From gorilla trekking in Rwanda and a private helicopter safari in Northern Kenya to a day with the Samburu tribesmen in the Laikipia region and releasing baby turtles into the Indian Ocean in the Seychelles, prepare to make some room on your bucket list. Our expert advisors at Executive Edge Travel have trekked the globe to determine the finest destinations and travel experiences on the planet to put on your bucket list this year.
#1
KENYA – Ol Malo & Suguta Valley Helicopter Ride
Go north for a bucket list gem! There is much more to Kenya than the well-known Maasai Mara Game Reserve. North of the Equator, the Great Rift Valley and Mount Kenya lies the awe inspiring Laikipia Plateau, still free from the hordes of game vehicles. Laikipia is where Kenya’s wild northern frontier country starts. Safaris will as often as not be by camel, or on horseback or as treks with colourful Samburu tribesmen. In this majestic setting on a rock escarpment on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau is a dream destination for privileged few who seek a glimpse into the true heart of Africa. Ol Malo is a privately-owned game sanctuary on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River – 5000 acres of spectacular bush country where all Big Five are present. More likely to see rhino, leopard and wild dogs here than in any other part of Africa, spend a night under the stars in a tree house, or sleep below the cliffs in a leopard hide with flood lit views of the waterhole. Every moment of your time at Ol Malo is customised. Chopper to the shores of Lake Turkana for breakfast! Fly at a low level, doors open, wind in your hair, Africa’s wild smells whizzing past, visibility second to none. In 6 hours see what very few people have witnessed – land untouched, unexplored. The Suguta Valley is the most inaccessible inhospitable part of the Great Rift Valley and it’s yours exclusively. Fly over myriad flamingos, volcanoes, sand dunes and a veritable lunar landscape.
Did you know?
The coffee industry is the second biggest industry in Kenya behind tourism?
#2
Ritz Paris
After a four year $450 million renovation, the Ritz Parisis reborn and has reopened its doors. What exquisite doors they are. This renowned Parisian hotel masters the art of heritage and old-world luxury like no one else can. The Ritz Paris has a long list of aristocratic celebrity stays including F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Duke of Windsor and Coco Chanel, each of whom have a suite named after them. Every room at the Ritz Paris is as glorious as ever with incomparable ambiance, antique objects, fine art, intimate decor and the most generous spaces in the City of Light. Expect the finest French cuisine … in winning two Michelin stars for La Table de L’Espadon and one for Les Jardins de L’Espadon, Nicolas Sale, the Ritz Paris’s tenth Chef, makes this legend shine anew.
#3
Laucala Private Island, Fiji
This luxurious South Seas escape sets a new standard for fantasy private islands. Encompassing 12 square kilometers in the Fiji archipelago, Laucala’s 25 villas are scattered amidst palms, sugar white beaches, turquoise lagoons, and atop lush green mountains. Laucala brings new meaning to the term “all-inclusive resort” with its wealth of leisure diversions including swimming, snorkeling, golf, diving, horseback riding, spa treatments, sailing and sunset cruises. The island features five exclusive restaurants overseen by top international chefs from Europe and Asia with ingredients from the island’s own organic gardens. With over 350 staff, Laucala boasts the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the world, including professionals such as spa manager and golf, diving and fishing experts. Expect to be WOWED with this bucket list beauty.
#4
Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
Surrounded by massive granite boulders and picture-perfect beaches, Six Senses Zil Pasyon sits on the dramatically beautiful Félicité private island in the Seychelles. With a perpetual summer, the resort embraces and celebrates nature while offering every creature comfort in this year-round destination. Its 28 one-bedroom pool villas and 2 two-bedroom pool villas ranging from 200 square meters to 500 square meters, plus several private residences, offer seclusion embraced by tropical vegetation and spacious surroundings, unsurpassed vistas of the ocean, private infinity-edge pools and GEM (Guest Experience Maker) butler service for each villa. Customised activities include cooking classes, diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, island hopping boat trips, cycling and fishing. Six Senses are known for its spas – discover the perfect synergy of sensory experiences and magical oceanfront treatments.
#5
Amanwella & Amangalla, Sri Lanka
Explore Sri Lanka’s southern coast in chic Aman style from the historic fort at Galle to the palm-fringed beaches of Tangalle. Amanwella is the ultimate remote seaside escape from the world with its secluded coast and nearby Mulkirigala Temple as well as culinary delights to tempt the finest palates. Open to the sights and sounds of Sri Lanka’s spectacular coastline, Amanwella’s contemporary suites feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on both sides. One side opens to an entrance courtyard with a private plunge pool, the other to an expansive terrace with twin sun loungers, a dining table and chairs, and views of the coconut grove, beach and ocean. Amangalla is a white, stately grande dame of a mansion with period charm of a bygone era. Amangalla’s location within the UNESCO protected walls of Galle’s fort provides an unrivaled opportunity for discovering the country’s cultural highlights.
#6
Il Pellicano, Italy
Cascading down a hill into the sea, Il Pellicano has been the playground for the rich and famous for a generation and still retains its stature today with timeless glamour. Magical views, romantic history, understated luxury and soulful staff come together to make you feel right at home, Italian style. This iconic Tuscan destination on the Monte Argentario coast near Porto Ercole, a mere 90 minutes from Rome, was built in the mid-1960s by Michael and Patricia Graham as a private club for their glamorous circle of friends. Little has changed except we all can be members of this exclusive club. With this great bucket list suggestion, enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine on a charming terrace overlooking the water after a day of lounging at the beach club, boating, tennis or cycling excursions through the Maremma. The location of the property means that the sights of Tuscany are within easy reach for day trips.
#7
7- 10 day Summer Scandinavia Tour
Take a Summer 10 day tour of Scandinavia and enjoy luxury Virtuoso hotels in Stockholm, Copenhagen and Oslo, a mountain lodge stay in the fjord region of Norway, an overnight ferry voyage with Commodore class cabins between Copenhagen and Oslo and much more. Local experiences tailor-made with private transfers throughout, private guided tours and premium inclusions set this tour apart. There are even six personalised tours with expert guides revealing the significant most-loved sights, but also local flavor such as a fika coffee break in Stockholm, an architecture focused tour in Oslo and a culinary walk in Copenhagen. In the Norwegian fjords region relish active adventures such as fly fishing, biking the Rallarvegen and hiking in Aurlandsdalen. It’s a bucket list special!
#8
Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
Recoleta gem perfectly located on Avenida Alvear, Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires is a short stroll to MALBA (The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires) and Puerto Madero and the ideal home to explore this cosmopolitan city. The stunning Duhau Palace belonged to one of the wealthiest families of Buenos Aires’s oligarchy. Blending 1930’s charm with contemporary design, belle-époque elegance meets tech-savvy modernity and comfort, enhanced by renowned Park Hyatt luxury service. Situated in the residential Recoleta neighbourhood surrounded by luxury boutiques, savour the property’s culinary splendor at Italian Gioia, impeccable gardens, private Art Gallery and Ahín Wellness & Spa. High tea at Piano Nobile Salones is a delectable blast from the past and a Buenos Aires society must. Bucket list bliss!
Executive Edge Travel is a globally renowned leader for booking luxury travel experiences/properties.
To book contact your Executive Edge Travel Designer on 03 9519 7777 or email leisure@executiveedge.com.au
