Today we talk luxury travel. How does a truly unique and immersive Northern Lights experience sound this winter? There’s getting away, and there’s really getting away. A six-day, five-night Star of Scandinavia experience in a luxury igloo in Finland, where you can lie back in bed, and stair through a panoramic glass domed roof at the Aurora Borealis, a night time tapestry of colour, that’s above you.
Related: Luxury travel: Seven must-visit destinations that you should hit in your 50s
If true luxury is about custom experiences, and you’re an adventurous sort, then you might want to check this out. Scandinavian travel company Off the Map Travel has put together this trip, launched for international travellers for the first time this winter. The Wau House igloos all face north for the most impactful sky views. The bespoke cabins are set up over two floors, and certainly look luxurious. It sleeps four, including that wondrous master bedroom with the glass roof and queen-size bed.
“These new cabins are stunning and a real find,” says Jonny Cooper, founder of Off the Map Travel. “The view is spectacular looking out over the Arctic tundra, then it really comes alive at night as you lie in bed waiting and watching for the Northern Lights. This is a perfect trip for someone that wants to tick the Northern Lights off their bucket list – but do it with style and comfort.”
Stars of Scandinavia costs from $3,050 CAD ($2,450 USD) per person, not including flights.
Luxury Travel Intelligence names its No. 1 luxury hotel brand
Ongoing investment and how well that is executed is another factor, especially how that relates to new properties and reburbishment of existing ones. Six Senses scored 83.3 per cent. LTI connects with CEOs of the brands, as well as hotel management, staff and guests to formulate their list. The organization is global and member-based. They prepare independent, non-biased destination reports for affluent travellers. They don’t sell travel, carry ads or have booking engines.
Says LTI about Six Senses: “We continue to be very impressed with Six Senses. It has an authentic blend of wellness, sustainability, warm hospitality and crafted guested experiences. Also, its leadership is exemplary. The recent addition of Neil Palmer as Chief Operations Officer will bring boundless experience, energy and further integrity to the brand.”
Travel options growing for the sports betting enthusiasts
Online is going to be where the bulk of people go, but casinos will also improve their options to draw you there. We can’t think of a better weekend respite than luxury travel to Las Vegas or Atlantic City to bet on our Buffalo Bills.
This morning’s news that the U.S. will be opening the border for vaccinated Canadian travellers will no doubt open the travel pipeline. Hotwire this morning released their third annual survey of the best cities in the U.S. for a spontaneous, quick getaway and Las Vegas ranked No. 7.
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
