While there was nothing conventional about global travel in 2020, one maxim was certain, life at sea and under big skies never looked so appealing. While, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, international traveler numbers fell by 56% between January and May in 2020, the latest data from Y.CO suggests that the global yachting scene showed growth. As travel recovers in 2021, it is clear that big, bold adventure is on the horizon.
In re-evaluating their lives and travel priorities, yachting enthusiasts assessed how they vacationed, connected with loved ones, and conducted their business much more closely, with more scrutiny. As recognizable “office life” unraveled, it became possible to spend more time at sea, and travelers seized opportunities posed by ‘the new normal’ to discover the world in chic seaworthy security with their families.
Exploration and adventure are the key element of recent yacht charter enquiries at Y.CO, a rise in demand for expedition charter in particular suggesting an antidote to the recent restrictions experienced by many these last 12 months. The polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic remain on many a once-in-a-lifetime travel wish list, and what better way to witness the earth in all its glory than from the deck of a superyacht? The Y.CO fleet includes specialist yachts geared for these types of expeditions with on board equipment including submersibles, snowmobiles, ice diving equipment and even a helicopter for heliskiing.
The originators of glamping in America really know the coveted cohort of affluent guests is looking for in 2021 travel. The founders of The Resort at Paws Up, the brain trust behind Montana’s most illustrious luxury ranch brand, are rolling out the perfect buyout escape with the green o. Imagine a sleek and sophisticated woodland hideaway, launching June 1, 2021, comprising of 12 drool-worthy and design-forward accommodations. This remote getaway offers an intimate retreat available for fully private buyouts, ideal for an Oracle offsite or a Geffen family reunion.
Set in the heart of Montana’s Blackfoot River Valley, the green o is a year-round, off-the-grid contemporary luxury retreat, primed for small groups. An array of customizable itineraries ideal for intimate weddings, milestone celebrations, incentive retreats, family office meetings, private board meeting getaways and more will be available.
Designed for maximum privacy, we fell in love with the elevated Tree Haus concept and the Green Haus’ rooftop deck perfect for stargazing, the Round Haus’ sunken living room and the Light Haus’ glass-enclosed bedroom (there’s no one for miles so the bashful need not be shy in booking this option). Each Haus features floor-to-ceiling windows with seamless views of the Montana wilderness. Hosting up to 24 guests in consummate style, this new alpine hideaway celebrates ranch heritage with cuisine and curated guest experiences inspired by the land. You’ll even ramble around in style; each Haus comes with a personal Lexus luxury SUV to explore the 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch.
After a year of off and on lockdowns, parents will rejoice in Paws Up’s unparalleled activity roster. Anything that can be dreamed up can be executed, from live-fire cooking sessions to private horseback trail rides, authentic Western cattle drives, s’mores around the campfire or live music cocktail hours. If they so choose, groups are invited to push the limits of their bodies, minds and spirits by engaging in 50+ thrilling activities to invigorate them or keep them centered, such as ATV tours, rappelling, forest bathing and spa treatments.
At the center of the green o, a freestanding private restaurant venue (the Social Haus), serves up menus catered specifically to the needs of each guest in-house, from small, shareable plates to nourishing entrees and artful desserts created by Executive Chef Brandon Cunningham. Meals match the robust, hearty living here at Paws Up, focused on healthy ingredients that include a rich variety of seasonal favorites.
Toast to life in the fast lane at Layan Residences by Anantara in Phuket, as the tropical retreat launches a budget-blowing experience inspired by the 007 classic The Man with the Golden Gun. From flying-in via private jet to handling the original golden gun from the 1974 film (think of all the photo ops), this no-expense-spared escape is packed with thrilling VIP experiences. The adventure kicks off in high style as guests board a private jet from Bangkok to Phuket, before being whisked by chauffeur-driven limo to Villa Similan – the largest of the resort’s 15 ultra-luxurious residences. Perched high on a hill with ocean and jungle views, this lavish eight-bedroom property oozes suave sophistication and comes with a live-in butler and an on-call private chef and spa therapist (a set up worthy of Dr. No)
Boasting a chic indoor-outdoor design with freestanding bedrooms and living spaces, the villa has an elevated roof terrace, 22-metre infinity pool and massage room. A glass-clad wine room leads to the pièce de résistance: a 007-esque ‘man cave’ complete with leather sofas, an antique carved billiards table and ‘the’ legendary golden gun.
Used by the film’s villain Francisco Scaramanga, the custom-built pistol famously consisted of several innocuous golden objects – a cufflink (trigger), gas lighter (bullet chamber), fountain pen (barrel) and cigarette case (handle) – so that it could be easily smuggled. Guests have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to handle this fabled weapon during a wine tasting with Anantara’s wine guru, before retiring to the terrace for a specially prepared dinner.
This extravagant experience includes a glamorous yacht cruise around Phang Nga Bay, where the spy thriller was filmed, sip free-flowing Krug champagne and a gourmet barbecue prepared by the onboard private chef. Scattered with mangrove-cloaked limestone, the spectacular bay’s most famous rock, ‘James Bond Island’, played a starring role in the movie as Scaramanga’s hideout. Back at the villa, brush up on your Ninja skills with a private Muay Thai boxing lesson. Soak up the views over the Andaman Sea as your butler serves up signature dry Martinis (shaken, not stirred) before heading to the cinema room for a private viewing of vintage Bond films. Package includes private jet flights from Bangkok to Phuket for up to seven people and exclusive use of Villa Similan for three nights with breakfast, the villa sleeps up to 16.