Interview with Annie Davis, founder of Palm Beach Travel

When booking a vacation, is one credit card better than another for the luxury traveler?

Yes, the American Express Platinum Card is the premier card for the luxury traveler. With benefits such as the Luxury Hotel program, Fine Hotel and Resort program, Airport Lounge program, they are the leaders in high end travel and can help to enhance any trip.

Can a travel agent coordinate with our private jet company?

An expert travel agent who specializes in luxury travel can absolutely coordinate your private jet flights with your international commercial flights and the rest of your travel planning. Someone who specializes in this should be able to seamlessly coordinate between both to make the trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Where is the place to be next season for the Jet Set crowd?

Mustique! David Bowie's Mandalay's Estate has just been put on the luxury villa rental market. The island is a favorite of celebrities like Mick Jagger, Bryan Adams and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The island is a playground of the ultra-wealthy who can fully relax in this island paradise. The private security guards patrol the island looking for paparazzi and uninvited guests to ensure the privacy and safety of guests. A personal introduction or having the right luxury travel agent is all that is needed to secure the villa rentals. The quaint Cotton House and the Firefly Inn are the only two resorts on the island and absolute must visits for those looking for an incredible vacation off the beaten path!

Can a travel agent enhance my luxury travel experience?

Having the right travel agent will always enhance your experience. A good agent will know when to book, where to travel and has the connections needed to make the impossible possible.

Can you give me the example of how you have made the impossible possible?

A good agent looks for subtle ways to enhance a client's trip. I recently had a client tell me a story about a custom pair of boots she ordered in Paris three years ago. She couldn't get in for her final fitting. Since I had just arranged the clients trip to Paris, I arranged to have the craftsman meet her at the hotel for her last fitting. She didn't ask me to do this but, I knew that this might enhance her trip. It did, and now she finally has her boots!

Do you have a favorite luxury travel destination?

Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands. I grew up sailing in the British Virgin Islands, and am fortunate to be the American Express Travel Insider for the British Virgin Islands. Moskito Island is owned by Richard Branson and is located near his original island, Necker Island. Everyone has a different interpretation of luxury travel. I prefer barefoot elegance and a staff that anticipates my every need in my private villa on a tropical island.

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Palm Beach Travel, an affiliate of Avoya Travel/American Express®, is a Manalapan boutique travel agency specializing in a diverse, yet select, clientele. Its staff consists of American Express® Centurion Travel Professionals, each with more than 20 years of luxury travel management experience. Palm Beach Travel's philosophy is to respect its clients' time and special culinary needs and to work behind the scenes, so travel and lifestyle planning is effortless. Palm Beach Travel is located in Plaza del Mar at 257 S. Ocean Blvd. in Manalapan. For additional information, please visit www.mypalmbeachtravel.com or call (561) 585-5885.