Tom Marchant is the co-founder of luxury travel company and trip planner, Black Tomato, which delivers luxe experiences around the world via inspiring itineraries and access to the globe's up-and-coming, remote destinations. Marchant's finger on the pulse of travel trends and the world's best in hotels, restaurants, destinations and honeymoons is unique and incomparable–and he's sharing his expertise and curated lists of where to visit, stay, eat and more with BAZAAR.com.
When you think of the world’s most lavish experiences, it’s no doubt that mega yachts, private transfers and traditional decadence immediately come to mind—but we'd argue that true luxury is instead defined by the exclusive access to some of the world’s most prized gems. The ultimate in luxury entails experiences so transformative that you cannot help but to leave them a changed person. From the far flung, remote Himalayas to the Rococo splendor of Paris, true luxury takes you to new heights, granting unheard-of insight into new perspectives, cultures, landscapes, cuisine and, even, landmarks. Whether it’s inhaling crisp mountain air in Canada at a luxurious camp set up 4,500 feet above sea level, or exploring the Komodo Islands in an antique, iconic yacht, these incredible experiences all offer a unifying theme: once in a lifetime. Here, the most lavish experiences worth planning the world over.
2. Private Flying Safari Overlooking South Africa
You’ve likely heard the oft-repeated sentiment “it’s the journey, not the destination.” It sounds cliché, but on a private flying safari over Southern Africa, there’s no more fitting description. Taking off from Namibia’s Atlantic Coast and soaring over rolling plains, thundering waterfalls and sprawling deltas to reach the sun-dappled waters of the Indian Ocean, this is an African adventure like no other. For those who’ve always wanted to do Africa and to do it in style, this is the answer. Not only will you take in Namibia’s famous deserts, Botswana’s luscious Okavango Delta, Zambia’s exclusive savannah, Malawi’s turquoise waters and Mozambique’s coral islands, but you’ll do it all with the most incredible view imaginable up in the air. Imagine following herds of migrating wildlife over never-ending plains, and it’s easy to understand why this is one of the most unique safari experiences out there.
Private flying safari, $150,000 based per 6 travelers.
