A bright idea combined with a deep knowledge of the luxury hospitality sector based on years of experience led Jacqui Spice to found Touch of Spice – Curators of New Zealand’s Finest Experiences, over a decade ago. Today it’s the leading luxury travel and villa rental company in New Zealand.
“Catering to discerning clients from all over the world is what I love and I what I do best – I believe nothing is impossible and can and will make anything happen.
“It all began 20 years ago when I worked on board superyachts looking after high profile UHNWIs (Ultra High Net Worth Individuals). At the time I saw a gap in the market in New Zealand for a luxury private villa and concierge service – it hadn’t really been done properly before – and the result was Touch of Spice.
“I started The Private Villa Collection in Queenstown in 2005 because I knew that New Zealand’s luxury private homes were of high enough quality to rival the nation’s hotels and lodges. No one was marketing “villas” in New Zealand back then so we managed to corner the market and become New Zealand’s first luxury villa rental company.
The magnificent Landing Residences at the tip of the Purerua Peninsula
“The success of the company ever since has been based on exceeding expectations. And that means delivering exceptional service, products and experiences to clients who live in the ‘need it now’ world of today. The result is that in 2015 The Private Villa Collection by Touch of Spice is well recognized around the world as the market leader in New Zealand, winning numerous accolades. I’ve been named one of the World’s Best Villa Specialists by Conde Nast Traveller four years in a row.
“I love travelling and I love the finer things in life, and when I travel I consider every detail of the journey – that is what makes the difference between seamless and effortless travel and the rather dispiriting alternative. Attention to detail is a cornerstone of our philosophy at Touch of Spice. I’m passionate about New Zealand and all the incredible experiences it has to offer the luxury traveller – from the breathtaking scenery to the many adventure options. Bringing my passion and knowledge, showcasing the fantastic people and products of New Zealand to Touch of Spice clients and the world is what I live for.
Inside the stunning Otaha Beachfront Lodge at Kerikeri
“To be successful in this industry I believe you must have a never say no and think outside the box attitude. At Touch of Spice we will never leave a customer unsatisfied whatever the request – be that getting an entrée option out of season put back on a restaurant menu as a one off for a VIP client; organising a remote wedding anniversary celebration degustation luncheon for eight guests high up in the mountains with a beautiful table set up in front of a glacier and waterfall; or arranging for a professional ping pong player to play daily with one of one of our guests.
“Lastly it’s the personal touch that makes all the difference. As CEO of Touch Of Spice I make sure to see every lead that comes in and guide my team every step of the way to ensure all our guests are receiving the full Touch Of Spice experience. If I have one motto it’s that nothing is impossible. And at Touch of Spice we’ll make anything happen, whatever your desire.”
The exceptional and unique Copper House in Queenstown
To find out more about Touch of Spice and to see some of their properties exclusively on UltraVilla click here
As told to Ramsay Short
