While getting to Africa means a long-haul flight from North America or Europe, getting around Africa can take just as much time. Now Toronto-based Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is solving the second issue by partnering with Luxaviation’s ExecuJet charter group.
“Removing the need for international connections or overnight layovers, private jet travel in the region provides both speed and comfort in a controlled environment, to allow for the maximum amount of time soaking in the destinations themselves,” the hotel company says in a press release.
There’s a negligible $2,000 bonus flight credit for all bookings by November for travel through March. We say negligible since flights are priced dynamically based on when you call and when you are going, so there is really no way to tell if you are getting true savings.
In fact, press releases like this normally go in the trash file as the impetus is generally nothing more than to generate coverage. We rarely see any of these press release partnerships that provide consumers real benefits. That’s because most are simply offering to fly you from some starting point to the hotel and back. In many cases, they aren’t the best private aviation option, and often the perks from the hotels aren’t different than you can get through a good travel agent.
In this case, the relationship is worthy of coverage. Africa is not the easiest place to get around. The continent doesn’t have the best reputation for private operators, either. So, we like that Four Seasons has chosen a provider with a high reputation.
The press release suggests you can “toast to family reunions sipping sundowners at the iconic Lighthouse Bar at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island after a day getting to know the island’s giant Aldabra tortoises, or enjoy barefoot lunches on the exclusive Four Seasons beach in Mauritius, a short boat ride from the Resort. Witness the incredible wildlife of the Serengeti during a stay at Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Tanzania, where each day is filled with bucket list adventures. At Four Seasons Hotel the Westcliff, Johannesburg, local guides can unearth the rich history of the city, specializing in everything from food to photography, archaeology to shopping, while at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, celebrate earthly beauty at Le Syel Spa, located at the uppermost point of the Resort and with panoramic views across Petite Anse bay.”
When booking multiple properties, it includes a $300 credit per property in Mauritius, Seychelles, or Serengeti for stays of three nights or more. There’s also a $100 credit when staying at Four Seasons Hotel the Westcliff, Johannesburg. You get complimentary, round-trip airport transfers at each destination.
There’s also a complimentary upgrade to the next room category in each property, based on availability. Further, there is complimentary early check in and late check out in each property, based on availability.
If booking a Private Residence Villa or the Presidential Suite in Seychelles or Mauritius, a free-standing Villa in Serengeti or the Royal or Presidential Suite in Johannesburg, you receive private consultations with the executive chef and spa director in each property to customize a personal culinary and wellness program. There’s also an exclusive private dining experience at each property Finally, you get unlimited, complimentary game drives at Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti for the duration of the villa stay.
While perks based on availability have limited value, having the hotel and your private aviation company coordinate arrivals and departures is probably the largest benefit. Of course, that’s something a good travel advisor does. However, if you plan your own trips, letting the hotels and ExecuJet coordinate the transfers will likely save you valuable time and worry during your trip.
Not surprisingly, the most important benefit wasn’t in the press release. When we asked what happens if there is a mechanical or another issue with your private flight that delays your arrival, we were excited by the response. A spokesperson tells us, “We would waive cancellation fees on this basis and would be glad to accommodate the stay over the same number of nights starting one day later, pending availability.”
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