Really, the opportunities for creating rip-roaring adventures, fairy-tale settings, fantastical expeditions, and generally inspiring complete wonderment are simply unparalleled.
Some of the most majestic landscapes are snowy wonderlands where only the most adventurous venture. So it’s surprising to discover limitless possibilities throughout the different seasons, not just winter.
Polar bears and beluga whales in the remotest wilds of Canada onboard the only Arctic expedition boat with underwater viewing.
A beautiful private lodge in Finland during the season of the ever-rising sun and midsummer harvest for the remotest horseback riding and days spent fishing on pristine waters.
Summer flower fields, riverine forests, and the rapids of the Shiribetsu River with hiking, boating and mountain biking experience in Japan’s spectacular Niseko region.
Walking in the forests of Val Pusteria, where deer and fawns roam undisturbed, and the enchanting Lake Braies within Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park in Italy’s mountainous Alta Badia region.
Kenya’s exquisite Mount Kenya region offers an abundance of wildlife, helicopter experiences to remote, far-flung corners, horse-back safaris, and opportunities for walking and night game drives.
Here, we delve into some of our favourites and why they’ve excelled for the most adventurous and intrepid travellers.
Arctic Canada
In the heart of Manitoba’s sub-Arctic wilderness, a world of opportunity awaits for thrill-seeking, curious travellers. This is a land of vast tundras, wild coastline, a seasonal kaleidoscope of colours, epic wildlife, and the majestic Northern Lights. The log cabin-style accommodation is rustic and comfortable, but the activities and quality of guiding take centre stage. See the enchanting Aurora Borealis as its neon lights dance across the starlit sky, journey to remote polar bear locations and encounter these mighty animals in their summer habitat, and take to the ocean to witness an incredible migration as 60,000 Beluga Whales (the highest concentration in the world) descend upon Hudson Bay.
Northern Finland
Mythical Lapland occupies the northernmost part of Finland, a breathtaking world of contrast and extremities, where summer days deliver twenty-four hours of sunlight, and the return of starry nights brings with it the theatrical magic of the Northern Lights. Here, in this mysterious and largely unexplored wild space, a high-end private wilderness lodge awaits. Summer is for reconnecting with nature and enjoying horseback riding, boating, mountain biking, fishing, and outdoor yoga. Winter brings a new type of magic, the ideal time for dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice-skating and viewing the Northern Lights in full glory.
Niseko
Niseko’s powder white snow attracts travellers from across the globe for its excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Yet, with some excellent private residences (and further openings within the next few years), there is plenty on offer here to designate Niseko a year-round status. Springtime is magical, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom at the end of April, and flower fields bring exquisite bursts of colour. As the mountain ice begins to melt, outdoor activities abound, including rafting on the beautiful Shiribetsu River, outdoor onsens (hot springs) with panoramic views, hiking in the valleys, or mountain biking in May once the trails have thawed.
Alta Badia
The Italian Alps might receive less attention than their Swiss and French neighbours, but don’t underestimate the possibilities here, particularly when combined with a few nights in Venice off-season. This is a land of verdant mountains, shimmering lakes, and alpine meadows where wild deer roam undisturbed. Journeying by private helicopter allows you to take in the majestic landscape from an aerial perspective before arriving at your privately owned chalet, where warm Italian hospitality abounds. Take to the nature-rich Dolomites for guided hikes and biking in stunningly remote locations with hilly valleys, crystal clear lakes and dramatic mountain peaks. And feel at home in your chalet as you learn how to chop wood, gather berries, and perhaps enjoy a cooking class with delicious wine pairings from the owner’s impressive cellar.
Kenyan Highlands
Kenya’s northern Mount Kenya region is home to some of the most exclusive private homes in East Africa, offering guests a level of flexibility and freedom that’s hard to replicate. If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination where the sky’s the limit in terms of activities, but the surroundings offer heart-stopping beauty, diverse landscapes, and density of wildlife, this is the place for you. Some of Laikipia’s private estates are masterpieces, with every detail thought of, excellent food and wine, oversized accommodations, and wonderful staff on hand to see to your every need. Most have their own landing strips for arrivals by private light aircraft, and few experiences compare to a helisafari over the country’s remote, culture-rich and scenically stunning northern reaches. Game drives, horseback riding, fly camping, private dining experiences in spectacular locations, quad biking, and mountain lake fly fishing are just a handful of activities on offer.