News
Celebrities
Interviews
Jet Set Pet
Luxury Voyages
Suite Dreams
Time Traveler
Top 5
Trends
Weekend Away
Specials
Destination Weddings
Family Vacation Packages
Spa & Wellness Packages
Romantic & Honeymoon Packages
Girls Getaways
Mother's Day Getaways
Spring Specials
Summer Specials
Destinations
Articles
Hotels
Beach & Island Resorts
5-Star City Hotels
Adventure & Eco Lodges
Boutique City Hotels
Country House Hotels
Romantic Retreats
Guest Ranches
Safari Camps & Lodges
Golf Resorts & Lodges
Spa Resorts & Wellness Retreats
Ski Resorts & Lodges
Wine Country Getaways
Family Resorts
New Hotels
Hot Hotel Openings
Villas
Beach Villas
Country Villas
Golf Villas
Ski Villas
Villas
Residences
Trips/Cruises
Cruises & Yachting
Travel Tips
Airline News
Ultimate Trips
Business Travel
Family Travel
Safaris
Private Jet Travel
Rail Journeys
Arts/Culture
Events
Food/Wine
Restaurants
Bars & Nightclubs
Afternoon Tea
Coffee
Cooking Classes
Culinary Travel
Wine & Spirits
Spa/Sport
Spa & Wellness Retreats
Yoga
Golf Getaways
Ski Vacations
Shop/Style
Gift Guide
Beach and Resortwear
Beauty and Fragrance
Books
Fashion
Home Style
Luggage and Handbags
Luxury Autos
Men's Style
Travel Essentials
Watches & Jewelry
Wine and Spirits
World's Most Expensive
Home Page
News
Interview with Mariek Anselme of A.M.A Selections, French Riviera Villas
March 17, 2015
1. How did you come to start your business? How long have you been doing this?
I am actually half French and half American and grew up living in different places including Atlanta, Amsterdam, The Hague, Paris, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. I think this is what sparked my love for travel and instilled in me the importance of experiencing different cultures from an early age. I transferred to a university here on the Riviera and went on to graduate school and fell in love with the place. Entering this industry was just a natural transition for me. My business partner Andre and I saw a huge opportunity for a new brand in the luxury vacation rental space so we created A.M.A Selections in 2013 and we are now in our second year of business with a portfolio of just under 100 villas for rent from Monaco to St. Tropez.
2. What made you choose the areas in which your villas are located? Which location is the most popular among your clients?
Our properties are situated along the coast from Monaco to St. Tropez, most of which are located in and around the main coastal towns as these are the places most visited. We have quite a wide range of preferences among our clientele, however we have seen that, when looking to rent a property on the Riviera, our clients tend more often to request places in the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cannes, and Saint Tropez area.
3. Why should travelers visit your destination?
The Riviera is a beautiful paradise rich in history and rooted in French culture. For centuries philosophers, artists, aristocrats, royalty, and celebrities have been captivated with this destination. The area also offers a great variety to explore as each village, town, and beach has its individual charm and personality. There are mountains, sandy coves, waterfalls, sleepy medieval villages, and glamorous seaside resorts all within short driving distance from one another.
4. What are the most worthwhile sights and activities at your destination?
This is a tough question, there is much to do here! I recommend visiting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, the Picasso museum and the Nietzsche trail in Eze as these are definitely worthwhile. There is also the famous firework competition in Cannes, the Monaco Grand Prix, there are a number of wineries to visit, local markets to tour, fine dining restaurants to enjoy, beautiful islands to visit by boat, and the list goes on.
5. How do you feel your company competes with the high-end hotels?
I believe that travelers today are looking for a more authentic experience in a comfortable and intimate setting. Imagine a late night private chef dinner with your friends and family by the pool. In a hotel you are confined to a room and have to share the public spaces. We create a five star experience in the comfort of a home.
6. When is the best time to visit?
The peak season is July and August, however my favorite times of the year are Spring and early Fall where the weather is beautiful and not too hot, the beaches are more private, and everything is still lively.
7. Which area do you recommend as a base for first-time visitors to the French Riviera?
The Riviera offers a breadth of experiences and we focus on listening to our client to truly understand what they are looking for. Explore the glitz and glamour of Cannes and St. Tropez, old world charm of the medieval towns of Eze and Antibes, or sleepy Provençal villages such as St. Paul de Vence.
8. How far ahead should people book a villa?
We have clients who book a year in advance and others who book just weeks before their arrival so there is really no right or wrong time to book. I would say that anywhere between 5-6 months in advance is ideal as there are going to be more options available to choose from.
9. What are some of the unique experiences and services that are provided to those staying at one of your luxury villas?
We deliver experiences rather than simply handing over a set of keys. We focus on maintaining our high level of service and on using our knowledge of the region for our client’s benefit. We offer an exclusive range of services including private chef, private spa treatments, chauffeurs, private jet and yacht charter, and more. One of our unique services is our live-in concierge which is essentially having a dedicated member of our team on-site ensuring that our client’s stay runs as smoothly as possible. We are constantly finding ways to deliver beyond expectations and so we try to use a few elements of surprise to make our clients feel that much more special.
10. What are the A.M.A Selections company values?
Quality, discretion and service. We really care about our clients, we listen to their wants and needs, and we deliver tailored experiences with great attention to every last detail.
11. Why should clients book a villa with you over a larger, more well-known company?
We are strongly focused on ensuring a memorable stay for each guest drawing on the intimate knowledge of our properties and destinations, our attention to detail, and 24/7 prompt customer response.
12. Are you planning to expand to other locations in the future?
Our goal is to expand internationally but we will never compromise our quality of service so we are taking one step at a time. We are currently building a portfolio of homes in Provence and the French Alps.
Visit website:
www.amaselections.com
More information:
A.M.A Selections - French Riviera Luxury Villas & Vacation Rentals
Like Us
Facebook
Follow Us
Twitter
Follow us
Instagram
Sign-up for Our Email Newsletter
FIND A LUXURY HOTEL & BOOK WITH EXCLUSIVE PERKS!
Andorra
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bhutan
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei Darussalam
Cambodia
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Colombia
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
England
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji Islands
Finland
France
French Polynesia
Galapagos
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Martinique
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Russia
Scotland
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
St Vincent & the Grenadines
St. Barthelemy
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Martin
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Turkey
Turks & Caicos
U.S. Virgin Islands
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Wales
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Beach
City
Coastal
Countryside
Desert
Golf Course
Island
Jungle
Lakeside
Mountains
Remote
Waterfront
Wilderness
Adventure/Eco/Nature
Culture
Business Meeting
Casino/Gambling
Food & Wine
Family Vacation
Golf Getaway
Pet Friendly
Romantic Getaway
Safari
Scuba Diving
Shopping & Fashion
Ski Vacation
Spa & Wellness
Villas
Wedding
Wineries / Wine Tasting
Luxury Partners
Aman Resorts - Luxury resorts, hotels and private residences in awe-inspiring locations around the world
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa - Rancho Santa Fe, California - One of the West’s most sought-after five star resorts
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection - Costa Rica
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel - Santa Barbara, California - Experience timeless Californian glamor.
Come Together Wellness - Rest, Restore & Explore on Kauai
The Ranch Italy at Palazzo Fiuggi - The Ranch Malibu brings its award winning wellness program just 50 minutes from Rome.
VOYAGES MAGAZINE - Cruising the World in Style
Trump International Hotel Waikiki - Five-star amenities steps from the beach
Red Savannah: Luxury Villas and Tailor-Made Holidays
The Luxury of Simplicity in Japan: Exceptional Resorts in Tochigi’s Nikko Area
The Kayon Jungle Resort - Ubud, Bali, Indonesia - a sanctuary of tropical indulgence.
JUP - Personal Service for Buying and Selling Real Estate in Jupiter, Florida
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac - Quebec City, Canada - Breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the UNESCO Old fortified city
Hotel Saint James - Paris, France - Relais & Chateaux - The only chateau-hotel in Paris, an architectural jewel tucked away in the 16th.
Relais Christine - Paris, France - Relais & Chateaux - A secret, tranquil world in the heart of Paris' Left Bank
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa - Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii - Beachfront Resort
Silversea - Experience All-Inclusive Ultra-Luxury Cruises
1900 Inn on Montford - a historic, four-diamond bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina
CordeValle - A luxury retreat in a picturesque setting in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains of Northern California
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa - Lakeside retreat 2-1/2 hours north of Toronto
Porto Zante Villas & Spa - Zakynthos, Greece - The leading villa resort in Europe
Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort - Porto Ercole, Tuscany, Italy
A.M.A Selections - Luxury Villa Rentals throughout Europe
Grand Hotel Portovenere - Cinque Terre - Discover this beautiful region of Italy!
The St. Regis Deer Valley - Park City, Utah - Exhilarating activities in the summer and the winter
Home in Italy: The Finest Collection of Luxury Villas Since 1994
Dude Ranchers Association - An all-inclusive vacation experience like no other
Luxo Italia - Curated Luxury Travel in Italy
Luxury Camp - Italy - On the beach a half hour from Venice's historic center