Once in a Lifetime

Six one-of-a-kind travel experiences you’ll want to add to the top of your bucket list.

by Stephanie Gray

IT’S FUNNY: the more you travel, the longer your travel bucket list tends to get. Most of us have a list of travel experiences that we can’t wait to check off, and after the last few years, now’s the time to make those dreams a reality. Need a few fresh ideas to add to your list? We have you covered. Here are six once-in-a-lifetime trips recommended by travel advisors that you’ll remember forever. Explore Southeast Asia by Rail.

Explore Southeast Asia by Rail

Riding aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express with luxury tour operator Belmond is the closest thing to traveling back in time. Wood-paneled corridors, silk-covered furnishings and ornate details evoke the glamor and elegance of Old Hollywood. But there’s nothing dated about the experience, thanks to modern conveniences like air-conditioning, luxurious en suite bathrooms and 24-hour onboard service.

Its dining rivals the world’s best restaurants, with locally inspired dishes created by internationally renowned chefs. Enjoy a colorful cocktail as you gaze at the view of lush jungles, ancient temples and quaint villages, or head to the lively bar car to sip wine and listen to the resident pianist play classic melodies. An open-sided observation car allows you to fully immerse yourself in the scenery and let the warm breeze sweep through your hair.

Belmond’s most classic journey starts in Singapore, where the gleaming green and gold carriages await your arrival, as the train makes its way from the Johor-Singapore Causeway to Malaysia. The next morning, you’ll embark on an adventure in Malacca— one option is a culinary tour of the city, which includes a visit to a local market and sampling of locally renowned cuisine.

You’ll stay overnight at a luxurious glamping resort in the Janda Baik rainforest surrounded by seven acres of pristine nature. The journey continues with a stop in Penang; then it’s on to Thailand, before a final stop in Bangkok, where you disembark.

Cruise to the 7th Continent

From the colossal icebergs to the mesmerizing wildlife, visiting Antarctica is like touring another planet. As one of the world’s most remote destinations, it’s difficult to just book a flight there and go, which is why a cruise is a great option that offers the best of both worlds: luxurious comfort and complete immersion.

Among the Antarctic luxury cruise operators is Silversea, whose trips range from five days to an entire month. Voyages are door-to-door allinclusive, so hotels and transfers, airfare, excursions, food and drinks are included in the cost of the trip. With small luxury ships operating on the waters, it’s the equivalent of staying at a boutique hotel.

Watch the Great Migration in Kenya

There’s nothing more awe-inspiring than seeing African wildlife in its natural environment. But to take the experience to the next level, you need to visit during the Great Migration. This incredible journey is an ever-moving circular migration of millions of animals through the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya.

Set in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, at the foot of the scenic Oloololo Escarpment, is andBeyond’s luxurious Bateleur Camp. Expect year-round wildlife theater, but to witness the migration, plan to visit between June and October. There are two intimate camps, each with its own private butler and housekeeper. Don’t let the word tent fool you: they’re nothing short of stunning, with hardwood floors, fine antiques and copper bathtubs featuring views of the starry night sky. Savor your coffee or a classic cocktail on the tent’s private deck overlooking the Mara plains.

The captivating safari game drives are the most unforgettable excursion you’ll experience, with twice-daily outings and spotlit night drives. Gently rolling hills and wide open plains provide a picture-perfect backdrop as you encounter herds of elephants and buffalo. Back at camp, take a dip in the rim flow pool at the edge of the Mara or relax with a decadent spa treatment. Or take a Maasai tribe jewelry-making class and learn about the culture’s rich history.

Escape to a Private Tropical Island

Found in the remote Anambas Archipelago in Indonesia, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion and is accessible only by seaplane. A previously uninhabited marine conservation area, this pristine island is surrounded by dazzling turquoise lagoons and flourishing coral reefs.

Accommodation options are plentiful, from a family-friendly treehouse lodge to romantic overwater bungalows, where your closest neighbors are lapping waves and the occasional ribbon tail ray. Each bungalow offers picturesque vistas of the lagoon and outer islands, a private veranda perfect for sunbathing or sunset dining, and direct access to the tropical waters below.

The island might be remote, but you’ll find international flavors made with locally sourced ingredients from the onsite organic gardens, and wild-caught fish from the surrounding waters at the resort’s four unique dining venues. On-island activities are plentiful—go diving in the Coral Triangle or hike through the island’s rich ecosystem. Complete tropical bliss isn’t complete without a spa escape, which you can enjoy at the wellness center. Nourish your soul with a meditation or yoga session, or indulge in a healing treatment, like a cooling facial prepared with freshly picked aloe vera. With sustainable practices intertwined in every aspect of the property, you can relax knowing the surrounding ecosystem is deeply cared for.

Sleep Among the Trees in England

The treehouses at Chewton Glen on the south coast of England turn a childhood fantasy Into an ultra-luxe reality. Tucked away in a wooded valley on the edge of New Forest National Park are spacious, spectacular suites suspended 35 feet above ground, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the valley below. The yews are the most secluded of the bunch and ideal for families, sleeping up to 12, including four adults.

With a tranquil color, a wood-burning fireplace and a wraparound terrace with two hot tubs, you don’t have to go far to relax. A personal chef can take care of your meals in the private kitchen. Venture out onto the grounds for activities like archery, golf and forest foraging, or into the main property, best described as a luxury country house hotel, for cooking classes and spa treatments. This old-school English manor is complete with modern sensibilities. With a staff-to-guest ratio of two to one, an award-winning restaurant and plush amenities, it’s easy to feel like royalty.

Immerse Yourself in Prague’s Culture

This enchanting capital of the Czech Republic is steeped in rich history and culture. The old-world atmosphere will instantly transport you into the past as you walk along the cobblestone streets, passing by beautifully preserved castles, Gothic cathedrals and medieval squares. Miraculously intact despite the bombs of World War II and thoughtfully restored after years of Communist rule, Prague is a real-life masterpiece.

Located in the heart of the city’s historical center, Andaz Prague is the perfect spot to make your home base. With luxurious amenities and a contemporary feel, this newly opened boutique hotel combines the city’s heritage with modern creativity, seen in such details as the art deco–styled rooms and ornate finishings in the on-site restaurant, Zem.

One of the best ways to explore this lively city is with up-close-andpersonal experiences you won’t find anywhere else. The hotel offers guests a handful of these unique excursions, like the ultimate Prague Castle Tour, which starts with a limo ride that drops you off under the castle’s presidential balcony. You’ll have access to all of the hidden spots within, enjoy the best views of the city from a secret balcony, and end your trip at the nearby Strahov Monastery with a look into a rare library. Consider the Streets of Prague Photo Tour for the opportunity to venture off the beaten path with a professional photographer for memorable photos you’ll be proud to share.