Redefining High-End Travel
Balancing Heritage With Modern Luxury
November 13, 2025Stephen & 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.
Fom left to right: Emma Cassar (Private Client Manager), Stephen Place (CEO), Christophe Berger (COO) and Samira Jamil (Private Client Manager)
Have you noticed any lasting changes in the preferences
or behaviours of your clients since the pandemic?
Post-pandemic, we’ve seen a rise in private aviation and secluded accommodations - like villas within hotel resorts - to prioritise health, safety and privacy. Demand for controlled, exclusive environments continues to grow, alongside requests for sustainable practices.
You just confirmed that sustainability and eco-friendly practices matter. How do you accommodate these requests?
Yes, sustainability matters. Members increasingly seek eco-friendly resorts, game reserves and curated educational initiatives at travel destinations. We’re committed to weaving sustainability into our offerings wherever possible.
Looking to the future, are there new services or technologies on the horizon?
We’re excited to launch our own app soon, providing real-time access to services and making travel management services more personalised and efficient.
We also plan to introduce initiatives to support our team’s well-being. Not only is mental health important on a personal level, but it also directly impacts people’s ability to be creative and proactive.
Finally, for someone considering visiting Malta, what would be your top recommendations?
We love showcasing Malta’s rich heritage and culture. Valletta is a gem, steeped in history and offering unique experiences few cities can match. Private visits to the Grand Masters’ Palace and St John’s Co-Ca
How can we train young Maltese in luxury hospitality through global partnerships?
Let’s bring Maltese talent back into hospitality! Encouraging young Maltese to pursue careers in this industry will help lead to a sustainable, long-term vision to bring luxury to the destination.
I truly believe this can be achieved by collaborating with international, five-star, superior properties overseas and luxury hospitality schools to ensure that young people are offered the opportunity to learn from the very best and contribute to this very important sector upon their return.
Post-pandemic, we’ve seen a rise in private aviation and secluded accommodations - like villas within hotel resorts - to prioritise health, safety and privacy. Demand for controlled, exclusive environments continues to grow, alongside requests for sustainable practices.
You just confirmed that sustainability and eco-friendly practices matter. How do you accommodate these requests?
Yes, sustainability matters. Members increasingly seek eco-friendly resorts, game reserves and curated educational initiatives at travel destinations. We’re committed to weaving sustainability into our offerings wherever possible.
Looking to the future, are there new services or technologies on the horizon?
We’re excited to launch our own app soon, providing real-time access to services and making travel management services more personalised and efficient.
We also plan to introduce initiatives to support our team’s well-being. Not only is mental health important on a personal level, but it also directly impacts people’s ability to be creative and proactive.
Finally, for someone considering visiting Malta, what would be your top recommendations?
We love showcasing Malta’s rich heritage and culture. Valletta is a gem, steeped in history and offering unique experiences few cities can match. Private visits to the Grand Masters’ Palace and St John’s Co-Ca
How can we train young Maltese in luxury hospitality through global partnerships?
Let’s bring Maltese talent back into hospitality! Encouraging young Maltese to pursue careers in this industry will help lead to a sustainable, long-term vision to bring luxury to the destination.
I truly believe this can be achieved by collaborating with international, five-star, superior properties overseas and luxury hospitality schools to ensure that young people are offered the opportunity to learn from the very best and contribute to this very important sector upon their return.
