For busy executives on a business trip or the clients they are entertaining, downtime has become a non-negotiable part of the schedule. Beyond spa treatments and fitness sessions, companies are now looking for something more memorable included with their accommodation.
In some of the world’s top hotels, business travelers can find their experience personalized to the point that everything from hand-carving the bar of room soap to finding the perfect water might now have a dedicated employee. In their free time, executives can choose from activities like delving into their Scottish ancestry with the Tartan Butler at Edinburgh’s Balmoral or having the Water Ski Butler personally prepare them for going out on the water at Hotel Belles Rives in Juan-les-Pin.
Here are the hotels in Europe that can take business travel to the next level.
From soap to water skis: In Europe’s top hotels there’s a butler for everything
Guests sitting down for dinner after a long day of meetings at wellness destination Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Austria have their rehydration curated by a water sommelier. The sommelier is an expert in identifying subtly different water flavors and textures that the uninducted palette is unlikely to pick up on of both renowned brands and the resort’s own thermal water. Similar to wine tasting, guests are encouraged to engage their senses by swirling, inhaling and savoring the different waters.
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul has seen plenty of A-listers stay in the Sultan Suite including Oprah Winfrey, Madonna and Justin Timberlake. They might have enjoyed the novelty of having an in-house Soap Butler who can hand-carve bars to guests’ liking.
The soaps come in a range of scents including Bosporus Essence, Palace Gardens and Valide Sultan, alongside natural lavender, lilac, jasmine, rose and citrus fruit. After the guest chooses their preferred fragrance, the butler ceremonially slices the bar with a small sharp sword.
For business travelers wanting to make the most of their destination beyond the hotel walls, Forsthofgut Naturhotel’s Herbal and Forest Educator is on hand to reveal the natural attractions of Austria’s Leogang Mountains.
Certified mountain guide Theresa Sommerbichler leads guests on immersive forest bathing experiences along a five-mile trail which encourages slowing down and engaging with nature. The experience culminates in a creative group project where individuals collect natural items and reflect on personal gratitude, fostering connections with both nature and each other.
Adrenaline junkies, instead, can request the services of the Water Ski Butler at Hotel Belles Rives in Juan-les-Pins, where the first World Water Ski Championships were held on the French Riviera in 1949. Working along Billionaires Bay in Antibes, the butler sets travelers up for a day on the water by assisting with stretching and suiting up and ‘psychological preparation’.
Meanwhile, guests at The Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland can make use of the services of the Ski Butler. While they relax on a deep pile sofa in the ski cellar, the butler fits their boots before whisking them to the slopes in a private car. The service includes tips on the local ski area and having a warm drink and dry socks waiting for guests on return to the hotel.
If travelers are more into music, the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza has a dedicated Guitar Concierge. The service is part of the hotel’s Sound of Your Stay program, designed to “infuse vacations with rock-star vibes”.
Guests can borrow a premium Fender guitar and amplifier, delivered directly to their room, for a private jam session—a curated playlist and tutorial videos are included. The hotel also has a cutting-edge music studio on-site where guests can record their own tracks as vacation souvenirs.
Finally, for travelers wanting to dive into their Scottish heritage, The Balmoral in Edinburgh offers the services of a Tartan Butler who helps guests uncover their ancestral roots. A highlight is the Clan Tour, which takes guests on a journey through Edinburgh families’ lineage. The experience includes exclusive access to tartan weavers and kilt makers and a chance to create custom tartans or arrange for a full kilt fitting.