What does it take to have a prosperous and renowned luxury villa rental company? Passion, dedication and the highest levels of customer service are proving to be the winning equation for our New Zealand experts Lisa Hayden and Fiona Stevens of MajorDomo. Their success has recently earned them a prestigious 2016 Deloitte Fast 50 award, impressive recognition of their achievements after only three years in business. Fiona Stevens tells us more about the company’s incarnation and its notable evolution.

Photo: Chris Sullivan

Fiona Stevens (left) and Lisa Hayden (right) at the Deloitte Fast 50 Awards Ceremony Photo: Chris Sullivan

 

“Lisa and I met four years ago and quickly discovered that we shared a passion for not only a glass of Central Otago Pinot Noir, but for the luxury accommodation industry.

“When we met I had been involved in tourism in New Zealand since 1987, and had extensive knowledge of what luxury visitors want and how to deliver superior service. Lisa’s background was as a sharebroker, financial advisor and successful ‘start-up’ business entrepreneur. We were both looking for the next project and soon formed an impressive team combining our experience in tourism and business.

“We saw an opportunity to create a niche in the luxury market after being approached by several Queenstown home owners to manage their villas as accommodation.

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“A portfolio of villas then began forming after word of mouth got around Queenstown. The long-term goal was then to become a trusted accommodation provider in the luxury tourism market, offering not only villa stays but boutique hotels, luxury lodges and apartments to create an accessible range of accommodation options for different guests. MajorDomo was then born in 2013.

“It didn’t take long for Lisa and I to add concierge services and inspirational experiences to the MajorDomo product. We understand what it’s like for guests organising travel, accommodation, activities and all the finer details in between – especially when the whole family or a bunch of friends are coming along! We felt that we could take some of the pressure off for our guests by offering them these services and specifically tailoring holidays to their needs. That way visitors could come away from a truly unique experience feeling relaxed, having spent more time with friends and family and with all their expectations and requirements exceeded.

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“It’s incredibly important to us that, in everything we do, we intertwine an exemplary level of personal service and professionalism, as well as a dash of fun and friendliness – guests are on holiday, after all! Being approachable enables us to truly listen to our guests and better tailor their accommodation and experiences to them. It’s also more fun for us!

“Lisa and I are so proud that three years into operation, MajorDomo is an award-winning company with repeat guests and an impressive portfolio of select properties in the heart of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, including historic high country stations, contemporary urban retreats, small and quirky, and grand and architectural.

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“From the first point of contact, a complimentary concierge from our small team takes care of our visitors’ every need, streamlining all accommodation and experience bookings before and during their stay. From a backcountry helicopter trip to exclusive wine tasting tour, in-house yoga or personal chef – it’s all possible.

“We believe that our passion and flare remains evident throughout every facet of the business and is helping to drive our continual growth.”

Preview the exceptional quality of MajorDomo’s properties in this feature of their recently added Mahu Whenua, a vast retreat which brings luxury eco-tourism to a whole new level. Let Fiona, Lisa and their team of passionate specialists assist you with planning your perfect holiday to New Zealand by contacting them here.