From vacationing on a private sandbank in the Maldives to glamping above sea level in Canada…
COURTESY
Tom Marchant is one of the co-founders of Black Tomato, a luxury travel agency, and trip planner that offers opulent experiences all over the world by providing access to the most isolated and emerging places on the planet. With BAZAAR.com, Marchant is offering his curated lists of places to visit, stay, dine, and more. He has his finger on the pulse of travel trends and the top hotels, restaurants, destinations, and honeymoons in the globe.
Mega yachts, private jets, and classic decadence certainly come to mind when you think of the world’s most opulent experiences, but we’d say that real luxury is characterized by having exclusive access to some of the most valuable treasures on earth. The pinnacle of luxury involves encounters that are so life-altering that you can’t help but change as a result. True luxury lifts you to new heights, giving you previously unheard-of insight into fresh viewpoints, civilizations, landscapes, cuisine, and even landmarks, from the far-off, inaccessible Himalayas to the Rococo magnificence of Paris. Explore the Komodo Islands in a historic, iconic yacht, or breathe in the clear mountain air in Canada at a magnificent camp that is 4,500 feet above sea level on these amazing trips.
1
An Ultra-Luxe Sailing Experience in the Komodo Islands
Families with adventurous spirits would adore this magnificent experience. Take a luxurious, old-fashioned cruise on the Dunia Baru, which can accommodate up to 14 passengers, across the secluded Komodo Islands. From this special vantage point, visitors may take in the best of these islands and a wide range of custom experiences, such as diving lessons in secluded coral atolls without a human in sight or hiking volcanoes with photography professionals. Insider’s tip: Dive at night when the water is brilliantly dazzling. Start each day with paddleboard yoga. A visit to a village to learn about traditional weaving is a must for cultural immersion in this sumptuous experience, and you can even try your hand at it yourself. Indonesia experience, price upon request.
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2
Private Flying Safari Overlooking South Africa
It’s common to hear people say, “It’s the journey, not the destination.” On a personal flying safari over Southern Africa, there isn’t a more cliched way to put it. This is an African trip unlike any other, taking off from Namibia’s Atlantic Coast and flying across rolling grasslands, roaring waterfalls, and expansive deltas to reach the sun-dappled seas of the Indian Ocean. This is the solution for individuals who have always desired to visit Africa and do so in elegance. Not only will you see the well-known deserts of Namibia, the lush Okavango Delta of Botswana, the unique savannah of Zambia, the turquoise lakes of Malawi, and the coral islands of Mozambique, but you’ll do it all with the most breathtaking aerial view conceivable.
Private flying safari, $150,000 based per 6 travelers.
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3
Private Overnight Sandbank Experience in the Maldives
With vintage champagne in hand, board a private seaplane from the exquisite resort of Soneva Fushi for the ultimate “Robinson Crusoe” experience with a stylish twist. Get transported to a private, entirely isolated sandbank where you’ll “glamping” under the azure Maldivian skies in an opulent Bedouin-style tent for an incredibly romantic and extraordinary experience. This lavish experience will have you amble to a candlelit dinner, set up by a private staff before they depart to allow you to experience the unspoiled island alone. A private yoga instructor will help you discover some inner peace after breakfast is delivered at sunrise while you enjoy the stunning ocean view. Private Overnight Sandbank Experience, price from $2,000 per night.
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Sunrise Over Rio de Janeiro on Top of Christ the Redeemer
Rio is known for its thriving nightlife, energetic beach scene, lush gardens, and renowned buildings, including Christ the Redeemer. It can be difficult and pointless to time the trams precisely, and lines can appear to go on forever. A private, romantic picnic meal at Christ the Redeemer’s feet while you watch the sunrise over Rio and the stunning Sugar Loaf Mountain is a wonderful way to enjoy Christ the Redeemer in complete isolation and luxury. This is one of the most opulent experiences in the entire globe thanks to complete privacy, convenience, and unmatched solitude.
Rio de Janeiro experience, price upon request.
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5
La Dolce Vita in Lake Como
Lake Como is as elite as it gets, with opulent mansions, breathtaking views, and George Clooney as its resident actor. It never fails to take your breath away whether you’re driving down winding roads in a vintage Alfa Romeo Duetto Spider or cruising over the sun-dappled lake in a Venetian Lancia Ruy. Stop by the beautiful Villa Balbianello, where the breathtaking setting makes it clear why James Bond came calling, for some extra drama. However, nothing compares to Villa Sola, and BAZAAR is the ideal person to know this as we recently went there for a fashion photoshoot. One of the best-kept secrets in the area is this elaborate 16th-century villa, which is only a short boat trip away from the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
Lake Como experience, price upon request.
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6
Cruise the Brazilian Amazon in a superyacht
Some of the most unusual species in the world can be found in the Amazon, a simply enormous habitat. Chartering a private yacht and setting sail are unquestionably the greatest ways to see this fascinating region. Set your compass to the Rio Negro, travel deep into the rainforest, and take advantage of the freedom to choose your own daily course. Along with keeping you on schedule, the knowledgeable crew will also lead you away from the masses and into the Rio Negro’s secret passageways. With every convenience, this is how you experience Amazon in luxury. A private chef will prepare delectable Brazilian treats for you to enjoy after a day of sightseeing.
Rio Negro experience, price upon request.
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Private Diamond & Gemstone Experience in South Africa
One of the most well-known mining histories in the world is that of South Africa, which has produced five of the ten biggest diamonds in history as well as the crown jewels. A private, in-person encounter at the top distributor of diamonds and tanzanites in South Africa is truly beautiful and mesmerizing. This offers travelers unheard-of access to some of the world’s rarest diamonds and is only accessible to a small number of guests.
A professional gemologist will bring out a wide variety of finished pieces and freestanding diamonds, jewels, and tanzanite for you to test drive, all while providing you with exceptional hospitality. You can create a special piece that will be hand-crafted by a talented staff and delivered to you within days after your purchase if you want the most extravagant keepsake possible. Chitwa is a chic concealed lodge that got its name as an ode to the old giraffe, a member of their extended family, and was first used as a private family getaway. This special location, which is situated in the South African wilderness, is a haven for wildlife and a hub of luxury and leisure.
South Africa diamond and lodge experience, price upon request.
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8
Heli-hiking & Luxury Glamping Above Sea Level
Vancouver Island, which is only a short flight from busy Vancouver, seems miles away from the mainland because of its eccentric towns and vast wilderness areas. Fly over the Pacific Ocean to Vancouver Island using Vancouver as your starting location. Stay at Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat, a refined, supremely exquisite, and remote retreat. There are a ton of 5-star tenting lodgings available here, and “forest bathing” and individually facilitated meditation are encouraged. Take a helicopter from the lodge and be flown to your home base for a few special nights alone with the surrounding wilderness on a remote peak 4,500 feet above sea level that overlooks a tranquil lake.
This is not your typical glamping setup, and the fortunate few visitors who get to experience it can enjoy heli-hiking the nearby trails, kayaking on the lake in comfortable boats, and dining under the stars with a personal chef and butler while enjoying the fresh catch of the day and exceptional, hand-selected wines for an otherworldly nature, wellness, and culinary experience.
Canadian Rockies glamping experience, price upon request.
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9
World-Renowned Culture & Culinary Experiences in Spain
Spain has some of the best cuisines in the world, from quaint tavernas on sleepy streets in Madrid to the elBulli tradition, which is well-known worldwide. It becomes an absolute cultural dive when you add in its amazing art scene. It’s tough to pick a favorite region in this country because each one has something distinctive to offer. For example, Seville’s Royal Alcazar private tour is truly enchanting, while Catalonia never fails to wow. It’s difficult to resist stopping for supper in Girona as you helicopter from the beaches of Barcelona into the Penedès vineyards for a private wine tasting.
El Celler de Can Roca, which presently holds the third-best restaurant ranking in the world and boasts three Michelin stars, always provides an incredible evening. A private evening visit to Madrid’s Prado Museum is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural choice to go along with that culinary delight. You’re on to a winner if you combine these two with a trip to the Dali Museum in Girona and a market tour with Ramon Freixa, a chef with two Michelin stars.
Spain exploration experience, price upon request.
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Great Migration & A Maasai-Hosted Banquet In The Ngorongoro Crater
The Great Migration is without a doubt one of nature’s most breathtaking displays. There is only one way to give it justice, which draws thousands of tourists to Tanzania every year. As you soar above the plains in a hot air balloon, see the migration. It’s a genuinely distinctive viewpoint. You truly appreciate the size of the world around you when you touch down in the vast surroundings of the Ngorongoro Crater. Raise a glass to this stunning region of the globe with the Maasai community over sundowners before indulging in a feast of regional fare and learning about their nomadic lifestyle. This is the height of luxury, but you’ll also get to know the actual Maasai people. Tanzania experience, price upon request.
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11
The Opéra Garnier Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
Expert dancers perform frequently before thousands of spectators in the magnificent, legendary setting of the Opera Garnier, but its mysterious past is rarely disclosed. With a privately guided backstage tour that provides an intriguing insight into the Opera’s history, beginning with its founding in 1870 during Napoleon III’s reign, this spectacular experience offers never-before-seen access to French opera. Discover the legendary water tank, the source of many well-known legends and myths, by penetrating the very foundations of the majestic auditorium. The Capstans room offers a unique opportunity to explore the engine room of a 19th-century Parisian theater that is still in full working order.
Setting up in the Foyer de la Danse, the stage’s “antechamber,” where the dancers’ favorite halls are placed, is the momentous portion of this event. With its magnificence, history, and extravagant exhibition of paintings that only a select few will ever see, this room leaves a profound and enduring effect. The hall still accommodates the dancers of the Ballet for their warm-up before the performance. It was once the gathering place for select members of Parisian high society who desired to approach the artists of the Opera. The most motivational crescendo? A champagne reception and a special ballet performance will follow.
Paris opera and ballet experience, prices from $2,673 per couple.
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12
Spirited Away in Indonesia
Nothing is more exclusive than having access to some of the most secretive spiritual sites in the world, and on this excursion, you will be able to eat at the spiritually significant and historically significant Dalem Segara Temple. A very opulent and exclusive gourmet feast made by a famous Balinese Chef will be served by a personal butler. Get whisked away after dessert and let a paper lantern carry your wishes into the night sky. After that, participate in a unique cleansing ceremony at the holy spring where a Mangku (Balinese priest) from the area will chant prayers to purify your soul and revive your spirit.
Indonesia experience, price upon request.
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Private Jet Journey to the Indian Himalayas, Rajasthan & The Maldives
The finest ways to encounter dramatic scenery and distinctive cultures are through insider knowledge and access. A special dinner party with local nobles is set up in Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur as a result of this journey, and a lovely evening is created with the help of candles and local incense. The following morning, a private jet will transport visitors to the Himalayan town of Ladakh, where they will be met by a private guide—a former marine with exceptional knowledge of mountainous terrain. A private chef will prepare delectable regional meals at the opulent private wild camp that overlooks the Himalayas as part of a sumptuous excursion that ascends to dizzying heights. An astronomer is brought in for a stargazing session to properly enjoy the open night sky, tracing the stars around a raging fire.India exploration experience, price upon request.
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14
Fly Over The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall is an enduring reminder of China’s imperial might, starting at the sea and extending more than a thousand kilometers to its western desert frontiers. It is essentially a network of defensive walls constructed over the period of two millennia to defend China’s heartland, and it continues to stand as a testament to the brilliance and tenacity of imperial China. Travelers can enjoy a sumptuous and private tour of the Great Wall of China on this enchanted adventure.
A top specialist in Great Wall conservation will be your guest of honor as you soar above the wall in a helicopter, land, and have a spectacular dinner experience on the Great Wall at dusk. A three-course dinner with champagne or, if you’re feeling very daring, a glass of Beijing’s ergot baijiu will be waiting for you atop a preserved Great Wall turret. As you watch the sunset, hear about the intriguing history of the wall from your on-site expert and his lifelong commitment to preserving this extraordinary natural beauty.
Great Wall of China experience, prices from $3,400 per couple.
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15
A Private Concert–Inside a Volcano
The molten chamber of a volcano is about as hot as it gets when it comes to the hottest dinner reservations in the entire world. Making an entrance would undoubtedly include entering the earth’s crust through the crater of the dormant Rhnkagigur Volcano. This is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive tables in the entire globe, set up in the center of the chamber. Eating a variety of Icelandic cuisines makes for one seriously delicious experience.