Big, brash & braggable

this is the year that will see more people jetting around the world to fulfil their postponed holiday dreams. Overseas ski trips, heli-tours, private residences and ultra-luxe resorts with a unique twist are among the hottest trends.

According to Virtuoso, the leading global network of luxury travel advisors, the top five international cities booked by Australians and New Zealanders are Singapore, Honolulu, London, Paris and recently reopened Tokyo. The most popular countries include European favourites Italy, France, Spain and the Greek Islands, as well as the UK, the US, Japan, Thailand and South Africa. At the top of the list of domestic destinations for 2023 is Perth, followed by Broome and Darwin.

/ Branson’s new private island

One of the most exclusive options for high-level luxury travellers is Sir Richard Branson’s new private island in the Caribbean. Located across the sea from his legendary home on Necker Island, Moskito comprises 10 properties, three of which are now available for holiday rentals when the owners are not using them.

The Branson Estate has three Balinese-style villas, which sleep up to 22 guests. The Oasis Estate, whose owner remains anonymous, is a nine-bedroom home designed to resemble a yacht, with pools, firepits and a swim-up bar. The Point Estate is a collection of clifftop thatch-roofed cottages overlooking the British Virgin Islands. Guests in each retreat can mingle in communal spaces such as the

Take the plunge Clockwise, from left: Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal and the hotel’s Nobu by the Beach restaurant; Echo camp, Antarctica.

Beach Pavilion, while divers can explore the wreck of the Kodiak Queen, one of the surviving ships from the Pearl Harbor attack that has since been transformed into an underwater art installation.

Rates start at US$17,500 (AU$25,280) per night including meals, drinks, watersports and the services of an estate manager and a private chef. moskitoisland.virgin.com

/ Space-age camping on ice

Echo, a high-end camp inspired by astronauts, has been unveiled in Antarctica. The futuristic site comprises six sleeping pods with heating, panoramic windows, king beds, bathrooms and walls adorned with photos taken by a former International Space Station commander. A central hub houses a bar, dining room and library, connected by tunnels.

Between November and February, Echo is run by a team of 100 staff including pilots, polar guides, camp managers, doctors and chefs. The adventure begins in Cape Town for a safety briefing before boarding a Gulfstream G550 for a five-hour flight to the campsite’s ice runway. An eight-night program costs US$104,000 (about AU$150,245) per person, which includes an excursion to the South Pole. white-desert.com

/ Decadence in Dubai

Billed as “the most ultra-luxury experiential resort in the world”, Dubai’s Atlantis The Royal flexed its star power when Beyoncé performed at the opening party in January. The singer stayed in the 1,128-square-metre Royal Mansion, the world’s largest hotel suite, with four bedrooms, a private elevator and lobby, a library, an outdoor kitchen, an infinity pool and butler service. This penthouse is priced from US$100,000 (AU$144,465) per night, but the resort has another 795 rooms from US$850 (AU$1225). Guests can choose between 17 restaurants run by chefs such as Nobu and Heston Blumenthal, ride

WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS ESCAPES

more than 100 waterslides in a massive waterpark, swim with sea lions, surf in a wave pool or go ten-pin bowling on site. atlantis.com

/ All-inclusive safari in style

Earth Lodge, in Greater Kruger Park’s Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, has emerged from a makeover. One of South Africa’s most-renowned luxury lodges, this refurbished sanctuary offers new suites and a terrace lounge framed by a full-length pool, from where guests can view the wildlife. A stay at Earth Lodge includes all meals, drinks, private dinners in the bush, two safaris a day, and nature walks. sabisabi.com/lodges/earth-lodge

/ Tahiti’s first floating villa

A yet-to-be-named houseboat in Bora Bora is to be launched this year by Elyt Charter Tahiti. Inspired by ancient Polynesian voyaging canoes and their overwater lifestyle, this solar-powered catamaran is a significant upgrade with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a rooftop lounge, a kitchen and dining area, and a water-treatment facility. The absence of a diesel engine makes it silent and less disruptive to the lagoon’s marine life. Renting the floating villa costs €1,500 per night (about AU$2460). www.elytchartertahiti.com

/ Mexican wave of waterfront resorts

The luxe beachside playground of Los Cabos is home to the first Waldorf Astoria in Mexico and Zadún, one of five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world.

Top tier

Clockwise, from above: Ambiente in Arizona; InterContinental Hayman Island Residences; Elyt water-villa; Earth Lodge, South Africa; Aman jet tours.

Four more five-star hotels are opening along the coastline this year: St Regis, Park Hyatt, Four Seasons and the Hyatt Rancho Pescadero. The Vidanta East Cape, Amanvari and Soho House & Beach Club are expected to open in 2024. Set between mountains, desert, the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific Ocean, Los Cabos is known for its year-round sunshine, lively nightlife, outstanding spas, top-ranked golf courses and fresh-caught-seafood restaurants. visitloscabos.travel

/ Arizona’s desert delight

Just opened in February, the adults-only Ambiente is immersed in the breathtaking landscape of Sedona. Stay in one of 40 cube-shaped, glass-encased atriums with private rooftop decks and firepits – perfect for star-gazing or admiring the red rock scenery after a day of jeep tours, hot-air balloon rides, wine-tasting or e-biking. ambientesedona.com

/ Wintjiri Wiru at Uluru

A spectacular new experience is coming to the Northern Territory from May. Presented every night of the year, Wintjiri Wiru will be the largest light, laser, projection and drone show performed on a regular basis anywhere in the world, with 1000 illuminated drones lighting up the outback sky in a modern expression of an ancient Anangu story. The local custodians of the land were closely involved in the project, which combines a traditional Inma soundtrack and narration in the Pitjantjatjara language. The signature experience is a three-hour Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner ($385 per person) on the dunes, starting with cocktails and canapes while the sun sets over Kata Tjuta and Uluru, followed by a hamper of native foods paired with premium Australian wines. The show can be added to a stay at Longitude 31 or Sails in the Desert. ayersrockresort.com.au

/ Privacy in the Whitsundays

Elton John and his family spent the new year at InterContinental Hayman Island’s Residences – they can only be reached by boat or helicopter. The private retreats are on a hilltop overlooking the Whitsundays. All self-contained residences have four bedrooms with a wraparound balcony, a barbecue area and an infinity pool. Guests also have access to the resort’s 24-hour gym, spa, restaurants and bars, and they can book private charters to Whitehaven Beach or the Great Barrier Reef. haymanisland.intercontinental.com

/ Aman jet expeditions

As the private-jet obsession continues to soar, Aman has released more amazing itineraries revolving around its high-end accommodation. Departing in April 2023, a 19-night journey dips into the diverse cultures surrounding six Aman hotels in six countries. Up to 12 guests will be whisked from Kyoto, Japan to the Philippines and Indonesia before flying to Oman, Turkey and Morocco. More round-the-world, jet-setting adventures are available throughout the year. aman.com CT

Cool (rich) cats

Return to the snow

Many people haven’t seen snow since 2019, which means icy escapes are hot this year. A helicopter is the preferred mode of transport for those seeking untouched slopes. Eleven Experience has a new heli-skiing program in the Chilean Andes, based at the sevensuite Rio Palena Lodge, while luxury adventure specialist Pelorus offers a backcountry skiing trip in Denali, Alaska.

elevenexperience.com; pelorusx.com

Aspen adds alpine fun

Aspen, renowned as the ski destination of the stars, has added the AspenX range of exclusive activities. The Buckhorn Cabin Elevated Experience is an apres-ski celebration held at 3285 metres. Guests ski to the alpine cabin for lunch and then depart on a snowcat. There’s also an opportunity for a private dinner at the Aspen Mountain Club (usually reserved for members) after the ski resort has closed, before returning to Aspen by riding down the Silver Queen gondola under the moonlight. Summer options include a hike and dine, or fly fish and dine. aspenx.com

Indulge your senses

In the forests of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges, an upscale property from Six Senses will be the luxury hotel group’s first in the Australian market. The centrepiece will be the Burnham Beeches estate’s 1930s art deco mansion with 43 guestrooms, a welcome lounge and terrace, a restaurant with outdoor seating, a library bar and a rooftop area. A Six Senses spa with a tea lounge, treatment rooms, a gym, a hydro area and a sauna will pamper guests, while a farm and herb garden will enhance the food offering. There are also plans to include glamping once the 22-hectare resort opens in 2025. Six Senses is also planning for an ecolodge in Zimbabwe, a resort on Grand Bahama and a Swiss ski resort.

Cutting Edge

Celebrity Edge will be returning to Australia for the 2024/25 summer. The ship is part of a massive Celebrity cruise program of more than 500 sailings which will visit more than 250 destinations across 70 countries in 16 ships, including Celebrity Ascent, the newest addition to Celebrity’s Edge class. Celebrity Edge will sail out of Australia between October 2024 and April 2025 on itineraries from three to 14 nights. The ship will also head to new ports across the Pacific, including Fiji, Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga. Among other Celebrity Cruises’ highlights is a range of new European offerings. Seven ships will port out of Europe, including Celebrity Apex which will sail a brand-new 12-night Norwegian Fjord and Arctic Circle itinerary. Also exciting is the deployment of two ships in Asia. Celebrity Millennium will sail from Tokyo on a series of 12-night itineraries to destinations such as Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka.

Check it out July ‘Checked’ 80-litre suitcase, AU$375.

Land Ahoy

Gala dinners at Angkor Wat, sunsets at the pyramids of Giza and wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park are just some of the highlights of Scenic’s Iconic Land Journeys. The 10-day escorted Soul of South Korea tour journeys from Seoul to the bamboo forests of Gwangju and the markets of Busan. The Iberian Grandeur 11-day luxury package traverses Portugal and Spain. The 28-day Ultimate African Expedition from Cape Town to Nairobi includes visits to Victoria Falls and a Maasai village, an overnight stay at Ghost Mountain and game drives in search of the ‘big five’ – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo.

HIGH FIVE!

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed it will be returning to Africa after a successful inaugural season in the region. Norwegian Jade sailed the first NCL Africa season and now Norwegian Dawn will be joining the party, with both ships exploring the region between January and March 2024. Most itineraries have a strong focus on wildlifespotting, with NCL giving guests the best possible chance of spotting the ‘big five’. The 12-day Africa: South Africa & Madagascar itinerary will take you to Port Louis in Mauritius, the rainforestmeets-reef destination of Pointe des Galets on the island of Réunion, and to Richards Bay and Cape Town in South Africa, as well as two stops in Mozambique. Two 12-day Cape Town round-trips are also on offer, with stops in Namibia, as well as South Africa’s Addo Elephant Park, the DumaZulu Cultural Village and along the famous Garden Route farms.

Circus comes to town

Cunard has partnered with Circa, an Australian contemporary circus company, so guests can experience all the fun of the fair when Queen Elizabeth returns for the 2023/24 season. Circa has made waves in the entertainment industry, performing in front of more than 1.5 million people across 40 countries and six continents. Expect daring, artistic performances that express a hybrid of movement, dance, theatre and circus. The shows will take place among the glamour of Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Court Theatre from February 1 to March 10, 2024.

All aboard

Accor is reviving the original Orient Express carriages for train enthusiasts and they are set to hit the rails in 2025. After discovering the 17 carriages in Poland, Accor commissioned French interior designer Maxime d’Angeac to bring the train back to its former glory. Of particular note in the design is the expansive Presidential suite which takes up an entire carriage. The suite will have a spacious bathroom, a living area adorned with Lalique glass panels, antique and handmade furniture, a fireplace and a velvet-lined bedroom. The train will also include restaurant cars and suites with private bathrooms. It’s all part of Accor’s ambitious plan to revive the Orient Express brand. The hospitality group is also opening two Orient Express hotels, La Minerva in Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice, in 2024.

Life at the top

Set to fly first- and business-class travellers in style, Qantas has revealed details on the sleek seats at the pointy end of its new A350. The planes will fly passengers non-stop from Australia to London or New York from late 2025. Space is pivotal and the airline has reduced the total number of seats from 300 to 238. The first-class suite is dripping in luxury, with a huge bed, 32-inch television, reclining chair, wardrobe and a two-person dining table. The Business suites are also not short on opulence, with a two-metre flat-bed, leather ottoman, an 18-inch touchscreen and a dining table. The Qantas A350 will offer free, highspeed WiFi and first and business suites will provide multiple device-charging options, including wireless. There will also be Bluetooth connectivity, allowing passengers to connect their own headphones to the in-flight entertainment system. Details are yet to be announced on a Wellbeing Zone for all passengers aboard, along with other additional features on the new aircraft.