Kate George is the founder of Omnifique, a company that aids the discerning traveler as a team of “experience couturiers.” The company handles all aspects of destination travel, providing elevated 5-Star accommodations, services, and experiences in a private Villa setting.
We caught up with George to learn more.
Tell us a little about your background.
After about a decade in Marketing, Advertising, and Strategy at gigantic and tiny firms in New York City and Colorado, I decided to leave my job. I had represented some of the world’s best-known brands to small natural food product start-ups. I have an extremely entrepreneurial spirit, and at the time, I knew I was ready to impact the world on my own.
What inspired you to start Omnifique?
I took some time off to be strategic about my next move. As a discerning traveler myself, I craved the security of a villa or estate along with the traditional infrastructure of a world-class hotel. I desired daily housekeeping, bespoke experiences, chef-prepared meals, local expertise, 24/7 concierge. Plus anything and everything I wanted. And then the “aha” moment: a lightbulb went on! I decided to create it myself — with the highest standards in excellence: Omnifique!
Talk a little about the company’s concept.
The high-end leisure sector caters to high achievers. When they have free time to truly unwind, they shouldn’t have to leave it up to fate that everything will work out. A spotless property, fresh, high-quality sheets, an outstanding chef, a certified boat captain, no homeowners clothes in the closet, vaccinated housekeeping staff, and on and on — everything one would expect from a premium, 5-star hotel. That is what we do at Omnifique. We run our business as our clients run theirs. They are in finance, tech, law, and we are in the leisure travel business. Same standards, different industry.
Tell us about some of the services and amenities you offer.
We manage wheels-down to wheels-up for destination travel, providing over-the-top, elevated 5-Star accommodations, services, and experiences for the world’s highest achievers. From freediving with sharks to golfing with a PGA pro, we are experience couturiers, constantly sourcing and vetting unique adventures our clients can’t get anywhere else. We recreate the 5-star hotel-like experience in a private Villa setting by providing premium, 24/7 on-demand and on-the-ground assistance to take care of any detail: from booking a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant to having the saltwater pool at the requested temperature.
What are some of your favorite adventures and locations?
Aspen and Hawaii, hands down.
Aspen is a winter wonderland. From world-class skiing to s’mores slopeside and a unique culinary scene, this Colorado town has something for everyone. In May, I visited Maui, where we’ve designed some of my favorite experiences for our clients. Think surfing lessons with a pro surfer, unforgettable private boat excursions, and an in-villa luau. At Omnifique, we’re all about putting together bespoke escapades tailored to each of our guests’ measurements.
What are some trends you are predicting for travel this winter?
Covid-19 precautions, definitely. We got a head-start on the issue, as our cleaning and safety procedures were always certified, but the pandemic took the situation to another level. The challenge right now is not compromising on our clients’ standards because of these essential precautions.
Traveling smart has also become crucial. We’re in the business of selling time. It’s the ultimate currency, the most valuable commodity in the world. Smart tourism is all about that — enhancing private life moments by using human-centric design and technologies and sustainability already integrated into the experiences. It’s all about taking care of every detail, so our clients can focus on enjoying themselves. Sustainability is crucial in that. For our high-achieving guests, being mindful of the environment and giving back are necessary practices in their daily lives.
Any travel tips you’d offer during the times of Covid-19?
Private settings are an amazing alternative to hotels in times of Covid-19. It’s easy to see why: our clients avoid crowds, they don’t have to share amenities or wear masks as soon as they leave their room. Plus, there’s the added benefit of needing a smaller team of people to cater to the group. We’ve noticed that travelers are on the hunt for secluded, remote locations. All-inclusive villa getaways have never been more enticing than they are at present. People want to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy their surroundings, and stay at home (when away from home) as much as possible.
What’s next for Omnifique?
My personal goal for Omnifique is that our brand becomes synonymous with excellence. This will allow us to reach more people worldwide, offer more opportunities, and share our expertise.
To learn more, visit omnifique.com.