At one time, the term “bucket list” referred to things people wanted to do, but nowadays, it often means places they want to go. For those travelers who already have a bucket list, these five extraordinary experiences — all of which are new to the travel scene — certainly deserve to be added. For those who haven’t made a list yet, there’s no better time to start.
Arctic Expedition
Seeing spectacular natural landscapes is on many people’s bucket list, whether it’s the rain forests of South America or the glaciers of Alaska. And with many of the world’s natural wonders disappearing, travelers are anxious to see them before they go. Lindblad Expeditions’ Arctic itineraries give travelers the unique opportunity to experience the rugged landscape and massive glaciers of this part of the world.
“We pioneered travel to Antarctica,” says Patty Disken-Cahill director of communications at Lindblad Expeditions. “Our newest itinerary for 2015 explores the extreme High Arctic, which is going to venture to new frontiers deep into the far reaches of the ice.
www.expeditions.com
Four Seasons Jet
When Four Seasons launched the hotel industry’s first fully branded private jet, it delivered multiple must-do experiences at once.
“The Four Seasons jet was a response to the growing demand among modern luxury travelers for a fully immersive Four Seasons experience both in the air and on the ground,” says Christopher W. Norton, executive vice president, global product and operations at Four Seasons.
A Four Seasons Private Jet Experience provides Four Seasons service and itineraries designed to create memorable moments on a unique and exclusive adventure. The opportunity to see the world while enjoying the level of luxury and service that Four Seasons provides should be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list.
www.fourseasons.com
Palazzo Versace Dubai
The distinctive personality of Gianni Versace and his commitment to luxury have heavily influenced his designs. Palazzo Versace Gold Coast, a fashion-branded hotel, was launched in 2000 in Australia and celebrates the designer’s artistic temperament and commitment to excellence.
With an expected opening date of March 2015, Palazzo Versace Dubai, the next Palazzo Versace property, will offer its guests fine Italian furnishings designed by Donatella Versace, a spectacular waterfront setting and extraordinary service. With an ambience of pure glamor defined by the brand, Palazzo Versace Dubai embodies the vision and spirit of the house of Versace.
www.palazzoversace.ae
The Brando Resort
Visiting French Polynesia is likely on many people’s travel bucket list, but staying on a private island ups the ante considerably. The Brando is a unique luxury resort on the island of Tetiaroa, an atoll 30 miles northeast of Tahiti made up of about a dozen small islands surrounding a breathtaking crystal-clear lagoon.
Accessible by private plane, The Brando features 35 villas on white-sand beaches that are frequented by sea turtles, manta rays and exotic birds, but not by very many humans. This is the type of exclusive and private escape that many people only dream of experiencing.
www.thebrando.com
Viking Ocean
Viking Cruises has maintained a stellar reputation for its luxurious destination-centric river cruises. But in 2015, the company will debut its maiden season of ocean cruising onboard the sophisticated and state-of-the-art Viking Star, with itineraries in Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.
A brand-new cruise line doesn’t come into the market every day, let alone one with a proven track record for excellence and luxury ships, so most travelers will agree that being among the first to sail on Viking’s new ocean cruise line is definitely a bucket-list item.
www.vikingcruises.com