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 plains of Bolivia is one of the most impressive off-road expedition journeys in the world. Anyone who undertakes this journey will experience the Andes in all their rugged, unspoilt beauty. Colourful lagoons, steaming geysers and mighty volcanoes characterise the scenery and make each stage unique. The overnight stays in remote micro lodges are particularly impressive, where the silence and vastness of the highlands are intensely tangible and the solitude in one of the driest deserts on earth becomes a soothing calm. With an experienced explora guide, our guests discover spectacular rock formations and high plateaus off the beaten track - ideal for travellers who want to experience nature in its most powerful form.
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 combination of unspoilt nature, deep spirituality and a living culture that has hardly changed over the centuries. Only here can you experience a place where happiness is an official state goal, where monasteries float above the clouds and the silence of the mountains has an almost 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. Situated on a steep rock face, this spiritual sanctuary is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a place of deep contemplation. Hikes through pine forests, encounters with black-necked cranes and visits to temples characterise this decelerating and inspiring journey.
Brigitte Anton, Specialist Reservations Dertour Deluxe
Sandra Heddergott | Photo: ©DERTOUR Group
7 days/6 nights from San Cristobal to Baltra
The Galápagos Islands, located almost 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, are a dream destination for nature and animal lovers. On board the ultra-luxury catamaran Hermes, the voyage of discovery takes you through the archipelago on the equator in an exclusive setting. With a maximum of 20 passengers, butler service and luxurious suites, the UNESCO World Heritage Site can be experienced particularly intensively. Depending on the route, the trip combines hikes, snorkelling, kayak tours and wildlife watching with insights into the geological and historical features of the islands. Important: On the Galápagos, you will only be accompanied by certified guides, as strict national park rules protect the sensitive ecosystem. The catamaran crosses over to the next island overnight - and in the morning you wake up in a new place that reveals a new 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 round trip through Rajasthan takes you to the most magnificent royal cities in India and is one of the most impressive experiences in the north of the country. Delhi with its vibrant contrast of modernity and history, Agra with the iconic Taj Mahal, Jaipur as the colourful capital of Rajasthan, the blue Jodhpur with its mighty fortress and finally Udaipur, the romantic city of lakes. Our guests experience unique moments: they visit the Taj Mahal in the light of dawn, take a ride in a vintage car, do yoga with a view of the Taj Mahal and go on a boat tour on Lake Pichola. If you want to immerse yourself in the history, colours and culture of a fairy tale, Rajasthan is a journey that will stay with you for a long time.
Anne Ritter, Product Manager Dertour Deluxe Asia, Pacific
Sabine Schürk-Hammer | Photo: ©DERTOUR Group
A journey with Rovos Rail is travelling on rails in the most exclusive form. Restored in the style of the 1920s, the carriages that once housed kings and adventurers combine a nostalgic ambience with modern comfort. The train journeys take you through spectacular landscapes - from Cape Town to Pretoria, to the Victoria Falls or on a Namibia safari. Culinary highlights, panoramic carriages and 24-hour butler service make this journey an unforgettable experience. For me, travelling with Rovos Rail feels like a journey to another time - a moment when the world becomes 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.