7 minute read
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 cli top thatch-roofed cottages overlooking the British Virgin Islands. Guests in each retreat can mingle in communal spaces such as the
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 sta 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
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.
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
