TAKE to the skies this summer with a helicopter tour of Mount Fuji in Japan with Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, a seaplane tour of the beautiful Maldives with Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa or enjoy arguably the best airline food aboard Four Seasons Private Jet.
MOUNT FUJI
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo has recently announced the launch of its Helicopter Flycation, which includes a private helicopter tour of Mount Fuji and luxurious accommodation. Guests will fly aboard a Eurocopter Hermès Edition from Tokyo above the shoreline of Sagami Bay and over Lake Ashinoko to reach Mount Fuji, where they can enjoy close-up views of the mountain before turning back for a sighting of Tokyo SkyTree tower.
A Unesco world heritage site, Mount Fuji is a 3,776-metre high dormant volcano some 100 kilometres southwest of capital Tokyo. Its breath-taking, gentle symmetrical lines and snow-capped summit have come to represent Japanese serenity and made it the country’s national symbol.
In spring, blossoming cherry trees create a pink carpet at the foot of the mountain, and from July 1, the official, summer-long Mt Fuji climbing season begins. The mountain is a favourite destination for international and local travellers in Japan.
Helicopter Flycation package prices start at JPY 775,000 ($6,400) and include one night’s accommodation for two in a luxurious 100 sqm Oriental Suite, private helicopter charter cruise to Mt Fuji (about 80 minutes), round-trip limousine transfer to helipad and hotel, breakfast for two, a bottle of Ruinart Brut Rosé bubbly and a seasonal pound cake. Price is subject to additional taxes and advance booking is recommended.
MALDIVES
Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa has introduced luxury seaplane transfers from Malé International Airport direct to the crescent-shaped Dhonakulhi Island in the north of the Maldives. The seaplane service is the result of a new partnership with Trans Maldivian Airways, provider of the world’s largest seaplane fleet. Three flights are now provided daily with prices starting from $650 and $325 per child for return transfers.
All guests travelling to the newly opened five star resort will be welcomed at Malé International Airport, whisked through to a private lounge before transferring to board the seaplane for a one hour flight to the tropical Dhonakulhi Island. Exclusive to Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, on-board luxuries include iPads, mobile devices and Bose noise-cancelling headphones, as well as a catering service offering a selection of soft drinks. Guests can sit back and relax in comfort whilst admiring the picture-perfect aerial views over the Haa Alif Atoll, the northernmost atoll in the Maldives.
Carsten Schieck, general manager of Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa commented, “With the launch of daily seaplane transfers to the resort, we’re putting the glamour back into travel, ensuring that our guests can begin their luxury holiday from the moment they touch down in the Maldives. At Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa we are dedicated to providing a premium service and I am confident that the seaplane transfer will meet and exceed our guests’ expectations by making their journey to the resort an enjoyable and seamless experience.”
Luxury seaplanes are also available for private charter during the stay, price on request.
LEAVE ON A JET PLANE
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has unveiled the new Four Seasons Private Jet, marking the a new standard in luxury hospitality experiences.
“In our hotels, spaces are conceived as settings for great experiences,” says Dana Kalczak, vice-president, Design, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “The same is true for the Four Seasons Private Jet. Along with the core objectives of comfort and functionality – and adherence to strict aircraft safety standards – we wanted to create an exceptionally luxurious ambiance and champagne and caviar became our inspiration.”
Contemporary design combined with luxurious finishes is featured throughout the aircraft. From the hand-crafted leather flatbed seats by Italian designer Iacobucci and hand-woven woollen carpeting to fine tableware, cosy Mongolian cashmere blankets and cabin crew uniforms, no detail has been overlooked.
Ten Four Seasons-trained in-flight crew, including an executive chef, a sous chef, a Four Seasons concierge and a global guest services manager, are committed to making the journey truly personalised.
Each Four Seasons journey includes air travel and ground transportation, planned excursions, all meals and beverages throughout the trip, and luxurious accommodations exclusively at Four Seasons hotels and resorts around the world.
The private jet’s inaugural trip features a 24-day ‘Around the World’ tour starting August 16 and covering nine destinations - Seattle, Tokyo, Beijing, the Maldives, Serengeti, Istanbul, St Petersburg, Marrackech and New York.
The jet, including staff and crew, may also be privately chartered.