2023 is the year of transformative travel. Wanderers and explorers are planning new adventures to satisfy their reinvigorated desires to travel better than ever before and to make up for lost time following a lengthy period of travel disruption.
This summer presents itself with seemingly limitless options of cities, islands and remote destinations to jet to. Luxury travel trends reveal the ultra-high-net-worth individuals are choosing to go deeper rather than just skim the surface; to get to know more of a single country; to treat travel as a search for understanding that will have a lasting impact on the places and people they visit.
The days of box-ticking, surface-skimming, highlight-chasing holidays are over. From uncovering Herculaneum, the site of one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Italy, to iconic off-the-beaten-path gorilla trekking in Rwanda and decadent island-hopping yacht voyages in Greece, here are five immersive travel experiences to discover during summer 2023.
"Travelling and the experiences we collect shape who we are as individuals. From meeting new people, tasting new cuisines, encountering new societies and seeing new sights, travel opens our eyes to new possibilities. But as destinations become established, they can also lose their truest form, and holidays might evolve into superficial moments with limited personal enrichment. Therefore, to preserve travel as a means to expand our knowledge, we must seek a deeper understanding of the varying cultures around us.At VistaJet, we help make travel happen exactly as dreamed. We create unique adventures that gift our clients with profound memories that will have a lasting effect on their lives. Enriching mind and soul, cultural holidays improve our sense of wellness, offer new ways of thinking, and become integral to who we are"
Matteo Atti, VistaJet’s Chief Marketing Officer.
with Pelorus
Upon landing into Rome’s private airport, depart for a scenic drive to the Umbrian countryside, where your final destination is an iconic castello, dating back to 1050. Explore the vast grounds of the castle estate on foot or e-bike, cast a fishing rod from land or by rowing boat into the glistening lake, or venture to the nearby medieval town of Lisciano Niccone.
Next, drive to a nearby farm to meet your local expert and his trusted canine, before testing out your skills, hunting for the region’s most famous export — summer truffles. Transition from forest to restaurant and feast on an authentic Italian meal, created using your freshly discovered produce. Board your private flight to the iconic Amalfi Coast, where you will be hosted in an exclusive cliffside property, the only one in this area with private beach access.
Immerse yourself in your surroundings by exploring the ceramic boutiques of Vietri, meeting local artisans, accompanied by your expert guide. Marvel at St. Giovanni Battista, a renowned, must-visit cathedral with a glittering dome. Discover the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Oplontis and spend a day uncovering Herculaneum, the site of one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Italy.
Visit the lemon farms in Sorrento for a private Limoncello tasting, stopping for a local Italian cooking class on the way. Cruise along the coast by private yacht to the Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Verde, named after their iconic waters, before ending in the legendary seaside town of Positano.
with Milos
Milos at Sea offers guests a rare opportunity to experience the Mediterranean with utmost freedom and privacy. Discover the beauty of the Greek islands with unparalleled closeness to the sea, where clear blue skies meet dazzling waters, paving the way for your great escape.
This summer, charter Milos at Sea from the south coast of Athens for an intimate culinary experience along the exquisite Greek coastline. Indulge in delicious local dishes while sailing the mythical Greek islands including Leonard Cohen’s Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and more. Travel through the same paths of ancient Greeks and revel in the sea that is so heavily intertwined with the country’s heritage.
Tailored service, close attention to detail and intimate privacy awaits you and your guests, an exclusive yachting experience aboard Milos at Sea.
with Wilderness Safaris
Wilderness Safaris, the world’s leading conservation and hospitality company, are proud custodians of the planet’s most significant wild places, each chosen to be part of its collection for a specific purpose all linked to protecting the land and life that exists.
Start the experience with an overnight in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, which boasts an enticing gastronomic and cultural scene. Next, enjoy a scenic helicopter ride to Magashi Camp, one of Wildnerness Safaris’ newest properties located in Akagera National Park. Akagera is known for its high population of lion, reintroduced into the park in 2015 after a 20-year absence, as well as black rhino. Besides the thrills of a safari, enjoy boating trips and nature walks.
From there, continue by private helicopter onto Bisate Lodge, adjacent to Volcanoes National Park for one of the most quintessential Rwandan wildlife experiences: gorilla trekking. The villas at the renowned Bisate Lodge are located on the sloped of eroded volcanic crates overlooking two enormous extinct volcanoes, Bisoki and Karasimbi. Everything about this is a thrilling quest for the ultimate up-close wildlife encounters.
with Ariodante
There's a place in Vietnam that's simply out of this world. Nestled near the border of Laos, it's home to a majestic cave that was formed millions of years ago. The sheer size of it is simply captivating — it's so vast that the Empire State Building could easily fit inside. And yet, it's still shrouded in mystery. A world of unimaginable secrets, waiting to be discovered.
This adventure takes guests on a luxurious three-week journey through ancient times, modern cultures and natural wonders. It all begin amidst the vibrant streets of Jakarta, before being whisked away to Sangiran, where the past comes to life and whispers of ancient secrets still linger in the air.
Flying north to Cambodia, guests will journey on to discover the magnificent remains of the Khmer Empire and explore the likes of Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, far away from the throngs of tourists.
But the ultimate adventure awaits further east, at the heart of Vietnam's Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Landing by helicopter in the jungle, where guests will be met by a team of experts for an awe-inspiring four-day trek through the world's largest cave, Hang Son Doong. Surrounded by subterranean rivers, magical dolines and countless natural treasures, the journey will explore deeper and deeper into the heart of the cave — a place where few have ever gone before.
with the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is an unforgettable island escape with a wealth of experiences to discover. The resort features 119 reef, beach and overwater villas spanning three interconnected islands, including an independent private island with dedicated staff and luxury amenities. Guests can experience culinary excellence through eleven distinctive dining venues, a world-class lifestyle spa sanctuary and fitness center, children’s club, watersports and diving center, and diversified activities for all generations.
Discover your very own tropical paradise surrounded by natural wilderness, dazzling white sand beaches, cyan-blue waters and vibrant coral reefs. A 40-minute private yacht journey from the airport, Ithaafushi — The Private Island is ideally located for those seeking exclusivity and privacy.
Escape to a private paradise, where a three-bedroom beach villa, two-bedroom overwater villa and a four-bedroom residence with its own jacuzzi await. Explore five swimming pools, entertainment club house, spa, gym, children’s pool and playground, with dedicated chefs and a personal concierge to accommodate all whims.
