With the world (cautiously) opening up again, traveling will look different, but if anything, the intimacy of the experience has been elevated with private and even more creative, curated offerings than ever before. Not only do these type of offerings promise safe and intimate activities and accommodations away from the crowds, whether that be a private stargazing session with the family on the South Coast of Iceland or Jalisco-inspired dinner in an intimate herb garden in Puerto Vallarta or a spa for one in the Bahamas, there's also something special about having these individual travel experiences all to yourselves, providing plenty of room to create personalized vacation memories.
Stay in your Sanctuary
St. Lucia’s most mesmerizing resort experience, Jade Mountain is known for its stunning guest ‘sanctuaries’ that feature perks like en-suite infinity pools and private butler service, plus a missing fourth wall so guests are entirely open to the elements. The opulent cliffside hideaway features an array of experiences designed so guests almost never have to leave the comfort of their over-the-top suites -- from a Six in Your Sanctuary six-course, in-room chef’s dinner to private yoga classes, chocolate making, Ayurvdedic wellness consultations, and more. It’s also home to St. Lucia’s only helipad for guests looking to arrive privately...in style.
A stellar stargazing experience in Iceland
While Iceland is known as an optimal place to experience the Northern Lights for approximately 8 months of the year, it is also the ultimate stargazing destination for the same reason: a pure, unspoilt night sky offering visitors ideal views. Thus, Hotel Rangá is not only one of the best places in the world for lights chasers to stay, but also aspiring astronomers given its secluded countryside location providing less light pollution and its own state-of-the-art observatory located on-site. On most clear nights one of Iceland’s leading astronomy-experts, is on hand to guide guests through the constellations and celestial stories behind the stars using high-spec telescopes that peek through a roll-off roof into new worlds floating above. Guests can also book a one-on-one session with the astronomer weather permitting for a more intimate understanding of the night sky. Other private experiences are available, such as dinner in one of the hotel’s renowned continent-themed suites (from Africa to Antarctica) and various activities, including exploring the nearby caves of Hella.
Wild Flower Foraging Program: Tuscany’s Botanical Delicacies
Invest in your wellbeing with an extremely unusual introduction to wild plant identification just a hop, skip and jump away from Il Salviatino, a hand-restored 15th century villa turned luxury hotel that overlooks the city of Florence, Italy. In partnership with Tuscany Again, Il Salviatino is offering a new program for guests to go on a private hunt for wild plants and flowers, alongside an expert botanist. Grab your natural ingredients and put them to good use in the kitchen with a unique cooking class. This hands-on cooking experience works to create a delicious meal based on the natural wild herbs and plants hand-picked by you. The one-of-a-kind outdoor experience will not only ensure a delicious meal to indulge in, but also give you better insight into identifying wild ingredients that add a highly beneficial element to day-to-day meals. Book the “Dream Now, Travel Later” package and save 10% on 2021 stays, plus receive a €90 spa voucher when you book directly with reservations@salviatino.com.
A beachfront spa just for one on Bahamas’ least inhabited island
The first-ever luxury resort to debut on the barely inhabited Bahamian island of South Andros, Caerula Mar Club is a secluded escape that was built for social distancing before it was ever a thing. Located on an expansive stretch of beach without a single footprint, the property features six private villas and 18 suites steps from the crystal-clear ocean and a boutique oceanfront spa with room to accommodate just one guest at a time. An intimate hideaway shaded by towering palm trees with unobstructed ocean views, the spa at Caerula Mar is the perfect spot for pampering with an emphasis on nature and sustainability. Treatments use a special line of bath products designed just for the resort that feature tropical scents like vanilla + grapefruit and tea tree + lavender that channel Bahamian vibes in a lush, tranquil setting.
A private poolside Peloton session with your own butler
Located inside Fort Lauderdale’s newest and tallest skyscraper, Hyatt Centric Las Olas, offers a sophisticated escape in a chic, sky-high setting with a design that pays homage to the area’s local yachting culture. Guests who want to stay fit can opt for a private Peloton sesh at the hotel’s Elev8 pool deck, complete with a ‘Cool Down Concierge’ who brings cold towels and beverages throughout their ride to help keep the momentum going. Culinary aficionados can reserve a suite for a private dining experience that includes a multi-course chef’s dinner, personalized playlist, and namesake cocktail made based on guests’ favorite spirit. The property opened in April and is the first hotel to debut on vibrant Las Olas Boulevard - a hub for nightlife and entertainment - in more than 70 years.
A culinary tour of Jalisco
The newly renovated Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa offers a private ‘Jalisco at your Table' culinary experience which draws much of its influences from the region. A kitchen full of chefs at the resort local to Jalisco have curated a seven-course menu inspired by meals from their childhood, time spent in their abuelas' kitchens and the area’s traditional ingredients. Think gourmet tamales alongside a warm cup of atole, zarandeado fish - a traditional wood-fired beach snack served on a stick-, creamy, roasted corn soup and birria tacos. This culinary homage to the state of Jalisco is an authentic and delicious add on for all travelers who appreciate the opportunity to take a bite out of the local culture. Jalisco at your Table is available by request only and tastes even better when coupled with a tequila tasting with the resort's own tequila sommelier (and tequila). Additionally, guests with a broader palate can opt for a private Dine Around the World dinner paired with sommelier-selected wines. Pro tip: Book your private dinner in the resort’s intimate outdoor herb garden.
Book four suites, get the entire floor to yourself
Located directly along the sultry shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach, W Fort Lauderdale invites travelers to live it up in true VIP fashion with its new ‘Buy Four, Get The Floor’ promotion. Book four of the hotel’s stylish two-bedroom Residential Suites and the hotel will block off the rest of the floor, ensuring a full floor of privacy at just $2,000 per night. Ideal for extended stays, these bold and beautiful suites include two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic waterfront views. The promotion also includes insider access to ‘The Spot’, a bespoke lounge with complimentary continental breakfast. After checking in, steal the scene at WET East, the Insta-worthy rooftop pool where VIP day bed experiences await, or pop over to WET West for a more secluded pool area with plenty of space to stretch out and soak in the sun. The Book Four, Get the Floor offer can accommodate up to six people per suite, 24 persons total. The package starts from $2,000 per night, so for groups with the full 24 guests, that’s just $83++/person per night - a sweet steal for premium privacy. For more information, visit www.wfortlauderdale.com or email WFLL.Reservations@whotels.com to book.
Sail away to a private island
The all-inclusive oceanfront oasis that is Couples Tower Isle on the tropical island of Jamaica gives honeymooners access to endless luxury, romance and secluded experiences. The adults-only paradise sprawled across 19 acres in Ocho Rios elevates the secluded romance experience, especially when booking the Signature Oasis Villas equipped with private personal plunge pools, outdoor showers, and private sun terraces. When lovebirds want to break away from their villa, they can go on a sailing excursion to Couples’ private island for complete privacy while soaking up the sun, sipping cocktails and enjoying beachside bites. When you aren’t whisking your significant other away to a private island, savor the island’s flavors at one of six on property restaurants, enjoy one of four pools with swim up bars or even take a watersports adventure on a paddleboard, kayak, hobie cat or jet ski. Everything is included and the options are endless at Couples Tower Isle. For more information https://couples.com/resorts/tower-isle
Spa, surf, sleep…repeat!
Travelers seeking an escape that screams authentic Mexico while offering a quieter alternative to popular Puerto Vallarta should visitW Punta de Mita. Located on a secluded beach in the culturally rich region of Riviera Nayarit, the property features offers endless private perks ranging from Mesa1 -- a chef’s table where up to six guests can enjoy a private dinner under the stars, to ceviche-making, surf lessons, Mezcal tastings, and a spa edged with lush jungle where guests can unwind after hitting the waves or exploring nearby Bohemian beach towns. As an added bonus, any guest who books a spa treatment gets 30-minutes of private access to the spa’s outdoor relaxation area, where they can soak in hot & cold plunge pools decked out with flowing waterfalls and have the place all to themselves. Take things up a notch and book one of the resort’s Oceanfront Oasis Suites, which feature private plunge pools and ocean access.
Oyster bed tours, archery lessons, and beachfront bonfires...oh my!
Located along the coast of Cape Cod, Ocean Edge Resort has launched a new lineup of private experiences to ensure complete peace of mind for travelers this summer. These carefully curated activities take place across the resort's 429-spacious acres, and are perfect for guests looking to enjoy outdoor and upscale experiences sans other resort guests (aka - a perfect social distancing getaway.) A few examples include: private oyster tours in the Brewster Flats; individual archery lessons; private ocean view dining on the second floor of The Mansion with a private balcony and three-course prix-fixe menu; private beach fires during sunset with s'mores kits, beach attendant and beach chairs; private golf instruction on the Nicklaus Design golf course; private yoga class on the resort’s 700-foot stretch of private beach; and more. For ultimate privacy, travelers should be sure to book one of the secluded one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas. The one-bedroom Britterige villas are fresh off a $5.5 million renovation. With a perfectly balanced trifecta of private accommodations, spacious grounds and plethora of outdoor activities, this resort naturally sets the scene for a secluded and luxurious escape on the Cape.
