This year, take a step outside of your comfort zone and treat yourself to unforgettable memories with once in a lifetime experiences. Whether you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, plan a romantic getaway, or simply try something new, we’ve put together the top one-of-a-kind experiences that will stay with you for forever:
Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection | Austin, Texas (pictured)
A collaboration with Austin-based art advisory Ellis | Force, Estate guests can immerse themselves with an exclusive VIP day trip to Marfa, Texas via a private jet charter to experience the opening of celebrated, international art fair The Marfa Invitational. From Wednesday, May 3 to Thursday May 4, enjoy two nights at the luxurious Estate, direct transportation to Marfa with private tours of the inimitable Chinati Foundation and Ballroom Marfa. Afterwards, guests will enjoy a specially crafted lunch at Marfa’s fine dining destination, Cochineal. Following lunch, artist-in-residence Grace Weaver will give a private tour of her exhibit at Hetzler Marfa. Attendees will be the first to view Weaver’s exhibit, which opens to the public later that evening. Guests will enjoy the intimate atmosphere of this exciting confluence of gallerists, artists, collectors and other artworld luminaries. Attendees will return to the Estate that evening where they will spend a second night, waking up to complimentary breakfast and a full day to relax poolside. Pricing: $5,200 for single occupancy, add $3,600 for second guest
This year, the iconic Ojai Valley Inn turns 100, and as part of the celebration is continuing its legacy as a leading culinary destination with the debut of its first-ever Ojai Food + Wine festival--a four-day event featuring more than 50 top chefs and 100 wineries from around the world, from the legendary Chef Alice Waters and Chef Dominique Crenn to Chef Jon Yao and Chef Daisy Ryan. From October 26 to 29, 2023, attendees can expect an all-star Michelin and James Beard awarded lineup along with future legends of the culinary world. Over the course of four days, Ojai Food + Wine will hold over 40 world-class events including a Grand Tasting at The Farmhouse on Saturday and Sunday, featuring 15 chefs each day and more than 100 wineries throughout the weekend with a spotlight on regional California wineries. Guests will enjoy intimate access to the world’s top talent, with just a few hundred tickets available via two remaining ticket packages here; four-day experience and lodging ranging from $8,000 to $12,000++.
Hotel Commonwealth | Boston, MA
In celebration of Hotel Commonwealth’s 20th birthday, the hotel has teamed up with the Red Sox Foundation on several exclusive experiences, with proceeds benefiting its direct-service programming. For die-hard Red Sox fans looking to fully immerse themselves in the game day experience, look no further than Hotel Commonwealth’s “Manager for the Day” Package for an opportunity to meet with Red Sox Manager Alex Cora. Including two dugout section tickets to a 2023 Red Sox game, you’ll have the chance to arrive early and watch the Red Sox during their on-field batting practice. Before the game, stop by the team store to spend your $250 gift card on select merchandise and memorabilia, which Alex Cora will personally autograph, while you have the exclusive chance to speak with the Red Sox Manager. Then, head out to the mound to deliver the ball to the Red Sox pitcher while the entire stadium cheers you on! This experience will be scheduled in 2023, pending Alex Cora’s availability. All proceeds benefit the Red Sox Foundation. Prices for the “Manager of the Day” Package begin at $15,013 for two people.
As you wake up in the morning in your guest room overlooking Fenway Park, get excited for the day ahead with the exclusive “Knuckleball knowledge” package. Guests can enjoy four premium tickets to a Red Sox game, following a once-in-a-lifetime private lunch with Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield at Blue Ribbon Sushi, located on the doorstep of Hotel Commonwealth. During your meal, you’ll have the chance to pick Tim’s brain and talk about all things baseball with him! Then, enjoy a one-on-four pitching lesson where Tim will show you how to throw his signature knuckleball pitch. Your party can also stop by the team store to pick out merchandise worth up to $500 for Tim to personally sign. During the game, make sure to keep an eye out for your personalized message on the scoreboard! This experience will be scheduled in 2023, pending Tim Wakefield’s availability. All proceeds benefit the Red Sox Foundation. Prices for the “Knuckleball Knowledge” Package begin at $15,049 for four people.
Domaine Des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection | Massignac, France
The 13th-century chateau, which officially joined Auberge Resorts Collection this month, is set on 2,500 forested acres in the Charente region, offering a highly personal and unparalleled stay blending exceptional art, design, nature, wellness, and, notably, dining. As part of Taste of Auberge, and in collaboration with Satopia Travel, the enchanting French chef Dominique Crenn of 3-Michelin-star restaurant Atelier Crenn (San Francisco, CA) will be joining the property for a five-day culinary celebration. From May 22-28, guests can indulge in a transformative culinary experience inclusive of art, nature, and vitality in the idyllic French countryside. Chef Crenn will host an exclusive series of intimate workshops, tastings, excursions, and dinners in her signature, poetic culinarian style. Each of the five days will be dedicated to a unique theme incorporating mystery and elegance, with a grand finale secret forest supper + masked ball to close the events. This over-the-top experience is not to be missed by gastronomy devotees looking to immerse themselves in the Charente region and this premier collaboration with one of San Francico’s best chefs.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel | Island of Hawai’i
Situated on 1,800-acres on the Kohala Coast, the legendary Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, developed by Laurance S. Rockefeller in 1965, offers an idyllic escape filled with a sense of Hawaiian nostalgia and once-in-a-lifetime experiences among nature such as the iconic Manta Night Swims. Located in front of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on one of Hawaii’s most swimmable beaches, once the sky turns dark and night sets in, graceful massive manta rays come into the bay to feed. Guests can book the Manta Night Swim experience for a private night-time snorkel to swim with these beautiful creatures as they “dance” in the spotlight and feed on tiny crustaceans called krill that are attracted to the light. Manta Rays, or hahalua in Hawaiian, can reach wingspans of 30 feet, and the other-wordly experience allows guests to get up close to view the exclusive feeding frenzy with Hawaii’s ocean angels.
Susurros del Corazon, Auberge Resorts Collection | Punta de Mita, Mexico
Opened November 2022, Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection is an oceanfront oasis that blends Mexico’s vibrant culture with the playful spirit of a luxurious, laid-back surf retreat. Susurros offers ocean lovers the opportunity to take part in the Whale Song Adventure. Every December to March, 700 humpback whales migrate from the icy Canadian waters to the Baja Peninsula as they birth in the Bay of Banderas. Head out by boat to experience this wonder of nature and learn with a marine conservationist about the impactful local work to ensure future generations of humpbacks. Marvel at the sight of these majestic 50-80,000-pound creatures rising from the surface of the sea and splashing back underneath the water. Afterward, enjoy a visit to the protected national biosphere, Islas Marietas, where natural beauty and vast biodiversity abound. This multi-sensory experience with nature culminates in a recording of live “whale songs.” Humpback whales are often referred to as "inveterate composers" for their underwater symphonies.
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection | Telluride, Colorado
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection is a stunning alpine resort in the historic town of Telluride, Colorado. Embark on a bucket list day of adventure. Soar above the canyons and rivers in Moab on a private scenic flight over Arches and Canyonlands National Park, seeing these national landmarks from a totally new perspective. Just a short private flight from Telluride will take you to Westwater Canyon, rated "The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip" by National Geographic. Westwater Canyon rafting trips take you down an exciting stretch of the Colorado River that includes numerous Class III and IV rapids. Madeline’s culinary team will provide a delicious chef-prepared picnic to keep you fueled for a day of adventure. This trip is completely private and exclusive with transportation to this remote rafting location.
Keswick Hall | Charlottesville, Virginia
Soar above Virginia’s idyllic countryside with Keswick Hall, the luxurious retreat just outside of Charlottesville. Sunrise and sunset flights are available daily (weather permitting) for mile-high romance and proposals. Private and small group flights are available and include beverages (Champagne unless otherwise specified) and round-trip transportation to and from Keswick Hall. Guests setting to the skies will enjoy an hour-long flight with 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and key landmarks including Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the University of Virginia, and bright greens and golds of Virginia countryside farms and estates.
Rescue Horse Rehabilitation Experience at The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection | Park City, Utah
For deep immersion into Blue Sky’s onsite horse rescue, Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation, guests can arrange an extra special private Rescue Horse Rehabilitation Experience. This unforgettable full-day allows guests to fully partake in the profound rehabilitation process first-hand. During the time spent at Gracie’s Farm, they will work one-on-one with a single horse, participating in and learning about the specific horse is in need of. The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection is the only guest ranch in North America with its own onsite, full-time vet. Dr. Amanda Petty and the team have created a thoughtful, state-of-the-art program that provides farm animals that have been abused, neglected, or have significant medical conditions with the very best medical care. The resort’s Remuda (a 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art covered riding arena and vet center) is home to an incredible team that exemplifies the gold standard in animal care. The rehabilitation programs are individually developed for each of their physical and emotional needs and could include massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic work, light therapy, electromagnetic pulse, essential oil treatments, special horseshoe work, and time in the solarium—to name a few. This experience is very different from any other equine adventure. It isn’t about what the horse can do for the human (although there certainly are heightened health benefits of this experience for the guest), it’s about listening to the horse and finding what can be done for them. The result is an incredibly rewarding and genuine connection with the sacred and majestic animals as they open their hearts to humans to begin their healing. 100% of the donation goes directly to Saving Gracie’s.
