<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons" ></div>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG-20200408-WA0003-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-4330" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG-20200408-WA0003-2.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG-20200408-WA0003-2-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG-20200408-WA0003-2-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG-20200408-WA0003-2-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG-20200408-WA0003-2-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Andrea Saliu &amp; Mariek Anselme</figcaption></figure>



The year of 2021 proved to be pivotal for A.M.A
Selections. As we look back at where it all began and review the highlights of this
year, we look to 2022 with great excitement and anticipation. 



A.M.A Selections was launched in 2014 with just over 15 properties on the French Riviera. Andre and I founded this company with the sole purpose of delivering an exceptional experience while inspiring guests to discover the region. We’ve always had a passion for service and quality coupled with a drive to innovate. With this, we began building a solid foundation for our company and steadily growing and expanding.



During the first <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Covid confinement in spring 2020 (opens in a new tab)" href="https://magazine.amaselections.com/our-thoughts-on-covid-19/" target="_blank">Covid confinement in spring 2020</a>, Andre and I began building a clearer vision for our company. This marked the very beginning of our new and improved business model. Fast forward to spring 2021 where we began our seed round of funding which we hope to finalize within the next several months.



&#8212;



Combining our new company vision with a first injection of capital, our 2021 highlights include:



Expansion



Expanding to 8 new destinations including Mykonos, Paros and Megève. We also vetted and added 250+ exclusive properties to our portfolio.



Best performing destination



Ibiza was the highest performing destination, marking the first time since company inception that a destination outperforms the French Riviera, where we began.



Growth



We grew by 70% in rentals generated compared to our best year pre-Covid.



Proprietary tech



We began building our proprietary technology. To date, we’ve spent 5000+ hours on building “phase 1” of our software which we’ll be rolling out by spring 2022.



&#8212;



In 2022, not only will we be launching our new website powered by our custom, innovative software (stay tuned), we will also continue our expansion throughout Europe’s most fashionable destinations. As we talk about funding, tech and expansion it’s important to highlight that, at our core, we are first and foremost a hospitality company. It’s through our desire to exceed the expectations of our discerning guests that we’ve decided to use technology as a means to enhance the client experience (again, stay tuned!). No matter the growth, our company purpose remains the same as when we first began and continues to guide the work we do every day on behalf of our guests.



We are thrilled to see these milestones happening for
our company and it’s largely due to our talented and devoted team and the
incredible support from our clients. For this, we are forever grateful!



Thank you for your continued support and, from our family to yours, we wish you happy holidays and a very happy new year!



Cheers,



Mariek and Andre



Founders of A.M.A Selections

Mariek-Anselme-Andrea-Saliu-A.M.A-Selections-Business-Highlights

A.M.A Selections Highlights of 2021

<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons" ></div>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MA-4.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-3120" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MA-4.jpeg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MA-4-250x174.jpeg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MA-4-768x534.jpeg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MA-4-700x486.jpeg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/MA-4-120x83.jpeg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /></figure>



These are strange and unprecedented times that have been devastating for businesses and individuals around the world. As we are easing out of lockdown in France, we thought it would be a good time to reflect on the past couple of months and share our thoughts on how this may impact the travel industry in the near future.



The impact of COVID-19 has certainly proven to be trying and has posed
challenges that are some of the most difficult we’ve had to overcome since the
inception of our company. On a professional level, we know that we are not
alone in this and everyone has been dealing with similar issues and challenges,
no matter the industry – whether you’re a business owner or employee, these
unique circumstances have tested our ability to thrive and to overcome.&nbsp;



One of the guiding principles that Andre and I live by is to not waste
time and energy on things that are out of our control. At times, this is easier
said than done but I have found that, when applied, it’s been very helpful in
every aspect of my life. Applying this guiding principle to the circumstances
surrounding COVID-19 allowed us to dedicate all of our time and energy on the
things we could control.&nbsp;



I find that staying positive is crucial in overcoming any difficult
situation. As unexpected and trying as COVID-19 has been, Andre and I remind
ourselves that dealing with new and difficult challenges is part of what we
love about being entrepreneurs. Like so many of us, the constant need to
improve, learn and adapt is what drives and motivates us every day.&nbsp;



Quarantine and business slowing down over the past couple of months has,
surprisingly, had its positive side. Andre and I had the time to spend entire
days discussing the future of our company and ways we can improve our service,
business model, systems and processes. In a way, this time has been absolutely
freeing because it allowed us to step out of our usual day-to-day routine and
analyse the last six and half years of business. This has been an opportunity
for us to hit the ‘pause button’ to build a clearer and stronger vision for our
company, which we couldn’t feel more confident about.&nbsp;



We have a lot of exciting things coming up. We took this time to
establish a new partnership which is a significant step and key milestone for
our company (stay tuned to find out more about this). We are expanding to a new
destination in Spain before summer and have completely redesigned our website
which we will be launching soon (again, stay tuned)!&nbsp;



Another positive note was seeing the support and
comradery there was among, not only clients and property owners, but our
competitors. Acquaintances with whom we have only
worked with one or two times in the past have reached out and shared their data
and insight on bookings for the coming season and their thoughts and ideas on
how to navigate the situation.&nbsp;



As countries begin life after lockdown, things are far from being ‘back to normal.’ We are seeing an increase in inquiries which shows that people want to travel again and remain hopeful that they will be able to do so this summer. It’s very clear that this summer we will see a greater influx of ‘local tourism.’ Less people will travel abroad, choosing instead to explore different regions within their own country. We will have a much clearer understanding of what the summer season will look like in June, once we’ve seen data from European countries post-lockdown.



We look forward to things getting back to normal and welcoming all of our guests in our destinations. We look forward to unveiling the projects and changes we have in store. And, more than ever, we look forward to seeing what the future holds for A.M.A Selections.



Stay positive and stay safe!



Cheers,



Mariek and Andre



Founders of A.M.A Selections

Here are Our Thoughts on COVID-19

<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;" class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons" ></div>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2710" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4683.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4683-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4683-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4683-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4683-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo Source: A.M.A Selections</figcaption></figure>



It’s hard to believe that it’s only been three weeks since we’ve relocated to the new <a href="https://amaselections.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="A.M.A Selections (opens in a new tab)">A.M.A Selections</a> office. If you follow us on <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Instagram (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/ama_selections/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you’ll know we purchased an apartment and did a complete renovation of the space. We still have some finishing touches left to do but, because we’re too excited to wait, we’ll be sharing more of the inspiration and design process with you here until we’re ready for the full reveal!&nbsp; 



For now, I&#8217;m sharing the beginning of the process and why my partner Andre and I felt this space was the right office choice for our company.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4691-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2721" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4691-5.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4691-5-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4691-5-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4691-5-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4691-5-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Photo Source: A.M.A Selections </figcaption></figure>



The Concept



It’s important to work in a space that makes you happy and inspires you. We spend a lot of time at the office so it should be a place that we enjoy being in. The ultimate goal? To have a space that felt more like a home than an office. Our office is a reflection on our brand and, ultimately, Andre and me. This place is where Andre and I host our team, business partners, friends and family so it was important for the space to feel comfortable and chic. 



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4711.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2711" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4711.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4711-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4711-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4711-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4711-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Photo Source: A.M.A Selections </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-1 wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="2712" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20190925_181013-01.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-2712" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20190925_181013-01.jpeg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20190925_181013-01-250x394.jpeg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20190925_181013-01-120x189.jpeg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Photo Source: A.M.A Selections </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="2713" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20191108_144033-01.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-2713" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20191108_144033-01.jpeg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20191108_144033-01-250x394.jpeg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/20191108_144033-01-120x189.jpeg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Photo Source: A.M.A Selections </figcaption></figure>
</figure>



Location, Location



It took almost two years for Andre and I to find the right office for our company to grow into. We looked at all different types of real estate – rental or purchase, apartment or store front. As our team is constantly in and out of the office for client arrivals, departures, property visits and meetings, we quickly realized that being in the city center would be more of a nuisance than an advantage in regards to traffic and parking. We then expanded our search on the outskirts of Cannes center. Not surprisingly, it was difficult to find a property that provided everything we needed (ample parking, building access, and good location with easy access to city center and highway).



The day we visited this apartment everything felt right about the space and we couldn’t have asked for a better location – situated in the prestigious Bas Californie area of Cannes, only a few minutes from the famous Croisette (the main seaside promenade). Moreover, the 19th century building is one of the most historically significant properties in Cannes and used to be a luxury hotel that hosted aristocrats and royals from around the world. As our company is in luxury hospitality, this was all quite serendipitous.



We’ll be sharing more information on the building’s fascinating history in another post soon.



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4687-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2722" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4687-2.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4687-2-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4687-2-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4687-2-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4687-2-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Photo Source: A.M.A Selections </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-3 wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="2723" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4694-2.jpg" alt="A.M.A Selections office detail - chandelier" class="wp-image-2723" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4694-2.jpg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4694-2-250x394.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4694-2-120x189.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Photo Source: A.M.A Selections </figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img loading="lazy" width="470" height="740" data-id="2724" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4624-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2724" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4624-1.jpg 470w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4624-1-250x394.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4624-1-120x189.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Photo Source: A.M.A Selections </figcaption></figure>
</figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" width="950" height="660" src="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4645-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2725" srcset="https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4645-1.jpg 950w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4645-1-250x174.jpg 250w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4645-1-768x534.jpg 768w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4645-1-700x486.jpg 700w, https://magazine.amaselections.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC_4645-1-120x83.jpg 120w" sizes="(max-width: 950px) 100vw, 950px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Photo Source: A.M.A Selections </figcaption></figure>



Design Inspiration



Andre and I have a particular fondness for Haussmann and Belle Epoque style and architecture. These architectural styles originate from Paris, however, the Belle Epoque architecture can be seen throughout the coastal towns of the French Riviera.&nbsp;This is due to wealthy aristocrats and royals who began to frequent Nice and Cannes during the Belle Epoque era (late 1800s to 1920s) and built holiday homes in the surrounding areas.



I am incredibly lucky to have a job that allows me to see so many beautiful properties that I can draw inspiration from! There are a number of properties in the A.M.A Selections portfolio that are inspired by the Belle Epoque style including <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Villa Lauder (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amaselections.com/cannes-holiday-villa-rental-ca1048-html/" target="_blank">Villa Lauder</a> in Cannes, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Chateau Du Cap (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amaselections.com/cap-d-antibes-holiday-villa-rental-cd1015-html/" target="_blank">Chateau Du Cap</a> in Antibes and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Villa De La Pinède (opens in a new tab)" href="https://amaselections.com/cap-d-ail-holiday-villa-rental-mn1002/" target="_blank">Villa De La Pinède</a> near Monaco. Our office is also in a classic Belle Epoque building which is why the space has high ceilings and beautiful molding. The goal in designing our office was to have a clean, modern space that highlights the traditional elements we fell in love with.



In keeping with our philosophy, we wanted the conference room to feel like a dining room and for the main room to feel like a living space. To accomplish this, we chose statement chandeliers and furniture that you wouldn’t usually associate with an office. We also wanted to personalize the space which we did by introducing antiques and personal items that we’ve purchased on our travels.



If
you’d like to see more of our office, I will be posting about the renovation
and design process in several segments over the next couple of months.



xo – Mariek
Anselme

About the Author

Mariek Anselme

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