Behind the Scenes
Come With Us to Private Luxury Madeira
Curious what goes on behind the scenes of luxury travel shows? How we discover new properties and destinations before recommending them to our travelers? Continue reading for an inside look at our experience at Private Luxury Madeira, a gathering of the world’s top travel designers and luxury hospitality brands.
Each year, select companies host global travel shows to connect buyers (like us, travel designers) with suppliers (hotels, destination management companies, and experience curators). These events are where relationships are built, partnerships are strengthened, and the inspiration for your next unforgettable journey begins.
This year’s Private Luxury show took place on the breathtaking island of Madeira, a lush Portuguese gem in the Atlantic known for its dramatic cliffs, tropical gardens, and iconic levadas – scenic walking trails carved into the mountainside. The event welcomed over 200 industry professionals for three immersive days of connection, discovery, and celebration.
Day 1: Welcome to Madeira
Our adventure began at the Savoy Palace, the host hotel and an icon of contemporary luxury on the island. Located in the heart of Funchal, the Savoy Palace blends modern sophistication with Portuguese charm, offering sweeping ocean views, stunning interiors, and over 300 beautifully designed rooms.
After settling in, we explored the property, from its serene rooftop pool to the vibrant gardens and artful design details that reflect Madeira’s rich culture.
As evening fell, we attended the Welcome Party, where travel professionals from across the globe gathered to kick off the event. With live music, wine, and views of the Atlantic at sunset, it was the perfect introduction to the island’s warm hospitality. We also heard inspiring welcome remarks from the Savoy Palace’s General Manager and the Private Luxury team, setting the tone for the days ahead.
Day 2: Meetings & Discovery
The second day began bright and early with a full schedule of one-on-one meetings. These sessions are the heartbeat of any travel show — 15-minute deep dives with hoteliers, DMCs, and partners from every corner of the world.
We met with passionate teams representing boutique properties, private island resorts, and exclusive experiences designed for the most discerning travelers. A few standouts included:
A brand new 5-star boutique hotel part of a 13th century chateau in the oldest city of the Netherlands, offering old world charm with contemporary luxury. Just a little over an hour’s drive from Brussels and Düsseldorf Airports, and a 2-hour train ride from Amsterdam
A historic country estate in the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park, is just one hour from Heathrow Airport and the perfect place to host a private family gathering, a wedding, or a corporate retreat. In the afternoon, we traded the conference room for some outdoor exploration. We joined a group activity exploring the island’s highlights, from an iconic levada walking tour to canyoneering in the mountains of Funchal.
The evening ended at the elegant Belmond Reid’s Palace, a legendary property perched above the Atlantic. Known as one of Madeira’s most iconic hotels, Reid’s Palace has welcomed guests for over a century and remains synonymous with timeless elegance. With over 120 rooms and its cliff-top location, the Belmond is a popular destination for history and culture.
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Day 3: More Meetings
Our final full day was dedicated to more meetings and networking. With each conversation, we were able to learn about new hotels, immersive cultural experiences, and upcoming travel trends.
During one of our meetings, we had the pleasure of learning more about The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, the Caribbean’s first property to achieve triple Five-Star status. This coming January, they will be hosting their annual Cayman Cookout, where you can experience the ultimate celebration of food, wine, and spirits.
At night, we gathered at the Saccharum Hotel for a farewell evening – the perfect way to wrap up the last couple of inspiring days. The Saccharum is a luxury 5-star design hotel located on Calheta Beach.
Day 4: Farewell, For Now
Before heading home, we squeezed in a few final meetings and reflected on all we had learned.
Events like Private Luxury are a reminder that the world of travel is built on connection, between people, places, and purpose.
And there you have it! The Private Luxury Madeira recap from yours truly. It is incredibly important to recognize the amount of work and planning that goes into these events. Behind every Exclusolo journey is a network of relationships nurtured at events like this. It’s where we discover hidden gems, meet the visionaries behind the world’s best properties, and ensure that every experience we curate feels deeply personal and thoughtfully designed.