From exploring the hitherto untouched expanse of Antarctica to rejuvenation from the earth’s bosom or a trip back in time to the opulence of the 1920s on the Orient Express, we have curated adventures and experiences that will leave a lasting impression on your soul.
ANTARTICA
Antarctica. The name evokes a sense of untamed majesty. A world painted in shades of white and the inky blues, untouched by time, it remains the ultimate frontier for the sophisticated explorer. For those seeking an unparalleled adventure and are pressed for time, White Desert’s ‘The Greatest Day’ is a bucket list must-do.
A private jet pick up from Cape Town, soaring over the vast Southern Ocean, the five-hour journey is breathtaking as one leaves the vibrance of Africa behind, and descends on a singular blue ice runway leading to Wolf’s Fang, an expedition camp. This is where your Antarctic odyssey begins.
You will spend three hours on the ice, taking a gentle hike from Wolf’s Fang camp to a nearby nunatak (mountain summits surrounded on all sides by glacier ice) where you will experience an unforgettable champagne picnic and views unlike anywhere on Earth before boarding your return flight to Cape Town. For those looking for a more immersive experience, there is an option for spending several more days at the camp.
White Desert is the only company in the world to fly private charter planes to Antarctica and the only one that has award-winning luxury camps. Wolf’s Fang Camp has opulent tents, more akin to palatial suites, each boasting en-suite bathrooms and all the modern amenities one would expect. Nestled amidst the majestic mountains of Queen Maud Land, the camp offers a haven of warmth and comfort, a stark contrast to the raw beauty that unfolds just outside.
Adrenalin seekers can enjoy a variety of exhilarating activities including abseiling, ice-climbing and rope-walks. Those who want to take things a little slow can revel in gentle hikes, skidoo rides or simply take a walk in the dramatic vistas.
More than a vacation, a visit to Antarctica is a chance to reconnect with nature in its most pristine form, a privilege once reserved for the most intrepid explorers and scientists.
ICELAND
Geothermal Bliss at Blue Lagoon, Not teal, azure, turquoise or lapis, the waters of this unique geothermal spring are (‘The Devil Wear Prada’ fans will enjoy this) – a shade of cerulean. You have surely seen this cerulean splashed across your phone screens as it has gained popularity on social media platforms and have been pondering whether it merits a visit. We’re here to tell you that it is an absolute must!
The unique geothermal seawater which boasts a rich blend of silica, algae, and minerals is renowned for its skin-nourishing properties. So much so that they have patented the mix and it’s bottled into various skin care products that you can take home after enjoying a blissful spa holiday in one of the most exotic locations in the world. Don’t take our word for it, the multi-award-winning Blue Lagoon resort, was part of National Geographic’s prestigious list of 25 Wonders of the World in 2012.
The lagoon itself is enchanting but the addition of the hotel resort complex has elevated the wellness experience. Its sleek, minimalist suites reflect the beauty of the surrounding lava fields while bathed in the ethereal light of the Reykjanes peninsula. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the stark beauty of the Icelandic landscape, while the interior invites you into a world of serenity.
The Retreat’s true magic lies within its subterranean spa. Here, the patented Blue Lagoon Ritual awaits, a transformative experience harnessing the power of silica, algae, and minerals found in the geothermal waters to awaken your senses. The in-pool massage is by far one of the best experiences one can have. Combining the pleasures of massage and the powers of geothermal seawater, this luxurious treatment is found nowhere else in Iceland.
VENICE SIMPLON-ORIENT EXPRESS
The smart blue and gold conductor’s uniform, white-gloved waiters serving your champagne and caviar in an icon of art deco design, opulence and luxury – the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Reminiscent of luxuries of a bygone era, guests feel transported to an age when time stood still, nothing was rushed and life could be lived one blissful moment at a time. The window becomes a constant companion with the constantly changing breathtaking scenery as the train travels from Paris to Istanbul, Vienna, Budapest, Prague and Venice.
A one-night journey in one of the new suites aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, starts from BHD 3500 per person. This includes pre and post-journey transfers, a personal 24-hour cabin steward, a suite with marble en-suite bathrooms, bespoke amenities, and a complimentary kimono and slippers, as well as a four-course dinner with sommelier wines, lunch and breakfast designed by Michelin-starred chef Jean Imbert.
Each carriage aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express holds a unique tale, some that perhaps even familiar. Remember the famous whodunnit,’Murder on the Orient Express‘ by Agatha Christie? Believe it or not, it was inspired by a real event! In February 1929, one of these very carriages became stranded in a snowdrift near Istanbul for five long days.
Intriguingly, Agatha Christie herself once travelled by the train in a suite that has now been named the Budapest Suite. The Grand Suites are no strangers to famous passengers – apart from Mrs. Christie, John Travolta, Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, The Beckhams and Wes Anderson have been passengers.
This luxury experience transports you to a bygone era of exquisite soirées and glamorous attire. Imagine evenings adorned in elegant evening gowns and dashing dinner jackets, all while indulging in delightful social gatherings and Michelin-star dinners.
MONTANA
Luxury vacations or experiences are no longer just about fluffy robes and endless spa treatments. The next big trend for adventure travellers includes a brush with the prehistoric: a fossil dig experience at Montage Big Sky.
This stunning five-star resort is nestled in Montana’s breathtaking Spanish Peaks and offers to take you back 65 million years to become a real-life palaeontologist for a day.
The eight-hour Dino Dig starts with a helicopter ride where expert guides fill you in on the region’s fascinating history, making you feel like you’re in a real-life Indiana Jones movie. Under the guidance of experienced palaeontologists, guests will sift through the earth, learning about prehistoric creatures that once roamed this very spot.
Here’s the best part: any fossils you unearth are yours to keep and can be used to create the next family heirloom. What better way to spend a vacation, right?
