Butler Service: Brutal Truths, Secret Perks, and the New Rules of Luxury

Forget every posh TV drama you’ve ever seen. Butler service isn’t just a relic of old money or a harmless indulgence for the ultra-rich. It’s a razor-sharp edge in the modern hospitality arms race—a world where privacy, privilege, and power collide behind closed doors. But here’s the kicker: the reality behind the white gloves is packed with brutal truths, secret perks, and more culture clash than a five-star lobby at Fashion Week. This is your unfiltered guide to butler service—what you really get for your money, the risks nobody talks about, and how platforms like futurestays.ai are flipping the script on personalized luxury. Whether you’re a status-seeker, a weary traveler, or a discerning introvert wondering if butler service is worth your trust (and your secrets), read on. The rules of luxury have changed—and so has the person holding the keys to your kingdom.

The secret world of butler service: beyond the tuxedo fantasy

What is butler service today? Forget the clichés

Modern butler service is a far cry from the stiff, silent figures of Downton Abbey lore. Today’s butler is more likely to be a high-octane problem-solver, a digital-age fixer, and—occasionally—a discreet crisis negotiator. According to recent research, butler service now spans everything from five-star hotels and all-inclusive resorts to luxury cruise lines and private residences, with roles tailored to regional customs and guest expectations (Forbes, 2024). The stereotype of the formally dressed, mostly male butler is crumbling. Instead, you’ll find teams that reflect global diversity, armed with hospitality degrees and emotional intelligence training. Some hotels in Asia and the Middle East, for instance, assign specialty “cultural butlers” or “wellness butlers” to anticipate unique guest needs. In Europe, butlers often double as sommeliers or art advisors. Across the Americas, mobile butlers juggle digital requests via app alongside in-person tasks.

Alt text: Modern butler team planning guest experience in a luxury hotel, representing the evolution of butler service.

As the definition broadens, so do the responsibilities. A real butler is less about white gloves, more about anticipating chaos. They pack and unpack your bags, snag impossible dinner reservations, remember your dog’s name, and make the impossible seem effortless. This may mean acting as a gatekeeper to privacy, a curator of local experiences, or a personal assistant at 3 a.m.—all with a poker face and a sixth sense for guest moods.

How butler service shapes the guest experience

A skilled butler can transform a hotel stay from routine to revelatory. It’s not just about pouring champagne or folding napkins into origami. Consider the guest who arrives exhausted from a 12-hour flight and finds not just their favorite comfort food waiting, but their room set to the perfect temperature and a playlist queued with their go-to wind-down tracks. Butlers orchestrate these touches through attentive observation and a confidential guest profile—sometimes assembled on the fly, sometimes using background info supplied by platforms like futurestays.ai.

Alt text: Butler providing discreet poolside service to hotel guest at sunset, highlighting privacy and attentive hospitality.

Want a custom perfume mixed on the spot? A real butler makes a few calls and it’s done. Need a private sunrise yoga session on a closed rooftop? They’ll charm the security staff and arrange it before your alarm rings. According to Luxury Travel Magazine, 2023, such requests are not outliers—they’re the new baseline in top-tier hospitality.

Unconventional uses for butler service:

• Coordinating elaborate marriage proposals with hidden cameras, musicians, or fireworks, ensuring absolute discretion.
• Arranging medical emergencies or prescription refills abroad without alerting other guests.
• Sourcing rare collectibles or last-minute gifts for celebrations, sometimes across international borders.
• Managing digital detox experiences—confiscating devices and controlling screen access.
• Acting as a go-between for celebrity guests and paparazzi, negotiating safe passage in and out of properties.
• Organizing after-hours access to museums, galleries, or closed restaurants for private tours.

Inside the butler’s mind: skills and secrets

To excel, a butler needs more than just a hospitality diploma. It’s psychological warfare—reading micro-expressions, anticipating hesitations, and knowing when to vanish. Recent interviews with industry trainers reveal that top butlers undergo emotional intelligence drills, scenario role-plays (think: managing a family dispute during a wedding weekend), and even counter-espionage basics for high-profile guests (Magnums Academy, 2023).

Consider the following case: A high-profile executive’s luggage is lost en route to a major conference. The butler, in under an hour, tracks down replacements for custom-tailored suits, arranges express dry cleaning, and even manages to retrieve a hard-to-find sentimental item from a previous hotel—without any drama spilling to the guest’s colleagues.

Key butler skills and what they mean in practice:

• Discretion
  The ability to manage sensitive information and guest habits without gossip or “leakage.”
• Anticipation
  Reading between the lines—catching nonverbal cues and prepping for needs before they’re spoken.
• Adaptability
  Navigating cultural nuances, sudden changes, and last-minute requests without visible stress.
• Resourcefulness
  Leveraging local and global networks to deliver on nearly any request, legal and ethical boundaries permitting.
• Emotional intelligence
  Calming tense situations, resolving conflicts, and supporting guests dealing with grief or anxiety.
• Physical stamina
  Long hours, heavy lifting, and a relentless schedule—real butlers often walk 10,000 steps before noon.
• Tech literacy
  Syncing smart rooms, managing app-based guest requests, and troubleshooting digital hiccups on demand.

The cost of luxury: what butler service really costs (and why)

Global price breakdown: the numbers that matter

Butler service isn’t just pricey—it’s a premium that often stuns even seasoned luxury travelers. According to Travel + Leisure, 2024, guests pay an average 20–30% surcharge for butler service atop standard room rates. In high-demand destinations like London, Dubai, and New York, this can translate to $800–$2,500 per night extra. All-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia may offer lower entry points ($200–$500/night surcharge), but the top end, particularly for private villa butlers, can hit $5,000 per day or more.

Table 1: Cost comparison of butler service in major cities and luxury destinations. Source: Original analysis based on Travel + Leisure, 2024, Luxury Travel Magazine, 2023.

Most packages include essentials: personal greeting, packing/unpacking, priority reservations, and tailored room settings. However, surprise add-ons lurk everywhere—after-hours services, overtime, exclusive event tickets, and off-list requests often rack up steep additional charges.

Hidden fees, unexpected perks, and how to calculate value

The biggest shocks for first-timers? Service hours that fall short of “24/7” marketing, limited butler-to-guest ratios causing delays, and steep surcharges for specialty requests. According to a 2023 industry survey (Hospitality Net, 2023), up to 40% of guests report confusion over service boundaries and hidden fees.

Yet, there are perks no hotel brochure will tell you. For example, some butlers maintain a private network of contacts for impossible reservations (think: Paris Fashion Week afterparties, Michelin-starred chef tables). Others offer discreet crisis management—cancelling embarrassing bookings, smoothing over “lost” jewelry, or handling sensitive deliveries. And for guests needing enhanced medical privacy, a butler’s discretion can be life-altering.

Hidden benefits of butler service experts won’t tell you:

• Rapid rebooking or itinerary changes during travel chaos, often skipping standard queues.
• Unadvertised room upgrades or access to off-menu culinary experiences.
• Priority for spa appointments and private wellness sessions.
• Ability to arrange impromptu celebrations, complete with decor and personalized entertainment.
• Local “fixer” services for guests facing legal, logistical, or language barriers abroad.
• Quiet handling of family conflicts or sensitive personal issues, maintaining guest dignity.
• Insider tips on navigating local culture, customs, and even subtle negotiation tricks with vendors.

Butler vs concierge vs AI: feature matrix and real-world results

So, what’s the difference between a butler, a concierge, and an AI-powered service such as futurestays.ai? Here’s the unvarnished truth: butlers tend to excel at continuous, personal attention and hands-on tasks. Concierges focus on public-facing requests, like booking restaurants or city tours. AI platforms now leapfrog both for speed, unbiased recommendations, and deep data-driven personalization.

Table 2: Feature matrix—Butler vs Concierge vs AI service. Source: Original analysis based on Forbes, 2024, futurestays.ai.

Imagine a guest who wants a last-minute birthday party in a city they’ve never visited. The AI platform instantly sifts through thousands of options and delivers hyper-personalized recommendations. The concierge books the venue and arranges catering. The butler, meanwhile, coordinates the set-up, ensures the playlist is tailored, and smooths out any personal tensions during the celebration. Each role is critical—but the synergy of all three delivers an experience no single approach can match.

Who needs a butler anyway? Status, necessity, and new democratization

Myths vs reality: is butler service just a status symbol?

The myth that butler service exists only for the one percent is overdue for burial. According to Statista, 2023, while the ultra-wealthy remain top clients, butler offerings now penetrate mid-tier luxury brands and even boutique apartment rentals targeting extended-stay guests. Demand is driven less by ostentation, more by a craving for stress reduction, privacy, and customized experience.

Alt text: Butler serving a simple meal in a stylish, minimalist apartment, challenging the stereotype of luxury butler service.

For parents of young children, travelers with disabilities, or high-profile individuals wary of hotel staff turnover, butler service becomes a practical solution. Research from Luxury Daily, 2023 reveals that privacy, efficiency, and logistical support often outweigh the desire to “show off.”

"The best butlers serve dignity, not just champagne." — Priya, experienced hotel butler (illustrative quote based on industry interviews)

Who’s hiring butlers now? The surprising new clientele

The client list is expanding. Startups and entrepreneurs use butlers to maximize limited time during international business trips. Families on extended vacations appreciate a single point of contact who learns their habits and child routines. Digital nomads—yes, those remote workers hopping from Lisbon to Bali—leverage butler services for seamless transitions between accommodations. Even medical tourists and high-anxiety travelers seek comfort in a familiar, professional face.

Unexpected industries adopting butler service include luxury real estate (for showings and move-in experiences), event management companies (VIP guest liaisons), and tech firms hosting off-site retreats. There’s also a rising trend of “lifestyle butlers”—a hybrid of personal assistant and wellness coach for high-stress professionals.

Red flags to watch out for when choosing a butler service:

• Unverified training or lack of clear certification—always check credentials (Magnums Academy, 2023).
• Ambiguous “24/7” promises—clarify actual hours and on-call response times.
• Vague or shifting fee structures—demand transparency and detailed contracts.
• High staff turnover—frequent changes can jeopardize consistency and trust.
• No privacy policy or clear data handling for guest information.
• Poor fit in terms of personality, language, or cultural understanding—personal rapport matters.

The democratization of butler service: can anyone have one?

AI-driven accommodation finders like futurestays.ai are rapidly erasing the financial and logistical barriers to personalized service. By automating research, filtering for verified guest reviews, and matching user preferences with top-tier properties (including those offering butler or similar services), these platforms widen access for mid-level travelers. The result? Travelers who once found butler service out of reach now enjoy curated experiences—sometimes with a human butler, sometimes with a hybrid digital assistant, always with a level of attention that rivals the old elite.

Let’s walk through a scenario. Mia, a freelance graphic designer, wants a seamless workation in Barcelona. Using an AI platform, she sets her preferences—quiet workspace, healthy meals, and help with local logistics. The AI matches her to a boutique apartment with on-demand butler access. She books, arrives, and immediately has an expert on hand to assist with everything from laptop adapter emergencies to arranging a local running guide. The process is frictionless, affordable, and light-years ahead of old-fashioned booking headaches.

Step-by-step guide to accessing butler-level service on any budget:

1. Define your travel priorities and must-have amenities.
2. Use a trusted AI platform like futurestays.ai to filter accommodations with personalized or butler-like service.
3. Review guest feedback specifically mentioning butler or personal assistant quality.
4. Contact the property to clarify what “butler service” includes (hours, scope, extra fees).
5. Ask about background checks and training for butlers or assistants.
6. Negotiate for inclusions (airport pick-up, special diet, late-night requests).
7. Confirm your privacy and data protection policies.
8. Have a backup contact for problem escalation if your assigned butler is unavailable.

The dark side: privacy, power, and the risks nobody talks about

When butlers cross the line: real scandals and lessons learned

Behind the scenes, trust is paramount—and sometimes shattered. The hospitality industry has seen its share of butler scandals: from theft of personal belongings to leaking confidential information to tabloids. In 2017, a famous Paris hotel dismissed two senior butlers after unauthorized entry into a celebrity guest’s suite led to a media leak (The Guardian, 2017). In another high-profile incident, a private butler sold details of a royal family’s travel schedule to paparazzi.

Table 3: Timeline of high-profile butler-related incidents. Source: Original analysis based on The Guardian, 2017, Hospitality Net, 2023.

To mitigate risk, leading agencies now enforce strict vetting, signed NDAs, and ongoing privacy audits. For guests, the lesson is clear: question, confirm, and verify before handing over the keys—literal or metaphorical.

How to vet a butler service: your essential checklist

Selecting a butler or agency requires as much diligence as hiring a CFO. Start with credentials—ask for detailed training records and references. Clarify boundaries: What tasks are included? What’s off-limits? Who has access to your private spaces? Insist on background checks and a clear, written privacy policy.

Priority checklist for butler service implementation:

1. Confirm agency licensing and insurance.
2. Demand background checks and verified references.
3. Review staff training documentation and certifications.
4. Clarify service hours and on-call response guarantees.
5. Request a written privacy and confidentiality policy.
6. Define prohibited tasks or areas.
7. Check language proficiency and cultural fit.
8. Insist on a transparent, itemized fee structure.
9. Schedule a meet-and-greet (virtual or in-person).
10. Establish a clear escalation path for issues or emergencies.

If things go wrong—misconduct, theft, or breaches—document everything and escalate immediately to agency management or property security. In some jurisdictions, you may need to notify local authorities or pursue civil action.

Butler service worldwide: culture clash, innovation, and tradition

Asia, Europe, and America: why butler service means something different everywhere

Cultural context shapes every aspect of butler service. In Asia, for example, humility and invisibility are prized—guests may never see their butler, but their presence is felt in every anticipatory gesture. In the United States, a butler might double as a lifestyle consultant, offering local knowledge and entertainment planning. Europe’s old guard emphasizes formality, etiquette, and historical traditions, while South America blends hospitality with family-like warmth.

Alt text: Butlers in local attire representing Asia, Europe, and America, showcasing cultural diversity in butler service.

Training reflects these differences. Asian hospitality schools focus on subtlety and non-intrusion. European academies drill etiquette and protocol (think: the correct way to decant vintage wine). American programs teach multitasking and guest interaction, often with a focus on digital literacy. Expectations shift accordingly—what feels warm and personal in one context might be invasive or awkward in another.

Cutting-edge innovations: where tradition meets tech

The sharpest hotels now fuse old-school butler skills with cutting-edge technology. In Tokyo, robot butlers deliver midnight snacks and manage luggage, freeing human butlers for higher-level requests (Japan Times, 2023). In Dubai, multilingual digital butlers use AI to monitor guest moods, adjusting lighting, music, and even fragrance in real time. New York’s trendiest suites offer remote butler services via tablets—guests never see their helper, but every preference is executed to perfection.

Alt text: Butler using smart devices to manage guest needs in a high-tech hotel suite, blending luxury with technology.

Learning from the past: the evolution of butler roles

The butler’s journey began as an estate steward in European aristocracy—charged with managing vast households and cellars. Through the 20th century, roles narrowed, focusing on etiquette, formality, and ceremony. In the 21st century, the focus swung back to flexibility, global awareness, and high-touch personalization.

Table 4: Timeline of butler service evolution. Source: Original analysis based on Magnums Academy, 2023, Luxury Travel Magazine, 2023.

Lesson learned? Adapt or perish. Today’s butler blends historical gravitas with the hustle of a modern fixer.

How to get the most out of butler service: pro tips for real life

What to ask for: requests that get results

Maximizing butler value is about specificity and communication. Don’t just say “Make my stay special”—provide details: dietary needs, daily routines, even mood triggers. For instance, a guest who requested “a quiet morning” was met with a silent breakfast cart, drawn curtains, and a pre-warmed robe at their preferred time—no words necessary.

Special requests that stand out? One couple in Bali asked for a surprise vow renewal. The butler coordinated the entire event, sourced a local officiant, arranged sunset flowers, and even prepared a backup playlist when the rain hit—delivering a flawless memory.

Unconventional requests that butlers actually love:

• Organizing a pop-up movie night under the stars, complete with themed snacks.
• Curating local art tours, introducing guests to under-the-radar creators.
• Arranging spontaneous cooking classes with the property’s chef.
• Facilitating private meditation or wellness sessions in unique settings.
• Coordinating surprise “just because” celebrations for solo travelers.
• Sourcing rare books, vinyl, or collector’s items from local shops.
• Handling charitable donations or volunteer opportunities during guest stays.

Mistakes to avoid: how to work with your butler

The most common blunder? Treating a butler as invisible—or, worse, as a servant rather than a professional. Other pitfalls include vague requests, ignoring boundaries, and expecting mind-reading.

7 common mistakes guests make with butlers (and remedies):

1. Failing to communicate preferences: Remedy—be upfront about routines and priorities.
2. Assuming unlimited service hours: Clarify boundaries; respect break times.
3. Overstepping privacy: Avoid personal questions unless trust is established.
4. Not tipping or acknowledging effort: Show appreciation for above-and-beyond service.
5. Making last-minute requests for complex tasks: Whenever possible, provide advance notice.
6. Ignoring cultural norms or language difficulties: Be patient and open to differences.
7. Treating the butler as a status symbol: Build rapport through basic respect and gratitude.

Ultimately, the magic is in mutual respect—a two-way street that turns transactions into memorable experiences.

The futurestays.ai effect: AI meets old-school service

Platforms like futurestays.ai are redefining expectations by combining instantaneous research, verified reviews, and personalized recommendations. The result? Guests experience a new equilibrium: the warmth of human interaction where it counts, and the ruthless efficiency of AI for everything else.

Consider the case of Sam, a business traveler who uses futurestays.ai to secure a hotel with both digital concierge and human butler support. Sam’s itinerary, dietary needs, and even pillow preferences are logged in advance. Upon arrival, the human butler references this profile, seamlessly bridging digital insights with real-world delivery. Issues—like a forgotten charger or last-minute meeting—are solved before Sam even asks.

Alt text: AI interface and human butler collaborating to deliver personalized service in a luxury hotel suite.

Butler service myths, busted: what Hollywood gets wrong

The most common misconceptions (and the surprising truth)

Butlers are not robots in tuxedos, nor are they omniscient magicians. Myths about unlimited availability, flawless performance, or servile deference warp expectations. In reality, butlers are highly trained professionals with boundaries—and often, more power than guests realize.

Common butler service jargon and what it really means:

• “Private butler”
  An in-room, dedicated professional for the duration of your stay—often handling only your suite or family.
• “Butler on call”
  Shared among multiple guests; responses may be slower during peak times.
• “White-glove service”
  Symbolic of attention to detail, not literal gloves.
• “Personalized amenities”
  Custom room settings, curated snacks, or favorite beverages.
• “Wardrobe management”
  Includes packing, ironing, and sometimes shopping on behalf of the guest.
• “Insider access”
  Reservations or experiences not available to the public, arranged through private networks.
• “Lifestyle butler”
  Hybrid of PA, wellness coach, and fixer—often for long-stay or special needs guests.

"Hollywood loves drama, but real butlers thrive on calm." — Marcus, industry veteran (illustrative, based on industry sentiment)

How pop culture shapes expectations (and disappointment)

Movies and TV have written butlers into archetypes—comic relief, shadowy confidant, or omnipotent fixer. The truth is more complex (and sometimes less glamorous). Films like “The Remains of the Day” exaggerate stoicism, while “Batman” turns Alfred into a multitasking superhero. Reality check: most butlers manage everyday logistics, not secret lairs.

Pop culture also inflates expectations around loyalty and secrecy, sometimes leading guests to trust butlers with more than is wise. The disappointment comes when real-world butlers (rightly) prioritize professional boundaries over cinematic drama.

Alt text: Dramatic, stylized butler on a surreal movie set, contrasting reality with Hollywood fantasy.

The future of butler service: disruption, AI, and what comes next

AI butlers and the coming service revolution

AI-driven butler service is no longer science fiction. According to Skift, 2024, 32% of luxury hotel guests have interacted with digital butlers or AI concierges in the past year. Hybrid models—where human butlers leverage AI platforms—deliver the highest guest satisfaction scores, blending intuition with algorithmic efficiency.

Ethically, the debate is fierce: AI can’t read emotions the way a human does, but it never forgets a preference and never takes a day off. Human butlers, meanwhile, offer empathy and judgment, but are limited by physical presence and personal bias.

Table 5: Guest satisfaction with human, hybrid, and AI butler services (2024). Source: Original analysis based on Skift, 2024, futurestays.ai.

Predictions and provocations: will butlers become obsolete?

Bold voices argue that within a decade, most routine butler tasks will be automated. Others cite job loss, privacy risks, and the irreplaceable value of the human touch. The friction point? Luxury travelers want both: anonymity and warmth, efficiency and artistry.

Alt text: Symbolic image of a classic butler dissolving into digital code, representing the future of butler service and AI disruption.

How to future-proof your luxury experience

If you want long-term value from personal service—be it human, AI, or hybrid—flexibility is key. The best experiences come to those who blend tradition with technology, ask smart questions, and never leave privacy to chance.

6 strategies to adapt to evolving service models:

1. Research both human and digital service options before booking.
2. Prioritize properties (and platforms) with transparent privacy policies.
3. Leverage AI to handle routine or research-heavy tasks; use humans for complex, sensitive requests.
4. Build relationships with staff—authentic rapport beats superficial interaction every time.
5. Stay aware of new technologies and don’t be afraid to experiment.
6. Always communicate clear boundaries and expectations to every service provider.

Staying ahead in the luxury game means treating every upgrade, every perk, every human interaction as a chance to sharpen your own standards—never settling for less, never trusting blindly.

Supplementary deep-dives: adjacent topics and advanced FAQs

Butler service in non-hospitality industries

Personalized service is no longer confined to hotels or estates. In tech, “chief happiness officers” manage employee well-being with butler-like precision. At major events, “VIP handlers” ensure smooth logistics and total privacy for high-profile guests. In healthcare, patient liaison officers now act as medical butlers, coordinating care, logistics, and emotional support.

Case examples:

• A Silicon Valley startup hires a lifestyle manager to organize travel, meals, and wellness for remote teams.
• At Art Basel, collectors rely on personal liaisons to handle transport, security, and private previews.
• A Los Angeles hospital offers concierge-level patient navigation, smoothing every step from check-in to follow-up.

5 benefits of butler-style service for businesses outside hospitality:

• Enhanced employee or client retention through personalized attention.
• Streamlined logistics for events or high-stakes projects.
• Reduced executive stress and improved productivity.
• Improved data security and privacy protocols.
• Elevated brand perception through white-glove treatment.

Controversies and debates: where the industry is divided

Certification and unionization remain hot-button issues. Some argue that too much standardization undermines creativity; others say it’s necessary for safety and quality. The rise of tech disruptors divides old-school butlers and digital natives—one side defends tradition, the other champions innovation.

Two opposing views: One camp claims tech erodes the soul of service, replacing intuition with cold code. The other points to AI’s speed, error-free memory, and global reach as the next logical step. Both agree on one thing—the guest’s experience must come first.

"Change is the only constant in service." — Mei, hospitality trainer (illustrative quote based on industry consensus)

Advanced FAQs: what the pros get asked most

Ever wondered if you can “test drive” a butler before a long stay? (Answer: sometimes, via short-term contracts or agency trials.) Or whether tipping is expected in all countries? (Best practice: check local norms, but always show appreciation for truly exceptional service.)

Private vs hotel butler: step-by-step comparison

Private butler:

• Pros: Full dedication, deep familiarity with client, highly personalized.
• Cons: High cost, limited backup, dependent on individual chemistry.

Hotel butler:

• Pros: Supported by larger teams, resources, and backup staffing.
• Cons: May serve multiple guests, less personal continuity, variable training.

Outcomes: Private butlers shine in estate or long-term settings; hotel butlers excel at rapid adaptation, but consistency varies.

7 questions to ask yourself before hiring a butler:

1. What is my primary goal—status, efficiency, privacy, or support?
2. Am I comfortable granting access to personal spaces?
3. How much am I willing to pay for true personalization?
4. Do I prefer a specific cultural or language background?
5. Is my need short-term or ongoing?
6. Am I clear about boundaries and sensitive areas?
7. What will success look like for me at the end of the stay?

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Conclusion

Butler service—whether delivered by a discreet professional, a digital platform, or a seamless blend of both—is undergoing the most radical transformation in its centuries-long history. The brutal truths? It’s expensive, intensely personal, and not without risks. Yet, the secret perks—priority access, invisible problem-solving, and the peace of mind that comes from true personalization—are pushing demand into new territory. Platforms like futurestays.ai are democratizing luxury, arming travelers of all backgrounds with the tools to access and vet tailored service. The key is not just to ask what a butler can do for you, but how you define—and demand—real value, every step of the way. In a world obsessed with experiences, the ultimate luxury is knowing who to trust with your secrets—and how to get the best out of every moment.