Around the World on a Private Jet

Cartagena Colombia to Easter Island… Private

I’m not gonna lie. When I started going stir crazy, but I didn’t want to fly with a bunch of strangers, I started checking out private jet companies. Then, I went even deeper a few months later and looked into private jet and yacht vacations. A girl got desperate. A girl needs a dream. That’s when I came upon a big wild trip from one of my favorite travel purveyors, Abercrombie & Kent.

A private Boeing 757? Don’t mind if I do.

Most don’t know that Abercrombie & Kent was a private jet pioneer, introducing the first Royal Air Tour in 1989. Today it is one of the most experienced companies in the private jet business, having designed and operated dozens of programs on a variety of luxury aircraft to destinations all over the world, as well as custom-designed jet itineraries for multi-generational families and private groups.

Travellers who have had to put their passport away will appreciate their newest Private Jet journey taking off at this time next year, Around the World with Geoffrey Kent: An Inspiring Expedition by Private Jet (Oct 14-Nov 8, 2021). This one-of-a-kind adventure offers 48 guests the opportunity to explore the far reaches of the world alongside A&K founder Geoffrey Kent and discover lesser-known destinations on one expertly planned itinerary featuring insider access.

Vietnam, Ha Long Bay to Danang (Travel Day)

• Discover Kanazawa, “the other Japan”, known for its rich cultural offerings, alongside a renowned Japanologist
• Explore remote villages along the Irrawaddy River
• Marvel at the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay
• Meet with artisans at a private exhibit of ethnic textiles at a former royal residence in Luang Prabang
• Relax in the Maldives
• In Benin learn the secrets of African Vodoun (Voodoo) at an authentic private ceremony
• Explore the white sand dunes and crystal clear waters of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil

To travel on an A&K Private Jet Journey is packed with insider access, fine dining, and invitation-only cultural celebrations. Sample local street food at festive neighborhood in Hanoi hosted by a celebrity chef; explore Kenroku-en Garden accompanied by its chief landscape designer, followed by a private tea ceremony. and learn the ways of African Vodoun at a private ceremony in Benin.

South America, Brazil, Lençois Maranhenses

You can also personalize the journey with a choice of Design Your Day^® activities. In Hanoi, cycle around West Lake, meet traditional handicraft makers on an ethical artisan tour or visit a private art collection, hosted by the curator. In Brazil, explore Lençóis Maranhenses National Park by 4×4, boat or horseback; learn to kite-surf or paddle board; or simply relax on a pristine beach.

For hotels, you can expect classic luxury like the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and lesser-known gems like the Porto Preguiças Resort, gateway to Brazil’s Barreirinhas region and Mitsuno-Midori Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn featuring its own private onsen, as well as the luxe ‘Sanctuary Ananda,’ an intimate all-balcony river cruiser on the Irrawaddy River.

Japanese Geisha

For those who want someone to carry our bags from start to finish, you also have A&K’s Travelling Bell Boy^® which ensures that luggage is waiting in guest rooms at each hotel and complimentary laundry service. Prior to departure, save time with A&K’s White Glove Visa and Passport Handling, a concierge service that expedites visa and passport applications.

For this epic private personalized around the world 26-day tour, it’ll cost you, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, if you have the money, why not spend it on a once-in-a-lifetime experience?

$160,000 per person, double occupancy

Now who’s payin?

https://www.abercrombiekent.com/private-jet

Kerala: The Great Escape

Vythiri Resort

Kerala; a land that has gained fame as ‘God’s Own Country’ is a chili shaped strip of land that is sandwiched between the lofty mountain chain of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea in India. Tucked away at an altitude of 700-2100 meters above sea level in a particularly beautiful corner of Kerala is Wayanad. The latter which happens to be one of the better kept secrets of Kerala is about 150 miles from Cochin.

Vythiri Resort is a romantic hideaway cocooned in the lap of the rainforests of Wayanad. The Vythiri Resort which sprawls over a whopping 150 acres boasts of 18 thoughtfully designed cottages, a multi-cuisine restaurant and a spa. Since the time it opened its doors to the discerning traveler it has been winning the hearts of people from across the globe. Not surprising then that it was conferred the prestigious International Quality Crown Award by the Madrid based Business Initiative Directions (BID), a few years back. For a truly out-of-this-world experience you should stay in one of the dizzy tree houses that are perched some 100 feet above ground level at the Vythiri Resort. These luxurious tree houses come with a bath attached bedroom.

www.vythiriresort.com

Wayanad also enjoys a salubrious climate all through the year with the monsoon coming from late Jun until early September (But Wayanad truly comes alive during the monsoons).

Sanjay Sivadas is a travel writer based in Bangalore, India. He may be reached at sanjaysivadas@yahoo.com

Little Tibet

Shakti Ladakh View from Likhir house

They call it, “Ladakhi Love,” because this high-altitude desert is a breathtaking escape where remote wilderness overlooks the Himalayas. Here, one is brought closer to the love in their heart and the SO in their soul.

Ladakh, better known as little Tibet, is in India’s northernmost region. Only comfortably accessible to travelers during the summer and fall months, this time of year, the weather is gorgeous and humidity-free, making it the perfect alternative to the sticky heat that envelopes the rest of India.  We’re highlighting Shakti, operator of bespoke walking tours and homestays, because they’re a small sweet little outfit offering customized, private itineraries for guests to experience the breathtaking beauty of this remote wilderness with a full range of activities including village-to-village walks, treks, visits to monasteries, camping, and rafting along the Shayok and Indus Rivers.

Shakti Ladakh Taru Bedroom

For the 2011 Shakti Ladakh season (May 1 – October 31) there are three new village houses as well as new treks and camping options in and around the Indus Valley.  The village houses have been gently spruced up to meet Western standards and yet maintain their authenticity as British interior designer Ellie Stanton has created a stylish and comfortable décor for each, including all new fittings in the bathrooms that give them a stylish functionality.  All houses feature solar power and grey water recycling facilities; locally-source wood and mud bricks were used in the construction along with sustainably-harvested willow for the interior roofing in the traditional Ladakhi style.

About the new village houses and treks:

Shey: This century-old home offers views from its roof terrace of the nearby Shey Palace and the Tibetan-Buddhist Thiksey monastery. It has three bedrooms, an en suite bath, large sitting room, and traditional kitchen.  Many of the rooms are painted in a traditional style with decades-old motifs.  The village house at Shey provides a great location for walking, trekking, and biking.

Eego: The village of Eego is one of the few locations where guests can enter and exit the valley on foot. This 150-year-old stone baronial mansion, three stories high, is situated above the village near a glacier and some of the oldest Ladakhi dwellings.  It boasts three bedrooms, a sitting room, a dining room, and an open terrace with stunning views of snowcapped peaks.  Eego provides a superb setting for walks and treks.

Likhir: Sitting above the renowned Likhir monastery and just below the glacier that bears its name, the village house at Likhir provides jaw-dropping, alpine-like sights of the valley and snowcapped peaks. It has two bedrooms, en suite bath, and is within easy reach of Alchi village and the famous Alchi monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh, with its beautifully preserved 11th century wall paintings.

Stakmo to Eego Four-Day Trek: This three-night/four-day trek through the unexplored valleys and villages on the north side of the Indus Valley can be added on to any Shakti Ladakh itinerary.  On daily treks 5-6 hours in length, guests will experience trekking along some of the highest ridgelines as they traverse from west to east across the northern side of the Indus Valley, passing by villages, forgotten valleys, and high-altitude flora and fauna such as the ibex, yaks, and marmots.  Enjoy daily picnics in some of the most stunning valleys and picturesque river settings the Ladakh region has to offer, while evenings are left to explore villages and camp out under the stars in comfortable, domed canvas tents.

Shakti Ladakh Courtyard at Shey

For Shakti Ladakh’s seven-night itinerary, rates start at $890 per night for one person traveling, $530 per night per person for two to three persons, and $461 per night per person for parties of four to six. Included in the rate: private accommodations for group, all meals, drinks, activities, two rafting trips (weather dependent), English-speaking guide, cook, porters, car at disposal, all taxes, 5% service charge, and round-trip transfers between Leh Airport and Shakti Ladakh.  Minimum stay of five nights required; children ages three and older allowed.

For Stakmo and Eego three-night, four-day trek, rates begin at $1,499 per person on a twin/double share basis.  Included in this rate: accommodation in dome tent, all meals and drinks, English-speaking guide, porters, transfers between Stakmo and Eego at the beginning and end of trek.  Children 16 and older are allowed.

www.shaktihimalaya.com

Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On

Sarah Ivens - Jaunt Magazine Contributor

Sarah Ivens, resident Jaunt Magazine Contributor, is the founding Editor-in-Chief of OK! Weekly in the US and the best-selling author of ‘The Modern Girl’s Guide to Etiquette.’  Originally from London, she now lives in the beautiful Bluegrass state of Kentucky. This week, she fills us in on just what’s shakin’ in her beloved adopted state.  You can also follow Sarah’s new adventures in Mommyland on her Daily Mail blog at: http://ivensbabyblog.dailymail.co.uk

When people think of Kentucky they undoubtedly think of the Derby – the most exciting two minutes in sport – and a bucket of fried chicken being clutched to the chest of a jaunty looking man in a white suit. But these two enduring images don’t even scratch the surface of the historical and cultural reasons to visit the Bluegrass state (and yes, the grass really is blue!)

Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill - Kentucky

Nestled amongst the Bourbon distilleries and horse farms for which this Southern state is internationally renowned is a little piece of the past that is quite unique – and worth a weekend of exploring. Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill is a non-profit National Historic Landmark, a remarkable place inhabited by the Shakers between 1805 and 1910, which today is the world’s largest restored Shaker community. The Shakers played an important role in American religious history, developing the longest lasting communal society. Their legacy is found not only in the furniture and architecture that remain, but also in their ideals of equality, peace and love. They were pacifists who believed men and women should share power equally, as this is what God would have wanted. Unfortunately, they also believed in celibacy, which is why this sect has collapsed to the point there are now only three Shakers left on the planet, in Maine.

Shaker Chic

One of the most wonderful things about Pleasant Hill is that history and hospitality combine so seamlessly, and visitors are welcome to sleep, dine and relax in the authentic buildings, which are filled with Shaker furniture and linens. Surrounded by stacked rock walls and lantern-lit paths, this resting spot acts as a perfect retreat with a delicate dose of learning thrown in. As you saunter along beside the white picket fences picking wild flowers, munching apples from the orchard or stroking the animals at the farm, costumed interpreters, artisans, singers and gardeners will stop to fill you in on the simple life that Shakers enjoyed here. A place they considered their Garden of Eden. You really do feel like you’ve stepped back to a time where nobody watched the clock or checked their Blackberry every two minutes. The tranquility is charming.

Inn at Shaker Village

Those looking for more than a nostalgic chill-out can entertain themselves by riding the Dixie Belle Riverboat up and down the Kentucky River, a one hour ride through high limestone cliffs with a narrator explaining the area’s abundant ecosystem. Or you can take charge of your own destination and head to the village’s stables for a spot of horse riding. The trails that meander through the countryside around the village are breathtaking and peaceful. There are also hiking trails for those on foot or wagon rides for tired souls.

Alongside their trademark designs, the Shakers were famous for their good food, and dining here is an experience not to be missed. The Inn at Shaker Village takes the seed to table concept very seriously, with the kitchen serving traditional favorites and seasonal Kentucky dishes inspired by ingredients grown in the gardens and from nearby farms. Flavors burst on the tongue as Southern mainstays such as that infamous fried chicken mingle in the dining room with artisanal cheeses, watermelon salad and a lemon pie so tart you’ll feel as refreshed as if you had just jumped into one of the cooling streams that bubble around the village’s 3,000 acres. A one-of-a-kind adventure, taking history lessons never tasted so good.

Rooms are $89-225 per night. For reservations call 800 734 5611 ext 211 or visit www.shakervillageky.org