Blog | A Personalized Concierge Program With Dayna McLeod

26 North Yachts recently launched its new Travel Concierge program led by Dayna McLeod. Dayna and her team are bringing something brand-new to the yachting space – personalized global travel support for members that exceeds anything else on the market. We sat down with Dayna to learn more about this exciting program and discover how her unique background and skills will be an incredible asset to yacht-owners.

How does the 26 North Concierge service benefit members?

The new 26 North Concierge program is a first-in-its-class service made specifically for yacht-owners. After so many years of buying, selling and servicing high-end yachts, we saw this amazing opportunity to help owners optimize their yachting experience like never before. Services like travel agents, personal assistants and credit card travel benefits already exist, but we’re miles ahead of all that. 26 North Concierge is a 24/7 trusted lifestyle partner that offers yacht-owners near-limitless benefits. 

Who is your ideal member?

Our ideal member is someone who seeks unique and tailored experiences aboard their yacht. While land-based travel is well within our expertise, we excel at making yacht travel a seamless, world-class experience. This makes us different from other travel concierge companies. Our team works directly with captains and owner-operators to develop customized itineraries tailored to the needs and lifestyle of yacht passengers.

What makes this service unique?

We specialize in yachting, and our team understands the logistics and nuances around this type of travel. Our unsurpassed VIP travel planning takes your journey to a new level, connecting you with rarified experiences around the world. And unlike other services, members enjoy a dedicated point of contact and support from the same team. We get to know you personally and create a real, trusting and supportive relationship, with a deep understanding of what even the most discerning members require.

How do you know what members do and don’t like?

Membership begins with an in-depth interview so we can understand your preferences and personal profile in great detail. Our goal is to bring personalization to a whole new level by taking time to understand each member’s individual likes and dislikes. Every itinerary we create is unique to your personality — a flawless, worry-free experience that allows you to completely unwind in your travels as we handle every detail.

How did your background prepare you to be a Travel Concierge?

I’ve lived, worked and traveled in more than 80 countries, so I bring a global network of relationships and insights. I worked on yachts for eight years and spent 14 years in private aviation handling the needs of fortune 500 CEOs and celebrities. I know all major yachting destinations like the back of my hand. When I’m your Travel Concierge, I’m not just Googling solutions from a home office. I’m reaching out directly to professional contacts around the world, tapping into firsthand knowledge and ensuring that the solutions I create are nothing short of perfect.

What kind of details can a concierge handle for my trip? 

We handle personalized VIP travel itineraries, marina dockage and fuel arrangements, secure private flights, ground transportation, reservations for luxury hotels and villas, all

passport and visa issues, entry requirements, recommendations and reservations at the best restaurants and trendiest bars, and we can arrange unique leisure experiences, such as wine tours, cooking classes, race car driving and more. This is a high-touch service; if you can dream it, we can make it happen.

What’s an example of your work in action?

Recently, we had a member who previously made his own hotel reservation during the Monaco Yacht Show. He booked a hotel in Nice, but knowing the short drive from Nice to Monaco was especially tough during the show, I moved him to a hotel closer to the venue, saving him time and frustration. That’s the kind of insight that only comes from firsthand knowledge. Another time, a member called me for dinner reservations at Buddha Bar in Monaco during boat show weekend with just 24 hours notice. That’s typically an impossible request, but I called a trusted contact and got them the best table in the house.

Do you feel like your approach is uniquely effective?

Absolutely. Beyond experience and relationships, I know how my clients think. For example, if a member asks me to book them an Italian dinner, I also book a backup reservation with a different cuisine in case they change their mind. I’m always three steps ahead. When I book something, I call and confirm multiple times, ensuring that all arrangements are air-tight, so we don’t have any hiccups. The level of detail and commitment to success we bring is unparalleled.

What are the current membership options?

26 North Concierge offers two levels of membership. The Ambassador Membership one is a one-year unlimited package that includes assistance with any type of travel outside your home city. Our Platinum Membership includes all of those benefits plus assistance in your home city. This could mean almost anything – private chef experiences, local tours, hard-to-get tickets and reservations, and much more. Anyone interested in learning more about this program should contact 26 North today.