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.
3. Private Overnight Sandbank Experience in the Maldives
For the ultimate “Robinson Crusoe” experience with a most glamorous twist, use the luxurious retreat of Soneva Fushi as your base and with vintage champagne in hand, board a private seaplane. A deeply romantic and out of this world experience, get transported to a private, completely secluded sandbank where you’ll “glamp” under the sapphire Maldivian skies in a luxurious Bedouin-style tent. This lavish experience will have you amble to a candlelit dinner, set up by a private staff, before they depart to allow you to experience the unspoiled island alone. Breakfast will be served at sunrise after which a private yoga instructor will help you find some inner peace, all while overlooking the dramatic ocean setting. A lavish experience few will have, this experience is transformative and deeply personal–the way luxury should be.
Private Overnight Sandbank Experience, price from $2,000 per night.
