I you are one of those that are willing to pay for an holiday experience where the cost is not an issue then we have found five that you would be interested in. Whatever you are interested in sun, snow or adrenaline rush adventure – with a bit of glamping. The locations include the Caribbean, Europe the southern hemisphere South Africa and New Zealand - as far as the South Pole.
CAPE TOWN AND ANTARCTICA
Travel from South Africa to the southernmost polar region. To get there you’ll board a private charter II-Luyshin 76 intercontinental jet from Cape Town, landing in Antartica on a specially prepared ice run way. Members of the White Desert team will greet you on landing as one of the few who have ever set foot on the frozen continent. Guests are transferred in 4x4s to Whichaway Camp, a fusion of old world glamour and high-tech, solar powered modernity, perched on the edge of a frozen lake that overlooks a 200ft ice wall. From this base, adventurers can embark upon gentle treks, or dive into kite-skiing and ice climbing. Braver traveller will attempt a giant abseil off Nunatak Mountain, exploring icy crevasses along the way.
The highlight of this chilling adventure is a two hour flight across the tundra to visit an Emperor penguin colony, where you can witness one of the most extreme breeding migrations on earth. Hearty breakfasts, champagne rewards and three course dinners keep you going in the icy conditions.
The end of the trip is in altogether more clement climes: the sun-drenched vineyards of South Africa. Following a private charter back to Cape Town, your remaining three days are spent by the oceanfront in the privacy of Ellerman House Suite or flying between Durbanvile, Stellenbosch and Constantia, eating and drinking the region’s produce. A shark cage dive beneath the crystal waters offers one last thrill (starting at US $143,310 abercrombieandkent.co.uk).
VELAA PRIVATE ISLAND – MALDIVES
For this short break you to Male in the heart of the Indian Ocean, a private seaplane will pick you up to whisk you onwards to Velaa Private Residences. Only two of these hper-luxurious detached homes exist in this isolated paradise. Four bedrooms are spread across these two storey, comtemporary-style 1,349qm residences. Secluded on a private beach with white sand leading down a crystalline waters, every aspect of the house is designed with privacy in mind. There are two gazebos for entertaining, a pool and a garden courtyard for lounging when the beach gets tiresome. Plumb the depths of its extensive champagne and private wine cellar and you’ll find a 1978 Domaine de la Romaniee-Conti bottle of red priced at US $52,000.
The entire island is yours to explore and there are even some beach clubs is you want to get back to civilisation. Alternatively, you could explore the ice-blue expanse that surrounds you in a luxury yacht; yours alone to fish in for US $3,800. On your travels around Velaa, you’ll also discover The Spa, home to the only “snow room” in the Maldives, where cloud-shaped pods cradle their inhabitants into a dreamy state of relaxation. For those who find themselves pining for a green and pleasant land, head for the hills and enrol in the Troon Short Game Golf Academy. Designed by former Ryder Cup captain and twice Masters Champion Jose Maria Olazabal, a tutor will give you one-to-one lessons on how to putt with the best of them from US $266 (velaaprivateisland.com).
BRANSON’S YACHT, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND
Take a trip on Sir Richard Branson’s very own super yacht, the Necker Belle, moored on his clutch of private islands off the Atlantic coast of Puerto Rico. This 32 metre catamaran is one of the largest all-carbon, multi-hull yachts of its kind, and can be found careering around the Caribbean at the impressive speed of 20 knots.
Guests have four cabins to choose from, all with en-suite bathrooms and it comes fully staffed. Unlike many yacht, those who climb aboard the Necker Belle are free to draw up their own itinerary within 40 miles. A week may include trips between the islands by jet-ski, high-adrenaline game fishing and diving. A seven night short break full charter of Necker Belle starts from US $ 149,139 for two people including, transfers, fuel and international flights (originaldiving.com).
FOODIE TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND
This five-week short break to New Zealand is worth the gruelling long travel time it will take to get there. From it famous <wine> to its fresh seafood to the home-grown lamb, this holiday is foodie’s dream. Starting on North Island in Eagles Nest, the sun-drenched Rahimoana villa is your home for a week. It sits on a 44-acre private headland with panoramic views of the Bay of Islands. The accommodation comes with a butler and private chef who specialises in delectable seafood.
Guests are then transported to Cape Kidnappers Lodge to spend five nights surrounded by 6000 acres of idyllic farmland and rolling hills. Days are spent quad and mountain biking, trout fishing, hot air ballooning and white water rafting and a helicopter ride to view this vast and untouched wilderness.
Next is a five night stay in Huka Lodge’s Alan Pye cottage for a scenic helicopter flight over the Kaimanawa Ranges and a boat cruise along Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Another way to see the spectacular waterways is on a private yacht for two from American Cups Charters.
The scale is reduced dramatically for the next three nights spent in a Boat Shed, a cosy boutique hotel perched above the white, sandy beaches of Oneroa, before you head down to explore the South Island, known for its winemakers, artists and cerulean bays.
Nestled among the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, the location is an adventurer’s paradise; this is the place to brave a bungee jump, paraglide or heli-ski. The final three nights will be spent under canvas in the Kiwi wilderness at Minaret Station, hidden deep in the mountains. Only accessible by helicopter, each tented suite is furnished with wall-to-wall sheepskin, king-size beds, and a private deck with a hot tub. A first class chef resides in the Mountain Kitchen to keep you strong for the hiking trails, farming experiences, wild game hunts and fly-fishing. For this short break you can get all the above and more for two people starting at US $ 160,000 (originaltravel.co.uk).
CHALET ZERMATT PEAK, SWITZERLAND
Located in Zermatt, Switzerland, on the highest mountain range in Europe, this picturesque cabin embedded in a mountain can comfortably sleep 10 people. After flying first class to Geneva, hop into a helicopter for a return fee of US $ 12000 and weave through the valleys high above snow-topped peaks before landing on the resort’s private helipad.
Once there you’ll be greeted with champagne before you walk out on to one of the private balconies to take in your first view of the iconic Matterhorn. Usual cold weather comforts such as an open fireplace and bubbling Jacuzzis are present but with added, luxurious twists. Why call room service for a bottle of <wine> when you can simply grab one from your walk-in wine cellar? Relax with a good book in the fully stocked library or watch a film in the cinema. The chalet comes fully staffed with concierge, butler, personal chef and sous chef, and a housekeeper to keep things in order during your stay.
When creature comforts become a bore, head for the slopes with a private guide in tow after a helicopter has dropped you at the top of the Monte-Rosa descent. At 4,250 metres, with a vertical run of 2,500 metres, it is one of the continent’s highest summits and promises plenty of adrenaline-pumping moments.
The ski guide guides are not only there to help you navigate the sometimes-perilous peaks; they’re also available to show you some of the finest cuisine around. Gourmet Ski Guiding will pair you with a culinary expert with 20 years’ experience of the peaks of Zermatt and the nearby restaurants. For four adults staying fully-catered at Chalet Zermatt Peak costs from US $ 69,740 to $187,760 per week (akvillas.com)