From the sand dunes of Namibia and Oman to sweeping Himalayan views in India and lush vineyards in California, here’s how to plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
By it’s very definition, a once-in-a-lifetime trip should be special. Perhaps it will take you to a new, far-flung destination, offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself into a new culture, or see you arriving at your destination by private jet. No matter where – or how – you choose to explore, take the chance to immerse yourself into a new way of travelling, to go deeper, and to seek new experiences.
With luxury travel experts Carrier, you’ll discover how easy it is to curate and book your dream holiday, often to multiple destinations, and always with your interests at heart. Known for their discrete, attentive and bespoke service, Carrier will make sure your journey is smooth from start to finish, and you can book safe in the knowledge that their experts are with you every step of the captivating way.
We’ve picked our top five once-in-a-lifetime Carrier itineraries, each featuring exceptional hotels and exhilarating experiences. Seeking a chance to track the illusive black rhino on foot? To traverse the Canadian Rockies by train? Or to get lost in the wonderfully-winding bazaars of Old Delhi? Read on for the ultimate inspiration…
In partnership with Carrier.
A Namibian Aerial Adventure
In recent years, Namibia has emerged as one of Africa’s top picks for luxury travellers. Lose yourself in its incredible and diverse landscapes; from vast desert plains to the spectacular Skeleton Coast and the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park. On Carrier’s 21-night itinerary, explorers hop effortlessly between each location in a private aircraft to really make the most of their time in this magical destination, whether that’s visiting the Himba community to learn about their lifestyle and customs, heading out on foot to search for black rhinos or soaring above the dunes in a hot air balloon. The journey begins with a transfer from the airport straight to the 22,000 acre wildlife conservancy at Zannier Hotels’ Omaanda, a boutique lodge with 10 Owambo-style thatch and clay huts where you can breakfast with meerkats and see big cats up close. Other hotel highlights include the remote Little Kulala with amazing stargazing, and the Serra Cafema Camp on the banks of the Kunene River.
Majestic Mountains And Faraway Sands in Oman
A trio of incredible hotels await in Oman, where for seven nights you will take in mountains, deserts and pristine sands along the Gulf of Oman’s coastline. At Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, an architectural masterpiece perched atop the country’s mysterious and magnificent Green Mountain, there are dramatic canyon views at every turn and the chance to visit the traditional 400-year-old Arabian village of Nizwa, the former capital of Oman, and to try your hand at archery, rock climbing and zip lining. Next up, head deep into the desert for some dune bashing in a 4×4 and spend two nights under the stars in a furnished tent with luxurious bathroom and air-conditioning at the secluded Desert Nights Camp in Wahiba Sands. Your last stop is the Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel just outside Muscat – it’s the perfect base from which to explore the Mutrah Souq Market where stalls glitter with gold and trinkets, and are piled high with fragrant spices including cardamom, saffron and frankincense.
Journey To The Himalayan Foothills
Enveloped by pine and cedar forests, the remote Wildflower Hall, an Oberoi Resort involves quite a drive to reach, but it’s worth it for the endless views of the sweeping Himalayan valleys during your stay. It’s just one of the fabulous properties that guests will stay at on this seven-night tour of technicolour India that is sure to leave an indelible mark. Here, in the highest mountain range on the planet, Carrier encourage you to board the famous UNESCO toy train from Kalka to Shimla, visiting a Hindu temple and a stately residence-turned-academic-institution en route. In the vibrant, lively city of Delhi, your home is The Imperial, whose immaculate interiors are filled with rare antiques and art from the 18th and 19th centuries. You’ll be in striking distance of Old Delhi’s ancient monuments, mazes of bazaar and the arcaded roof of the Red Fort, plus New Delhi’s palaces, tombs and 12th-century Qutub Minar. And then there’s The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort in Chandigarh – a peaceful retreat set against a backdrop of the Siswan Forest Range.
Highway Thrills In The Canadian Rockies
What could be more exhilarating than hitting the road on a 10-night self-drive itinerary through Canada with your favourite travel companion? As well as stays at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Palliser, you will bed down at the iconic Banff Springs resort, modelled after a Scottish baronial castle, and the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a mountain resort set within 700 acres of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jasper National Park in Alberta. Connected by winding pathways, guest rooms come in the form of cedar chalets and heritage log cabins, many with views of neighbouring Beauvert Lake. The route starts in Vancouver, where you can delve into the city’s scandalous prohibition era history on a walking tour, before traversing the breathtaking Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, hailed as the most spectacular train trip in the world. Other thrills on Carrier’s schedule include canoeing on Lake Louise, riding the Banff Gondola and immersing yourself in Calgary’s thriving arts and gastronomy scene.
Californian Vineyard Ventures
Oenophiles, this one’s for you! Treat your tastebuds on a 10-night road trip that takes in the best of California’s world famous wine country. After flying to San Francisco, check in to the city’s landmark Fairmont Hotel, with signature suites that offer views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge; while you’re in town you can ride the cable cars to explore Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square or Carrier can arrange a night-time tour of Alcatraz. Next up, Napa Valley where wonderful hotel Yountville welcomes visitors in style with four-poster beds and spa tubs in every room, plus complimentary wine tastings. There is more to sip at the nearly 20-strong tasting rooms of the Urban Wildlife Trail in Santa Barbara, before laying your head at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, which offers a collection of villa-style buildings reminiscent of a quaint Mediterranean village. You’ll also make stops at Sonoma Valley’s impeccable boutique hotel Farmhouse Inn, Pismo Beach, on California’s scenic Highway 1, and Santa Barbara.
- Once-in-a-lifetime trips taken from Carrier’s latest collection. Order a personal, complimentary Carrier brochure here.
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