Following a global honor from Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Villa Rental and Accommodation Service in the World, Haute Retreats continues to raise the bar in bespoke vacation experiences. In this exclusive conversation, Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Haute Retreats CEO, Sabrina Piccinin, to explore her vision for high-end travel and how she built one of the world’s most sought-after luxury villa platforms.

Alexander Chetchikov: Sabrina, congratulations on Haute Retreats being named Best Luxury Villa Rental and Accommodation Service in the World. What does this global recognition mean to you personally?

Sabrina Piccinin: Thank you, Alexander. This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me because it validates years of dedication to crafting truly exceptional travel experiences. Haute Retreats began as a passion project—a vision to redefine what “home away from home” means for luxury travelers. Receiving this award from Luxury Lifestyle Awards is not just an honor for me personally, but a celebration of our entire team’s commitment to excellence. It tells me that our clients feel the difference in the attention to detail, the warmth of our service, and the unforgettable memories we help create.

AC: How do you personally define “luxury” when it comes to hospitality and travel?

SP: For me, true luxury isn’t just about beautiful surroundings—it’s about how those surroundings make you feel. It’s the sense of ease you experience when everything has been anticipated before you even think to ask. Luxury is personal—it’s the scent of fresh flowers in your villa because we know it’s your favorite, or a chef preparing your grandmother’s recipe because you once mentioned it in passing. At Haute Retreats, luxury means creating emotional connections through impeccable attention to detail and tailoring every stay to the unique story of our guests.

AC: Haute Retreats has a truly global footprint. What do you think makes your villa experiences stand out in such a competitive landscape?

SP: Our difference lies in curation and connection. Every villa in our collection is hand-selected, not just for its beauty, but for the soul it carries—the location, the architecture, the energy it exudes. We partner only with property owners and local teams who share our philosophy of personalized service. Beyond that, our global concierge team doesn’t just book a villa—they design an entire journey. From seamless transfers to private chefs and local insider experiences, every moment is orchestrated to feel effortless and unique. In an industry where many focus solely on luxury accommodations, we focus on the entire arc of the guest’s experience.

AC: What role does emotional connection play in the service Haute Retreats provides?

SP: It’s everything. I believe luxury travel is as much about emotion as it is about destination. Guests don’t remember the thread count of the sheets as much as they remember how they felt during their stay. We invest time in learning about our clients—not just their preferences, but their dreams, the purpose of their trip, even their past travel frustrations—so we can exceed expectations in ways that feel deeply personal. That emotional connection is what transforms a vacation into a lifelong memory.

AC: What are the key trends shaping luxury travel today, and how is Haute Retreats staying ahead?

SP: We’re seeing a strong shift toward privacy, personalization, and purposeful travel. Guests want more than relaxation—they want immersive experiences that align with their values, whether that’s sustainability, wellness, or cultural authenticity. At Haute Retreats, we’re investing in villas that embrace eco-conscious design, offering wellness-focused stays with in-villa spa treatments and fitness coaching, and creating deeper partnerships with local artisans and chefs. Staying ahead means listening to our clients and anticipating their evolving needs before they even articulate them.

AC: Can you share a moment or piece of feedback from a guest that reminded you why you started Haute Retreats?

SP: One of my favorite moments was when a guest wrote to us after their stay to say it was “the first time in years I felt truly present with my family.” They told us how their villa’s setting, the chef’s meals, and the seamless planning allowed them to disconnect from work and reconnect with each other. That’s exactly why I started Haute Retreats—to create space for those moments of connection that are so rare in our busy lives.

AC: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to enter the luxury travel industry?

SP: Start with a clear vision and a deep understanding of who your clients are. The luxury market is about trust, so you must deliver consistency and excellence every single time. Invest in relationships—both with your clients and your partners—and never lose sight of the human element. Luxury is not about selling the most expensive option; it’s about creating the most meaningful experience. And finally, be patient. Building a respected brand in this industry is a marathon, not a sprint.

AC: Finally, what’s next for Haute Retreats as you look ahead to the future?

SP: We’re expanding our portfolio into new, extraordinary destinations while deepening our commitment to sustainability and local engagement. We are going to open an office in Miami by the end of 2025, that is going to make it easier for our clients to connect and be present. Our focus is on creating more themed experiences—culinary journeys, wellness retreats, cultural immersions—that go beyond accommodation. Technology will also play a bigger role in enhancing the booking experience without losing the personal touch we’re known for. Ultimately, our goal is to remain the trusted choice for travelers who want not just a villa, but a story they’ll tell for years to come.

Thank you, Sabrina, for sharing your insights and for taking us behind the scenes of such a transformative luxury brand.

To plan your next bespoke escape, visit https://hauteretreats.com/.