“Since the arrival of the global pandemic, there has been an increased interest in private jet travel, especially in the USA,” says James Shotton, the co-founder of Skytime. “Those who have never considered flying privately are considering it and those who occasionally charter are now doing so more frequently. The greater safety and security of flying on a jet with only the people you choose and being able to avoid the vast main terminals and utilise more discreet, private lounges is more and more attractive to travellers. When that is combined with a reduction of scheduled airline routes, making travel more difficult, taking a private charter becomes a compelling proposition.”

If you are planning on travelling by private jet on your next holiday, our small team of experts can help you decide where to go. Below, we have compiled a handful of ideas for extraordinary trips that are well suited to those travelling by private plane, which can give you access to some of the very best private islands, lodges and experiences out there.

The Seychelles

Fly by private jet (Dassault Falcon 8X) to the international airport on Mahé, from where we will arrange for a helicopter to whisk you away to North Island. On the isle, your home will be a stunning private villa and measures have been taken to ensure you can have little to no contact with staff or other guests if you so wish. This idyllic isle is very exclusive, with only 11 villas and no permanent population, so it is very safe and the perfect choice if you want to get away from civilisation.

North Island, The Seychelles

North Island, an extraordinary retreat in the Seychelles

Southeast Asia

We have the inside track on how to make the most of your time in Southeast Asia. This treasure-filled corner of the planet has so much to offer, especially if you’re travelling by private jet (Airbus ACJ320neo). Start in Luang Prabang, a charming city in northern Laos, where you can stroll around the sleepy streets and drift down the snaking Mekong River before enjoying a Champagne breakfast beside the Kuang Si Falls. In Cambodia, a private villa at Phum Baitang, near Siem Reap, would make a great base for exploring the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat. In Vietnam, there are some fabulous private villas and isolated hotels, such as Amanoi in the Ninh Thuan Province, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay and Topas Ecolodge in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park.

Private Jet Inside Cabin, ACJ320neo | Extraordinary trips by private jet | cazenove+loyd

Travel in style: inside the cabin of  a private jet (Airbus ACJ320neo)

Tanzania

Tanzania has the advantage of having many small airstrips that are close to some of the best game-viewing locations and most stunning off-the-beaten-track places in East Africa. Hopping from place to place in your own plane means you can avoid being stuck on a tiny aircraft with people you don’t know. You can fly direct by private jet from the UK and US to Mwanza, a very small airport in northern Tanzania, where you can pass through customs and immigration easily, simply and quickly, avoiding larger, busy international airports. Having a private plane makes it very easy to combine a variety of amazing places as you are not limited to scheduled flights.

We suggest that clients leave their larger private jet in Mwanza and continue onwards in a smaller plane that can access the more remote areas. These include Singita Grumeti, one of our favourite lodges, which can be taken exclusively, the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park to catch sight of the Great Migration without the crowds. Alternatively, for an even more remote experience, we recommend flying south and exploring the hidden jewels of southern Tanzania, including Ruaha National Park and the Selous Game Reserve, both stunning, less-visited parks.

Small private plane at the Lukala Selous Camp Airstrip | Extraordinary trips by private jet | cazenove+loyd

Small private plane at the Lukala Selous Camp Airstrip, Tanzania

Colombia

This South American country is fantastic to uncover by private jet and we can design an extraordinary itinerary combining several standalone properties in spectacular, remote locations. Fly to Los Llanos, a region north-east of Bogotá home to 700 bird species and 100 types of mammal, including the capybara, the giant anteater and the puma. In this vast landscape of endless grasslands, stay at Corocora Wildlife Camp, from where you can track animals, spend time with the Llaneros cowboys, set out on a walking safari or explore the area on horseback.

Exploring Corocora Wildlife Camp by horseback, Los Llanos, Colombia | Extraordinary trips by private jet | cazenove+loyd

Exploring Corocora Wildlife Camp on horseback, Los Llanos, Colombia

There are some top-notch small hotels and private houses in Colombia, such as Casa del Presidente in Barichara, a picturesque town in the country’s north-east surrounded by canyons, rivers and mountains. Days here are spent rafting, trekking, biking, doing yoga or just relaxing. In addition, Hacienda Buenavista, a boutique hotel in the Coffee Region, is a wonderful base to discover Cocora National Park and the area’s pretty towns, valleys and plantations. Similarly, Casa Oropendola (formerly Galavanta), in the Sierra Nevada cloudforest, is a secluded retreat with jaw-dropping views, beautiful walks and amazing birdwatching. Or perhaps some beach time on a Caribbean island might be just what you’re looking for. If so, finish your trip at Monasterio del Viento on Isla de Providencia, the ideal hideaway to unwind at the end of your holiday.

Rwanda

Easily accessible by private jet from Europe, and with such a variety of riches on offer, the Land of a Thousand Hills is another great country to explore. You will continue your journey from Kigali International Airport by private helicopter, and we can create an unforgettable journey combining Singita Kwitonda Lodge, set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, one of the world’s best places to encounter mountain gorillas in the wild; Akagera National Park, Rwanda‘s only Big Five game reserve; and Nyungwe Forest National Park, home to tea plantations and chimpanzees in the surrounding jungle.

Singita Kwitonda Lodge, set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda | Extraordinary trips by private jet | cazenove+loyd

Singita Kwitonda Lodge, set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

Northern Australia

Exploring northern Australia by private jet allows you to take in a wide range of contrasting landscapes and wilderness experiences on the journey of a lifetime. We can craft an amazing itinerary combining some phenomenal, isolated spots, such as Lizard Island, on the Great Barrier Reef, and Daintree National Park, in Tropical North Queensland, where you spend your days swinging in a hammock, relaxing by the lagoon-style pool or walking along scenic jungle trails.

Stand up paddle boarding off the coast of Lizard Island, Australia

Stand-up paddleboarding off the coast of Lizard Island, Australia

In addition, travel to Bamurru Plains on the edge of the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. With floodplains, savannah and waterways home to plentiful wildlife and birds, this far-flung area is Australia’s equivalent of the Okavango Delta. Moreover, Bullo River Station, also in the Northern Territory, is a remote working cattle farm, where guests can soak up the wilderness, swim beneath waterfalls and learn about Aboriginal culture. Another superb desert retreat is Longitude 131Ëš, where the 16 tented pavilions have magnificent views of the World Heritage-listed Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is also home to some small lodges in wild and beautiful surroundings, which can all be reached by private jet. Great for families, this very safe Latin American country is renowned for its jungle retreats offering enthralling adventures, such as white-water rafting at Pacuare Lodge or ziplining, biking or horse riding at Nayara Tented Camp in Arenal National Park. Afterwards, head to Kasiiya Papagayo on the north-west coast, a tiny property that is perfect for unwinding on the beach at the end of your trip. We also have access to some of the best private houses here if you would rather have your own space.

Private Jungle Retreat | The Honeymoon Suite at Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica | Extraordinary trips by private jet | cazenove+loyd

The perfect private jungle retreat: the Honeymoon Suite at Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica

The Pacific Islands

Discerning travellers come here to savour the tranquillity, beaches and service of some of the best hotels on earth, and a private jet makes reaching these offbeat isles easy. We recommend combining French Polynesia with Fiji in order to engage with the diverse indigenous cultures of different island groups. The Brando, on Tetiaroa Private Island in French Polynesia’s Society Islands, has 35 private villas with their own pools beside chalk-white beaches. There is an infinity pool, a tennis court, a spa and two excellent restaurants, as well as opportunities to sail, paddleboard, canoe, scuba-dive and more.

View from a private villa at The Brando in French Polynesia | Extraordinary trips by private jet | cazenove+loyd

View from a private villa at The Brando in French Polynesia

In the north-east of the Kadavu archipelago, part of the Fiji Islands, lies Kokomo Private Island, with its gin-clear waters, white sand and gorgeous gardens. Each of the 26 spacious villas has its own courtyard and lawn, and there’s plenty to do here, such as treatments in Fiji’s largest spa, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, trekking, surfing and, of course, scuba-diving in some of the best dive spots on earth. Anything can be arranged – from private boat trips to the Great Astrolabe Reef, Fiji’s answer to the Great Barrier Reef, to picnics on an untouched island or snorkelling expeditions with a marine biologist.

Chat to an expert to start planning your trip

Get in touch and one of our luxury travel experts will answer any questions you may have and help create your dream tailor-made holiday.

Serena Winn-Darley
Caroline Maber
Aisha Gross

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