Unforgettable Adventures and Luxurious Escapes: Gift Ideas for the Jet-setter
Welcome, dear readers! Buckle up as we take you on a whirlwind tour of some of the most lavish and adventurous gift ideas that’ll make even Santa blush from sheer envy. If Christmas means gifting your loved ones the kind of experiences that make their Instagram followers drool, then you’re in the right place! Let’s dive in, shall we?
Adventure Awaits in East Indonesia!
First up on our list is a trip to East Indonesia’s remote Asmat region & West Papua. Now, when someone says “remote,” that usually means your mobile signal disappears faster than a magician’s rabbit, but fear not! The adventures here are anything but phony. Partnering with Aqua Expeditions, you can embark on a 9-night odyssey filled with culture, local village visits, and even some serious wood carving. Just don’t walk away with a sculpture that’s bigger than you, or you might find it hard to get through airport security!
And if you’ve got the guts (or just a firm belief in the power of floaties), you can dip in Triton Bay with the magnificent 40-foot whale sharks. Who needs a swimming pool when you can share a swim lane with a creature that could comfortably house your entire family?
A Winter Wonderland in Canada
Next on our must-visit list is a cruise through Canada’s stunning St. Lawrence River. Picture this: you and your friends enjoying the breathtaking winter scenery aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship. Think of it as the eco-friendly cousin of Titanic—minus the iceberg drama!
This 13-day expedition features ice-fishing, dog sledding, and the chance to rub shoulders with the Innu and Mi’kmaq communities. Plus, who wouldn’t want to end the trip at one of the world’s largest winter carnivals, where you can enthusiastically throw snowballs at your loved ones all in the name of festivity?
Bragging Rights Like No Other
Have a friend who claims to have everything? Time to humble them with a gift that screams sophistication: the L’Observatoire carriage on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express. Artistic and luxurious, its interior features walnut wood paneling and a library to make even the keenest bookworm weep with joy. Just make sure you nab a seat by the window to show off your posh journey—because Instagram doesn’t like modesty!
Wellness, the Island Way
Ready to rejuvenate yourself? Look no further than the freshly unveiled Guerlain Spa at Belmond Cap Juluca in Anguilla. They draw inspiration from wellness traditions of the Indigenous Arawak tribe, offering a truly holistic approach that’ll have you feeling zen and refreshed by the ocean vibes alone. Who needs therapy when you can have ocean sound therapy!?
If you dream of finding your inner peace, the Euphoria Retreat in Greece combines modern science with ancient wisdom. Their Inner Emotional Harmony program is perfect for any self-help junkie looking to go from “meh” to “whoa!” in just a week.
The Gift of Learning
Let’s talk about some educational experiences! If you know someone with a thirst for knowledge, consider a walking safari with andBeyond across Kenya. Imagine following the footpaths of iconic African animals with a local guide who might just turn into your new best friend—as long as they don’t start sharing too many cringe-worthy animal facts!
And for those stargazers among us, a trip to Nayara Alto Atacama in Chile will have you at the world’s driest desert, where the stars shine so bright it’s like the galaxy is having a personal light show just for you. With astronomer-led stargazing sessions, you’ll finally get answers to those “What’s that constellation?” questions you’ve been too embarrassed to ask at dinner parties.
Fun in the Sun (and Water!)
And lastly, for those looking to soak up some sun while acquiring new talents, Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives offers kids the PADI Bubblemaker experience for a safe scuba introduction. As the kids play mermaid, parents can turn into explorers on the house reef, dodging small sharks, turtles, and the occasional cheeky ray.
All in all, these experiences aren’t just about travel—they’re about making memories that will last longer than your latest haircut. So, dear readers, when it comes to gifting this holiday season, consider gifting adventure. Because at the end of the day, who really needs another pair of socks?
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An enchanting aerial view captures the circular beach at Cap Juluca in the beautiful Caribbean island of Anguilla, renowned for its pristine sands and turquoise waters. This breathtaking destination is just one instance among ten carefully curated locations designed to foster unforgettable memories for travelers seeking the extraordinary.
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Adventure
What adventure seeker could possibly resist an exhilarating journey to the lesser-explored locales of East Indonesia, particularly the mystique surrounding the Asmat region & West Papua with Aqua Expeditions? Travelers can select from two extraordinary voyages, including a remarkable 9-night West Papua and Asmat Tribe Expedition that commences in Kaimana. The expedition allows for a captivating exploration, moving through the idyllic Kei Islands and onto the stunning beaches of Cape Papisol before navigating deeper into the enchanting West Papua. Along the way, you’ll engage with local villages that offer a unique glimpse into the lives of the Indigenous Asmat community, featuring visits to their communal houses and witnessing their exquisite traditional wood carving techniques. The adventure concludes in Triton Bay, a perfect spot for thrill-seekers to take a daring plunge alongside magnificently large 40-foot whale sharks.
Create cherished memories by gifting a scenic cruise along Canada’s magnificent St. Lawrence River during the ethereal beauty of boreal winter aboard Le Commandant Charcot. Concluding the journey in the vibrant Quebec City, guests traveling in January can partake in the festivities of one of the world’s premier winter carnivals.
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The alternative gift choice is a fascinating voyage through Canada’s captivating St. Lawrence River during the enchanting boreal winter, all aboard the revolutionary Le Commandant Charcot, the pioneering hybrid-electric polar exploration ship. These immersive 13-day expeditions promise a thrilling blend of sub-zero activities, including ice-fishing, dog sledding, kayaking, and skijoring, alongside culturally enriching visits to Indigenous Innu and Mi’kmaq communities. Experience the splendor of rare wildlife sightings, from majestic caribou to elusive black bears, while indulging in the awe-inspiring sight of the Northern Lights lighting up the night sky. The journey wraps up in the historic and artistic Quebec City, coinciding with the remarkable celebrations of the Quebec Winter Carnival, one of the largest and most iconic winter festivals in the world.
Never Done Before” Bragging Rights
If your gift-list includes someone who seems to have everything, why not offer them the unparalleled experience of opulence aboard the newly unveiled L’Observatoire carriage on the Venice Simplon-Orient Express? This exquisite carriage is a groundbreaking collaboration with the esteemed artist JR, marking the first time that an artist has designed a carriage on the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express. Within, you’ll find an interior adorned with lavish French walnut wood paneling, an exquisite stained-glass wall, and sumptuous furnishings that evoke a sense of indulgence. Adding to its allure is a magnificent library filled with over 1,000 meticulously chosen titles by renowned French publisher Gallimard, as well as an enchanting secret tearoom complete with a cozy fireplace, inviting guests to unwind and indulge in luxurious surroundings.
Wellness
For those desiring a truly rejuvenating experience as a gift, look no further than the freshly opened Guerlain Spa positioned within the splendid Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel in the picturesque setting of Anguilla. This secluded sanctuary is designed as a wellness oasis, complemented by a comprehensive holistic approach that draws inspiration from the enriching traditions of the Indigenous Arawak tribe. Guests can partake in unique wellness experiences such as harvesting salt from the island’s largest coastal salt pond and engaging in a Driftwood Art Creation workshop. Additionally, they can indulge in holistic healing treatments, including Ocean Vibes, an innovative rejuvenating face and body experience that artfully mimics the calming sounds of gentle ocean waves.
Greece’s Euphoria Retreat, perched on the stunning Peloponnese peninsula, represents a holistic sanctuary that artfully weaves together modern scientific wisdom and ancient philosophical teachings. One of their latest offerings is the transformative Inner Emotional Harmony program, stretching over 5 to 7 days, which facilitates self-discovery and renewal through self-reflection, emotional healing, and a focus on the liberating art of letting go for a more fulfilling future. Participants can expect a comprehensive experience that includes consultations, meditation, massage, chakra balancing, sound healing, and various therapeutic practices aimed at restoring balance and harmony.
The Gift of Learning
Gift the enlightening experience of insight with a culturally enriching educational journey of a lifetime. For instance, andBeyond provides an unmatched opportunity through a guided walking safari that navigates the awe-inspiring landscapes of Laikipia and the renowned Masai Mara in Kenya. Led by a knowledgeable local Samburu guide, guests have the chance to intimately connect with nature, learning how to track iconic African wildlife such as kudu and zebra. The adventure culminates in nights spent camping beneath the vast expanse of starry skies, alongside cultural interactions where guests will engage with a Samburu tribe and gain insights into their cherished daily rituals and traditions.
Curious about the universe’s mysteries? At Nayara Alto Atacama, a stunning adobe-style oasis situated in Chile’s Atacama Desert, guests can marvel at the clear, star-studded skies like never before. Thanks to its unique location in the world’s driest desert, Nayara offers an incredible hands-on stargazing experience at the resort’s own observatory. Guests can learn from the esteemed astronomy guide Pía Urbano Mena, who’ll illuminate the reasons behind Atacama’s reputation as the globe’s premier stargazing destination—most notably, the exceptional absence of light pollution that authentically enhances night sky visibility. Pía will also escort you on a fascinating cosmic journey, guiding your understanding of star constellations and their significance to the local Indigenous cultures.
The PADI Bubblemaker experience provides kids ages eight and up a captivating and secure introduction to scuba diving, all under the professional guidance of certified PADI instructors, ensuring an unforgettable initial encounter with the underwater world.
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Amid the tropical charms of the Maldives, enhance your holiday experience by acquiring a new skill. The stunning Gili Lankfanfushi, which caters specifically to solo travelers, provides outstanding opportunities for aquatic enthusiasts, including children eager for more than just a day at the beach. The PADI Bubblemaker experience is designed for kids ages eight and up, giving them a fun and safe introduction to scuba diving, all under the expert supervision of a certified PADI instructor. While kids hone their diving skills, parents can venture into the drop-off zone bordering the resort’s house reef, which is teeming with vibrant marine life, including small sharks, graceful turtles, and elegant rays.
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Cultures, enriching your stargazing experience with stories and insights that bring the cosmos closer to home.
Gastronomic Adventures
For the food lover in your life, consider gifting a culinary escapade. The Belmond culinary program offers exclusive access to some of the finest dining experiences across its collection of luxury hotels. Guests can enjoy private cooking classes with top chefs, tastings of local wines, and farm-to-table meals featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether it’s learning to make pasta in Italy or enjoying a sushi-making workshop in Japan, these experiences provide not just meals but treasured culinary memories.
Unforgettable Sightseeing
For those intrigued by history and art, consider a customizable travel package to explore the hidden gems of Tuscany or the vibrant streets of Portugal. Whether it’s a scenic vineyard tour, visits to artisanal markets, or personalized tours guided by local experts, these trips promise an intimate and enriching view of culture and craftsmanship that various regions have to offer.
whether the ideal gift is an adventure in the polar wilderness, a luxurious escape in a historic train carriage, a wellness retreat, a culinary journey, or an enriching educational experience, the possibilities are vast. Choose a gift that conveys thoughtfulness and intention, transforming special occasions into unforgettable memories.