There’s never been a better time to get out and see the world—by joining the best luxury travel experiences and tours available anywhere on Earth.
After years of Covid-19 induced isolation, perhaps the best way to embrace what the world offers us is to head out on one of the wildest luxury adventure experiences available outside Australia. From kayaking in Antarctica to horse riding in southern Africa, to cycling South America’s Andes mountains—we take a look at the best adventure travel experiences in 2023.
Private heli-skiing in New Zealand
Stay in one of four of the most secluded and private luxury lodges in the world, accessible only by helicopter (from Wanaka) in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Sleep in a private chalet built in a kilometre-high meadow surrounded by mountains, and walk along timber boardwalks to a mountain kitchen where a private chef prepares meals. A helicopter with a private ski guide lands out the front to take you to private ski terrain, with more than 17 mountain ranges and 800 possible runs to choose from, a few minutes flying time away, before lunch is served by an open log fire.
Kayak Antarctica
For the ultimate luxury adventure in the world’s last genuine adventure destination, take a 50-passenger ship to Antarctica to kayak its loneliest ice corridors. Southern Sea Ventures was one of the first companies to offer kayaking trips here (and they’re Australian). You don’t have to be an expert kayaker (or iron-man fit) and there’s plenty to do for those who prefer lay days. But adventurous types can get deeper into the icy continent than any other Antarctica travellers, and you can even pack your skis to ride the world’s most remote snowy backcountry.
Hike the most scenic trail in Europe
Ever since the mid-1800s, travellers have taken to Europe’s most iconic mountain trail, The Haute Route. Do it in luxury, spending 12 days hiking from Chamonix in France to Switzerland’s stunning ski town, Zermatt, located right beneath the Matterhorn, one of the world’s most famous mountains. Some of the hike is hard going, taking mountain passes along rocky glacial sections of the route, but most of the trail winds its way through farms, vineyards and traditional Swiss villages, where you’ll stay in inns and hotels along the way.
Sail the Kimberley
Travel the wild Kimberley coast of Western Australia using only the wind, aboard a three-masted yacht with room for just 32 passengers and 32 crew. There are only 16 rooms, spread across three decks, so you’ll feel like you’re on a private yacht. Combine two cruises into one and spend two weeks exploring the entire coastline from top to bottom, stopping along the way to see some of the world’s oldest rock art hidden in secret locations only accessible by Zodiac boats, and Australia’s highest waterfall in an area three times the size of England, but inhabited by less than 40,000 people.
A South American bike odyssey
See the best of Chile and Argentina from the road as you cycle your way along Chile’s stunning Pacific Coast, stopping at many of the country’s vineyards, before winding your way through the world’s second-highest mountain range, The Andes. Sure, to do the lot (Santiago to Bariloche in Argentina) involves a lot of leg effort, but you get to choose how much you feel like riding each day. And when you’re out of the saddle, you’ll sleep in some of South America’s most renowned five-star lodges—from luxury treehouses to glass lodges set in national parks with views over smoking volcanoes.
An African adventure on horseback
Ride a horse through some of southern Africa’s wildest landscapes on a private concession in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. You don’t have to be an expert—most days you’ll spend four to six hours in the saddle, but afternoons are spent swimming or on game drives. Picnic lunches pop up in the most unexpected places, with a camp crew setting up locations that include a camp bed for siestas. Ride through the African bush, watching wildlife up close until it’s time for sundowners at your luxury camp.
classicsafaricompany.com.au/itinerary/okavango-horse-safaris
More adventures we love
Hike Utah’s mighty five national parks
Join Abercombie & Kent on a nine-day adventure hiking Utah’s iconic national parks, like Canyonlands and Zion National Park. Starting in Las Vegas, you’ll stay in five-star wilderness lodges along the way.
Dive Asia’s most diverse marine region
Join the luxury live-aboard vessel, Dewi Nusantara, to dive into the most diverse marine region on Earth, the Coral Triangle. Sail to Raja Ampat, the north-western tip of Indonesian Papua, and visit thousands of dive sites with few other visitors.
White-water raft America’s most pristine river
Take a six-day whitewater raft down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho through 160km of rapids below towering granite cliffs. Glamp in luxury tents with a professional chef preparing each meal.