Month: September 2023

Jennifer Taylor for GOBankingRates – Reports

Volcanoes National Park — Rwanda, Africa
Average Trip Cost: $20,000-plus per person — excluding international flights — for a one-week trip
Cost Factors: Permits to spend time with gorillas, luxury accommodations

“While we book numerous safari destinations, trips to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda seem to have spiked in interest over the last six months,” said Daniel Jackson, CEO at The Travel Whisperer, a luxury travel agency that focuses on ski and safari trips. “Rwanda really is the most luxury way to do a gorilla trip, with a day permit costing $1,500 per person in the Volcanoes National Park, which allows you one hour with a troop of gorillas.”

He said a one-week trip would include two days with the gorillas.

“This trip is popular with 40-to-60-year-olds with higher disposable income and some time on their hands,” he said. Visiting the gorillas can often mean hours of trekking to find them, so it tends to attract active, outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for nature and adventure.”

Beaver Creek, Colorado
Average Trip Cost: Varies, but accommodations can total more than $15,000 per night and one-day ski lift pass costs $299
Cost Factors: Pricey accommodations, ski lift passes, local activities, high-end dining

“Multi-generational families are looking for the perfect getaway that has something for all during the winter and Beaver Creek ticks lots of those boxes,” Jackson said. “The skiing is phenomenal, with virtually no lift lines and amazing staff on the mountain to help you out with whatever you need.”

“The village has amazing restaurants for foodies and plenty of activities for the kids, including an amazing ski school,” he said. “If you want premium space on the mountain, then the cost can add up.”

During the holidays, he said exclusive homes can easily cost more than $15,000 per night and a one-day ski lift ticket at the window will cost $299 per person. However, he noted that there’s a variety of lodges to stay in — at varying prices — and great ways to save on ski lift tickets.

“It is definitely one of our most popular ski resorts, attracting those families looking for something a little less busy than neighboring Vail,” he said.

Sardinia
Average Trip Cost: Approximately $10,000-$15,000 per person for a week
Cost Factors: “High-end resorts, private yacht charters and Michelin-starred dining,” said Wallis Fairvalley, co-owner and travel advisor at Red Letter Travel.

“With its translucent turquoise waters and jet-set clientele, Sardinia is an Italian gem that offers the ultimate in Mediterranean luxury,” she said. “Yachting along the Costa Smeralda is a must, providing access to secluded beaches and coves that are perfect for a private, romantic getaway.”

Mallorca, Spain
Average Trip Cost: Around $9,000-$13,000 per person for a week
Cost Factors: “Boutique hotels, private art gallery visits and custom wine tours,” Fairvalley said.

In the past, Mallorca had a reputation as just a beach destination, but she said it’s an emerging hotspot for cultural tourism.

“Wealthy travelers are drawn to its quiet sophistication, be it the Moorish architecture or the burgeoning art scene,” she said. “It’s a more laid-back, but equally opulent alternative to other Mediterranean hotspots.”

Namibia
Average Trip Cost: Approximately $12,000-$20,000 per person for 10 days
Cost Factors: “Private safaris, helicopter trips over the dunes and high-end lodges,” Fairvalley said.

If you want an adventurous escape, without compromising on luxury, she said Namibia might be your ideal vacation destination.

“The dramatic landscapes of the Namib Desert and Sossusvlei dunes offer a unique backdrop for safaris, while the Skeleton Coast offers an eerie but beautiful sense of isolation,” she said. “The focus here is on experiential luxury — think champagne breakfasts atop a dune after a hot air balloon ride.”

Kyoto, Japan
Average Trip Cost: Around $9,000-$14,000 per person for a week
Cost Factors: “Traditional ryokan stays, tea ceremonies and private geisha performances,” Fairvalley said.

“Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan and a city that perfectly blends the ancient with the ultra-modern,” she said. “Wealthy travelers are drawn to its sublime gardens, ancient temples and the chance to experience traditional Japanese luxury.”

Iceland
Average Trip Cost: Around $5,000-$10,000 per person
Cost Factors: “Iceland offers breathtaking natural beauty, from glaciers to waterfalls,” said Hans Mast, a travel agent and travel expert at Golden Rule Travel.

“Costs include luxury accommodations, private tours to explore ice caves and volcanoes, and fine dining featuring Icelandic cuisine.” He said Iceland’s natural beauty makes it popular with high-end clients.

“Wealthy travelers are drawn to Iceland’s pristine landscapes, the chance to witness the Northern Lights and the exclusivity of experiencing untouched wilderness,” he said.

Bhutan
Average Trip Cost: Approximately $10,000-$20,000 per person.
Cost Factors: “Bhutan’s high costs are due to its government-mandated daily tariff, which includes luxury accommodations, guided tours, and meals,” Mast said.

“Visiting Bhutan is a unique opportunity to explore its rich culture and stunning Himalayan scenery.” This can be a great option for those who want to immerse themselves in culture.

“Bhutan’s focus on sustainable tourism, its stunning monasteries and the opportunity to experience an authentic Himalayan culture make it a top choice for wealthy travelers seeking exclusivity,” he said.

The Maldives
Average Trip Cost: Starting from $10,000 per person
Cost Factors: “Luxury overwater bungalows and private yacht charters contribute to the high costs,” Mast said.

“Activities include snorkeling, diving and spa treatments.” Travelers looking for an exclusive paradise will likely find that in this South Asia paradise on the Indian Ocean.

“The Maldives’ secluded, idyllic setting, pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters offer an unmatched tropical paradise for those seeking relaxation and privacy,” he said.

Madagascar
Average Trip Cost: Around $7,000-$15,000 per person
Cost Factors: “Costs cover private wildlife safaris to see lemurs and unique flora and fauna, luxury lodges and private charters for island-hopping,” Mast said.

An island country off the southeastern coast of Africa, Madagascar offers the luxurious journey of a lifetime.

“Wealthy travelers are attracted to Madagascar’s extraordinary biodiversity, including rare wildlife and untouched landscapes, offering a sense of exploration and adventure,” he said.

“These up-and-coming destinations offer wealthy travelers unique experiences, exclusivity and the opportunity to explore untouched natural beauty and cultures,” Mast said. “While the costs are high, the allure of these destinations lies in their ability to provide unforgettable, tailor-made experiences that cater to the desires of luxury travelers.”

Need help getting there?

Our private charter team are ready and waiting for your instruction. We’ll ensure a seamless door-to-door service, meticulously planned and overseen from inception until well after landing.

Contact us via the online enquiry form
or email: info@sentinel-aviation.com

Another successful Sentinel Aviation private jet charter completed!

The Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ) 319neo can accommodate up to 19 passengers with a range of 6,300 nm (11,670 km) and is equipped with 5 auxiliary center tanks for intercontinental range and non-stop flights up to 14 hours.

Features Include:

• 18 sleeping positions. Master bedroom with double bed and connecting bathroom with shower
• Luggage capacity 25 suitcases
• Maximum altitude 41,000 ft = 12,400 m
• Standard crew 2 pilots and 2 flight attendants
• 2 bedrooms / 3 washrooms
• Master bathroom with walk-in shower
• Air Humidification system
• Inflight Entertainment System with Full HD-screens
• Airshow and 5 external cameras
• Gogo 2Ku high speed Wi-Fi, up to 70 Mbit/sec for streaming and video calls (charged extra)
• Video on demand and DVD including a 55” TV, music streaming, PlayStation, external cameras with tailfin view, airshow, satellite phone

A huge thank you to all those involved.

If you would like to enquire about a charter please reach out and contact us.

Ian Douglas from Spears Wealth – Reports

Rolls-Royce unveils the La Rose Noire Droptail, the first completed car in the third project from Rolls-Royce’s ultra-exclusive Coachbuild division – and, with a price tag rumoured to be more than $30 million – the world’s most expensive car.

It has been passed to its commissioning client family at a private event near Pebble Beach, demonstrating the carmaker’s commitment to bespoke design and private client service.

The car – the first of the four individually designed and built models that will comprise the Droptail project, each in their own unique colours and finishes – has been in development since 2020 and has benefited from an unprecedented level of involvement from the buyer. The client’s identity has been kept confidential but they are rumoured to be a billionaire French family.

A unique blend of deep reds
Prior to its handover, the car was demonstrated to select members of the press including Spear’s at the Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood. It is a blend of two deep reds with dark chrome brightwork that has never before been used before, nor will it be used again, on any series model.

The colour was taken from the favourite rose of the matriarch of the family – the black baccara, a black-red tea rose with a high level of variation of colour – and decorated with roses in details around the car. As with the rose, the car appears to be different shades of red or black depending on the angle from which it is viewed, achieving an effect of dark iridescence.

The sweeping curved marquetry wooden panels alone took almost two years to design, develop and make. A dedicated artisan spent months doing nothing else but cut, colour, shape and finish the 1,603 carefully selected slivers of wood to achieve the desired effect of abstract rose petals scattered over a French sandalwood background.

Uniquely for a Rolls-Royce the dashboard has no clock. Instead it has an automated retractable holder for a watch, developed by Audemars Piguet, that can be worn when out of the car.

The roof is a detachable hard unit with an electronic chromatic panel, allowing it to be opaque or transparent according to the wishes of the occupants.

The engine is the V12 unit used in other cars including the Wraith and the Ghost, tuned to achieve the livelier performance of a drophead roadster.

The Coachbuild programme represents the finest cars that the company produces, with the client as a co-creator rather than simply a client. Rolls-Royce offers a high level of customisation on all of its cars through what it calls its Bespoke programme, but the Coachbuild cars are separated from the models offered to the rest of the public.

As a spokesperson said, ‘It’s the most rare, the most valuable, the most exquisite thing that we do here.’

Patricia Green from Simple Flying – Reports

A deep dive into the private jet life. Private jet flight attendants have a range of responsibilities, including greeting passengers, serving meals, and ensuring passenger safety. They may also be responsible for tasks such as planning flight itineraries, arranging ground transportation, and providing VIP services.

Working on a private jet can be rewarding, with opportunities for travel and meeting interesting people, but it also requires long hours and professionalism.

Working on a private jet can entail a variety of tasks, depending on the size of the jet and the specific needs of the passengers. On smaller aircraft, you may work alone or ‘fly solo,’ while on larger types, there may be four or five crew members.

Regular tasks
Some of the common duties of a private jet flight attendant include:

• Greeting passengers and providing them with refreshments and snacks
• Preparing and serving meals
• Making sure that the cabin is clean and comfortable
• Attending to the needs of passengers during the flight, such as providing pillows, blankets, or reading material or setting up the entertainment system
• Ensuring the safety of passengers in the event of an emergency

In addition to these duties, private jet flight attendants may also be responsible for other tasks, such as:

• Planning and coordinating the flight itinerary
• Arranging ground transportation for passengers
• Handling luggage and other cargo
• Providing VIP services, such as catering to the specific needs of celebrities or high-profile executives
• Sourcing specific items for the aircraft or the passenger
• Shopping for the aircraft pantry
• Planning menus and ordering catering

The requirements
The qualifications required for working on a private jet vary depending on the specific job. There can be restrictions on age, nationality, languages required, and the experience level of the flight attendant. However, most employers look for candidates with the following:

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• A valid passport
• Visas may be requested for places like the US, India, and China
• Experience in the hospitality industry
• Excellent customer service skills
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• High level of personal presentation
• Excellent time management
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• The ability to speak multiple languages
• Cabin crew training and experience

There are certain soft skills that a private jet flight attendant also needs to have:

• Know when to be invisible
• Follow protocol and confidentiality rules
• Be situationally aware
• Be culturally aware
• Have emotional intelligence
• Be discreet

The rewards
Working on a private jet can be a very rewarding career. It offers the opportunity to travel the world, meet interesting people, and provide excellent customer service. However, it is also a demanding job that requires long hours and a high level of professionalism. Whilst you are on duty, your life is not your own!

Here are some of the pros and cons of working on a private jet:

Pros

• Travel the world and often unusual destinations
• Meet interesting people from all walks of life
• Provide excellent customer service
• Higher salary than commercial cabin crew plus per diem
• Flexible hours
• 4 or 5-star hotels whilst away
• Rotational roster with a set number of days on/days off
• No security screenings
• No baggage restrictions

Cons

• Long hours
• Demanding job
• Can be lonely
• No airline perks
• Training costs are often covered by the flight attendant

If you are considering a career as a private jet flight attendant, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully. It is a challenging but rewarding job that can offer you a unique opportunity to see the world and meet interesting people.

Mark Elwood from Robb Report – Reports

These safari camps from Kenya to Indonesia provide smaller, more focused glamping experiences for nature lovers.

North Island, or Xuxuga, sits in one of Botswana’s prime safari locations, right at the top of the panhandle. The waters of the Okavango Delta slosh through year-round, making the soil rich and damp; riverine forests edge the island, while plush grassland covers the interior of its 302,000 acres. These natural assets keep it teeming with game, especially predators such as leopards, cheetahs, and lions. Each year, 18,000 or so elephants trample through, following a corridor that stretches up to Angola, and the area’s waters are consistent enough that mokoro trips—silent glides along the Delta in the local canoe-style boat, spying more than 450 different bird species—are also a staple.

Photo Courtesy of Martin Harvey

No wonder that luxe-safari operator Natural Selection, a Botswana specialist, eyed this as the site for the latest of 13 camps it operates in the country. But this newest addition is radically different from the traditional expedition template: North Island Okavango, which recently opened with just three rooms (a fourth and final villa arrives early next year) is a microcamp.

A tent at North Island Okavango, from Natural Selection

“We could have built a 12-room camp,” cofounder Dave van Smeerdijk tells Robb Report during an exclusive preview, “but we chose to build a much smaller one, somewhere that’s both more intimate and flexible.” It’s a footprint (and business model) that’s newly emerging in the broader ultra-luxe adventure space.

A sister site, Duke’s East, opened elsewhere on the Delta this spring, with just four tents ranged around an ebony and leadwood tree grove. Sitatunga Private Island, also in Botswana and a new arrival this summer, has three suites, all built from recycled materials and with a basket-shaped design inspired by the local Bayei fishermen. The five-room Fuzz’s Camp in north Kenya is a birder’s dream, also ideal for fishing and horseback riding. Outside the African-safari space, consider Bawah Reserve’s Elang Private Residence, in Indonesia, a standalone offshoot of the main hotel situated on its own island, with six cliffside lodges. Then there’s the six-pod Echo Camp, operated by White Desert, which offers the chance to overnight in Antarctica, or the soon-to-open AndBeyond camp in Punakha, Bhutan, which will offer just eight glamping rooms close to the winter home of the Bhutanese royal family.

The sumptuous design of Duke’s East

Van Smeerdijk says the shift is driven by consumer behaviour. Safaris have long been prime for buyouts, where a multigenerational group might commandeer 15 or so rooms for exclusive use. The pandemic-induced preference for privacy, though, has brought that idea to a wider audience and to smaller groups—a new niche that microcamps can occupy. He adds that, in Covid-19’s wake, buyout requests at their camps have increased around 100 percent, making it imperative to design properties that can be easily (and affordably) booked by a single client. Cannily, the footprint is modular enough that North Island’s four rooms will seem equally private should they be reserved individually, too.

Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell runs Cazenove + Loyd, a firm focused on buyouts, who says there’s even greater demand now—perhaps 50 percent more than in pre-pandemic times. Camps such as North Island, he notes, act as entry-level options for safari-mad families trading up from a traditional resort for the first time. “It’s about controlling your own environment—maybe you want to do things in a way that wouldn’t suit other people, and you can choose to do the safari in your own fashion,” he says. “The manager of the lodge is absolutely at your disposal.”

Cape buffalo crossing a channel near Sitatunga Private Island

Why not bring your own wine to stock the cellar, for example, or carouse late into the night and skip the morning’s activities entirely, opting instead for a leisurely brunch? Many have long paid premiums for private game-drive vehicles to avoid a mismatch with the needs (or personality) of a fellow guest; a microcamp expands that safeguard to the entire experience. “Part of it is protecting yourself from other people, part protecting other people from how you want to do things,” says Wilmot-Sitwell.

Natural Selection is certainly banking on the long-term viability of microcamps, with plans for similar sites in Botswana as well also next door in Namibia, on the Skeleton Coast. “People will pay a premium for privacy like this,” says van Smeerdijk, who doesn’t levy a surcharge for buyouts at North Island (another departure from industry norm), as it’s designed for takeovers. “And for the quality of the experience, it’s not such a radical extra cost.”

Bryan Hoof from Robb Report – Reports

You may no longer be able to fly on the Concorde, but thanks to Lego you can build one of your very own. The Danish company has just unveiled a new set based on the famous supersonic jet two decades after it went out of service. And as is becoming increasingly common of the brand’s most detailed kits, the model has features that function just as they did on its full-size counterpart.

The Concorde was built during the 1960s as a joint venture between France-based Aérospatiale and UK-based British Aircraft Corporation. It was the first supersonic passenger jet and could fly from Europe to the east coast of the US in half the time it normally took. Despite this, the tailless aircraft never caught on, partially due to the fact that it was limited to transoceanic flights due because of the sonic booms it produced over land. In 2003, after 27 years of commercial service, the Concorde was retired.

Lego’s version of the jet measures nearly three-and-a-half feet in length and has a wingspan of one-and-a-half feet. That means that while tiny compared to the 202-foot aircraft it’s based on, it is one of the brand’s larger current models. The kit consists of 2,083 pieces and faithfully captures the jet’s iconic shape, including its long and skinny fuselage and curved delta wing.

The pint-sized Concorde features several functional mechanisms like some of the recent automobile-based sets released under the Lego Technics banner. The chief of these is the plane’s landing gear, which can be raised or lowered with a twist of the tail cone. The model also features an adjustable droop nose that can be lowered to make takeoff visibility better, just like the actual plane. Finally, you can remove part of the top of the fuselage to get a look at a scale recreation of the Concorde’s infamously cramped interior inside (sadly it’s not big enough for any of the company’s trademark microfigures).

Do you have room in your personal hangar for a new Lego plane? The Concorde kit is set to go on sale September 7th (or the 4th if you’re one of the brand’s VIP members). It will be available to buy through the company’s website and toy stores for £170.

Images courtesy of Lego.