Freddie Marquis, a dynamic figure in the luxury travel industry, has established himself through a blend of professional experience and hands-on expertise at The Luxury Travel Book which he and his mum established in 2012. The Luxury Travel Book began its journey with a vision to curate exquisite properties across Europe, offering discerning travellers unique and immersive experiences. Freddie plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth trajectory, leveraging his expertise to expand its portfolio and enhance guest experiences. Read on to find out more.
For those who donʼt know about it, please tell us more about The Luxury Travel Book and that light bulb moment – when, where and how did it all come to fruition?
After leaving university, I was uncertain about my next steps until my mother, Susie, who had spent years in the travel industry, invited me to help launch a city apartment program inspired by our familyʼs love for stays in private properties as opposed to hotels. My brother Jamie joined a few years later, and together we expanded into luxury villas, building a portfolio that now spans across Europe. Today, we offer an exclusive collection of high-end villas and apartments, along with full concierge services, and we ensure clients enjoy a seamless stay by arranging additional services and experiences.
Describe a typical day for you (if such a thing exists!)
My day usually starts with walking my dog and dropping my one-year-old daughter off at nursery, before heading into the office. Once there, my day is a mix of managing our team, working closely with clients and travel agents, and meeting with prospective property owners. Some days are quite different though; in this industry, weʼre quite fortunate to travel often to visit our destinations, properties, and suppliers.
The Luxury Travel Book is a family run-business. How do you find working with your nearest and dearest?
Working with my family has been a rewarding experience – weʼve always had a strong bond, and my brother and I share similar interests outside of work. Each of us brings unique strengths to the business, complementing each other’s skills and experiences. Our varied travel backgrounds also mean we each have a deep knowledge of certain destinations, allowing us to support our team and clients with well-rounded expertise.
The Luxury Travel Book boasts a beautiful portfolio of properties across Europe and South Africa, how do you select properties to promote and are there any additional destinations that weʼre likely to see you showcase soon?
The properties we select must embody tasteful interiors, exceptional standards of accommodation, and stunning locations, all supported by outstanding on-the-ground service.
As for expansion, weʼre always on the lookout for new properties in the destinations that resonate the most with both ourselves and our clients, particularly Italy, the Greek Islands and the Balearics. Recently, we introduced our Experiential Stay Collection, featuring extraordinary luxury villas, lodges, and private islands in unique locations beyond our usual offerings.
Is there a typical Luxury Travel Book client? And if so please describe them.
We don’t have a single “typicalˮ client, but rather a diverse range of discerning travellers. Our clients include everyone from couples and young professionals to
larger, multi-generational family groups. What they do share is a passion for unique, immersive travel experiences and a desire to engage with local culture while enjoying the comfort and quality of thoughtfully curated, luxury accommodation.
And what should a client expect from their experience with The Luxury Travel Book?
A client booking with The Luxury Travel Book can expect a personalised, seamless experience from start to finish. We offer an exceptional selection of properties across our destinations, allowing us to find the ideal fit for any group or occasion. Our team has in-depth local knowledge, meaning they can provide tailored recommendations on everything from restaurants to beaches. Our dedicated team is almost always available via phone or email, and we have a fantastic post-booking Client Experience team that helps to coordinate any additional services or experiences our clients require for their stay, ensuring every detail is taken care of.
The luxury travel market is ever evolving – please share your insights into the most prevalent trends youʼve observed with your clients.
Weʼre increasingly welcoming multi-generational groups and travellers seeking unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime trips, especially for milestone celebrations like landmark birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. Guests are often looking for a hotel-style level of service within a private property – something that we are proud to offer across all our properties.
And what are your predictions for the next five years?
People are becoming increasingly interested in finding unique stays, looking for more remote locations and ‘off the beaten trackʼ experiences. We are receiving a lot of requests for digital detoxes and wellness retreats – the type of break that allows guests to fully detach from their busy lives.
In your opinion, where in the world is the most underrated destination to visit and why?
In recent years, Iʼve found myself increasingly drawn to Portugal and have spent a great deal of time there. While the Algarve is well-known, my true passion lies in the lesser-explored regions like Comporta, the Alentejo countryside, and the Douro Valley. Portugal offers an incredible, evolving food scene, fantastic wines (at reasonable prices), and stunning natural landscapes rich in wildlife and activities.
Luxury is highly subjective, what does it mean to you personally?
For me, luxury is the feeling that youʼre being very looked after. This can be anything from big comfortable beds with high quality linens and towels to world-class services like a private chef or chauffeur.
What is your life motto?
I wouldnʼt say I have a motto, but I firmly believe thereʼs always more to discover in the world. Thatʼs what I love most about travel – returning home with stories to share about an unforgettable experience, a secluded beach I stumbled upon, or an incredible, little-known restaurant I had the pleasure of finding.
