Across The World
Land, air or sea? An increasing number of luxury travel companies are demonstrating that not only is there no need to decide on just one, but the journey is also just as important as the destination.
andBeyond
For the ultimate safari experience, look no further than andBeyond’s Private Jet Journeys. You’ll be jetted off in a spacious Bombardier Challenger 350 to the wide plains of Africa. The jet will be your default mode of transport between international routes, but for places with shorter runways, you’ll hop on a private Pilatus PC-12 charter instead. A variety of journeys is available, including
Africa by Private Jet, which will take you to some of the continent’s most remarkable wildlife reserves and national parks. Dine with giraffes at Nairobi’s historic Giraffe Manor, take part in a unique hot-air balloon safari over Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve, and witness the darting and notching of rhinos for conservation purposes in Kruger National Park.
Aman
Going neck and neck with the fabled Midas touch is the Aman appeal. Its luxuriously furnished Bombardier Global 5000 accommodates up to 12 passengers, which will take you from your country of origin to an Aman resort. You’ll also enjoy private tours of historical sites and exclusive experiences should you opt for multi-destination journeys. This year, it has unveiled more extraordinary expeditions, put together in collaboration with Remotelands. Amanjunkies will fly on board an Airbus ACJ 318 to multiple exotic destinations across Europe and Asia on expeditions ranging from 14 to 21 days.
The Grandest Tour, in particular, sees you exploring nine countries over three weeks, staying at nine Aman resorts for at least two nights each.
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express has always represented the epitome of slow, elegant travel a la the good old days before commercial aviation took hold. There are now more ways to indulge in nostalgia on this iconic train with Belmond’s introduction of five stops: Rome, Florence, Geneva, Brussels and Amsterdam. Choose the Venice to Amsterdam itinerary to see some of Europe’s most beautiful canals, or the Brussels to Verona route to view Switzerland’s beautiful mountains. Introduced with these journeys are three new Grand Suites, converted from the train’s oldest carriage, which dates back to 1926. Grand Suites are the most luxurious cabin class on board with only three available before this addition. Guests will also enjoy free-flow champagne and underfloor heating.
Evrima, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
If you love how The Ritz-Carlton does hospitality on land, then you’ll love how it does hospitality at sea. A newcomer to the cruising industry – its first voyage was in 2020 – the 190m Evrima is the first of three bespoke yachts in the The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Its size allows it to enter off-thebeaten-track shallow water destinations that are not accessible by larger ships. The Owner’s Suite offers two bathrooms and a walk-in wardrobe in 101sqm of space with an additional 59sqm on the private terrace, where a whirlpool sits. But perhaps most notable is SEA, which offers a speciality dining experience designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The RitzCarlton in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Four Seasons Private Jet
For those open to meeting like-minded individuals while on holiday, consider Four Season’s new, fully customised Airbus A321LRneo. The single aisle, 2-2 seating configuration features just 48 fully flat seats. The social lounge at the jet’s rear allows for personalised, interactive experiences such as spa treatments by a wellness therapist and wine tastings conducted by a master sommelier. The brand’s around-the-world journeys include encountering wild mountain gorillas in Rwanda and going on a three-night cruise around the Galapagos Islands.
Its Uncharted Discovery 2022 itinerary will take you to seven destinations, including Machu Picchu, The Bahamas and Antarctica, in 21 days.
Four Seasons’ Uncharted Discovery 2022 itinerary will take you to seven destinations, including Machu
Picchu, The Bahamas and Antarctica, in 21 days.
Seabourn Venture, Seabourn
Go on an adventure like a true explorer but without sacrificing creature comforts on Seabourn Venture, the cruise line’s first luxury expedition purpose-built ship. Beneath the glitz and glamour of its eight dining outlets and 132 ocean-front suites is a hull built to PC6 Polar Class standard, which means the vessel is reliably seaworthy in ice-covered waters. Besides fine wines and caviar, the ship’s regular load includes two submarines, a number of double sea kayaks, mountain bikes and 24 Zodiac boats to accommodate off-ship excursions. Seabourn Venture is scheduled to set sail on its first voyage, a 12-day Winter Norway expedition going from London to Tromsø, Norway, in December this year.
Vista, Oceania Cruises
A tribute to the visionary staff members who work on board Oceania ships and touted as a showcase of the cruise line’s vision for the future, Vista is the aptly named seventh addition to the Allura Class line. The Grand Dining Room is expected to be an architectural highlight, with a ceiling almost two decks high and a lavish interior inspired by the belle epoque era. Scheduled to set sail in 2023, Vista’s voyages will be revealed in September this year. Oceania is known for its epic world cruises, which can take up to 218 days and cover almost 100 destinations in more than 40 countries, so here’s hoping that Vista’s itineraries will be just as momentous.