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.
8. Heli-hiking & Luxury Glamping Above Sea Level
Only a short flight from bustling Vancouver, Vancouver Island feels miles away from the mainland with its quirky communities and epic wilderness expanses. Use Vancouver as a starting point and soar by private plane over the Pacific Ocean to Vancouver Island. Stay at the refined, supremely elegant and remote Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat. Here there are a plethora of 5-star tenting accommodations where wellness is encouraged by “forest bathing” and privately guided meditation. Board a helicopter from the lodge and get whisked away to a secluded peak overlooking a peaceful lake at a staggering height of 4,500 ft, your homebase for a few treasured nights alone with the surrounding wilderness. This is no ordinary glamping set-up–and the lucky few travelers who experience this can heli-hike the surrounding trails, explore the lake in well-appointed kayaks and dine al fresco under the stars with a personal chef and butler, utilizing the fresh catch of the day paired with exceptional, hand-selected wines for an otherworldly nature, wellness and culinary experience.
Canadian rockies glamping experience, price upon request.
