When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
I attended a wedding in Trinidad in January 2017 with a real mix of people. The guests were of all age groups, but I noticed early on that the 30-somethings automatically gravitated to each other quite quickly and got along exceptionally well. Now why was that? I would say perhaps this age group are more receptive to meeting and hanging out with new people, especially of their own age, maybe because the younger groups may be interested in partying only, whilst older groups may not be up for any adventure or going out.
So, I thought to myself, wouldn’t it be great to craft a holiday just for us; this 30-something group who are still young in spirit but seek comfort and quality. My idea was to create something that would include a little bit of everything; sightseeing, adventure, partying but with quality accommodation being a key feature so we could have enough rest and downtime in between. With quality food and wine having reached such importance in our lives, I thought it essential to include authentic dining experiences in beautiful settings. That being said, we don’t exclude any form of fast or food as we’ll always take a bite of local delicacies the street has to offer especially late in the night.
What’s your background?
I’m an MD PhD that worked in science for many years with the vision to implement all the features I miss out on my own holidays and implement them into the holidays I create for others. That being said I work whole year around as a GP (family physician) and actually solve many medical situations in our villas, which the guests highly appreciate as they don’t waste time waiting in emergency rooms at the hospital.
How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
There are 3 of us now but with several additional people devoted to the project working part time.
If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
It’s too early to tell, but this is the highlight in my 15 years working in tourism.
What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
Every part of a new project is challenging especially if it’s something unseen before. The biggest challenge here beside something being all-inclusive and by that makes pushes requirements to the top is actually to explain and convince people that everything shown truly is all inclusive, from being chauffeured from destination to destination in luxury transfers to even the alcohol in the night clubs.
Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
As a young med student started renting my own apartment (and living in the garage) on eBay because other now well-known platforms that we use today didn’t exist (like Airbnb). The good thing is that I don’t need to explain anymore what I do today compared to 10 years ago when people rose questions like “you’re renting your own apartment, why would you do that, it doesn’t bother you having strangers sleeping in your bed”.
2017 is here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
Hopefully worldwide, however we are starting with Croatia as it is our home base and a popular traveling destination.
To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
Absolutely the first villa week held this summer in July, it was the highlight of the entire summer 2017 for all that attended and us working on the project.
Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
I would say London, felt like home there instantly first time I came, probably living in Stockholm as a child facilitated that.
Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Self-maintenance is the key not to need anything daily.
Style means….?
Sticking out while fitting in.
Best thing about London to you?
That Shoreditch was once a ditch.
If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
A watch.
Favourite love song?
The look of love by Dusty Springfield
Best place for a coffee?
Riva Split Croatia
Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!
― Sylvester Stallone, Rocky Balboa
Guilty pleasure?
Expensive rum & gin
If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Rio
In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
Step by step, we’ll first start with adding more villas in the same destination. However, there are beautiful properties and even more beautiful destinations everywhere around the world, so it all comes down to on how many motivated and fun coworkers one can find.
Where can people find out more? (website/social media)
Instagram: @villaweek
Facebook: www.facebook.com/villaweek
Web: www.villaweek.com