The Perfect Luxury Destination, Suited To Your Personality

New York

In New York, exclusivity is top of the agenda, and Rao’s in East Harlem is a striking example of this. Dining tables are literally owned by a select few, and reservations can only be made by invite. Trust us, the old-country Italian fare is worth making friends in high places. If you’re looking for somewhere exclusive for drinks, rather than dinner, the 21 Club, in Midtown, is one of the last original speakeasies, and they are as selective of their guests as they are of their cocktail ingredients.

Because there is such a wide range of fine dining restaurants on offer, service has to be impeccable, and unique dishes and experiences are a given. Eleven Madison Park, in Flatiron, offers Swiss culinary artistry in combination with soaring views over Madison Square Park and the neighboring skyscrapers. On the other hand, the Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare simply adds mystery. This three Michelin-starred establishment offers an unannounced 20-course prix-fixe tasting menu, changed daily, with seats only available to be booked a good six weeks ahead. To ensure you don’t miss out, you might want to arrange your private jet charter to New York around the same time you secure your booking.

Napa Valley

If you prefer rolling vineyards rather than the hustle and bustle of the concrete city, Napa Valley should be your foodie destination of choice. The common thread tying their restaurants together is the thoughtful use of the fresh local ingredients, and it pays off deliciously.

No visit to the Napa Valley is complete without tasting the fare of renowned chef Thomas Keller, and one should visit at least one of his establishments. The French Laundry, not to be underestimated by its quaint exterior, is undoubtedly the jewel in the Napa Valley crown. An abundant kitchen garden feeds inspiration to its talented team, all of whom work tirelessly to create works of culinary art. Keller’s more laid-back restaurant, Ad Hoc, pays the same attention to detail yet serves comfort-style dishes. No one should leave without tasting the legendary buttermilk fried chicken, the local favourite.

Thomas Keller aside, another must is a visit to La Toque Restaurant in Rutherford. The stunning establishment earned its executive chef and owner, Ken Frank, a Michelin star. A restaurant that makes good use of the idyllic farmland surroundings is Applewood Inn Restaurant. As much as possible is made from ingredients harvested from the 6 acres of organic gardens that surround it, a tasty tribute to farm-to-table fare.

San Francisco

San Francisco’s charm and vibrant energy make it a welcoming haven for the culture seeker, and this destination overlaps nicely with avid foodies too. Whether it is opera, ballet, theatre or documentary film that appeals to you, San Francisco has seemingly become the hub for flourishing creatives. For a cultural yet luxurious travel experience, make sure you book a private jet charter to get there.

Visit Geary Street, the heart of theatre in the city, or follow the touring Broadway shows that come alive in big houses like the Golden Gate or the Orpheum. If offbeat theatre is your passion, venture out to Mission or Haight, where the smaller theatre companies are found. Classic music can be found in abundance at San Francisco’s opera house and symphony hall, and a host of renowned music festivals feed the alternative, jazz and rock music lovers’ hunger.

The bohemian spirit of San Francisco’s art and dance scene means that the most unique performances can be found off the beaten track, so keep a lookout for readings, shows and lectures in cafés, clubs and bookshops.

Kauai

A middle child when it comes to the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai is neither the smallest, the most popular nor the most easy to access. However, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands the cluster has to offer. Nicknamed ‘The Garden Island’ for good reason, an exhilarating private helicopter trip around the island will reveal its lush greenery, sheer cliffs and pristine beaches. On a clear day, the coral reefs might reveal themselves, too.

If the air is not your element, why not take to the water or head out on foot. Popular sports in Kauai include surfing, stand-up paddling and sailing. With salt water in your hair, be sure to transverse the gorgeous island by foot along the many hiking trails. A backcountry adventure via four-wheel drive will give you equal lay of the land, racing pulse ensured. Be sure to book a luxury villa to call home for a few days to come back to and relax. Secret Cove houses a group of eight people and has uninterrupted views of the aquamarine shoreline.

The West Coast

Contributed by Jean Carmela Lim of Holy Smithereens

“The West Coast of the United States offers a remarkable ‘out in the wild’ experience. Once you’ve taken a VIP private jet service down to Montana, it's relatively easy to do a road trip to California, passing all the major national parks. Each state and national park offers an entirely different experience.

“In Montana, you can’t miss the Glacier National Park. When in the area, the best accommodation is at one of the many dude ranches. You get to experience first hand what ranch life is really like, unleash your inner cowgirl (or cowboy) and learn that it's not all lassos and boots!

“Driving further down to Utah, you’ll find that the landscape changes, and a visit to Arches National Park will introduce you to the amazing natural sandstone arch formations, nature's very own Hollywood wild west backdrop.

“On top of all the activities mentioned above, there is a wide range of accommodation that cater to all travel tastes, from luxury ranches to your very own all-cedar cabin in the woods.

“America's West offers such stunning landscapes and an array of unforgettable experiences that, in my opinion, certainly beats the skyscrapers and dazzling lights of the big cities.”