dERTOUR's luxury brand was launched in 2006 with a small, fine selection of 54 hand-picked hotels. Today, there are a respectable eight catalogues; in 2026, the range will grow by around 13 percent. Very important in the meantime: The focus on luxury holidays that are consciously, authentically and responsibly organised. Read the very personal recommendations of our product managers here - and take a look into the future with Director Mike Lehmann.
"When we started developing the brand, our vision was to put together a curated selection of the world's most exclusive hotels - a portfolio that consists exclusively of top addresses and is consistently geared towards the needs of discerning customers," says Mike Lehmann, Director DERTOUR Deluxe. What began with a first catalogue for summer 2006 and 54 hand-picked hotels is now a comprehensive luxury programme with eight catalogues and around 1,400 bookable products - including more than 100 exceptional round trips and adventure tours worldwide. "Our success is also based on our Deluxe Service Centre. Here, our travel agency partners have direct access to reliable contacts with a great deal of expertise in the luxury segment. They make unforgettable travel experiences possible and are prepared to go the extra mile," says Mike Lehmann.
In its anniversary year, DERTOUR Deluxe is expanding its range with 68 new hotels/resorts in the luxury segment and an additional 17 so-called selection hotels (luxury hotels that are not assigned to a star category but still offer luxury experiences) as well as ten new round trips and adventure holidays. Special new hotels in the Mediterranean include The Donna Portals on Mallorca, a boutique resort with pop-up events, rooftop parties and culinary highlights. The Myconian O is opening on Mykonos - away from the well-known beaches and ideal for guests who want to experience the island away from the hotspots. On Lake Como, the Aria Retreat & Spa complements the portfolio with spectacular views, wellness and plenty of privacy. In Provence, the new Zannier Bendor focuses on regional products, innovative architecture and sustainable concepts.
in 2026, DERTOUR Deluxe will be focussing on the topic of meaningful travel - luxury trips that are consciously, authentically and responsibly designed. "Many travellers today expect responsible action to be taken into account, while comfort, exclusivity and individuality continue to take centre stage," explains Mike Lehmann. "Responsible travel is playing an increasingly important role for many customers in the luxury segment, even if it is not always the decisive criterion." At the same time, hotels and resorts around the world are increasingly investing in resource-saving concepts - from renewable energy to community projects. Sustainability has long been a prerequisite for a high-quality travel experience, especially in Africa, says Lehmann. The new partnership with Wilderness Safaris, one of the most renowned providers of more sustainable luxury safaris, contributes to this. The company operates exclusive camps and lodges in Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Many of them rely on solar energy, water treatment and local community and species conservation projects. The new partnership enables fly-in safaris that connect several Wilderness Lodges. At the same time, all accommodation can be flexibly booked as a module and individually combined to create a personalised dream trip.
A special anniversary project is the cooperation between DERTOUR Deluxe and the DERTOUR Foundation: for every Deluxe guest travelling with DERTOUR Deluxe in summer 2026, the tour operator will plant a mangrove tree in Sri Lanka. Mangroves are among the most endangered and at the same time most effective ecosystems on earth - they store CO₂, protect coastlines and provide habitats for numerous species. "With this project, we not only want to make a symbolic contribution, but also support local communities in a tangible way," says Mike Lehmann.
Yasmine Rink | Photo: ©DERTOUR Group
7 days/6 nights from Calama to Uyuni
The expedition route from Chile’s Atacama Desert to the salt flats of Bolivia is one of the most impressive off-road expeditions in the world. Those who undertake this journey will experience the Andes in all their rugged, unspoilt beauty. Colourful lagoons, steaming geysers and mighty volcanoes characterise the landscape and make every stage of the journey unique. Particularly memorable are the overnight stays in remote micro-lodges, where the silence and vastness of the highlands can be felt intensely, and the solitude in one of the driest deserts on earth becomes a soothing tranquillity. Accompanied by an experienced explora guide, our guests discover spectacular rock formations and high plateaus off the beaten track – ideal for travellers who wish to experience nature at its most powerful.
Yasmine Rink, Product Specialist, Dertour Deluxe The Americas
Brigitte Anton | Photo: ©DERTOUR Group
11 days/10 nights from/to Paro
Bhutan fascinates me with its almost magical blend of unspoilt nature, deep spirituality and a living culture that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Only here can one experience a place where happiness is officially a national objective, where monasteries seem to float above the clouds and the silence of the mountains has a truly transformative effect.
This exclusive private tour takes you through the Himalayan Kingdom, from the capital, Thimphu, to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. Perched on a steep cliff face, this spiritual sanctuary is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a place of deep contemplation. Walks through pine forests, encounters with black-necked cranes and visits to temples characterise this relaxing and inspiring journey.
Brigitte Anton, Booking Specialist at Dertour Deluxe
Sandra Heddergott | Photo: ©DERTOUR Group
7 days/6 nights from San Cristóbal to Baltra
The Galápagos Islands, situated just under 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, are a dream destination for nature and wildlife lovers. Aboard the ultra-luxury catamaran Hermes, this voyage of discovery takes you on an exclusive journey through the archipelago on the equator. With a maximum of 20 passengers, butler service and luxurious suites, this UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site can be experienced in a particularly immersive way. Depending on the route, the trip combines walks, snorkelling, kayaking and wildlife spotting with insights into the islands’ geological and historical features. Important: In the Galápagos, you must be accompanied by certified guides at all times, as strict national park regulations protect the fragile ecosystem. Overnight, the catamaran sails to the next island – and in the morning you wake up in a new place, revealing yet another facet of these unique islands.
Sandra Heddergott, Product Manager, Dertour Deluxe The Americas
Anne Ritter | Photo: ©DERTOUR Group
10 days/9 nights from/to Delhi
This tour of Rajasthan takes you to India’s most magnificent royal cities and is one of the most impressive experiences in the north of the country. Here you’ll find Delhi, with its vibrant contrast of modernity and history; Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal; Jaipur, the colourful capital of Rajasthan; blue Jodhpur with its mighty fort; and finally Udaipur, the romantic city of lakes. Our guests will enjoy unique moments: they’ll visit the Taj Mahal in the light of dawn, take a ride in a vintage car, practise yoga with a view of the Taj Mahal, and go on a boat trip on Lake Pichola. Anyone wishing to immerse themselves in history, colours and culture straight out of a fairy tale will find a journey in Rajasthan that leaves a lasting impression.
Anne Ritter, Product Manager, Dertour Deluxe Asia-Pacific
Sabine Schürk-Hammer | Photo: ©DERTOUR Group
A journey on the Rovos Rail is rail travel at its most exclusive. The carriages, restored in the style of the 1920s and once home to kings and adventurers, combine a nostalgic ambience with modern comfort. The train journeys take you through spectacular landscapes – from Cape Town to Pretoria, to Victoria Falls or on a Namibian safari. Culinary highlights, panoramic carriages and 24-hour butler service make this journey an unforgettable experience. For me, travelling on the Rovos Rail feels like a journey back in time – a moment when the world becomes a little quieter.
Sabine Schürk-Hammer, Product Specialist
Mike Lehmann, Director DERTOUR Deluxe | Photo: ©DERTOUR Group
one: Mike, you have been with "DERTOUR Deluxe" for a long time: how has the "luxury holiday" product changed in 20 years?
Mike Lehmann : Luxury has changed fundamentally over the past 20 years - away from the classic status symbol to a very personal experience. In the past, the focus was on size, glamour and facilities. Today, it's all about individuality, tranquillity and genuine, memorable moments.
Outstanding accommodation is still the basis of a successful stay, but it is no longer the sole focus. Our guests' expectations have evolved significantly: they expect us and the destinations to fulfil their individual travel wishes in a holistic way.
These wishes are diverse - they range from absolute peace and relaxation to a focus on health and wellbeing to extraordinary experiences and unique moments that will be remembered for a long time. The decisive factor is always the personal relevance for the individual guest.
one: How is it that luxury holidays are still in such high demand? In times when consumers are increasingly looking at prices in the face of rising costs and a volatile security and economic situation?
Mike Lehmann : It is precisely because many people are looking more closely at prices these days that they are making more conscious decisions when travelling. Those who opt for a luxury holiday don't do so casually, but very deliberately - for high quality, personal service and an experience that really stands out. In uncertain times, many people have a growing desire to treat themselves to special moments that have substance and a long-lasting effect.luxury is therefore seen less as consumption and more as an investment in quality of life.
one: A look into the future: how will luxury travel develop and will it remain a trend?
Mike Lehmann: I am convinced that luxury travel will remain a growth segment in the future, albeit with a clear evolution in terms of content. I assume that individualisation, authentic experiences and careful concepts will continue to gain in importance. Guests want to experience even more holidays that touch them emotionally - instead of the classic 'more', it's about 'more conscious' and 'more suitable'. At the same time, the desire for personalised advice and tailor-made solutions will continue to grow. This demand for quality and individuality will characterise the luxury segment in the long term.
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