedict, mimosas, and music is a perfect send-off.

Question 23

What is the difference between concierge fees and service costs?

Accepted Answer

Two distinct categories, always itemized separately.Concierge fees (our service):• Virtual Concierge: $100 USD/day — Planning guidance via WhatsApp• Full VIP Concierge: $250 USD/day — On-ground execution with dedicated host• Group Trip Management: Custom quote — End-to-end multi-day orchestrationWhat concierge fees cover:• Itinerary design and planning• Vendor vetting and coordination• Real-time problem solving• Bilingual host (Full VIP)• 24/7 WhatsApp supportService costs (third-party expenses):• Villas: $800-6,000/night depending on size• Yachts: $800-5,000/day depending on vessel• Club tables: $300-1,000+ depending on venue• Private chef: $50-80/person• Security: $150-300/night• Transportation: $50-200/dayBilling transparency:• Every cost is itemized on your quote• No hidden fees or surprise charges• Third-party costs billed at actual vendor rates• Receipts provided for all managed expensesExample budget (4-night trip, 12 people):• Villa: $6,000 ($500/person)• Yacht day: $2,400 ($200/person)• Full VIP Concierge: $1,000 ($83/person)• Nightlife + dining: $1,800 ($150/person)• Total: ~$930/person for a premium experience

Question 24

What do "vendor costs" actually include?

Accepted Answer

Vendor costs are third-party services—separate from concierge fees and billed transparently.What's included in each category:Yacht Charter:• Vessel rental• Captain and crew• Fuel (we confirm all-inclusive pricing)• Basic coolers, ice, snorkel gear• NOT included: Food, alcohol, beach club minimumsVilla Rental:• Property rental• Basic utilities• Usually includes daily housekeeping• NOT included: Private chef, additional staff, eventsClub Tables:• Table minimum spend (bottles, mixers, service)• Seating for your group• NOT included: Extra bottles beyond minimum, tipsPrivate Chef:• Chef fee and service• All ingredients and preparation• Serving and cleanup• NOT included: Specialty ingredients (request in advance)Security:• Professional close-protection personnel• Full-night coverage• Coordination with venues and transportHow we handle vendor payments:• We collect and manage payments on your behalf• All costs pass through at actual vendor rates• Formal invoices and receipts provided• No markup on third-party services

Question 25

Why don't you publish fixed prices for yachts, villas, and nightlife?

Accepted Answer

Because fixed pricing in Cartagena is misleading—and leads to disappointment.Why prices fluctuate:Seasonal variation:• High season (Dec-Apr): Premium pricing, limited availability• Peak dates (NYE, Easter, July 4th): 50-100% premiums• Low season (May-Nov): Better rates, more negotiation roomDemand factors:• Weekend vs. weekday• Holiday proximity• Major events in the city• Last-minute vs. advance bookingGroup size impact:• Larger groups need larger vessels and properties• More people = higher venue minimums• Staffing needs scale with headcountWhy "flat rate" sites cause problems:• Bait-and-switch to inferior options• Hidden fees appear at checkout• "Sold out" and upsell to expensive alternatives• Properties don't match photosOur approach:1. Realistic ranges first — So you know the ballpark before planning2. Exact quotes after details — Once we know dates, group size, and requirements3. Locked pricing — What we quote is what you payTypical ranges (2026):• Yachts: $800-5,000/day• Villas (6+ BR): $800-3,000/night• Club tables: $300-1,000 minimumWe'd rather give you accurate quotes than publish misleading prices.

Question 26

How do payments work for international clients?

Accepted Answer

We use secure international payment platforms for seamless transactions.Accepted payment methods (2026):• Credit cards — Visa, Mastercard, Amex via Stripe• PayPal — Standard and business accounts• Wire transfer — U.S. and international bank wires• Venmo/Zelle — For U.S.-based clients• Crypto (USDT) — Available for larger bookingsPayment structure:• 50% deposit — Secures your dates and initiates planning• Remaining 50% — Due 30 days before arrival• Last-minute bookings — 100% payment upfrontWhat you receive:• Formal invoice with itemized costs• Service agreement outlining inclusions and terms• Payment confirmations and receipts• Final reconciliation after trip completionCurrency:• All quotes provided in USD• On-ground expenses can be paid in USD or COP• Current exchange rate applied at time of transactionRefund policy:• Concierge deposits are non-refundable (time invested in planning)• Vendor deposits follow each provider's policy (typically non-refundable)• Date changes accommodated when possible with 30+ days notice• Force majeure situations receive 100% creditPro tip: Book with a credit card that includes travel protection for added security.

Question 27

How far in advance should I book a concierge?

Accepted Answer

For peak season and group trips: 4–8 weeks is ideal.Timeline by trip type:Peak season (Dec-Apr) / Large groups (15+):• 8+ weeks out: Best villa and yacht selection• 4-8 weeks out: Good options, some premium properties may be booked• 2-4 weeks out: Limited availability, especially weekends• Last minute: Possible but no guarantees on preferred optionsHoliday periods (NYE, Easter, July 4th):• 3-6 months out: Recommended for premium properties• Premium villas book 4-6 months in advance for NYEOff-season (May-Nov):• 2-4 weeks out: Usually sufficient• More flexibility on dates and optionsWhy book concierge early:• Guarantees our senior team's availability for your dates• Allows proper planning (not reactive scrambling)• Better vendor options before they're booked• Time to refine itinerary based on group feedbackLast-minute and rescue situations:We do handle trips booked 1-2 weeks out, but:• Availability is never guaranteed• Premium options may be unavailable• Limited time for detailed planningPro tip: Book concierge at the same time as your villa and yacht. This ensures all logistics are managed cohesively from day one—not scrambling to coordinate after the fact.

Question 28

Can you help if something goes wrong mid-trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes—this is one of the main reasons clients hire us.Common mid-trip issues we resolve:Vendor failures:• Yacht mechanical problems → Backup vessel arranged within hours• Chef cancellation → Replacement chef or restaurant pivot• Driver no-show → Backup transport dispatched immediatelyPlan changes:• Weather disrupts boat day → Alternative itinerary activated• Group wants to change venues → New reservations secured on the fly• Someone gets sick → Medical contacts, pharmacy runs, itinerary adjustmentLogistical problems:• Lost passport/documents → Embassy contacts, timeline management• Missed connections → Transport and scheduling reconfigured• Villa issues (AC, plumbing) → Maintenance dispatched or property changeHow we respond:• Immediate acknowledgment — We see your message within minutes• Assessment — Understand the problem and options• Solution — Implement fix, often before you feel the impact• Communication — Keep you informed throughoutWhat makes us different:We have local relationships and backup options pre-identified. When something fails, we don't start from zero—we activate the contingency.Real example: Yacht engine fails at dock before departure. Within 90 minutes, group is on a replacement vessel heading to the islands. DIY travelers would lose the entire day making calls.

Question 29

Who should NOT hire a VIP concierge?

Accepted Answer

A concierge isn't right for everyone. Here's who should probably skip it:You might NOT need a concierge if:• Budget is your top priority — Our service costs money; if saving $500 matters more than certainty, DIY might work• You prefer DIY control — Some people genuinely enjoy researching, booking, and managing logistics• Solo or couple travel — Simpler trips with 2 people rarely need coordination• You're comfortable with uncertainty — Some travelers like improvising and figuring things out on the ground• You have unlimited time — If you have 2 weeks and don't care about optimizing, you can figure it out as you goYou SHOULD hire a concierge if:• You're the group organizer — And don't want to be the one everyone blames when something fails• Time is more valuable than money — Spending 20 hours researching isn't worth the "savings"• You want certainty — What's promised should be what's delivered• Nightlife and groups are involved — Complexity multiplies fast• Your reputation is on the line — Corporate events, milestone celebrations, important guestsThe real question:What's the cost of something going wrong? If a failed boat day or chaotic night ruins the trip—the concierge fee is insurance against that.Bottom line: Our service is designed for clients who value certainty, discretion, and execution over bargain hunting. If that's not you, no hard feelings—but we're probably not the right fit.

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