In a world of rising global wealth, the 0.001 percent often find themselves traversing international boundaries in pursuit of luxury and exclusivity. Once, these individuals relied on valets as attentive as PG Wodehouse’s Jeeves or tipped hotel concierges adorned with the Les Clefs d’Or golden crossed keys. Today, an entire industry has emerged, dedicated to ensuring that the desires of these worldly travelers can be met seamlessly, no matter where they are.
The increasing demand for luxury concierge services is a reflection of modern, fast-paced lifestyles. “Post-COVID, every restaurant, every hotel is booked; prices have risen, and people are craving service more than ever,” explains Jaclyn Sienna India, founder of Sienna Charles. “It’s about being paid attention to, being listened to, having your needs met.”
Based in New York, Sienna Charles operates as a membership-based service for individuals with a net worth of $100 million or more, a status confirmed through thorough background checks. The team, which has expanded to 16 members, works closely with no more than 100 families to offer personalized experiences. Applicants usually need recommendations from existing members, and India engages in deep discussions with potential clients to ensure mutual value in the relationship.
“There are approximately 30,000 people worth over $100 million, all vying for the same events, restaurants, and designers,” India notes. “Clients today prefer exclusivity and would rather have the right people at their events.”
The archetypal client of Sienna Charles is a type-A individual, accustomed to delegating responsibilities in both their professional and personal lives. This well-mannered clientele allows the team a degree of creative latitude, enabling them to incorporate an element of surprise into their plans. Clients pay an annual fee, which ranges from $75,000 for travel-only services to $150,000 that includes lifestyle services.
Since its inception in 2007, Sienna Charles has secured exclusive access to world-renowned destinations like the Taj Mahal, the Louvre, and Machu Picchu. However, today’s clients also desire a sense of connection. Beyond making restaurant reservations in New York, the team arranges trips to wineries that produce their favorite vintages. When planning art gallery visits, they might facilitate relationships with the galleries themselves, even assisting clients in acquiring desirable pieces. “We find that people travel to pursue their passions; that’s the primary reason they leave home,” India adds.
For those who appreciate fine dining in unique settings, the Sienna Charles team has orchestrated memorable experiences, such as a private breakfast prepared by a Michelin-starred chef atop the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or a candlelit dinner at Versailles after hours for a small family gathering. “People seek something more meaningful,” India states, emphasizing the importance of superior access and unique experiences.
India’s foray into the world of luxury began while attending art school in Philadelphia, where she worked at the five-star restaurant Le Bec-Fin. Here, she became fascinated with affluent clientele, eager to understand their fortunes and the allure of extravagant meals. Following graduation, she recognized a desire to go beyond standard travel offerings, prompting her to create Sienna Charles.
For individuals in the jet-setting lifestyle, there often exists a rhythm of seasonal travel: summers in Europe, holidays in the Hamptons, Thanksgiving in exotic locales, ski trips, and spring break delights. India frequently travels to ensure each experience is worthwhile, seeking out new, trending attractions and experiences for her clientele.
“Clients’ calendars are often anchored around key events and ‘hot’ destinations,” she notes, pointing out specific places like St. Tropez and St. Barts that attract attention. “They desire vibrant social lives and exceptional parties, and we’re committed to enhancing this aspect of our operation to meet their desires.”
Frequently, clients request last-minute tickets to sporting and cultural events; however, it’s more than merely obtaining prime seats. It involves arranging stylists to provide pre-event makeovers and ensuring they have an exclusive reservation at a top restaurant for post-event dining. “We don’t just sell tickets; we provide comprehensive access,” India says. “The benefit of wealth is the freedom to curate your experience.”
Six Top Concierge Services
Innerplace
Founded by Tim Badham in 2002, Innerplace began with a vision rooted in wealth management, aiming to deliver exclusive experiences to its clients. Innerplace has established itself as an integral component in the lives of its customers, facilitating access to premier restaurants, members-only clubs, film premieres, and much more. The service operates on a tiered membership system where exclusive ‘Red members’ (admitted on a selective basis) enjoy unique travel opportunities and the ability to “ask for anything,” with some requests being fantastical, like VIP tickets to concerts booked just a day in advance.
Membership is limited to around 50 individuals, ensuring a high degree of personal service, with annual fees that can reach upwards of £12,000 plus VAT for an individual. Innerplace also provides corporate packages focused on business travel, and a short-term Jetset membership available for international visitors wanting to experience London as locals.
Knightsbridge Circle
At Knightsbridge Circle, every family is paired with a personal manager who meets them frequently—usually quarterly—across various global locations. Founded in 2012 by Stuart McNeill, formerly of American Express Centurion, this service prides itself on offering highly personalized attention. Membership is capped at just 70 families, allowing managers to anticipate needs and provide truly bespoke services.
The concierge has facilitated remarkable requests, from sourcing rare jewelry in Bangkok to arranging private concerts featuring luminaries like Elton John. Travel experiences, particularly luxurious once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, have become increasingly in demand, as showcased in a family trip that included a private audience with Pope Francis and lavish stays at the finest accommodations. Membership fees begin at £40,000.
Quintessentially
As it approaches its 25th anniversary, Quintessentially reflects on its expansive growth; with 450 staff across 35 offices globally, it continues to uphold its British ethos in service delivery. Each member is paired with a dedicated lifestyle and travel manager who remembers small details, enhancing personalization.
Membership has surged by 40% post-pandemic, leading to the launch of an app to facilitate requests. Quintessentially prides itself on bespoke services that range from lifestyle management to travel and event planning. Their pricing structure reflects this diversity, starting from £7,000 plus VAT for basic services up to £27,500 for a proactive, fully personalized experience.
S2 Lifestyle Management
Founded by Goran Svilar and Ali Samli, S2 Lifestyle Management specializes in delivering top-notch service across all aspects of high-profile clients’ lives. Their multilingual team is available round-the-clock, adapting membership experiences to individual needs, which typically stems from in-depth conversations. Services range from running errands to high-stakes travel planning.
One extraordinary request saw S2 orchestrating a private jet flight of a rare Hermès Birkin to Paris for a special anniversary dinner crafted by the renowned chef Alain Ducasse. Memberships are available annually, starting at £60,000 for individuals or £90,000 for couples, with options for monthly “visitor” memberships for those who may not need constant services.
Ellidore
Founded in 2014 by Simon Blackford and Tom de Stacpoole, Ellidore specializes in luxury events, tickets, and travel, with a focus on a premium clientele. In 2020, the company merged with Thadeus London, enhancing its offerings in personal styling and fashion services.
Limiting membership to wealthy individuals ($30 million+), Ellidore arranges exquisite experiences—think sunrise viewings at iconic landmarks or elaborate trips navigating through historic sites across diverse countries. Those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience can expect to pay from £15,000 yearly, varying according to the desired level of customization and access.
Nota Bene Global
Nota Bene Global offers what is known as “quiet luxury”; founded by a husband-and-wife team, Anthony and Elaine Lassman, the service is focused purely on exceptional travel experiences. This high-end service ensures that every trip is meticulously planned and reviewed, with a maximum of up to 100 members.
Examples of exclusive itineraries include traveling on private jets to Antarctica or indulging in luxury yacht trips through exotic locales. For an annual fee of £40,000, members experience unique culinary adventures and personal shopping services at each destination.