Made for the world’s most demanding guests, these 5 ultra-luxe hotel experiences will take you to the ends of the earth – literally.
5 extravagant hotel experiences for affluent adventurers
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Venture to the bottom of the world
If you’re after an exclusive and wildly indulgent experience, the White Desert luxury lodge in Antarctica is about as far off the beaten track as you can get. Surrounded by a stark white landscape as far as they eye can see, six heated sleeping pods are your escape from the cold – complete with bamboo headboards, lush fur throws, Saarinen chairs, and free-flowing champagne.
Having hosted the likes of Prince Harry, Bear Grylls, and Buzz Aldrin, this camp is as luxurious as it is adventurous at a price of US$80,000 per week. Explore neon-blue ice tunnels and unclimbed terrain, get up close and personal with a colony of 6,000 emperor penguins, and tick this unbelievable experience off your bucket list.
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Spend a day like the stars of Pretty Woman
Channel your inner Vivian Ward and Richard Lewis with the US$100,000 ‘Pretty Woman for a Day’ experience at the iconic Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire – which was awarded 4-stars in the Forbes Travel Guide 2019. After checking into the decadent Presidential Suite, you’ll slide into your private Rolls-Royce and treat yourself to three hours of shopping on Rodeo Drive, which includes a personal shopper and clothing allowance of US$2,000 per person.
Later, you’ll enjoy a romantic ‘shoeless’ picnic in the park while being serenaded, a 90-minute couple’s massage and a diamond manicure and pedicure. The day will culminate with a private candle-lit dinner on the Veranda Suite and your choice of a show at either the Wallis Annenberg Centre for the Performing Arts or the LA Opera.
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Explore the reef in a private submarine
Sitting among the chain of islands just off Taveuni, Fiji, Lacaula Island has reinvented the concept of luxury at its 3,200-acre seven-star private resort. The cherry on the top of its extensive activity offering is the US$1.85 million DeepFlight Super Falcon submersible – the same type that’s owned by Sir Richard Branson at his exclusive Necker Island.
The futuristic two-person submarine offers a 45-minute underwater experience up to 20 metres below the surface, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding coral reef and vibrant marine life. Accommodation starts at US$6,700 per night, all-inclusive.
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Hire out a private island
Why settle for a suite on an island when you could rent the entire island itself? For a cool US$1 million, you and your guests will have exclusive use of the private and luxurious Little Palm Island Resort and Spa in Little Torch Key, Florida. Having hosted US presidents and A-list celebrities, here the toughest decision you’ll face is whether to take your margarita by the pool or by the sea.
Enjoy four days and three nights among six acres of tropical palm trees, sandy beaches and opulent resort amenities (minus TVs and telephones) before retreating to one of 30 one-bedroom suites where a bottle of Cristal awaits you. Bid the island goodbye with a spectacular fireworks show on your last night.
Little Palm Island recently received a recommendation in the exclusive Forbes Travel Guide 2019.
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Charter a private superyacht
As if a stay at London’s finest boutique-grand hotel wasn’t already lavish enough, The Wellesley Knightsbridge has added a 56-metre superyacht to its opulent offering. With three decks, six bedrooms, a sundeck and a Jacuzzi, MY The Wellesley features the same grand interiors as her namesake – from the 1920s art-deco styling to the Arabescato Corchia marble and Hermès bathroom amenities.
Included in your luxury ocean adventure are jet skis and diving equipment, an outdoor cinema, private chef, and two smaller boats that will allow you and your guests to head to shore and explore the coastline. Rated four stars on the Forbes Travel Guide 2019, charter rates start at US$275,000 per week.
