At the recent Shanghai International Luxury Travel Market, travel industry professionals displayed unique excursions and experiences that you wouldn’t typically find in a brochure or guidebook. From an Icelandic adventure to a safari on the Serengeti, this diverse list of luxury travel experiences will make your friends green with envy.
Necker Belle
The Caribbean
Billionaire Richard Branson takes vacationing seriously. The Virgin CEO enjoys spending time aboard the Necker Belle, a 105-foot catamaran that he calls a mobile version of Necker Island, Branson’s luxurious private isle. Guests aboard the Necker Belle can design their own Caribbean itinerary, including days filled with sunbathing, scuba driving, water sports, and general lounging around in the sun. At night, a screen and projector is set up so guests can enjoy movies under the stars.
Priced from $110,000 per week.
Hotel President Wilson
Geneva, Switzerland
Several haute a-listers have made the grand Royal Penthouse suite in Geneva’s Hotel President Wilson a temporary home. The suite features a jaw-dropping 12 bedrooms and over 18,000 square feet. Theres also a private helicopter, bulletproof glass and a private fitness and spa area.
Priced at $80,000 per night.
Private Helicopter Tour
Queenstown, New Zealand
New Zealand boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world, For a limited time, veteran pilot Louisa “Choppy” Patterson is offering helicopter day trips that will fly you above a number a beautiful sights across the country. The tour includes an excursion to Stewart Island, where guests can explore the landscape and enjoy kayaking, hiking, fishing, and bird watching. Flightless kiwi birds are said to outnumber humans on Stewart Island.
Priced at $18,000.
Belmond Napoleon BargeÂ
Provence, France
Few things are as relaxing as a river cruise. There’s a reason why the haute excursions are the hottest thing in travel these days. In Provence, France, you can enjoy a six-night cruise on the Belmond Napoleon barge, which travels down Provence’s Rhone River, from Aries to Tain l’Hermitage. Guests can enjoy candlelit dinners and bask in a swanky outdoor jacuzzi. There are also trips to some famous French wine chateaux’s during the day.
Starts at $76,000.
Private Jet Tour
Australia
After touring New Zealand by helicopter, travelers can take a luxury jet tour through Australia with Bill Peach Journeys. All travel is done by Cessna Citation and includes stops in Sydney, the Outback, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Northern Territories.
Priced at $27,000 per person for a family of five.
Singita Serengeti
Tanzania
For those hoping to experience something a little more adventurous, Singita offers a luxury African wildlife encounter. Guests will be treated to game watching at the private 350,000-acre Singita Grumeti game reserve. After gazing at the wildlife, guests can also enjoy a lap pool, private chef, horseback riding, mountain biking and archery. All meals, drinks, guides, and even a private Land Rover are all-inclusive. Accommodations include a private four-suite Singita Serengeti House villa at Sasakwa Hill.
Priced at $84,000 per week.
Seven Seas Mariner
South America
Prepare to seriously clear out your schedule. The voyage aboard the Seven Seas Mariner’s South American cruise lasts 72 luxurious days. Launching from Miami, passengers will explore destinations like Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Brazil and various Caribbean islands. With only 700 guests aboard and an ample staff, your every need will be attended to quickly.
Priced at $120,000.
Icelandic Tour
Iceland
Travel specialists Ker & Downey have put together an amazing luxury travel tour through Iceland. The 10-day trip takes guests through natural sights like the Godafoss waterfall, Krafla volcano, SkutustadagÃgar craters and Dimmuborgir lava pillars. After enjoying Iceland’s geological wonders, guests can enjoy whale watching in HusavÃk’s Skjalfandi Bay and an extended stay in Reykjavik for their “culture night” festival.
Priced at $23,325 per person.
(Via CNN, Photos Courtesy of CNN)
