Bespoke luxury travel specialist Intriq Journey has launched Intriq Finesse, a collection of all-inclusive curated tours that focus on immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences and engagements with local communities.
Each Intriq Finesse adventure comes with an accompanying Travel Concierge for hassle-free holidaying, premier accommodation, local and gourmet meals, drinks, gratuities and ground logistics – all of which are hallmarks of Intriq Journey’s prestigious appointment to the Virtuoso network.
Intriq Journey’s co-founder, Lim Kok Yong, shared: “Since the inception of Intriq Journey, we have always included Intriq Finesse as part of our master plan to showcase our expertise in curating off-the-beaten-path experiences to the world. Over the years, we have learnt that exclusive privileges and rare access rights are more affordable with a small group compared to bespoke solo travel. So, we have decided to pioneer this creative concept and launch thematic itineraries so that our guests can venture to exotic destinations, which may be challenging if they travel on their own.
“We are confident Intriq Finesse will be a resounding success. In fact, we have been waiting for the right moment to launch once international border restrictions are lifted.”
The first trips will cover destinations in Denmark, Eastern Turkey and Saudi Arabia with rare yet authentic access to highly coveted attractions that are unattainable by solo and large groups.
The eight-day Nordic cuisine journey includes in-depth food discovery and interactions with local farmers, wine and beer brewers, marine biologists, chefs and entrepreneurs. Guests will partake in a tasting with local beer brewers at the Millinge countryside, farm-to-table seafood dining at Mando island, a taste of life as a nobleman over wine at during a stay at Dragsholm Castle, and a Chef’s Table culinary demonstration and private dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant. They will also board a private seaplane flight for an exclusive sightseeing of the capital’s castles, iconic landmarks and famous canals.
The 12-day ancient landscapes tour of Eastern Turkey features rural experiences in historic places less travelled, where intrepid explorers can catch the morning sunrise over a breakfast on Mount Nemrut, in the surreal landscape amid towering eight to nine-metre tall ancient sculptures of King Antiochus. Other key highlights include exploring the iconic Balikli Gol and the Great Mosque in Sanliurfa that have been associated with the great biblical patriarch, Abraham. The expedition also includes a visit to Gobekli Tepe – the world’s first and oldest temple, and tales of the ancient site’s excavation by an archaeologist.
An immersive nine-day Saudi Arabia voyage will span across five cities, including the lesser-travelled Abha and holy city of Medina, where guests will experience the deep cultural influence of Yemen, be accompanied by Saudi Arabia’s famed “Flower Men” during their exploration of Abha, before hopping on an express train ride to the 1,500-year-old Enlightened City, an access previously denied to foreigners.
Other highlights include Al-Ula – the oldest city in the Arabian Peninsula, a desert safari trip and exclusive backstage tour of the world’s largest mirrored building await, ending with an unforgettable farewell dinner helmed by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton at the top of the Maraya Concert Hall.
Lim said: “In the months ahead, we will curate more inspiring journeys to unique destinations complemented by rare and locally immersive experiences. Hopefully, Intriq Journey can play our part to uplift the perception of tourism through our small little steps.”
Plans are underway for three additional small group journeys to exotic destinations in Malta, Sicily and Central Asia later this year, for guests to experience a mix of nature activities and each region’s historical heritage.
Millennium Hotels and Resorts’ My Millennium loyalty programme now comes with a new prestige tier with enhanced benefits, such as additional point accumulation, priority check-in/out, complimentary room upgrade, welcome amenities, and triple points accumulation on members’ birthday month.
Members of My Millennium – which used to be a single-tier programme – will be automatically upgraded to the new Prestige status when they stay a total of 10 nights with Millennium Hotels and Resorts. They will get to enjoy the privileges of their upgraded membership for one year.
Saurabh Prakash, group senior vice president, commercial for Millennium Hotels and Resorts, said the enhancement of My Millennium “comes at an opportune time”, as travel restrictions are relaxed around the world.
“My Millennium is one of our key pillars in engaging and acquiring customers by delivering memorable member experiences. By enhancing our loyalty programme, we aim to turn guests into loyal members so that Millennium Hotels and Resorts remains their preferred accommodation choice,” added Prakash.
Pearlie Teo, global loyalty & partnerships director, said the new Prestige tier “aims to give members more reasons to book their long-awaited vacations or business trips with us and make the most of our properties across the globe”.