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Destinations 15 Extravagant Experiences For The Uber-Luxurious Traveller
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15 Extravagant Experiences For The Uber-Luxurious Traveller

Get a private island, go on a luxe cruise or understand cultures across the world on a private jet with these extravagant travel experiences.

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By: Shrimayee Thakur Published: May 17, 2022 08:00 AM IST

15 Extravagant Experiences For The Uber-Luxurious Traveller
Image: Shutterstock

Get an island all to yourself, go on a decadent cruise around gorgeous European cities, or take a close look at cultures across the world on a private jet tour. These 15 extravagant travel experiences will enamour even the most discerning globetrotters. By Shrimayee Thakur

15 uber-luxurious experiences for the extravagant traveller

Chase Sunsets in Morocco

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Image: Shutterstock

Taruna Seth, founder of Encompass Experiences, highly recommends chasing “the golden-yellow sunsets in Morocco.” The seven-day trip she curates starts in Marrakesh, where you can explore the old-world medina and its charming souks. Visit Majorelle Garden, an artist’s landscape garden, and the Yves Saint Laurent Mansion, a museum dedicated to the late designer who drew inspiration from Marrakesh for his work. A private charter then takes you to Fes, an ancient city with a medina of its own. It is home to 14th-century schools Bou Inania and Al Attarine, decorated with intricate carvings and tile work. You can also visit the famous leather tanneries in the city. Another private charter from Fes takes you to the Casablanca airport for your return journey. goencompass.in

Luxuriate on a Private Maldives Isle

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Image: Courtesy of Four Seasons

“Vovoah is perfect for vacations with close friends or family, away from prying eyes,” says Seemaa Makhija, managing director of Travel Voyages, which organises trips for jet-setters. A private haven in the Maldives, Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Vovoah prides itself on its customisability. Whether you want a relaxing tropical getaway, a thrilling water sports centre, or the perfect wedding/party venue, this resort has it all covered. You have the island and its vast, pristine beaches, 19-metre yacht, seven bedrooms, and spa all to yourself. The place can accommodate up to 21 guests. A resident pod of playful dolphins might accompany you on dives into clear turquoise waters. Your private chef whips up culinary delights tailored to your taste, while intuitive therapists design programmes just for you. fourseasons.com

Go on an Epic Family Adventure in Kenya

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Designed for both adults and children, &BEYOND’s Ultimate Kenya Family Adventure is a 10-night tour that includes lodges and activities to delight travellers of all ages. Make friends with Rothschild giraffes at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, and adopt an elephant at the David Wildlife Trust. Traverse the Lewa Wilderness Camp in Laikipia on the back of a camel and meet the locals, or take in a bird’s-eye view of the terrain on a biplane. Take advantage of the WildChild itinerary for small children at the Masai Mara National Reserve and introduce the young ones to wildlife on a nature walk. Older kids can explore a Maasai village on foot with a guide. End your trip with a relaxing stay at Alfajiri Villas in Diani, where you can partake in deep-sea fishing and diving, or simply lounge by the pool. andbeyond.com

Discover Greece on a Private Yacht

Image: Courtesy of Blue Parallel

If you want to discover Greece in style, charter a private luxury yacht with Blue Parallel. The nine-day tour starts in Athens, the birthplace of Western civilisation, where you can discover the history of the Acropolis and Agora. From Athens’ port, the yacht takes you to the Cyclades islands, where you can hop from isle to isle, and explore each stop with an expert team waiting for you on land. Relax on the quiet beaches in Milos, and feast at a local tavern; hike around the caldera in Santorini, and pick up culinary skills from expert chefs at the picturesque village of Pyrgos; wander into caves in Little Cyclades;
partake in the nightlife of Mykonos; and swim along deserted beaches at the uninhabited Polyaigos Island. blueparallel.com

Go Island-Hopping in the Caribbean

Plan the Caribbean vacation of your dreams with a 10-day Caribbean Island Hopping Adventure. The tour takes you to Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Petit St. Vincent. Go on a private deep-sea fishing trip to try your hand at catching dorados, tuna, mackerel, or snappers, and enjoy the gorgeous view of the coastline as the crew regales you with fun facts about the island. Later, dig into a delicious meal that incorporates your catch of the day. Explore a rainforest with a customisable hiking excursion. In Barbados, snorkel with sea turtles, or relax on the beach with a refreshing rum punch. Test your skills with a kitesurfing lesson offered by experienced instructors. A private yacht takes you to Petit St. Vincent, where you can spend the rest of your vacation lounging on the white sands, and go snorkelling to explore beautiful coral reefs. excursionist.com

Live in a 16th-Century Villa in Italy

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Image: Courtesy of Villa Pliniana, Lake Como

Available for booking only in its entirety, Villa Pliniana is a 16th-century waterfront Italian estate spread over an area of 18 acres on the serene banks of Lake Como. Through the years, it has hosted some famous guests like composer Gioacchino Rossini, Emperor Napoleon, and poet P B Shelley, who said that the view from here was “the most lovely that eye ever beheld.” Each of its 18 bedrooms is luxuriously appointed with modern amenities and a touch of history. Dip into the infinity pool in its huge spa, which gives you the wonderful illusion of swimming in the middle of the lake, or venture into the lake on the villa’s own Vaporina Boat. serenohotels.com

Explore the Eastern Himalayas

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Explore the popular summer retreat of Darjeeling and the pristine vistas of Sikkim in 12 days on The Eastern Himalaya journey curated by Greaves India. Discover beautiful flower nurseries in Kalimpong, and indulge in retail therapy in its markets. Drive to Gangtok and visit Tashi Viewpoint at the crack of dawn for an enthralling view of Mt. Kangchenjunga. Later, head to the famous Rumtek Monastery. Delightful rides in the toy train and a stay in the Glenburn Tea Estate await you in Darjeeling. Learn more about the family-run tea estate on a private tour, or hike to Glenburn Camp Site for an exciting day spent exploring the verdant hills of the area. greavesindia.com

Enjoy a Bird’s-Eye View of Hawaii

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Image: Bruce Omori/Courtesy of Paradise Helicopters

Famous for its dramatic landscapes, Hawaii is prime location for a private-jet excursion. Excursionist’s tour, Intrepid Hawaii By Private Jet, allows you to discover the many natural and cultural wonders of the islands. Start at Big Island, where you can take a private helicopter survey of the land, which has stark contrasting features like barren lava fields and lush tropical rainforests. Keep an eye out for the island’s daily volcanic activity. Head to a private nature reserve in Kohala, where you can enjoy a rainforest hike, a swim under a cascade, and a gorgeous sunset on a private sailing excursion. Fly to Hana to explore hidden waterfalls and black-sand beaches. Marvel at the crystal clear waters of Turtle Town in a kayak and go for a snorkel, then travel to Lanai in a speedboat to learn about Hawaiian mythology. excursionist.com

Travel around the World on a Private Jet

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Image: Shutterstock

Always wanted to see the whole world? Go on Abercrombie & Kent’s super-exclusive tour, Cultural Treasures: Around the World by Private Jet. This expert-led exploration takes a group of up to 48 jet-setters across eight countries in 23 days. Once you land in Seattle, you’ll be taken to the Four Seasons to meet your fellow flyers. On the tour, you can explore Angkor Thom and learn about Khmer arts in Cambodia; gaze upon the towering Mount Everest on a helicopter flight; celebrate Samarkand’s Silk Road heritage with a private concert, fire jugglers, and a fashion show; watch a race in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix organised just for you; explore Wadi Rum in a 4×4, uncover the secrets of Petra with a local archaeologist, and experience a torchlit dinner in Little Petra; and attend a traditional Sicilian wedding, complete with folk dances and traditional food. abercrombiekent.com

Sample the Royal Life in French Polynesia

Image: Courtesy of The Brando

The ethereal Tetiaroa atoll was once a summer retreat for Tahitian royalty, and it is now home to a luxury resort. Conceptualised by actor Marlon Brando, The Brando features 35 villas on white-sand beaches. Explore the lagoon in a Polynesian outrigger canoe, or grab a pair of binoculars for a closer look at the myriad species of exotic birds on Tahuna Iti (Bird Island). Explore the importance of Tetiaroa for the locals at the ancient marae (temples). Unwind at the end of your day with a scrumptious in-villa meal and a traditional Tahitian dance show. thebrando.com

Go on a Flying Safari of the Annual Migration in Tanzania

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Image: Courtesy of John Dambik/Alamy

The annual migration in Africa is a pilgrimage of sorts for wildlife lovers. To comprehend its scale, sign up for a unique flying safari in Tanzania between July and September. The aerial vantage point offers unparalleled views of a spectacular event, where over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move through the Serengeti and Masai Mara. “The experience is out of this world,” says Seemaa Makhija of Travel Voyages, which organises the tour. The 10-day expedition begins in Nairobi, from where a private charter takes you to the Angama Safari Camp, located in the Mara triangle. Spend the following days using a private charter to fly over the migrating herds. The trip ends at the Four Seasons Safari Lodge in Serengeti, where lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants, and rhinoceros roam freely. lcc-travelvoyages.com

Adopt the Green Lifestyle in French Polynesia

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Image: Courtesy of Motunaonao

Motu Nao Nao is a family-owned private island located in the Raiatea Lagoon. Accessible by boat or helicopter, it features three lovely bungalows with two bedrooms each, designed by local designer Alain Fleurot. Committed to limiting its carbon footprint, the island uses solar energy, employs composting, and has an on-site vegetable garden that supplies fresh produce to its kitchens. Enjoy an array of French Polynesian cuisine prepared by a private chef; partake in an array of water sports, such as private dives, fishing, and jet-skiing; and visit the nearby Marae Taputapuatea to dive into local history. End your days with beautiful South Pacific sunsets. motunaonao.com

Go on a Cultural Tour of Japan

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Delve into the nuances of Japan’s ancient culture in the nine-day Signature Japan tour curated by Abercrombie & Kent. Start in Tokyo, a hub of technological advancement. Explore the Edo-Tokyo Museum, established to preserve the city’s heritage. Take a stab at playing taiko at an exclusive local workshop specialising in Japanese drum-making. From Tokyo, travel to Hakone, which is known for its hot springs. Indulge in an exclusive stay at Gora Kadan, a ryokan (traditional inn) that is otherwise nearly impossible to book. Sample the delicious offerings of Osaka, the country’s culinary capital, before heading to Nara, where you can visit the country’s largest bronze Buddha statue. In Kyoto, you can marvel at the Kinkaku-Ji Temple, which is covered in gold leaf. abercrombiekent.com

Journey into the Incan Empire in Machu Picchu

Whip out your Indiana Jones hat and uncover long lost secrets of the Incan civilisation in Blue Parallel’s customisable eight-day luxury tour of Machu Picchu. It offers a closer look at the region’s culture and history, and the opportunity to take up adventures in the mountains. Savour a multi-course Peruvian lunch in the historic dining room at the Hacienda Huayoccari in Cusco, and test your horseriding skills on local trails with Peruvian Paso horses. A scenic train journey takes you to Machu Picchu, where you spend two nights. Take a luxury train back to Cusco, making a stop at Wayra, a traditional Peruvian restaurant, for an al fresco meal and a Paso horse show. Visit the Baroque churches on the outskirts of Cusco, famous for their impressive architecture. blueparallel.com

Revel in an Everlasting Christmas in Finland

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“Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by Christmas cheer all year long?” remarks Taruna Seth, when asked why she recommends Finland for a luxurious vacation. Rovaniemi, the most well-connected city in Lapland, is where your six-day journey begins. Enjoy a magical husky-led ride down a forest trail. Visit Mrs Claus in her Christmas cottage at the Santa Claus village, experience reindeer-sleigh rides at the Reindeer Park, and send your loved ones postcards from Santa Claus’s main post office. At night, gaze at the wondrous Northern Lights. At Levi, roast marshmallows over an open fire or tuck into a sumptuous meal cooked over a charcoal grill at Kekale. Dine in various unique restaurants serving rare Finnish delicacies, and indulge in a smoke sauna at the Löyly Design Sauna in Helsinki. goencompass.in

Related: We Check Out Hotel Diggi Palace, A Vibrant Destination That Pays Homage To Jaipur’s Heritage

Written By

Shrimayee Thakur

Shrimayee Thakur

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