Whatever adventure means to you — whether it’s venturing into an ice cave, exploring the deep ocean or heading on a months-long expedition through several countries — it’s an ever-blossoming category of luxury travel that always manages to excite. In this year’s annual collection of the best itineraries and adventures on Earth, we’ve covered all bases (and all continents) to bring you the adrenaline-pumping, the never-done-before and the truly spectacular.
[See also: Experience the Healing Power of India at Six Senses Vana]
Flying the Skeleton Coast, Namibia
A vast, ethereal expanse of land, the Skeleton Coast — named for the whale and seal bones and the many shipwrecks that once littered the shore — stretches from south Namibia up to Angola. It is a hauntingly beautiful place full of barren desert plains, huge sand dunes, fossil beds, curious vegetation and desert-adapted creatures such as the endangered black rhino and desert dwelling elephant.
The coastal stretch is so gargantuan — 24 miles wide and 310 miles long, as well as being a hostile landscape — that it would be nearly impossible to see it all in one fell swoop, so take to the skies and take it all in from above. Look out for unsettling shipwreck remains along the coast and the ever-changing geological formations. Accommodations during this otherworldly safari consist of tented desert camps that merge into the natural surroundings.
From $9,000 per person for four nights. Contact enquiry@explorationscompany.com, +44 136 785 1018, explorationscompany.com
[See also: See Sossusvlei from Above with Namib Sky Balloon Safaris]
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Swiss Time, Switzerland
Accessible via a smooth boat ride across Lake Lucerne, followed by a delightful ascent in the lacquered, pillar-box red funicular, Bürgenstock Resort stands high above the clouds at 1,640 ft up from the lake. Within the village in the green-grassed (or snow-capped, depending on when you visit) mountains, the resort is comprised of four hotels: the striking architectural masterpiece, Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa; the historic Palace Hotel; the state-of-the-art Waldhotel Health & Medical Excellence center; authentic Swiss chalet Taverne 1879; and the residences.
Of course, the Swiss are known for their excellent timepieces, so where better to create your very own watch. Fly via helicopter to the Cyrus workshop in Geneva, where you can sit at the bench with Cyrus’s master craftsman to design a unique timepiece. Unwind in the resort’s fabulous infinity pool that overlooks the mountains and return a few months later for another stay when the personalized watch is ready to be presented in all its bespoke glory.
From $27,900. Contact reservations@burgenstockresort.com, +41 416 126 000, burgenstockresort.com
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On the Rocks, Iceland
Talisker distillery’s first-ever 45-year-old single malt Scotch release, the Talisker Glacial Edge 45 Year Old, is the culmination of its Xpedition Oak series. Aged for over four decades, the liquid was then finished in casks that had been ice fractured in piercing Arctic winds for 96 hours. Naturally, to mark the launch of the Scotch, Talisker hosted a group of keen adventurers (including American surfer and activist Greg Long) on a trip to Iceland, where they explored the Langjökull Glacier, aka the ‘Long Glacier’ — the second-largest glacier in the country at 361 square miles; it sits atop a commanding volcanic landscape in Iceland’s Highlands.
The group explored the glacier’s labyrinth caves under the ice, abseiling and exploring crevasses. Inside the glacier, they learned how Talisker’s new whisky was made and enjoyed a tasting of this wild liquid. Travel specialist Abercrombie & Kent provides bespoke itineraries to the glacial landscapes of Iceland, and offers the opportunity to book a similar trip to the excursion that Talisker’s guests experienced.
Contact info@abercrombiekent.co.uk, +44 333 060 3434, abercrombiekent.co.uk
Road Trip, New Zealand
Known for its sublime scenery, New Zealand’s rich geography of fjords, mountains, beaches and lakes means it is practically built for adventure (its magical scenery has served as the setting for a number of famed movie trilogies such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit). This 14-day, self-drive itinerary from Wayfairer Travel journeys from North Island to South Island. On North Island, you’ll visit Waiheke Island for a wine and gourmet tour (think: fresh oysters and local wines); drive to the enchanting glowworm grottos of Waitomo; learn about Maori culture in the Kaimanawa Range with Tom Loughlin, a renowned tangata whenua (person of the land); watch steam rise from the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal pools during a private tour; and sample the best wine in Hawke’s Bay.
Fly down to South Island and board the TranzAlpine for a scenic train journey into the Southern Alps; embark on a fly-in, fly-out heli-hike — take in views of lake icebergs and the iconic Hochstetter Icefall from the sky before a leg-stretching hike around Tasman Glacier’s otherworldly ice formations; and visit Ben Lomond High Country Sheep Station, a 33,360-acre expanse of forests, lakes, rivers and grazing lands (as well as mining huts and tracks leftover from the gold mining era). Finish the adventure with a jetboat ride through the Shotover River Canyons.
From $13,200 per person. Contact hello@wayfairertravel.com, +44 117 313 3300, wayfairertravel.com
[See also: The Ultimate Luxury Guide to New Zealand]
Heli-ski the Seventh Continent, Antarctica
Getting to the seventh continent is no easy feat. Sure, a number of well-known cruise liners will head to ‘The Ice,’ but only those with serious ice-breaking capabilities can venture beyond the tip of the peninsula. And even then, landings are dictated by Mother Nature. But even with all being well, heli-skiing is probably out of the question even if you’re on an all-bells-and-whistles cruise.
So, what to do? Charter La Datcha, a 252-ft SeaXplorer with an ice-classed, IMO Polar Code compliant hull. She has two helicopters on board, a fully certified primary helideck, a standby deck for a second chopper and a below-deck hangar; she is one of the only operations that can provide efficient and safe heli-skiing across the frozen continent. Begin at Puerto Natales, staying at Awasi overlooking the Torres del Paines National Park in Chile, before flying on to King George Island (skipping the infamously choppy Drake Passage) and embarking on a seven- to 10-night voyage for you and up to 12 guests to heli-ski where no one has heli-skied before.
From $985,000 for 12 guests. Contact Oli Corkhill, CEO, sales@leotrippi.com, +44 128 536 6039, leotrippi.com
Great Silk Road, Multi-destination
Consisting of several routes that connected the East with the West and crossing through Central Asia, the Middle East and some parts of Africa, the Silk Road is a momentous historical network that played a crucial role in developing the regions it traversed. This epic odyssey from Wild Frontiers covers the entirety of one major Silk Road route — spanning some 7,460 miles and six countries, the 48-day itinerary begins in Xi’an in central China (this ancient city is famed for being the starting point of the Silk Road) and concludes in Istanbul.
Throughout the fascinating route, you’ll explore important landmarks such as the Wei-Jin tombs in Jiayuguan that date back to 220-420 AD, the Göreme Open Air Museum in Cappadocia, the Registan Square in Samarkand and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, as well as traversing through incredibly scenic mountains and deserts. Along the way, you’ll stay in an eclectic mix of abodes including an overnight sleeper train, five-star hotels (and some a little more rustic), as well as authentic homestays.
From $18,550 per person. Contact info@wildfrontiers.co.uk, +44 203 925 6494, wildfrontierstravel.com
Photo Safari, Borneo
Think of safari and you likely think of searching for the Big Five in Africa. But for a different take, head to Borneo. The third-largest island in the world, it is home to splendid beaches and ancient, biodiverse rain forests where a diverse array of wildlife — including orangutans and clouded leopards — reside. This expert-led, 10-day expedition by Natural World Safaris takes enthusiasts into the rain forests guided by Charles Ryan, a renowned wildlife photographer whose work has graced the pages of National Geographic; he has also appeared in programs on BBC and Netflix.
Visit the Sepilok Forest Reserve where captive orangutans are reintroduced into the wild — observe them at their feeding stations in the rain forest and snap a few close-ups. The Kinabatangan River is home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the island; cruise at dusk to look for orangutans, pygmy elephants, silvered langurs, hornbills and proboscis monkeys. A short boat ride and overland transfer delivers you to Gomantong Caves, where you’ll spend the afternoon walking in the reserve and visiting the bat cave — on a clear day, millions of bats can emerge from it.
From $9,240 per person. Contact Will Bolsover, founder and CEO, sales@naturalworldsafaris.com, +44 127 369 1642, naturalworldsafaris.com
Off-piste Pros, Austria
Ski resort of choice for royal families, Lech is a top-draw destination and the only place in Austria that permits heli-skiing. The place to book is The Arula Chalets, an exceptional 30-bedroom abode with ski-in/ski-out access and amenities that easily outdo some five-star hotels — think: a subterranean two-level spa; outdoor hot tub, firepit and alfresco dining space; and a generous wine cellar, bar, living area and alpine-chic dining room. Guests of The Arula Chalets have access to some equally exceptional ski experiences, too: heli-skiing, naturally, where you can receive exclusive ‘first up’ morning access to Schneetäli and Mehlsack to guarantee fresh tracks.
But there’s also the opportunity to hit the slopes with Arula’s little black book of former ski champions, including Olympic Gold Medalist Franz Klammer, candidly known as ‘the king of the downhill,’ who can take guests through the six key components of downhill skiing: technique, courage, speed, risk, physical condition and judgment. Or head out with Nadine Wallner, the inspirational double freeriding World Champion who first began skiing in the Arlberg region: She can provide firsthand knowledge of Lech’s terrain, as well as share tales over fondue back at the chalet about her incredible career.
From $10,000 per person. Contact info@thearulachalets.com, +43 664 467 4616, thearulachalets.com
Polar to Polar, Antarctica and the Arctic
A frankly astounding voyage, this itinerary from Viking spans 87 days and 12 countries. Available for the 2025-2026 season, the saga begins in Nuuk, Greenland where you can explore the Nuup Kangerlua Fjord by boat or kayak, witness floating icebergs and hike the Arctic coast; it concludes in the ‘Last Continent,’ where you’ll follow in the footsteps of intrepid adventurers and spend days exploring the dramatic landscapes.
In between the far North and extreme South, you’ll explore Canada (look out for whales at the Saguenay Fjord and explore Toronto’s bustling foodie scene); Mexico (sail the Gulf of Mexico and visit a sacred pre-Columbian Mayan religious site); Panama; Ecuador; Peru; Chile (navigate the dramatic Chilean fjords) and Argentina (visit the ‘End of the World’ in Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego National Park). Your vessel is the Viking Octantis, a 655-ft Polar Class purpose-built expedition ship. Book the Owner’s Suite, a 1,238-sq-ft, multi-room suite with a Nordic balcony, garden lounge area with badestamp (a traditional wood-sided hot tub), separate dining area/boardroom seating six and library. Guests of the Owner’s Suite also get first dibs on embarkation, restaurant reservations and spa treatments.
From $80,995 per person. Contact +1 800 304 9616, vikingcruises.com
Land of the Rising Sun, Japan
Soaring mountains, bustling markets, tranquil shrines, onsen hot springs, unique cuisine, centuries-old traditions and futuristic cityscapes — Japan is a land of contrasts, and there is so much to experience that it can be hard to squeeze it all in during one trip. Enter: Tully Luxury Travel. The itinerary planning expert can create a custom journey through the land of the rising sun with private guides to showcase the culture and history.
Visit Tokyo and weave through the sprawling Tsukiji Market to indulge in local delicacies and enjoy a private sushi-making master class. Head north of Tokyo into the mountains to the town of Nikko — the scenery and sacred mountains have been the backdrop of Shinto and Buddhist worship since at least the 8th century. Visit the Toshogu Shrine and uncover the natural beauty of Nikko National Park with its lush forests and tumbling waterfalls.
You can also immerse yourself in Japanese craftsmanship during two distinct private workshops. First, discover Kintsugi, the art of using gold to fix broken pottery; it’s a component of the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi that embraces impermanence and flaws. Then head to legendary swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara’s workshop and watch him shape a katana blade; Yoshihara’s work is on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. For a different pace, board Guntu, a floating ryokan with 19 rooms, as it glides along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea.
The voyage begins in Hiroshima and includes visits to magical hidden corners and notable spots such as Naoshima, a renowned art destination you can explore with a private guide. Exploring new lands is thirsty work — quench your thirst at the Nishiyama Sake Brewery. Established in 1849, the brewery is set against Tamba’s scenic mountains and still creates sake using time-honored methods. Enjoy a sake pairing lunch in a traditional Japanese tatami room, surrounded by a private Japanese garden that is not accessible to the general public. Round off your Japanese adventure by staying at Moku Iseshima, a private villa perched on Masakijima Island. The owner of the villa is a skilled sushi master and can prepare sushi kaiseki using the freshest local seafood (if you wish, you can head out on a private fishing trip to catch your own).
Price on request. Contact Martha Jacobs, senior travel designer, marthaj@tullyluxurytravel.com, +1 855 360 7618, tullyluxurytravel.com
Skyrunner, Italy
Ran a marathon — perhaps even an ultra marathon — and looking for a new challenge (or a run to brag about)? Enter: Skyrunning. Pioneered in the 1990s by Italian mountaineer Marino Giacometti and a handful of fellow climbers, skyrunning is a type of mountain running that takes place at high altitudes, typically above 6,600 ft where the incline exceeds 30%. It combines elements of trail running, mountain climbing, and sometimes even scrambling over rough and technical terrain.
The courses often include steep ascents and descents on mountainous trails, rocky paths and alpine ridges. And where better to take up a bit of skyrunning than in the glowing Dolomite Mountains, a Unesco World Heritage Site? Make your way to Hotel Sassongher, a traditional South Tyrolean family-owned hotel located in the chic town of Corvara. The hotel’s expert mountain guide will test guests’ mettle along steep mountain running trails, pausing to gaze at the majestic scenery. Come afternoon, take some well-deserved rest in the rooftop whirlpool and sauna, and dine in one of the three traditional stubes (one of which dates back to the 16th century).
Skyrunning from $300 per day; suites from $675 per night. Contact info@sassongher.it, +39 047 183 6085, sassongher.it
Deep Sleep, Multi-destination
‘Adventure’ and ‘sleep’ are not two words you would usually associate with one another, but this itinerary from TCS World Travel, the most awarded private jet company, blissfully combines the two. Good quality sleep is intrinsically linked to our overall health and well-being, yet the vast majority of us don’t get enough decent shut-eye. This unique and customizable itinerary takes guests to remote destinations around the world, to get away from the overstimulation of everyday life and retreat to landscapes where silence and darkness are the norm.
Follow your circadian rhythms in dark sky destinations with little to no outside light pollution and designated quiet ecosystems around the globe, visiting nine secluded locations to hone the habits that lead to improved sleep. Throughout the 25-day journey, you’ll visit Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Canada. Highlights include: marveling at the night sky from Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii; spending time in the heart of the Outback at a private heritage site; staying on a secluded island in the Gulf of Thailand’s Koh Rong archipelago; sipping cocktails at a watering hole where elephants come to drink in Sri Lanka; looking out for the northern lights from one of Arctic Bath’s (a floating spa hotel) open-air hot tubs, and, if you’re feeling brave, take a dunk in the icy river water.
From $230,000 per person. Contact guestrelations@tcsworldtravel.com, +1 206 995 8655, tcsworldtravel.com
Private World, Mexico
While best known as a private jet charter company, VistaJet’s Private World offers a collection of exceptional experiences. Well-versed in creating adventures in the sky, the experiences take it one step further. Think: a master class with the world’s best winemakers, including the chance to have your own cellar curated or following in Picasso’s footsteps through France and Spain. One of the newest launches in the Private World collection, launched this year, is a wellness-focused journey in Mexico.
The 10-day trip begins with three nights at Todos Santos, where you’ll stay at the Rancho Pescadero, tucked between the sublime beaches of the Pacific coastline and the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. Spend time in the indoor-outdoor spa; head into the desert for a private guided trek and cool off in the waterfalls; tap into ancient Mayan and Aztec traditions with a cacao ceremony; and salute the sunrise with rooftop yoga. Fly by private jet to Punta Mita, where you’ll spend three nights at the One&Only Mandarina, hidden away on the Riviera Nayarit’s spellbinding coastline. Go snorkeling around the coral reefs of Marieta Islands (the islands are home to dolphins and sea turtles), explore by horseback or spend time in the spa — each treatment room is built within a volcanic rock garden, and treatments are inspired by indigenous and pre-Hispanic cultures.
The final destination is Yucatán, where you’ll stay deep within the Mayan forest at Chablé Yucatan and receive a personalized wellness program. Immerse yourself deeper into Mayan culture at Granada community; there, you will meet resident Mayan women and learn how to cook a traditional recipe. Finally, visit Mexico’s most famed archaeological site, Chichen Itza, followed by a trip to a private cenote within the ruins of a historic ranch. Enjoy a three-course Yucatecán lunch (with tequila, of course) in the shade of the garden.
From $20,700 per person. Contact privateworld@vistajet.com, +1 833 853 8872, vistajet.com
Champagne Cruising, France
What, in this world of ours, could possibly be more deliciously romantic than gently floating along France’s pastoral canals on board a chic riverboat? Belmond’s latest addition to its riverboat fleet, Coquelicot, will be officially launching in April. Named for a vibrant shade of red (the term ‘coquelicot’ was originally a French vernacular name for the wild corn poppy of the same hue), the boat has been designed by French architects Humbert & Poyet and has three cabins, an indoor salon with a bespoke champagne bar, and an extensive outdoor deck with an open-air kitchen and dining area.
Days can easily be spent languidly lazing on the boat, but exciting experiences await. Visit the champagne houses of Epernay or — thanks to Belmond’s exclusive partnership with Ruinart — visit the world’s oldest champagne house and head out on a tour of the vineyards before returning to the barge for a private lunch by Maison Ruinart’s chef-in-residence, accompanied by the sommelier’s premier selection of bottles, naturally. The barge is also available for private charter.
Contact +1 800 058 1237, belmond.com
The Perfect Pairing, Marrakech
An enduringly popular destination, Marrakech is pure magic: The frenetic energy of the mazelike souks; the striking Moorish architecture; the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square; and a number of gorgeous boutique riads. This itinerary by Scott Dunn begins at one such riad, albeit a seriously luxe one — La Sultana is a slice of tranquility in the heart of old Marrakech. Rise with the sun and head out on an early morning run with a personal trainer to witness the vibrant city at its most tranquil, before ticking off all the big sights (including the veritable treasure chest of the Medina) with a private guide.
The next day, head into the stony desert to explore the rocky sand dunes and otherworldly landscape on quad bikes, before retreating to a plush nomadic tent; take in the vast desert while dining under the night sky. Then it’s on to the famed Atlas Mountains — making a pit stop at a local farm in the Kik Plateau, populated by Berbers, to see their traditional way of life. Explore the majestic High Atlas Mountains, hiking through breathtaking landscapes and cascading waterfalls. Arriving in Ourika, guests will saddle up for a mule ride through the Berber Villages to explore their tribes and traditions.
From $8,900 per person. Contact +1 212 738 9597, scottdunn.com
[See also: A Luxury Guide to Marrakech]
All-terrain Drive, China
Songtsam (meaning ’paradise’ in Tibetan) was founded in 2000 by Baima Duoji, a former Tibetan documentary filmmaker. In 2001, he established the first boutique lodge in Diqing, Yunnan Province — named the Songtsam Lvgu Lodge. Since then, the award-winning collection of boutique hotels has grown to include 16 properties across the Tibetan Plateau — and Songtsam Tours provides an opportunity to combine visits at these different hotels and lodges, designed to discover the region’s diverse culture, rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes and unique living heritage. Songtsam has had a partnership with Land Rover since 2018; its guides have traveled on the Yunnan-Tibet line (where the company’s properties are found). But now, the two have joined forces to introduce two self-driving adventures behind the wheel of a Land Rover Defender.
The two all-terrain routes — Kawagebo Peak Route in Yunnan and the Southeast Tibet Route — provide a fun and seriously off-the-beaten-track experience. Songtsam’s professional drivers will subtly accompany you throughout the journey (and replace you as the driver if you fancy being a passenger), as well as a professional photographer to capture the trip. The journey from Shangri-La to Meili Snow Mountain covers the varied landscapes of the Hengduan Mountains, spanning from Yunnan’s highest point, Kawagebo Peak (22,113 ft), to the Lancang River Valley (altitude below 6,562 ft). This three-mile elevation difference shapes the diverse terrains, including snowcapped mountains, glaciers, meadows, forests and hot dry valleys.
Contact info@songtsam.com, songtsam.com
Under the Sea, Maldives
Home to the most astonishing turquoise waters and interesting marine life, the Maldives is a haven for seafarers. At Patina Maldives, Fari Islands in the North Malé Atoll, guests can head a little deeper thanks to a new partnership with pioneering diving and water sports operator Dive Butler International. Ocean Pearl is a two-person submarine that has been engineered by the world-renowned SEAmagine Hydrospace Corporation (SEAmagine submersibles have accumulated over 12,000 dives — surpassing the total number of dives accumulated by all of its competitors combined) and will be operated in conjunction with Dive Butler. Its submarine pilots have gone through extensive training certification, including the completion of SEAmagine’s rigorous training program.
Every expedition is led by an onboard pilot and a surface co-pilot. Ocean Pearl can get up close to reefs safely — and has a 360-degree cabin view, meaning you’ll have an unobstructed peek at the world beneath the surface. Ocean Pearl also offers an opportunity to participate in interactive programs under the sea, contributing directly to the preservation and protection of the marine ecosystem. Under the guidance of marine biologists and environmental experts, guests take part in data collection and documentation, and help ongoing research efforts.
Dives from $2,500 per person; Beach Villas from $1,900 per night. Contact reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com, +960 400 0555, patinahotels.com
Land and Sea Safari, Africa
Dorsia Travel was founded by couple Tom and Lucie Cahalan after they’d spent many years concocting their own experiential travel itineraries (and creating dream itineraries for their friends). In fact, Tom’s blog, The Good, The Bad and The Luxurious, detailed his self-funded trips (no influencer trips here) and he quickly became a trusted authority on all things luxury travel — a number of the blog’s earliest readers now count among Dorsia Travel’s long-standing clients. Dorsia (yes, named for the fictional restaurant in American Psycho where it is impossible to get a ‘res’) has unveiled new itineraries for 2024, including the Helping Hands Land and Sea Safari.
It begins with five nights at Kenya’s Ol Jogi, an exceptional 11-bedroom estate on a private 58,000-acre conservancy. The over-the-top lodge is a lesson in maximalism (according to Tom: “It looks like the Addams Family designed it, whilst on mushrooms”), with riotous decor, secret tunnels, a real bank vault on-site and a sprawling pool with a waterfall. But dig a little deeper and there’s more to it — the owners fund a world-leading veterinary clinic, finance sustainability initiatives at neighboring conservancies and fund locals’ schooling.
During the five nights, guests can help out by feeding elephants and having other close encounters with the animals with the support of Ol Jogi’s committed guides. For a greater overview of Ol Jogi’s surroundings, Dorsia Travel can organize naturalist-guided helicopter tours over Mount Kenya and nearby lakes. A private charter to Rwanda allows for a four-night stay at the four-bed Singita Kataza House and the opportunity to interact with gorillas in the wild. After additional days hiking and admiring playful golden monkeys, there’s time to decompress during a five-night stay at Tanzania’s paradisiacal Thanda Island. This idyllic five-bed retreat is surrounded by the serene Shungi Mbili Island Marine Reserve. Along with supporting coral reef-restoration projects and potentially observing nesting turtles, stays here from October to March provide the possibility of swimming in the Indian Ocean’s warm waters with whale sharks.
From $650,000 for eight people. Contact Tom Cahalan, founder, tom@dorsiatravel.com, +44 122 375 5195, dorsiatravel.com
[See also: Experience Luxury South Africa with Completely Unique Safaris]
This article appears in the 04 Mar 2024 issue of the New Statesman, Spring 2024
