As we well know, memories are what really matters at the end of the day. While it's impossible to discount the magical feeling of a truly luxurious hotel or pink sand beach, more travellers are beginning to seek something more profound from their holiday. We round up some of the most incredible memory-making opportunities we've come across, from tennis with pros to tracking mountain gorillas.
Rwanda By Helicopter
Beginning with a visit to the Kigali Genocide memorial and Inema arts gallery, this week-long trip is an immer- sive experience into Rwandan history, wildlife, and culture. After a night in Kigali, you will be transported via private helicopter to Bisate, a luxurious safari camp adjacent to the Volcanoes National Park. Led by experi- enced guides, over the next several days, you will be able to see and experience the wildlife from unprece- dented levels of access. Culminating with a trek through the mountainside to track and witness majestic moun- tain gorillas in their natural habitat—where Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research—this is truly a life-changing experience.
Later, you'll travel again via helicopter to Nyungwe Forest National Park, staying at the One&Only Nyungwe House. The luxury resort is set amongst a working tea plantation, and the excellent staff will teach you how to gather leaves and make your own tea—Rwanda's largest export—before partaking in a traditional tea ceremo- ny. Incredible excursions, such as tracking chimpanzees and Colobus monkeys, as well as hikes through the rainforest, will solidify your trip as one of the most special ever. Make sure to cross the 200-metre-long Canopy Walkway, suspended 60 metres above a deep forest-filled valley amidst brilliant birds and butterflies.
Super Bowl LIV
Always one of the most coveted events on the calendar, the Super Bowl is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any sporting fan. This year, the game determining the best team in the NFL will be held in Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. Recently renovated, the stadium has long been considered a favourite by fans and the NFL— this will be the sixth Super Bowl it's hosted. In addition to game seats in the prime A-Level section, you'll expe- rience exclusive VIP access to a pre-game party at the Gold Jacket Club, hosted by NFL Hall Of Famer Jerry Rice. Other elite festivities include a Roundtable Q&A with current and former players, photo opportunities and meet-and-greets, alongside complimentary food and a top-shelf open bar.
The luxurious Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club will provide accommodations. Having hosted the likes of Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill throughout its storied history, the beautiful oceanfront hotel is the ideal setting in which to unwind from the weekend's multiple parties and events. One of Positano's best restaurants, Le Sirenuse, is onsite and the food is terrific—make sure to try our favourite, the Sicilian Shrimp Carpaccio.
Sand & Salt: Chile & Bolivia
Offering the unique opportunity to take in two of the world's most iconic landscapes in one visit, this trip is ex- traordinary. After spending a couple of nights in Santiago, you'll travel via a short flight to the desert for four days at Awasi Atacama, a boutique luxury resort built in traditional local style and featuring delicious food. The inimitable staff at the intimate property are on hand to coordinate excursions that will help you to make the most of the incredible landscape—make sure to visit the El Tatio Geysers at sunrise, the hot bathing pools in Puritama, and the magical Mars Valley and Moon Valley. Then, travel by luxury transfer to Uyuni—the journey very much part of the sightseeing experience—to spend two mind-blowing nights in the otherworldly Kachi Lodge.
One of the most unique properties in the world, this resort consists of six geodesic domes set amidst the salt flats and adjacent to the Tunupa Volcano. The cosy, boutique-chic domes provide comfortable and unparalleled views of the landscape. Alongside excellent cuisine by celebrated Bolivian restaurant Gustu, the staff will create bespoke itineraries for exploring the incredible sur- rounding area—don't miss Cactus Valley—or take a picnic to the center of the salt flats for ideal views of the neverending sky.
Necker Cup
This six-day extravaganza is the ultimate experience for any tennis fan. Taking place on Sir Richard Branson's privately-owned Necker Island, the fun pro-am will allow you the opportunity to mingle with and play tennis beside world-class players: this year's participants include Rod Laver, Martina Navratilova, and Boris Becker, amongst others. Pairing 16 pros with amateurs of all levels, the handicapped scoring format ensures competition will be equal amongst each team vying for the 2019 Necker Cup trophy. With a charitable component benefitting the National Tennis Foundation and Virgin Unite, the tournament will culminate with a silent auction and charity dinner—followed by an excellent party with a celebrated music performance (past guests have included Kenny Chesney, Jamie Foxx, and Jimmy Buffett with exciting 2019 announcements to come).
In addition to the great tennis, you'll be able to engage in Necker Island's myriad activities, such as sailing, kiteboarding, paddle boarding, and golf activities alongside the pros and celebrities in attendance. Beautiful hammock-lined beaches and stunning wildlife offer stimulating additions to the sport being played. Luxurious accommodations are located on Necker Island, Moskito Island, Oil Nut Bay, or SeaDream Yacht, moored just offshore.
Arctic Kingdom Narwhal & Polar Bear Safari
Travel to the far reaches of the north—Baffin Island, in the Nunavut territory of Canada—to experience wildlife in an intimate and immersive way. Private aerial transfer over the glaciers and vast Arctic landscape will bring you to Pond Inlet, home of the Premium Safari Camp on an Arctic beach within Sirmilik National Park, the base for your explorations. Each day, you'll travel via snowmobile or qamutik, a traditional Inuit sled, to the floe edge. Known as the 'line of life,' this is where the sea ice opens up, and marine mammals and wildlife congregate.
Expect to see animals such as narwhals, polar bears, and more up close. Also, you'll be able to experience the life of the Inuits who are indigenous to the region, seeing villages and the hunting process in real-time. Personalised attention from expert staff, including naturalists and local Inuit guides, means more opportunity to learn and discover—as do bespoke daily schedules and itineraries. The yurt-style safari tents are warm and located near a central dining and lounge area to meet and relax with other guests, as well as enjoy 24-hour snacks and drinks. The gourmet menu, prepared by an onsite private chef, features local delicacies such as Arctic char and caribou.
Quintessentially Travel can arrange your ultimate travel adventure—don’t waste time, see the world.
