Pallavi is a Los Angeles and Mumbai-based freelance journalist. She writes about design, travel, and lifestyle for leading publications like Travel & Leisure, Architectural Digest, Conde Nast Traveller, GQ, Thrillist, and Observer. An avid traveler and design enthusiast, she finds inspiration in everything she encounters, be it her immediate environment or her travels around the world.
Private travel is an ultra-luxurious experience offering privacy, personalized service, and exclusive access to the world’s finest accommodations and amenities. It’s a bespoke journey tailored to individual preferences, providing comfort and convenience unmatched by traditional travel. We spoke to leading luxury properties and travel companies worldwide to see how they provide private travel experiences. These are the key elements that elevate regular travel to private travel.
Privacy is the cornerstone of private travel. From secluded entrances to hard-to-access properties, every detail in private travel is curated to ensure absolute discretion. A Relais & Châteaux property, SUJÁN Jawai Camp in Rajasthan, India, offers a one-of-a-kind glamping experience. Surrounded by arresting granite rock formations and unspoiled nature, this 10-tented suite hotel provides its guests with the utmost privacy.
“The SUJÁN camps are the perfect hideaway for guests of all profiles looking to escape into some of Rajasthan’s most exquisite wildernesses,” says Laura McGowan, Global Brand Director of SUJÁN Life. “Guests can live in comfort and style whilst being completely secluded, and away from the hustle and bustle of their very busy lives.” A favorite amongst the A-Listers with meticulous attention to detail and planning, the SUJÁN team specializes in the utmost discretion. The small and intimate camps have the natural seclusion of their surroundings but also have specially designed private encampments to give those that need the ultimate privacy.
From spacious cabins and personalized in-flight dining to expedited airport experiences, private aviation offers a smooth travel experience, allowing celebrities to maximize their time and arrive at their destination refreshed. Vimana Private Jets is a leading aviation company offering bespoke travel experiences, catering to the demands of ultra-high-net-worth individuals with a fleet of exclusive aircrafts. Flying with Vimana enables these clients to bypass the hassles of commercial airports, avoid layovers, and travel from virtually any airstrip in the world, including many not serviced by commercial airlines. The company selects only the finest aircrafts, both on and off the market, and the crews undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure the utmost professionalism and security. “High-profile public figures fly with Vimana Private Jets because they trust our services implicitly,” says Ameerh Naran, CEO of Vimana Private Jets. “This trust, coupled with a seamless travel experience, is vital to those with very public lives. We provide exceptional privacy and adhere to the most uncompromising safety standards.”
Moreover, hotels around the world are equipped with private helipads so that guests can land directly at the property. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India, has its own private helipad that caters to the needs of guests, elevating their travel experience.
Private travel comes with the finest accommodations, including well-appointed villas with awe-inspiring views and sprawling suites offering unparalleled amenities. At Four Seasons Resort Mauritius, guests are immersed in a world of luxury with aesthetically pleasing design, personalized in-room dining, and state-of-the-art amenities, crafting a sanctuary of serenity and indulgence. The property’s sumptuous two-level residences provide an exclusive and private retreat for celebrity guests.
These well-furnished residences are located on the secluded southeast portion of the property, offering awe-inspiring vistas of the sunrise over the ocean. They feature three bedrooms overlooking the beach, a fully equipped kitchen, and two pools. Additionally, the property can organize a private chef and barbecues on the pool deck and garden upon request. “In a secluded oceanfront location, our two-level residences are a magnificent destination for friends and family to share quality time while enjoying privacy and spectacular ocean views,” says Martin Dell, General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.
Wellness and relaxation are integral to the private travel experience. State-of-the-art fitness centers, customized wellness programs, and indulgent spa treatments create an oasis of relaxation. Castle Hot Springs, Arizona’s 1,100-acre adults-only luxury desert oasis, offers a tranquil, nature-driven retreat centered around wellness and the ultimate digital detox. More than just a high-end resort, Castle Hot Springs is a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, designed to immerse guests in the serene beauty of the Sonoran Desert. The property’s secluded accommodations and diverse offerings, including intentional wellness activities, painting desert botanicals, signature spa treatments, and private hikes, make it the ideal venue for ultimate wellness and relaxation.
Bespoke travel itineraries reflect the distinctive tastes and desires of each guest. Companies such as sustainable global safari brand Few & Far offer off-the-beaten-path travel experiences without compromising on luxury. Co-founder Sarah Dusek, an award-winning travel and hospitality industry veteran, personally curates the itineraries. Few & Far promises a no-stress escape with meticulously curated itineraries that include hotels, transportation, meals, and experiences in destinations such as Africa, Europe, North and South America, Central America, and Asia. Their most popular itineraries include a week-long Ski Safari through the Italian Dolomites, a 9-day excursion exploring the natural beauty of Slovenia, a 12-day safari expedition with their Rwanda Gorilla Trek and Masai Mara Wildlife Adventure, as well as an Unknown Experience featuring a mystery destination.
Lastly, personalized luxury and concierge services elevate the travel experience. Dedicated teams of experts anticipate guests’ every requirement, crafting bespoke experiences that transcend expectations. Luxury aviation companies like aforementioned Vimana Private Jets cater to their clients’ every need, offering a seamless experience critical for clients with demanding schedules, especially those who we fly to multiple destinations in a single day.
“Our jets serve as sanctuaries, providing a private space for business meetings or performance preparations,” concludes Ameerh Naran, CEO of Vimana Private Jets. “And what truly sets us apart is our dedicated specialist charter team, available 24/7, 365 days a year, which acts as a personal concierge to each client, fulfilling every special request and ensuring that each journey is perfectly tailored to individual needs.”