Once in a Lifetime Experiences

1. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Feel like Jane Goodall for once and embark on a quest for a relative of our ancestors in the African bush. The Bisate Lodge in Rwanda offers an intimate encounter with the impressive silverbacks through its unique gorilla trekking experience – an incredible privilege, considering there are only about 800 gorillas left worldwide. The spectacular location of the eco-lodge, nestled between misty forests and the steaming volcanoes of Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Mikeno, sets the stage for the extraordinary experience to come. During the trek, you’ll follow a family of gorillas in a group of no more than eight guests and can observe them up close. You’ll find that gorillas are remarkably similar to us in their behavior: strong family bonds, playful and squabbling children, nurturing and educating parents, expressions of tenderness and affection, of understanding, sorrow, or anger – it’s no wonder that primates are classified as great apes. The moment you stand face-to-face with these impressive creatures in the wild and your eyes meet is simply indescribable!

North Island Seychelles

Have you long dreamed of a tropical island all to yourself? In the vastness of the Indian Ocean, where only giant tortoises and rare bird species call home, you will find it! On the private island of North Island, pure barefoot luxury awaits you, in harmony with nature, between soft sandy beaches, exotic vegetation, and turquoise waters. The 11 villas of the lodge each have a minimum footprint of 450 m², providing everyone with the privacy they desire. The perfect place to experience both tranquility and relaxation, as well as adventure and action. Discover the native nature and exotic wildlife in an environment where simplicity and luxury merge. Right outside your door, the incredible underwater world of the Seychelles invites exploration, whether while swimming, snorkeling, or sailing. Robinson Crusoe vibes are guaranteed here!

North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort

Eastern Oriental Express

The Eastern Oriental Express transforms the journey between the metropolises of Singapore and Bangkok into a unique time travel experience. Let yourself be enchanted by the charm of the green and gold carriages, which hide the treasures of bygone days with beautiful cherry wood paneling, Thai silk, and Malaysian embroidery. As you pass lush jungles, ancient temples, and picturesque villages, you can indulge yourself in the elegant luxury train set between nostalgia and exoticism. Exquisite gourmet cuisine, selected wines, and impeccable service – you can’t travel the heart of Southeast Asia more stylishly! Enjoy one of the delicious cocktails on board and admire the remarkable transition between cosmopolitan cities and ancient wonders on your journey through the exotic East. The Eastern Oriental Express is the classic among train journeys – a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed!

Expedition in the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands undoubtedly belong on every bucket list! The spirit of discovery from Charles Darwin still lingers in the air as one observes the Galápagos finches and tortoises within the unique vegetation of the archipelago. On the remote islands, time seems to have crafted its own natural paradise: many native species like the Galápagos marine iguana – the only lizard in the world that swims in the ocean – seem to belong to a long-lost era. It is no surprise that UNESCO designated the Galápagos Archipelago as the first World Heritage Site in 1978. For us, there is no doubt that the best way to explore the islands and their incredible marine world is by catamaran. From the water, you get the best view of the massive colonies of sea lions and albatrosses lounging on sandbanks and hidden beaches. You can follow the animals from one island to another while enjoying an unforgettable sailing experience with maximum comfort.

Expedition Galápagos

The Northern Lights in Norway

Seeing the Northern Lights once – that's already enough reason for many to travel to Norway. However, we have a tip for you that will make this experience even more extraordinary. Imagine a completely new design hotel, located directly on the Arctic Circle at the edge of a glacier, offering a 360-degree view of the illuminated night sky. The ring-shaped Svart Hotel is set to open in 2021 and will elevate your Northern Lights experience to a whole new level. As the first hotel in the world that generates more energy than it consumes, the building designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta is a true pioneer in sustainability. The unique nature surrounding the Holandsfjorden Fjord and the Svartisen Glacier invites you to hike, ice climb, night fish, and take boat excursions. And what experience could be more magical than “Yoga in the Midnight Sun”?

Expedition in Antarctica

Set foot, like the expedition pioneers before you, in the most remote place in the world. The seventh continent means an incredible adventure in a fascinating, icy wilderness. Between towering towers of snow and ice and the dark Antarctic sea, you have the unique opportunity to encounter penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitat. The luxury hotel White Desert is the perfect companion for this extraordinary journey. Between a frozen lake and rugged, towering ice peaks, stand the six “sleep pods” – heated fever glass domes furnished with handcrafted furniture such as bamboo headboards, Saarinen chairs, fur throws, and details like wooden skis on the wall. Celebrities such as Prince Harry and Bear Grylls have already enjoyed this astonishing luxury in Antarctica.

The Brando in French Polynesia

If you yearn not for ice and snow, but for white sand beaches and turquoise waters, then French Polynesia is just the right place for you! Even the kings of Tahiti valued the beauty of Tetiaroa Island and used it as a place of relaxation and retreat. It's no wonder that actor Marlon Brando also fell in love with the heavenly South Sea island and spent what were likely the happiest days of his life there. After the film star's death, his longtime friend Richard Bailey built a magnificent luxury residence here, with a special commitment to environmental protection. What could be better than snorkeling with manta rays, exploring the colorful underwater world, and enjoying the sweet life in the South Seas with salty skin and sandy feet? Live like kings for once, surrounded by palm trees, coconuts, white sandy beaches, and the blue Pacific – this should not be missing from our list of “Once in a Lifetime Experiences”!

The Brando