Launch of Luxwide Travel Rewards

I recently attended the launch of Luxwide Travel Rewards, at the chic Munro Hotel in Houghton, Johannesburg. It was a hot summer’s morning and the drinks on arrival were a welcome relief from the heat.

The views of Johannesburg from the patio at the Munro Boutique Hotel are spectacular, with Jacaranda trees as far as the eye can see. From this vantage point, one can see why Johannesburg is known as one of the world’s largest urban forests.

We were all intrigued to find out what Luxwide was all about, as I have only ever heard of Lux* Resorts & Hotels, so I knew it had to be good!

Our MC for the event was the lovely Stacey Holland, who introduced Alexi Kafentzis, the Founder of Luxwide, to us.

Alexi Kafentzis and I

I interviewed Alexi to find out more about Luxwide:

Q. Tell us about yourself and how you got into the Travel Rewards/hospitality business?

A. I love to travel – it’s the only thing that fully rejuvenates my mind, body and soul. Traveling to a foreign country helps me understand the world better and see life through another perspective. Travel lets me be me and helps me discover myself – I’m disconnected from my responsibilities and worries back home. By trade, I’m a digital marketing expert and over the years, I worked with many corporate travel management companies. After monitoring the online performance and trends for my clients, I noticed a gap in the luxury travel market. I approached my clients with this information, but no one seemed to take it into consideration, as it was never part of their offering. This is how Luxwide was conceived – a new, passionate vision for wanderlust travelers like myself.

Q. How did Luxwide Travel Rewards come to fruition?

A. I wanted Luxwide to be different in every aspect. I wanted people to fall in love with our offering – unique destinations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you’ll want to tell your grandchildren one day. I wanted to talk to travelers like myself – travelers who are passionate, with a strong sense of wanderlust and who understand that luxury is not about a star rating of a particular hotel, but rather, the experience of traveling. But I felt that wasn’t enough. I wanted to reward people for traveling – real rewards they can use to travel even more with!

Q. What is the association with Lux* Resorts & Hotels and can you only get points/benefits/rewards via the Lux Group?

A. When you travel to a LUX* Resort or Hotel with Luxwide, you’ll be able to enjoy even more travel rewards, thanks to our partnership with them, than with anyone else in South Africa – they’re just one group of hotels in our partner network who share our version of luxury. Luxwide lets you earn travel rewards to almost any hotel, airline, cruise or car rental company worldwide.

Q. What are the benefits one can enjoy via Luxwide Travel Rewards?

A. First and foremost, Luxwide offers a personalised booking experience. I don’t enjoy booking websites. There are always terms and conditions that are not always apparent – things like cancellation policies, expensive breakfasts and surcharges you aren’t made aware of upfront. When you book with us, you’ll have immediate access to a Luxwide agent who will tell you what is best for you. You can book on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, email or the online chat on our website. No new apps to download and nothing new to learn. It’s really easy. Luxwide also has access to the best rates and even discounts not available on other booking websites that are exclusive to our members.

Q. What makes it unique from other rewards programs?

A. This is where Luxwide shines. We are so different from any other rewards program out there. Firstly, we are the worlds’ very first travel rewards program independent of a credit card. You don’t need to have a minimum spend with us in order to qualify for rewards. All you need to do, is travel with Luxwide. Again as a first, you earn travel rewards on any type of travel – whether its flights, accommodation, cruises or car rental, Luxwide lets you earn travel rewards every step of the way throughout your journey. You won’t even need to add another card to your purse or wallet. Your rewards are made available to you online on your Luxwide account, instantly and all consolidated to one account.

Q. Is there a joining fee?

A. None whatsoever.

Q. What is your favorite travel destination and why?

A. Anywhere I’ve never been to before. Although, I do love Greece (because of my heritage) and every time I go, I always go to a place I haven’t seen. I discovered the most beautiful island called Elafonissos last year – void of international tourists. The clearest, most calm crystal waters I’ve seen in the Mediterranean, matched with beautiful sand dunes. It looks like Cape Town, but the waters are warm and you can walk a good distance into the sea before it gets deep. It’s pure magic! Do yourself a favour and search for Simos Beach, Elafonissos.

On that note, I recommend packing your bags and saying Bon Voyage, because with Luxwide, you get rewarded for traveling! Talking of bags, how beautiful is this luggage cake, that was specially made by Make My Cake in Lonehill.

Find all the details on www.luxwide.com