Stephen & his team at Place ensure ultra-high
net worth visitors leave Malta with a stellar impression.
Kim Mercieca finds out what it’s all about.
When it comes to luxury, Stephen
Place and his team aren’t just
ticking boxes, they are setting the
standard.
From unique terrain
private jet and helicopter landings
to bespoke cultural encounters, his job as a VIP Travel &
Lifestyle management company is all about making the
impossible look effortless. I had a quick chat with him in a
bid to uncover what really goes on behind the velvet rope.
Can you share a brief overview of your journey to
becoming a VIP concierge for high-net-worth clients?
What drew you to this line of work?
I started my career as a professional tour guide in Ireland,
which sharpened both my which sharpened my personal
skills. This ultimately prepared me for the next step: VIP
Hospitality. Working closely with Fischer Travel who are
the standard in this industry, along with arguably the
best in service excellence hospitality training in the world,
Marie-Claude Métrot, who has trained staff in The Ritz
Paris, Cheval Blanc and VistaJet.
After moving to Malta , as my wife is Maltese, I adapted
my skills to meet the needs of individuals and ultra-high
networth families relocating to Malta, which transitioned
me towards setting up my own bespoke and personalised
concierge service based on a membership model.
In your experience, what are some of the most common
needs and expectations of high-net-worth clients when
they travel?
Seamless logistics, total comfort, discretion, privacy and
personalised services are paramount, in parallel with
ultra-luxury accommodation, dining and experiences, to
name but a few. But undoubtedly, the most important
element we can offer our members is the luxury of time.
Could you share some of the trends you've noticed in the
requests from your clients recently?
We are witnessing a growing interest in luxury train
journeys and a big focus on health and wellness retreats.
Culturally-diverse countries like Japan and off-the-grid
destinations are making a comeback.
What are some of the experiences and services in Malta
that attract your elite clientele?
Our members frequently request comprehensive
relocation support, including insider advice on prime real
estate, private education, and healthcare options. They
also seek local dining and cultural experiences to make Malta feel like a home, not just a destination.
We’ve successfully delivered unique requests, such as
exclusive, bespoke historical tours. One example I can
think of is a private viewing of the Grand Master’s Palace
which culminated with a performance by a local and very
talented soprano.
Malta’s rich history and culture are its unique selling
points, so we strive to create distinct experiences with
every request.
Could you share a few memorable anecdotes or unusual
requests you've handled?
One memorable (and permissible) anecdote involves
a last-minute KFC order to uphold a member’s
transatlantic meal tradition aboard their private jet.
Let’s just say that the KFC team at Malta Airport was
generously tipped for opening early that day.
How do you ensure security and privacy are maintained
while delivering high-quality concierge services?
We take pride in maintaining our members’ privacy
and security at all times, and sometimes even use
pseudonyms and codes to ensure all communications
are always discreet.
Sometimes, we find ourselves coordinating with
unexpected decision-makers (like a rota nanny or
a security detail) but our goal remains the same:
accommodating each member’s lifestyle and
expectations by working as a team.