There are gorgeous destinations that, despite where they sit on the globe, still feel easy to access. Plenty of cities, islands, and mountain retreats are reachable by the usual means: a ferry, a car, maybe a bus. But some luxe, exclusive destinations are a real challenge to reach, often by design.
The most extraordinary, opulent resorts are difficult to reach on purpose. That remoteness is what gives them their éclat, their privacy, and the level of exclusivity that keeps elite travelers happy and coming back. Almost all of them require that you be intrepid enough to make the trip, using charter planes, seaplanes, helicopters, charter boats, or multi-stage journeys so comfortable they become part of the experience.
Here are several of these ultra-exclusive resorts and the most comfortable ways to reach them.
The Brando, French Polynesia
The Brando sits on the private island of Tetiaroa, once frequented by Tahitian royalty and still carrying that level of opulent grandeur. Today the escape is favored by celebrities who value their privacy, along with other high-profile, high-net-worth guests who come seeking discretion. Luxury and sustainability are equally central to the experience. Getting there is worth it, but it takes a few steps.
The first leg of the journey will require you to take a private jet to Tahiti. Once you have landed and freshened up, you transfer to the resort’s private aircraft for the rest of the way. A 20 to 30 minute flight later, you arrive at The Brando and begin your experience.
The Brando’s private beachfront villas come with every amenity you could wish for. Private plunge pools handle the heat, lagoon excursions can be arranged, and Polynesian cultural experiences help you get to grips with the island’s culture.
Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
Nihi Sumba makes its home on one of Indonesia’s least developed and most naturally beautiful islands. This tropical playground resort regularly appears on lists of the world’s best, known for blending adventure, culture, and philanthropy under one roof. Reaching this part of Indonesia is exclusive and takes something of a pilgrimage. Good things come to those who wait.
First, an international private flight to Denpasar. Next, you refuel and fly from Denpasar to Tambolaka. Last, a car service collects you and whisks you away on a scenic 90 minute drive that ends at the resort’s front doors.
Signature experiences you should not miss: the resort’s famous Spa Safari, horseback rides on deserted beaches, and surf that would make the best surfers on the planet proud.
Frégate Island, Seychelles
There is a good chance you have never heard of this ultra-exclusive private island, because only a handful of villas have ever been built here. That is by design: the island runs extensive conservation programs, and anyone who stays or builds here must adhere to those practices at all times to protect the wildlife and the island itself. Frégate has seven beaches, and the stay is exclusive enough that guests can effectively reserve entire beaches for themselves for the duration of their visit.
To get there, take a private flight to the Seychelles. From there, board a helicopter or boat transfer arranged by the resort.
The private island is paradise for those who love nature and getting up close to flora and fauna they have never seen before. There are giant tortoise encounters that let guests observe these gentle giants without disturbing their habits, beautiful beaches, and exceptional diving and snorkeling.
Cousine Island, Seychelles
This island in the sun hosts only a very limited number of guests each year. Much like Frégate, the focus here is on privacy and ecological preservation. Cousine Island is known as one of the most intimate luxury island stays on the planet, and if you are lucky or well connected enough to secure a reservation, you reach it by setting course for the Seychelles, then boarding a helicopter for the transfer to the island itself.
The private villas each have their own infinity pool, perfect for watching the sunset over your piece of paradise. Conservation-focused experiences and wildlife encounters are designed to amaze guests while letting the animals live as they normally would, without unnecessary interference.
The Peak of Exclusivity
Visiting any of these resorts is the ultimate feather in your cap as a luxury traveler. Getting to some of them can be a chore in terms of time, but thanks to private aviation it never has to be a chore in terms of comfort and space. Which ones have made your travel bucket list?