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By
The Sybarite Team
on
14th January 2025
We sit down with Editor-In-Chief John Cofie to discuss what Sybarite Stays, our new brand extension, means for lovers of luxury.
Alongside our bucket-list worthy experiences, we have officially launched
Sybarite Stays. This is a global collection of luxe apartments and properties that appeal to the discerning tastes of our ever-growing audience. Listed properties can
be found in emerging property hotspots, including Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Qatar. Editor-In-Chief John Cofie talks in detail about this exciting project.
The Sybarite: Where did the idea of Sybarite Stays come about?
John Cofie: There has been a recent shift in which residences and service-led accommodation – such as apartments for long-term stays – have been trying to mirror the experiences provided by hotels. This trend is growing ever more in popularity because consumers now value the experience element of staying in a residence. Whether it’s their home away from home or their forever home, there appears to be an experience element linked to it. So, in terms of why The Sybarite has moved into Stays, it feels like a natural extension of our existing robust experiences. We’re in a strong position to bring the best of our experiences model into a residence-focused environment, whether that’s an apartment, private home, or villa. Sybarite Stays is intended to showcase where people choose to live, and how to live, specifically by combining experiences with residences.
TS: Who would you say the Sybarite Stays customer is?
JC: It will generally be the same audience who engage with our content and buy our unique Sybarite experiences – high-net-worth individuals with a passion for lifestyle and all that it provides, whether it’s wellness, travel, dining or art. We feel this offering will appeal to our target audiences of families and business professionals. Being in an environment that provides safety and security, as well as all the trappings of luxury, is a key consideration.
TS: How have these properties been selected to ensure they cater to the requirements of our high-net-worth customers?
JC: We’re developing a very stringent verification process for the properties. We are onboarding partners operating in regions that offer quality service, safety and a very high standard of luxury property. Those regions are typically the GCC and Asia. Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Hong Kong are great examples.
TS: The Sybarite is a Chesamel Group Company which has since expanded into Qatar. How has this influenced the expansion of Sybarite Stays?
JC: It’s a natural extension, because we’re already in Qatar with one of our other businesses. Qatar is expanding its portfolio of property assets that international investors can tap into. It makes sense for us to offer properties there, as it’s probably one of the most dynamic gulf countries.
TS: As a frequent traveller to Qatar, what do you think makes it an appealing destination for expats and business people?
JC: I would say convenience, safety, family and friendliness. There is a high standard of customer service and access to premium luxury products. The economic indicators are strong too. This means that you have access to quality healthcare, education, entertainment, shopping and plenty of other experiences. Qatar has these fundamentals nailed. And I think, for most business travellers, you don’t have much time to acclimatise. When you need to travel for business, you know you’ve only got a couple of days – at best – to hit the ground running. So, being in an environment that provides that consistency as much as possible is key, which is why Qatar has something special.
TS: The Sybarite is 10 years old this year. Why expand into property now?
JC: Like I said, property feels like the next natural step.We excel in curating bespoke and transformative experiences. We want to make experiences a core component of life, which aligns well with property. I've spent the last decade working on the product, refining our product element, building the media arm of the business. I feel that hopefully with Sybarite Stays Stays, we'll be able to expand our reach and new ways of communicating with our cherished clients and partners.
With over 40 years of expertise, Thorp Design is renowned for creating interiors that are both stylish and practical, blending luxury with a deep understanding of the spaces they inhabit.
With a flair for the colourful and a background in commercial and residential projects, Rayman Boozer has established himself as one to watch in the interior design world.
