Exclusive Resorts, a vacation club based on membership, has been operating since 2002 and has offered numerous travel experiences both internationally and in the US to its members. Recently, the club has expanded its offerings to include unique expeditions known as Once In A Lifetime Travels. These trips are considered highly desirable and unusual, and like all OIAL excursions, they provide profoundly memorable and experiential highlights. The club has added eight more experiences to its repertoire, which are detailed below:
Antarctica: Celebrate the New Year – December is widely regarded as the ideal time to visit Antarctica due to fewer crowds, longer daylight hours, and abundant wildlife. Welcoming the new year while observing migrating whales and icebergs calving from the comfort of your private balcony on the new National Geographic Resolution ship is a truly remarkable experience. This trip is perfect for those who prefer being out on a Zodiac boat over lounging by a hotel pool. Antarctica is a dream destination for photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and explorers, and the presence of National Geographic experts such as undersea specialists, local naturalists, and photographers provides members with an immersive experience.
Kenya: Wildlife Safari – Kenya is renowned as Africa’s wildlife capital. This itinerary includes visits to two distinct game parks, Tsavo West National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve, with accommodations at Abercrombie & Kent’s Sanctuary Olonana. Travelers will have the opportunity to engage in philanthropic activities during their journey and explore the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino – in their own dedicated vehicles. Additionally, guests can immerse themselves in Maasai culture by learning traditional songs and hunting techniques. A standout experience is feeding baby elephants at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi.
Australia and New Zealand: Prepare for an Adventure – This itinerary combines city visits to Sydney and Queenstown with stops at breathtaking natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and Fiordland National Park. One of the major highlights of this trip is the chance to sail on a former America’s Cup racing yacht in Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.
India and Nepal: This itinerary covers iconic experiences in Exclusive Resorts style, commencing with a flight around Mount Everest in Nepal followed by a brunch meetup with a seasoned mountaineer. In India, guests will stay at prestigious hotels like the Taj Rambagh Palace and Oberoi Amarvilas, with exclusive access to attractions such as the City Palace in Jaipur. A sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal with a photographer stands out as a memorable highlight.
Around the World by Private Jet – Embark on a globe-trotting adventure with a team of National Geographic experts, visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites and renowned destinations like Egypt and the Maldives. The updated 2022 itinerary includes visits to missed locations from the 2020 journey, along with new and unique additions. Jordan is a standout destination on this trip, offering exploration of Petra’s sites and ruins, followed by a festive dinner featuring a Bedouin folklore performance. A major highlight is the hike to Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery alongside a National Geographic photographer.
Ski Japan – This itinerary explores three distinct ski resorts in Hokkaido known for their excellent powder conditions. Guests will also enjoy a traditional Ryokan stay and partake in experiences such as tea ceremonies and hot springs. An exclusive highlight of this trip is the private use of lifts and cats at the Iwanai ski resort for a day.
Uruguay, Mendoza, and Buenos Aires – This itinerary offers a comprehensive experience of South America, including visits to Uruguay, Mendoza, and Buenos Aires. Guests will stay at the stylish beachfront Bahia Vik in José Ignacio, Uruguay, where they can enjoy art collections and activities like local wine tastings and horseback rides. A short flight will take them to Buenos Aires for private Tango lessons, followed by a visit to Mendoza’s renowned wine country. A highlight of the trip is dinner at Uruguay’s famous beachfront restaurant, La Huella.
Seabourn Alaska Cruise – Considered a safari close to home, Alaska offers a wildlife experience comparable to Africa’s, with the Seabourn Odyssey exclusively chartered for members. Explore Alaska’s glaciers and remote islands via kayak, zodiac, or catamaran on Venture Days. This trip is ideal for multi-generational families as they can engage in various activities throughout the day, coming together for meals. A standout experience is hands-on oyster farming in Ketchikan.
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