In our vast world, there exists an abundance of awe-inspiring sights, yet the most breathtaking panoramas can only be savored from high above. The aerial vantage point presents a captivating and distinct outlook on nearly any environment, intensifying its inherent “wow” factor. Now travelers can easily find the best views of beloved destinations with unique aerial packages from luxury hotels and travel curators in Argentina, Mexico, Croatia, Italy and Norway. Below are five options with different ways to experience top destinations from a bird’s eye perspective:
Luxury Air Safaris in Argentina
Located in the famed wine region of Mendoza, SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites invites guests to enjoy unique wine experiences and adventures such as a luxury air safari. The air safaris via seaplane are the only of its kind in Latin America with luxury day trips as well as overnight options taking guests to emblematic destinations in Argentina, including the Andes Mountains, Esteros del Iberá and Patagonia. On the “Los Andes from the Air” safari, guests will fly over natural reservoirs, crystalline salt flats, dazzling water mirrors and through Mendoza ́s most majestic mountains. They will then land in an oasis in the middle of the desert to enjoy a gourmet meal. Novel experiences in the destination can also be arranged by the house's Experience Curator including horseback riding or hiking among the river valleys, meadows, and jagged cliffs of the Andes Mountains. After a day of adventure, guests can enjoy experiences offered at the property including ultra-premium wine tastings, a chef’s table paired with Susana Balbo and rare world wines, vinotherapeutic spa treatments, custom blending classes, and more.
Fly Over Tequila Experience
The AAA Five Diamond resort Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit recently launched a new $40,000 “Fly Over Tequila” adventure horseback riding, a “spirited” spa treatment at one of the world’s top spas, private taco and tequila experiences, customized tequila bottle to take home, and, the highlight, a private helicopter experience over the agave fields to the cultural town. Guests will first spend time in an oceanview luxury suite in Riviera Nayarit and then journey to Tequila via helicopter to stay in a barrel themed suite at Matices Hotel de Barricas. Here each suite was created by a different Mexican artist to tell a story relating to tequila. The 5-night offering for adults includes stays at both Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and Matices Hotel de Barricas, along with all activities.
City Walls + Dubrovnik Cable Car to Mount Srdj
The City of Dubrovnik is completely surrounded with defensive walls and forts, including running uninterrupted for 6,365 feet in length, encircling most of the City, and reaching about 83 feet. To beat the crowds and the heat, the best time to walk along the City walls for incredible views over the sea and the entire Old Town is early in the morning. But, the best views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding area are, without doubt, experienced by riding a cable car to the top of the Srd Hill. With its prestigious location just steps from the UNESCO Old City of Dubrovnik, Hotel Excelsior enjoys the most enviable location of any hotel in the city – with west-facing views of the city and just a five-minute walk from the medieval fortress walls. The spectacular seaside setting overlooking both the Adriatic and the ancient Old Town, combined with flawless service and an illustrious history of royal and celebrity guests, mark the five-star Hotel Excelsior as an iconic landmark hotel.
Rooftop Views in Rome
Within a destination that exudes charm, history and a welcome atmosphere, the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is located within walking distance of some of the city’s best-known cultural landmarks and parks, including the Trevi Fountain, Villa Medici and Spanish Steps. Settimo, the hotel’s elegant rooftop lounge and restaurant, is a garden escape offering panoramic views overlooking the picturesque Villa Borghese gardens and St. Peter’s Basilica. For couples searching for the best views in the Eternal City, the hotel can arrange exclusive use of the hotel’s rooftop restaurant with a romantic Roman aphrodisiac tasting menu and romantic setting inclusive of decor with fresh flowers from the city’s top floral designer, a violinist, and a poetry reading. The bespoke experience from Sofitel Rome is designed by the hotel’s concierge, Agostino Sità, who as former President of Rome Les Clefs d’Or, has unique access to the Eternal City’s hidden gems.
Rail Adventure in Norway
Sustainable luxury travel curator Up Norway offers an epic rail journey with stunning views of Norway called the Arctic Circle Express Journey. The trip takes guests from Oslo to Bodø passing through majestic mountain nature and coastal paradises, desolate mountain terrain and snow-covered peaks even in mid summer. Travelers will enjoy a ride on the Rauma Railway, one of Norway’s wildest and most beautiful train rides. The train runs from Åndalsnes to Dombås and shoots through the beautiful Romsdalen with iconic natural attractions such as 'Trollveggen' (the Troll Wall), Europe's tallest vertical cliff. Additional highlights of the trip include a fjord cruise; local flavors including salmon; kayaking along waterways; the UNESCO protected Bryggen Wharf; hike to Alnes lighthouse and island Godøya; city exploration and more. Accommodations range from boutique hotels that overlook the stunning Hardangerjøkulen glacier to onboard the renowned cruise ship Hurtigruten.
Image: Lofoten, Norway
