How to Plan a Luxury Trip Without Losing the Spirit of Adventure

If you’re anything like me, your vacations can be a little bit eclectic. What I’m in the mood for changes day by day, so when I plan my vacations, I have to be sure to offer myself a selection of activities and destinations that nourish the different aspects of my personality.

Two things I particularly enjoy blending are a little dose of action, and a large dose of luxury (or the other way round if you prefer!). It might sound a little counterintuitive on the face of it, but offering yourself creature comforts and a chance to prove your mettle at the same time is an exhilarating combination…and not as tough to manage as you might think.

If you don't want to give up the spirit of adventure OR the comfort of a glass of champagne and a high thread count, these are all the things you need to consider to plan the perfect luxury adventure getaway.

Luxury lives in the details. It lives in the fact that the bubble bath is Dior, in the fresh flowers that appear in your room, in the crystal glasses, the private tours, and the comfort and convenience of having your own space. If you choose the things you upgrade wisely, you’ll be living in the lap of luxury from the second you leave your house until the second you return, with a whole lot of adventure and exploration in between.

1. Upgrade your travel. Since adventure destinations are often more remote than other vacation spots, making sure that you have direct, convenient access will make a huge difference. Fortunately, luxury travel companies that offer private jet services also often offer both helicopter transfers and chauffeur services as well, so you’ll be able to handle all or at least most of your transfers in one place.
2. Adventure activities usually take place outdoors and often, as I mentioned before, in remote areas. Hiring expert guides and professionals to ensure that you get the most out of your walks, climbs, sails, surfs, cultural experiences, etc., and arrive home with the same limbs that you left with.
3. Luxury means not having to fight with a million other people to see the view or enjoy an experience. Upgrading to private tours and experiences is another must if you really want to get to grips with your destination and everything that it has to offer, and make the best of the time you have available.

So there are obvious things that most people consider luxurious: a gorgeous villa, a private chef, and things like that. The great thing about each vacation you take is that you’re in control of it and you get to make it what you want it to be, not what someone else prescribes.

Defining luxury for yourself is a huge part of making sure you can blend adventure and luxury into one smooth experience. Redefine luxury in the context of your adventure vacation. Trade a penthouse suite and a California king for a five-star cabana or glamping tent. Trade high heels clicking across club floors for hiking boots that will take you to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. Decide for yourself!

It's time to get out of your comfort zone a little bit and pick some adventure destinations that offer proximity to the wilds of the world…but also an incredibly comfortable bed to crawl into at night. Consider some of these options as inspiration.

• Singita Sasakwa Lodge in the Serengeti, Africa. Enjoy hot air balloon rides and private safaris, and architecturally magical suites shaped like weavers' nests. Amankora Paro in the Himalayas. Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and embrace the culture of the region with private guides and spiritual connection.
• White Desert Whichaway Camp in Antarctica. Watch the stars from inside your heated, private fiberglass pod and indulge in private chef-made meals after a day of ice cave exploration, penguin visits, and polar bear tracks.
• The Brando, French Polynesia. Spend your days diving with sharks, sailing to the most remote atolls, and sunbathing, and your nights in ultra high-end villas created with sustainable design in mind.

On an adventure vacation, you may be tempted to be in go-go-go mode, but remember that this is a vacation, not just an adventure! And a luxury vacation at that! Remember to build a little downtime into your schedule to give yourself time to enjoy not only the luxury amenities that your accommodation has to offer, but also to enjoy doing a whole lotta nothing. Sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast on your terrace to soak in the view, lie by the pool…whatever is going to relax and reenergize you.

Your luxury adventure vacation is YOUR vacation, so enjoy it your way. These two seemingly opposite pursuits can come together to give you the most magical vacation you’ve ever experienced.

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• The Best Luxury Travel Experiences in Antarctica
• 5 Perfect European Destinations for Luxury Travel

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