According to the 2024 Virtuoso® Luxe Report, British travellers are more and more comfortable venturing further afield, demonstrating a growing desire for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in far-flung locations. Adapting to this, hotels and destinations are increasingly offering ‘wow-factor’ experiences, from next-level activities and exclusive access permissions to truly exceptional locations. Here we highlight a few of our favourites.
Milan: Go Behind the Curtain at the World’s Most Famous Opera House
In the heart of Milan, close to the Duomo square and the Quadrilatero della Moda, Gran Meliá’s Palazzo Cordusio holds the key to the city’s rich culture. The hotel’s exclusive “La Scala and its Secrets” tour is an opportunity to experience one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks through a different lens. Guided by the theatre’s esteemed staff, guests can delve into the history of those who have shaped the story of the world’s most celebrated opera house, where the figures of Toscanini, Puccini and Roberto Bolle come to life through stage costumes, paintings and sculptures. They can also explore the historic boxes and the gallery and witness how the stage mechanism works first-hand, before enjoying a refreshment in the historic Cova pastry shop next door.
Thanda Island: Explore East Africa in Luxury
Nestled within Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve is Thanda Island, a unique and exclusive-use private island paradise. Here the warm community of staff curate an itinerary of once-in-a-lifetime activities to be enjoyed in complete privacy. Thanks to the resident helicopter, guests can enjoy private bird’s eye tours of East Africa; take a short trip to Zanzibar to explore the islands’ legendary history as the centre of the spice trade or take an excursion to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania’s thriving harbour capital, to delve into the culture of the mainland at its bustling markets.
Monaco: A Night at the Museum
Experience a different side to Monaco with an exclusive nighttime adventure at the Oceanographic Museum. Available to guests of Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, this private tour transforms the museum into a personal playground, offering a unique glimpse into the secretive nocturnal life of a spectacular space that houses over 6,000 marine specimens from the Mediterranean and tropical waters. In the darkness of the grandiose halls, hidden corners and intimate secrets are brought to light by the simple magic of a flashlight.
Newport Beach: Californian Tour in Sky High Style
For once-in-a-lifetime views, adrenaline-seekers staying at the Pendry Newport Beach, a sophisticated and stylish urban resort in the heart of one of Southern California’s most revered beach communities, can take to the skies in a private helicopter. The two-hour experience includes 60-minutes of breathtaking views from every angle, as the tour soars north from the coastline of Newport Beach and across Los Angeles, before returning to John Wayne Airport. Along the way, participants can spot a host of glorious sights, from SoCal’s beautiful homes and pristine beaches to the Hollywood Sign and Santa Monica Pier.
Glenapp Castle: Hebridean Sea Safari
The two-night Hebridean Sea Safari offers guests staying at the five-star Glenapp Castle the ultimate opportunity to explore the Scottish Isles in style. The clear waters off the Ayrshire coast boast a variety of marine life, from twenty-foot-long basking sharks to minke whales and seals. Stop-offs include Ailsa Craig, a beautiful wildlife sanctuary which is home to over 40,000 birds, including puffins, guillemots, gannets and razorbills. The Glenapp rib boat is crewed by a professional team who cater to the guests’ every need, while a private chef uses local produce, from venison to lobster and seabass, to cook up sumptuous feasts along the way.
