In a world of rising global wealth, the 0.001% are often traveling — and they want nothing to be off-limits. In an era where personalized service is paramount, a burgeoning industry caters to the whims and desires of this elite clientele. No longer do they rely solely on a valet as attentive as PG Wodehouse’s Jeeves or hotel concierges adorned with the Les Clefs d’Or golden crossed keys. Instead, they engage luxury concierge services designed to grant access to experiences previously thought unimaginable.
Jaclyn Sienna India, the founder of Sienna Charles, encapsulates this growing demand, stating, “Post-Covid, every restaurant is booked, every hotel is booked, prices have risen, and people are just dying for service more and more.” People today are seeking more than just a seat at the table; they desire attention, empathy, and the fulfillment of unique needs.
Based in New York, Sienna Charles operates on a membership model specifically targeting individuals with a net worth of $100 million or more. With a dedicated team of just 16 and an exclusive focus on no more than 100 families, the depth of service is striking. India elaborates, “There’s close to 30,000 people worth a hundred million or more. So that’s a lot of people trying to get the same events, the same restaurants, the same designers.” This exclusivity means that clients are not just accessing experiences; they are curating a network of similarly successful individuals who share their values.
The ideal client for Sienna Charles is someone accustomed to delegating both in their professional and personal lives, usually a high-achiever who appreciates creative freedom and unexpected delights in their travel and entertainment plans. The annual membership fee, set at $75,000 for travel-only services and $150,000 for a full package including lifestyle services, ensures that clients receive tailored experiences with ample considerations for their preferences.
Since its inception in 2007, Sienna Charles has arranged exclusive access to iconic destinations like the Taj Mahal, the Louvre, and Machu Picchu. Furthermore, the company emphasizes building lasting connections. Whether it’s securing a coveted table in a New York restaurant or arranging a visit to a vineyard producing an admired wine, the goal is to deepen the client’s experience. “We find that people travel to pursue passions. That’s the No. 1 reason they’re leaving their houses,” India asserts, recognizing the evolving motivations of luxury travel.
When it comes to extraordinary dining experiences, the Sienna Charles team excels. They have organized private breakfasts cooked by Michelin-starred chefs atop the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and candlelit dinners for families in Versailles after visiting hours. “People are looking for something deeper,” India notes, reinforcing the importance of exceptional access and personalized activities.
India’s journey into luxury service began during her art school years in Philadelphia, where she first encountered affluent clients while working at the highly acclaimed restaurant Le Bec-Fin. This exposure sparked her curiosity about how wealth shapes one’s lifestyle and aspirations. After a stint at a travel agency, she decided to create Sienna Charles to offer services that go beyond mere travel bookings.
The jet set often adheres to a predictable calendar – summer in Europe, a quick visit to the Hamptons, holiday seasons spent in exotic locales, and ski trips punctuating the colder months. India remains at the forefront, ensuring each experience is rich and rewarding while scouting new, trending attractions.
“The calendar is anchored in those events and the destinations that are really hot,” she explains, highlighting high-demand locales like St. Tropez and St. Barts. These individuals thrive on social engagement and are eager to meet their lifestyle needs through impeccable service.
A frequent request for Sienna Charles is access to high-demand cultural and sporting events. But it’s not just about securing the best seats; it’s about ensuring every attendee looks and feels their best. Pre-event grooming, styled outfits, and exclusive dinner reservations elevate the entire experience. “It’s not just selling tickets; it’s about providing access to make sure you look and feel your best before and after the event,” India emphasizes.
In a world where money often equates to freedom, Sienna Charles embraces the principle that experiences are paramount. They operate on a “minute-by-minute basis,” adapting plans to suit their clients’ evolving desires. According to India, “The reason that it’s a benefit to be wealthy is freedom.”
Six Top Concierge Services
Innerplace
Founded in 2002 by Tim Badham, Innerplace emerged from a wealth management background, realizing there was a niche for professional concierge services that could elevate exclusive experiences. Each member enjoys tailored access to top restaurants, members’ clubs, film premieres, fashion events, and award shows. Innerplace offers a tiered membership system where ‘Red’ members have the ability to “ask for anything” — including VIP tickets to last-minute events and even private concerts. With a limited client base of about 50, this highly personalized service can create truly unique experiences, such as crafting superhero costumes for whimsical desires.
Knightsbridge Circle
Launched in 2012 by Stuart McNeill, Knightsbridge Circle pairs each member with a personal manager, offering a bespoke service focused on unique, high-end experiences. They maintain a membership cap of just 70, ensuring each client receives undivided attention. From securing rare jewelry to arranging private concerts, their offerings are expansive and often extravagant. For instance, a trip to Italy could include a personal audience with Pope Francis and a private concert by Andrea Bocelli, illustrating the unmatched access members enjoy.
Quintessentially
As it approaches its 25th anniversary, Quintessentially has expanded its global footprint with 450 staff across 35 offices. The core values rooted in British service remain intact, while the company embraces modernity through a user-friendly app. They offer bespoke lifestyle and travel management, collaborating with luxury brands like De Beers and Aston Martin to curate exclusive experiences. The membership pricing varies, catering to both occasional and frequent users, ensuring high service levels across the board.
S2 Lifestyle Management
Founded by Goran Svilar and Ali Samli, S2 Lifestyle Management revolves around personalized service tailored to just 35 families. Their multilingual team is available around the clock, handling everything from daily errands to complex travel plans. They even arrange luxury assets and specialized education opportunities for children, showcasing their comprehensive approach to lifestyle management. With membership options ranging from £60,000 to £150,000, the service is scalable to suit various needs.
Ellidore
Established by Simon Blackford and Tom de Stacpoole, Ellidore focuses on luxury travel and events for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The experiences they craft are unforgettable, such as private viewings of landmarks or recreating cinematic masterpieces for special celebrations. Their global presence, expanded through mergers, allows them to cater to affluent clients while delivering bespoke service tailored to individual desires, with membership pricing starting at £15,000 annually.
Nota Bene Global
This concierge service champions “quiet luxury,” emphasizing the need for exceptional travel experiences without ostentation. Founded by a husband-and-wife duo, Nota Bene offers meticulously crafted itineraries based on firsthand experiences. With unique offerings such as private jets to Antarctica and heli-safaris across Kenya, they aim to create enriching and memorable experiences for their exclusive clientele. Their annual fee of £40,000 reflects the premium nature of the service, ensuring each client enjoys personalized attention.