Fly & Float: The Trappings of an Ultra-Luxurious Adventure
Few things could be more exclusive – and luxurious – than traveling by private jet, other than cruising on a superyacht, that is. The oft-repeated sentiment, “It’s the journey, not the destination” may sound cliché but pair the two together and you have all the trappings of an ultra-luxurious adventure. Here, we present Northrop & Johnson’s curated list of exclusive experiences worth planning the world over.
A private jet and superyacht are the very definition of traditional luxury, but today true luxury is more about the transformative experience that traveling affords. Combine a private flight and a superyacht charter with Northrop & Johnson, and the world truly is your oyster. Whether exploring the Komodo islands in a traditional Phinisi or gliding through the majestic Norwegian fjords, these incredible experiences have a unifying theme: once in a lifetime.
Costa Rica
Nature & Nurture
Referred to as the “Rich Coast”, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast has been at the forefront of the eco-preservation movement for decades, and as a result is home to over half-a-million indigenous wildlife species, including a variety of marine life. Take part in unique conservation efforts and invite a marine biologist on board to collect vital data on the rich marine life. With the freedom of traveling by yacht, no set schedule, and access to remote areas rarely visited, this is your opportunity to give something back to the cruising grounds that offer truly unique wildlife and landscapes. Swim alongside megapods of dolphins, tag endangered species such as green and hawksbill turtles, and encounter pods of humpback whales while you enjoy time on board. Stop off at various points to trek inland with an expert guide and track further endangered species, including jaguars and squirrel monkeys.
Flight: New York to San José, Costa Rica, 5 hours flight time aboard a Citation Latitude, up to seven passengers
Yacht: 76’ (23.3m) THUNDERBOLT, prices from €60,000 per week, plus expenses, for up to six guests
When: November to April
Scandinavia
Think Hygge
Scandinavians have a knack for living a contented life, so why not experience a little Nordic-Hygge on a cruise through the Baltic? Often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” the city of Stockholm is arguably one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. Fly into Stockholm and discover how the Nords foster creativity, productivity and motivation while enjoying the many cutting-edge restaurants and boutiques that adorn the waterfront. Norway, meanwhile, is synonymous with its epic scenery. Cruise through the mighty Norwegian fjords and take in jaw-dropping vistas that will leave you feeling a million miles from anywhere. Explore the waters by kayak, take to fishing and enjoy the fresh catch of the day paired with exceptional wines for an otherworldly nature and culinary experience anchored out in the wilderness.
Flight: London to Stockholm, 2.5 hours flight time aboard an Embraer Phenom 300, up to six passengers
When: June to August
Côte d’Azur
Shop ‘Til You Drop
For those looking to venture beyond the well-trodden, designer-store-fringed paths of Paris, New York and Milan, the rewards of Cannes and Monaco come thick and fast when it comes to a charter along the Côte d’Azur. Whether you are an avid collector of art, or skew more toward handbags and the finest gems, the gilded coastline is arguably the most fashionable in the Mediterranean. Stroll around the boutiques of the stylish Croisette in Cannes, enjoy some shopping therapy in Monaco’s Casino Square, or head inland to the medieval hilltop town of Saint-Paul de Vence for art galleries galore. For the grand finale, don your new attire and head to the famed Monte Carlo Casino for a night of gaming and glamor.
Flight: Miami to Nice, 9 hours flight time aboard a Bombardier Global 5500, up to 14 passengers
Yacht: 164’ (50) JACOZAMI, prices from €300,000 per week, plus expenses, for up to 12 guests
When: May to September
Southeast Asia
Soul Searching
Take a giant leap from the run-of-the-mill spa retreat and embark on a cruise through the remote Komodo Islands on the traditionally styled superyacht LAMIMA. This unique vessel allows guests to experience the very best of these islands with a plethora of experiences to boot. Find your inner calm with your own yoga instructor and masseuse (both within LAMIMA’s 20-strong crew), greet the day with paddleboard yoga at sunrise and end it with a night dive in remote coral atolls – all without a soul in sight. Head ashore for cultural immersion and visit a local village to learn traditional weaving skills, or hike the impressive volcanoes, camera in hand. Any itinerary to the Komodo islands would not be complete without getting up close and personal with a Komodo Dragon – guide on hand to track these mighty, prehistoric creatures.
Flight: Mykonos to Bali, 13 hours flight time aboard a Bombardier Global 7500, up to 14 passengers
Yacht: 213’11” (65.2m) LAMIMA, prices $154,000 per week (all inclusive) for up to 14 guests
When: April to September
