Million Air Summer 2021

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Welcome Welcome to the 20th Anniversary issue of Elite Traveler . And what a

roller coaster the last 20 years have been! From recessions and pandemics to the rise of social and digital media and the dot-com bubble, our world has changed in so many ways and, consequently, so has this publication. What has remained the same is our commitment to bringing the very best in luxury lifestyle. Appetites have changed — as

2001 The first issue of Elite Traveler is published under the leadership of private aviation and luxury travel expert Doug Gollan. It establishes the first of many Top Suites lists with a rundown of the best suites in Hong Kong. The magazine soon becomes essential reading for the globe-trotting elite that rely on the larger-than-life magazine for intel on the very best in luxury lifestyle. 2004 Elite Traveler launches the first annual issue of its Hotels, Resorts & Spas Guide. This standalone issue serves as a year-round guide to the best accommodations on the planet, whether you’re seeking a secluded seaside sojourn or a family-friendly festivity. Accompanied by stunning imagery and the direct contacts of the key people to book your stay, this soon becomes a must-read. 2012 The annual Top 100 Restaurants in the World reader survey is officially launched! Alinea in Chicago beats fierce competition from the top five podium winners, Fat Duck, Per Se, Pierre Gagnaire and Daniel. Alinea goes on to take the crown for five consecutive years, before letting Azurmendi and Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville have a piece of the pie in 2017 and 2019, respectively. 2013 Elite Traveler joins Instagram. Bringing the best of luxury lifestyle into the digital realm, our Instagram page is a finger-on-the-pulse insight into the daily innovations and updates of the luxury sphere. Follow us @elitetraveler 2015 The print edition of Elite Traveler is re-designed, bringing it firmly into contemporary times with modern photoshoots and closer ties to its quickly growing digital counterpart, elitetraveler.com . The team of editors expands to include London as well as New York, giving the magazine a truly global outlook on the world of luxury. 2020 The new elitetraveler.com website is relaunched. The chic website provides an immersive experience that helps inspire our loyal readers on their next adventures. Simple and clean navigation is paired with travel guides and interactive videos. 2021 ...and 20 years later, here we are! Though the Elite Traveler offering has evolved and expanded (our website now has searchable databases showcasing the best in luxury lifestyle from suites to restaurants to jets) we remain true to our underpinning goal of helping readers navigate the dynamic world of luxury travel and lifestyle. We’re looking forward to accompanying you on another 20 years of adventures.

has a serious penchant for big hair and heavy glitter eye makeup, if the front cover of our first issue (pictured at right) is anything to go by. But as with many a ‘significant’ birthday, the sentimentality of celebrating our 20th has started us thinking about the last two decades in the world of luxury; how it has evolved and our role within it. In addition, with Covid-19 pressing pause on life as we know it, we, like many companies and individuals, have used this opportunity to rethink and re-strategize our values. We are going to hold ourselves to higher account and ensure that each and every issue, starting with this one, is packed full of content that champions sustainable, ethical and environmentally conscious luxury. Luxury, by its very nature, advocates for a ‘buy less, buy better’ mentality. We’ve always been about luxury with a purpose here at Elite Traveler — from examining the exquisite craftsmanship that goes into objets d’art you’ll find on our pages and working with companies to create bespoke travel experiences, to highlighting resorts that pride themselves on supporting the local community, or those that take great care to preserve the ecosystem in which they operate. To kick-start this transformation, and to celebrate our 20th anniversary milestone, we have put together the ultimate guide to sustainable luxury living. Focusing on 20 key areas, including watches, restaurants, spas, hotels and cars, we have curated this collectible special edition to showcase the most ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly brands —highlighting those that spearheaded this way of operating, and looking to the future of the next generation of luxury lifestyle brands. Just as we have a role, so do you. Did you know that, though small in number, those that engage in luxury travel will vacation more frequently, for longer periods, and spend more while they’re there? So your influence, and therefore responsibility, is huge. Our editorial team and contributors are asking themselves the same questions that you are. Beyond the aestheticism, what impact is this project, this restaurant, this resort, jet or watch having on the world?Who are the people reshaping luxury, and how can I support their endeavors? How can you ensure you are spending your money with brands that align with your values? You hold a unique position, with the ability to affect real change in the world and encourage others to follow you on the good, green path. We’ll see you there. Thea Halstead Head of Luxury, Editor thea.halstead@elitetraveler.com