With a career that seamlessly bridges passion and enterprise, Christine Galle Luczak, Founder and CEO, Heavens Portfolio, has meticulously built a company that offers more than just luxury accommodations; it promises unforgettable experiences steeped in authenticity.
– Vartik Sethi
Christine’s journey into the realm of luxury travel was sparked by her tenure at Chiva-Som in Thailand, a pivotal role that not only honed her insights into hospitality but also kindled the entrepreneurial spirit that led to the creation of Heavens Portfolio. Her departure from Chiva-Som was marked by encouragement from a mentor who saw her potential to innovate beyond conventional boundaries. This support was instrumental in her decision to establish a company that would represent properties offering unique travel experiences rather than mere accommodations.
Origin and Ethos of Heavens Portfolio
Launched nearly two decades ago, Heavens Portfolio was conceived with a mission to elevate and enhance the visibility of distinctive properties around the world. This was a time when wellness as a travel incentive was nascent, and luxury travel was predominantly about opulence rather than holistic experiences. Christine’s forward-thinking approach aimed to redefine what travellers could expect from their journeys, focusing on deep, enriching interactions with destinations.
With a clientele that spans chic urban retreats, captivating beachfront escapes, immersive wilderness camps, and rejuvenating wellness sanctuaries, Heavens Portfolio is synonymous with luxury travel and unforgettable experiences. Today, the company boasts over 50 esteemed clients across various markets, with a significant presence under the Heavens Portfolio India umbrella. Among its diverse partnerships, Heavens Portfolio counts industry giants such as Chiva-Som, Cheval Blanc, Belmond Worldwide, Oetker Collection, Ultima Collection, and Capella Group. These alliances have not only elevated the company’s stature but have also enabled it to deliver exceptional results through pioneering solutions. Commenting on the exponential success of Heavens Portfolio, Christine shared, “Through dedicated efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence, we have experienced remarkable growth since our inception. From our humble beginnings, we have expanded our client base exponentially, forging enduring partnerships built on trust and mutual success.”
Evolving Consumer Expectations in Luxury Travel
Reflecting on the changes over the past 20 years, Christine notes that the core principle of providing authentic, destination-true experiences remains as relevant today as it was when Heavens Portfolio was founded. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, accelerated a shift towards more profound engagements with travel destinations. Modern travellers seek to immerse themselves in local cultures, from cooking with Italian chefs in their homes to exploring the traditional healing techniques in remote corners of the world. She said, “It’s all about very authentic experiences, going cooking with an Italian chef in their kitchen or discovering how the locals live.”
A notable success story is the company’s work with the Oetker Collection, particularly in the Indian market. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Heavens Portfolio managed to keep the brand engaging through initiatives like a Virtual Afternoon Tea and a chef exchange programme with The Oberoi Mumbai and The Oberoi New Delhi, featuring Michelin-starred chefs; she added, “We had Michelin starred chefs from Oetker Collection properties doing a pop up at their restaurants. The response received from the visiting guests was very encouraging, and overall brand recall very strong.”
Christine points out that there is a growing demand for travel experiences that are both unique and secluded, offering insights into local life that go beyond the typical tourist trails. This shift is evident in the popularity of destinations like Antarctica and remote African locales, which have moved from the periphery to the forefront of many travellers’ bucket lists due to a heightened sense of urgency and a desire for more profound and meaningful travel experiences.
An evolved traveller is more interested in experiencing a destination as locals do. Christine shared, “We also rely on locals’ knowledge. I think the new age travellers look into this because they (locals) know where to go, as the destination is their own place.”
Strategic Expansion and Adapting to New Markets
The recent expansion of Heavens Portfolio into the Middle East reflects a strategic response to both market demands and opportunities for team growth. Christine’s approach emphasises the importance of having local expertise on the ground, which facilitates a deeper connection between her company’s represented properties and their respective markets. Harnessing vast experience in the industry, Christine shared, “We’ve been in operations for 20 years in Asia, and I think the best way to represent hotels and destinations and remarkable luxury hotels is to have the expert on the ground.” This philosophy has not only guided the company’s physical expansion but also its service offerings, which now include tailored operational support for hotels to help them adapt to diverse market conditions.
From its inception with a visionary group of clients, Heavens Portfolio has experienced exponential growth. A recent milestone is its expansion into the Middle East, with the opening of its 16th office in Dubai. This strategic move involved acquiring The Travel Collection, founded by Jacqueline Campbell, a well-established agency in Dubai, which has been rebranded as The Travel Portfolio to further the mission of representing top global luxury travel partners in the GCC region. Discussing future expansion plans with TTJ, Christine shared, “Additionally, Heavens Portfolio is constantly on the lookout for new talents to onboard and actively exploring new markets to diversify and expand its reach within Asia Pacific and globally.”
Memorable Campaigns
Heavens Portfolio’s innovative approach to marketing has been demonstrated through its successful B2C campaigns, particularly those involving Chiva-Som in India during 2023 and 2024. The campaigns, dubbed “A Taste of Chiva-Som in India,” were conducted in collaboration with Sequel Mumbai and Kathiwada City House in Mumbai. These events featured Chiva-Som’s wellness cuisine and included pop-up spas, drawing participation from high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), influencers, and prominent Mumbai personalities. Supported by Conde Nast Traveller, these events not only heightened brand awareness but also led to a surge in inquiries and confirmed bookings directly during the events.
Additionally, a dynamic collaboration with Cheval Blanc over the past two years involved consumer events in Mumbai and Delhi aimed at engaging both past guests and potential new clients. Sharing her event’s success, Christine added, “Both editions garnered tremendous interest, resulting in a notable surge in inquiries immediately following the events. We are delighted to share that our efforts translated into confirmed bookings made directly during the events, underscoring the success of our approach.”
Digital Innovation and Future Vision
Looking forward, Christine is committed to integrating more digital solutions into the travel experience while maintaining the personal touch that is synonymous with luxury. The introduction of an artificial intelligence platform aims to enhance operational efficiencies and offer quick, comprehensive insights into market behaviours and client needs.
Championing Diversity and Empowerment
An advocate for diversity and inclusion, Christine proudly notes that Heavens Portfolio’s workforce is over 90 per cent women, a testament to the company’s appeal to passionate professionals in the hospitality industry. She attributes this hiring strategy to the inspiring, inclusive culture the company upholds, which naturally attracts a diverse pool of talent. The composition of Christine’s team was not deliberate; she shared, “I didn’t purposely only cherry-pick ladies; they came to me perhaps by being inspired.”
Leadership and Personal Growth
Personal development is a cornerstone of the company’s ethos. Leadership training and personal coaching are integral to empowering employees, helping them align their personal passions with professional objectives. This approach not only fosters a motivated workforce but also enriches service quality, as employees are more engaged and personally invested in the experiences they curate for clients.
Legacy and Human Touch
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Heavens Portfolio has maintained a strong focus on the human aspect of business. Christine values continuity and community within her team, emphasising that the strength of her company lies in its people. This philosophy has carried Heavens Portfolio through tough times, ensuring that the company not only survives but thrives by prioritising human connections over mere financial transactions.
