With Labor day weekend behind us – and the fact that I stayed put for the long weekend – I got to thinking (and dreaming) about travel?which made me decide to tap into our VIP Concierges’ comprehensive list of unique travel destinations, once again.
Our Concierges work with many affluent travelers and are trained to not only meet, but exceed their expectations. That may sound cliché, but when someone who travels the world wants to go somewhere he or she has never been – and wants it to be unique – they should be able to turn to their Concierge, whether it is through their hotel, credit card or portfolio offering. For many of the clients we work with, they are offered the Concierge Service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – so our Concierges need to be ready to provide service (and suggestions) above and beyond their expectations day or night.
So, since many of the affluent travelers historically are always turned on and tuned in – I decided to take an “unplugged” approach. Below I will share with you some amazing getaways where, hopefully, Smartphones, laptops and tablets can be left behind.
Soneva Gili, Maldives
Soneva Gili by Six Senses offers only 45 amazing over-water villas which can be reached only by boat. Each has its own private water garden and sun decks, and the bathrooms have a separate shower accessed along an open-air walkway.
Although, in such a remote setting, our concierges recommend keeping the electronics at bay, each villa comes equipped with a telephone, a CD Hi-Fi stereo system and a television with satellite channels and a video CD player.
But don’t worry, if cabin fever sets in, you can hop into your private row boat and make the short journey back to shore.
Chloe Mjini, Tanzania
Chole Mjini was never meant to be a hotel, and it isn’t. It is a castaway fantasy, a jungle island retreat appealing to a specific kind of person; one who appreciates a return to simple luxuries that reawaken the senses, rather than the predictable comforts of room service and air conditioning.
Considering there is only seven tree houses, carefully placed and designed, privacy is assured. Open to the elements, with the king-size bed the throne-like centerpiece, each thatched platform is reached via sandy paths that lead through the natural vegetation. All have beautiful views of the sea; and most have a second level to accommodate children.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to hunt for your own food…fish is caugh fresh and delivered daily along with vegetables which are grown on the island.
Want to see a little more nature? Mafia Island Marine Park’s waters hold some of the most extraordinary and unaffected reefs in the world. Dives are tailored to the specific needs of each group; however, safety is stringent: no dive group exceeds six and novices are limited to two.
Kokopelli’s Cave Bed & Breakfast, New Mexico
A little closer to home in Farmington New Mexico, near the Mesa Verde National Monument sits an incredibly unique bed and breakfast. Kokopelli’s Cave is a one bedroom cave home that has been carved out of a sandstone formation 280 feet above the La Plata River. Additionally, this gem is located in the four corners area where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet giving guests some of the most amazing views known to man.
Guests must sign a liability waiver in order to stay, as you must walk down a sloping path and later climb a short ladder that takes you to the entrance of the home.
Don’t worry though, once inside, you won’t be roughing it – as the home has plush carpeting, an amazing hot tub carved out of flagstone a wonderful cascading waterfall-style shower. The cave also features two small balconies built into the cliff that provide guests with magnificent views of the surrounding scenery and although meals are not provided at Kokopelli’s Cave, there is a grill outside on one of the balconies and the well appointed kitchen is fully stocked.
