Luxury End-of-Year Escapes: Extraordinary Global Adventures
Whether you've earned a generous year-end bonus, uncovered long-forgotten gift cards, or simply crave indulgence, elevate your winter with unparalleled global experiences. From immersive cultural dives in Myanmar to aerial safaris across East Africa, discover premier ways to celebrate lavishly.
Myanmar Beyond the Iconic Temples
Myanmar captivates with its breathtaking temples, yet Rosewood's new Limited Edition collection offers profound cultural immersion. Highlights include afternoon tea with historian Dr. Thant Myint-U, whiskey tasting at a local bar and cigar lounge, a private tour of U Thant House—former home of the UN Secretary-General—and hands-on street painting in Yangon's alleys. Base yourself at the exquisite Rosewood Yangon, a restored 1927 heritage property. For high-rollers, explore pricier options like designing a vintage Jaguar interior in Paris or treasure hunting in the Caribbean.
Apprentice with a Celebrity Chef
Elevate your culinary skills at Virginia's Inn at Little Washington, a boutique hotel and the first DC-area restaurant with three Michelin stars. The innovative Stagiaire Program lets you shadow Chef Patrick O’Connell for one or two days, mastering prep and perfect gnocchi. Savor your creations at a memorable lunch, take home a signature Dalmatian-spotted chef jacket, plus a dinner reservation with Champagne and a shop gift certificate.
Rails to Inca Trails in Peru
Machu Picchu, known to locals for centuries, was 'rediscovered' by Hiram Bingham in 1911 after a grueling trek. Today, the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham train delivers you effortlessly, Pisco Sour in hand amid opulent bar cars. Stay at the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge, steps from the ruins, to arrive first (ahead of hikers) and linger last. Enjoy the spa, orchid garden, meditation space, and restaurant. Pro tip: Arrange a guided ascent of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for epic views—limited spots via Belmond.
A Movable Feast in Hawaii
Hawaii's culinary scene thrives with chef-driven restaurants, local ingredients, and must-tries like poi, poke, and malasadas. Destination Hotels' Destination Delicacies offers a full-day Big Island adventure: helicopter over volcanoes with a champagne waterfall landing, then farm tours at Kahi Ola Mau (Honoka’a Chocolate Co.), Mauna Kea Tea fields, and Honopua organic farm. Culminate with a three-course Italian-Hawaiian meal at Pueo’s Osteria.
Wildlife Spotting on the Fly in East Africa
Safaris vary wildly by landscape and wildlife, but logistics challenge the best itineraries. Elewana's SkySafari simplifies with private flights between Kenya and Tanzania camps, maximizing Big Five encounters. The Tanzania Classic visits Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and elephant-rich Tarangire National Park—add Zanzibar beaches for perfection.
Heli-Sundowners Over the Cascades
The Cascade Range, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, dazzles at sunset with golden-pink hues. Huntington Lodge at Pronghorn Resort in Bend, Oregon, partners with Big Mountain Heli Tours for seamless helicopter rides from the golf course to mountain vistas, landing in a lava tube for Veuve Clicquot. Explore via e-bikes, cruisers, or scooters; unwind at the spa amid two championship golf courses.
