1 - "The lamentation over the sharpness of competition is in reality only a lamentation over the deficiency of ideas." Walther Rathenau

Ouch! Mr. Rathenau couldn’t be more direct! What does this tell us? Well, certainly we should stop ourselves before complaining about the “others”! The realisation is that we need to get better, not bitter. Turn negative energy into motivation and focus on developing stronger ideas instead of hoping for weaker competition.

2 - "You can’t look at the competition and say you're going to do it better. You have to look at the competition and say you’re going to do it differently." Steve Jobs

Word, Steve Jobs. Nothing is more important for your boutique concept (or any concept in fact) than to create unique, innovative and clearly distinguishable points of difference. These tangible USPs make your product unique, command attention and give you a talking point, not to mention a strong story. They attract PR and thus maximise marketing efforts, allowing you to achieve higher average room rates, boost your occupancy and sales.

3 - "Companies that solely focus on competition will ultimately die. Those that focus on value creation will thrive." Edward de Bono

When creating the Milaidhoo Island concept we did a LOT of homework (and we mean a LOT). We studied the market, the industry, ... We knew that if we wanted to innovate and differentiate the Milaidhoo Island product, we had to create trends, rather than follow them. So we started to look at luxury and boutique tourism from a different perspective, studied new luxury guests in different industries and in different markets and above all, were not only thinking about hardware and services, but much more about experiences. Because we knew that only if we were able to create real and true value, the boutique resort product would thrive and succeed.

Our hard work has certainly paid off. The outcome of nearly 19 months of research and development is an undeniably sophisticated 5-star boutique resort, brimming with USPs that clearly taps into a niche. Milaidhoo Island is by no means just another 5-star resort in the Maldives. Offering reinvented luxury and spacious outdoor living it epitomises the true and contemporary Maldives by telling the story of a small island. It’s a lifestyle escape with personality, offering heartfelt hospitality and barefoot informality. Don’t just take our word for it, see it for yourself.

As you might have already guessed, we are totally in love with the Milaidhoo concept and it’s potential. We could go on and on about it – but for all our sakes we will stop here! We are truly convinced that from November 2016 onwards it will introduce guests to a new, exciting holiday experience and will go some way to redefining boutique hotel concepts in the Maldives and beyond. Want to know more? Follow the story of a small island here.

So how about you? When will we see you on Milaidhoo Island? What’s your take on creating boutique hotel concepts? Are you in love with your competition? As always – feel free to share, comment, post and tell us your story ;-).

In this spirit, better your best!
Until the next time…

Your MAp team

1 – Cool community areas

The lobby / living room / club lounge or whatever you like to call it, is the heart of the hotel. Make this space comfy and inviting with flexible furniture, good lighting and an abundance of multi-power sockets. This is the place they will meet, chat, rest, work, brainstorm, connect and party both off-and-online.

2 – Fab accommodation 

Using space in an intelligent and convenient way is key as functionality is often more important than size. Take inspiration from first class train compartments; fancy cruise ship cabins and business class airline cabins.. Monsoon showers, good quality and natural bath amenities, an over-sized bed with organic mattresses, a desk with multi-power point sockets are just a few of the absolute must-haves.

3 – Tech-savvy

Make it easy for Millennials to live and breathe their digital lifestyle by offering free and fast Wi-Fi in all areas. Take the opportunity to use technology wherever possible such as online check-in, self check-out.

4 – Flexible food & beverage

Offering Millennials flexible dining options is as important as offering the latest cocktails. Ideally, hotels will offer a 24/7 dining offer inspired by the location and using locally sourced ingredients.

5 – Give back

Millennials are passionate about social and local responsibility and will assume green schemes and / or community programs are the norm in hotels so don’t disappoint.

At MAp Boutique Consultancy the above five points are the foundations of any successful Millennial hotel concept. Adopting these points will ensure that smart, modern travellers are happy, raving about the place and above all, return.

Do you agree with our TOP 5? Are there any other points crucial to making Millennials happy? What is your experience in working with and / or for Millennials? Of course, if you or someone you know is planning a visionary concept targeted at the “digital natives”, get in touch and let’s co-create the perfect hotel concept!

Talk to you soon,
Your MAp team

BTW, we just recently co-created a Millennial-inspired game-changing resort concept in the Maldives, have a look at www.kandima.com and also check out and follow our Millennials travel Pinterest board https://www.pinterest.com/mapeople/millennials-travel/

1 – Your hotel concept gives strategic direction

For something to be a success, everyone involved needs to be on the same page and working in the right direction. A hotel concept provides a clear overview of a hotel venture, with clearly-defined goals and objectives required to succeed on a long-term basis. It outlines the core capabilities of the hotel and defines its hard and soft facts by focusing on the right things = the things that are the most likely to deliver the best performance, productivity and profit, both now and in the future.

2 – Your hotel concept serves as day-to-day operational guide for you and your team

It’s easy for people to veer off-course, especially during busy times. A hotel concept should be the go-to document for all stakeholders. It provides clear and extensive guidance and serves as the basis for consistent briefings to external partners. Each and every one of your employees and partners needs to understand and buy into your hotel's true Purpose (the WHY!), understand your objectives and goals (the destination), as well as the course they need to take to get there. This helps everyone involved to make the right decisions on a daily basis and provide the outstanding service that you (and ultimately your guests) want.

And there’s an added benefit! Employees who understand WHY they do what they do and HOW they have to do it, feel more engaged, enjoy their role and will stay with you longer. So enjoy reduced employee turnover rates and recruitment costs, as well as increased repeat business resulting from your employees' outstanding service attitude.

3 – Your hotel concept ensures that you attract the right guests

We never underestimate the power of the people. Hotel concepts that place people at the heart, in fact, focus on what truly drives and generates sales and profits. Your hotel concept will be based on your unique vision as well as thorough research and analysis. It will clearly outline who your perfect guests are and what they want. They turn into happy guests, and guess what, generate healthy profits. Happy guests are your best investment. They become your on- and offline brand ambassadors, and promote you and your business for FREE!

4 – Your hotel concept gives you a competitive edge

What exactly makes a hotel concept creative and innovative? Above all, it’s about being unique and authentic. A great hotel concept outlines what makes your hotel truly special and clearly distinguishable. It defines the tangible USPs and the added value for guests when choosing to stay at your hotel over a competing property. A competitive edge always commands attention and gives you a talking point, not to mention a strong story. That’s why we believe in innovative hotel concepts, as they create a clear stand out in the market, attract PR and maximise marketing efforts, allowing you to maximise room rates and boost your occupancy and sales.

5 – Your hotel concept is the ONLY guarantee for long-term personal and financial success

You may not be able to rely on a lot of things in life, but one thing you can always count on is a clearly-defined hotel concept! A unique concept that is based on your personal vision, motivation and passion ensures that your business is aligned with your values, and does not only make your guests happy, but yourself as well. It guarantees that your hotel is not only a cool idea or a dream - but a long-term viable business concept. 

Now you know WHY we are passionate about crafting hotel concepts. If you’re interested in the HOW check out this. 

As always, feel free to share this blog post, and don’t forget to let us know your thoughts on hotel concepts in the comments below. Thanks!