The Cognac region of France may not be famous for vodka – but it is the home of one of vodka’s most famous brands. Grey Goose is now offering wealthy fans of the spirit a chance to stay in the brand’s 'spiritual home' – a beautifully renovated 17th century manor house.

Has it become cool to be kind? Why are image-conscious men swapping power tools for man bags? Can we really get a local touch from a globalised brand? And does the future of the luxury sector live online?

From a meet-and-greet with a Michelin-starred chef, to a private helicopter tour of Maui or a secluded dinner for two in the desert in Dubai, hotel chain Waldorf Astoria is providing guests with the ultimate luxury leisure activities. Will they prove to be as unforgettable as the brand hopes?

Should luxury brands be digitising? Should they be championing sustainability? What do customers expect in-store? As part of our Expert Outlook 2016 series, we speak to three experts about the value of experience, customisation and increasingly time-poor luxury consumers.