Living next to wild elephants instead of other tourists in South Africa, chartering your own super yacht in the Caribbean, or taking your own riverboat through France's wine regions.
These are some of the most popular options when discerning travellers with high travel budgets want to celebrate in style, according to Travel Beyond
The ultimate holiday luxury is experiencing stunning surroundings without having to encounter anyone other than the hotel staff. Here are Travel Beyond's five most popular options when customers indulge in isolated luxury.
5i Top 2017
1. Live next door to The Big Five in South Africa
2. Rent your own island in the Maldives
3. Charter your own superyacht
4. Cruise your own riverboat through France's wine regions
5. Rent a private manor villa in Tuscany
1. Live next door to The Big Five in South Africa
For those who highly value privacy, personal service, and the world's best safari experiences, Africa House in South Africa is the perfect place. Superstars like Elton John holiday here. This extraordinary safari lodge is situated in a private section of the Greater Kruger National Park and comprises six rooms, each with its own dedicated chef, butler, and safari guide. Within the private wildlife reserve, over 130 species of mammals, including the Big Five, roam freely, along with more than 300 different bird species. The wild animals are your only neighbours. As a guest, you will have free access to private safari tours with expert guides and game drives with Africa's best master trackers.
Maximum number of people: 12
From price: 195,000 kr per night with all-inclusive and two safari tours per day.
2. Rent your own island in the Maldives
Why share when you can have your own? Nestled amidst the Baa Atoll's whale sharks and manta rays lies Four Seasons' first entirely bookable private sanctuary – the coral island of Voavah. Here, you and your friends can enjoy a private stay, indulging in everything from beach lounging and water sports to shark diving and guaranteed paparazzi-free parties. You'll reside in three elegantly designed villas complete with a star chef, dive centre, spa, library, and gym. Additionally, you’ll have access to your own 19-metre luxury yacht featuring two suites.
Maximum number of people: 22
From price: 415,000 kr per night.
3. Charter your own superyacht
Gather your 100 closest friends on your own pleasure yacht and cruise amongst beautiful fishing harbours in the Mediterranean or exotic islands in the Caribbean. Everything is included on board Sea Dreams yachts; gourmet meals, wines, champagne, cocktails, Russian caviar, and water sports.
Maximum number of people: 112.
From price: £3,000,000 for four days.
4. Cruise your own riverboat through France's wine regions
Belmond offers perhaps the most spectacular way to experience France off the beaten path – seven floating luxury hotels gliding along France's rivers and lakes, available for exclusive hire and several featuring pools. Onboard the riverboats you'll find bicycles for tours along the canals, visits to small markets in villages far from the tourist trails, or a spontaneous stop at a small vineyard you happen to cycle past. Evenings are enjoyed on deck with your friends and a glass of Calvados, while the chefs prepare magnificent five-course dinners. The journeys are tailor-made on request, but often take you through the sophisticated wine regions of Burgundy, the lavender-scented Provence of the artists, and the beautiful Rhône Valley, or along the tranquil Canal du Midi with the Michelin-starred city of Carcassonne.
Number of people: 4–12.
From price: 335,000–610,000 kr for seven days all-inclusive.
5. Rent a private manor villa in Tuscany
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is the choice for those who want to stay in seclusion in a magnificent country estate setting, amidst Tuscany's rolling hills and purple lavender fields. The 10 top-renovated 17th and 18th-century villas and their gardens are tucked away in the woods, on hills overlooking olive groves and vineyards, or next to the old castle ruins. Here, you and your family can enjoy leisurely days by the heated pool and barbecue dinners under the pergola, prepared by your own chef. The hotel boasts Italy's only private golf club with an 18-hole course designed by legendary British Open winner Tom Weiskopf. Among the activities, you'll find everything from truffle hunting, grape harvesting, and Italian cooking classes to guided cycling tours through the world's most beautiful cultural landscapes.
Number of people: 6–12.
From price: 40,000 kr per night.
