By Abhya Adlakha

In the realm of luxury travel, boundaries are constantly pushed to create experiences that defy imagination. From sleeping under the stars with elephants to dining in underwater restaurants, these ten extraordinary activities offered by world-class hotels promise to elevate your wanderlust to new heights.

1. A Night with Giants: Jungle Bubble at Anantara Golden Triangle

Picture this: you’re nestled in a transparent dome, surrounded by lush jungle, as the trumpeting of elephants fills the air. This is the Jungle Bubble experience at Anantara Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

As dusk settles, you step into your custom-designed bubble, a luxurious cocoon with a plush king-sized bed and all the amenities you’d expect from a five-star hotel. But it’s what’s outside that truly captivates – just meters away, rescued elephants roam freely in their natural habitat.

You can indulge in a gourmet dinner on your private deck as you watch these majestic creatures graze under the starlit sky. For those seeking an even more lavish experience, the Jungle Bubble Lodge offers two bedrooms, a living space, and a private chef to cater to your every whim.

2. Riding in Style: The Vietage by Anantara

The Vietage by Anantara offers a mesmerizing way to explore the stunning landscapes of central Vietnam, from the heritage-rich Hoi An to the golden shores of Quy Nhon and the vibrant coastal city of Nha Trang.

Guests can step into a world of old-world charm meets modern luxury as they settle into one of just 12 seats on this exclusive carriage. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the ever-changing scenery – lush rice paddies, winding rivers, and glimpses of traditional village life unfold before your eyes.

Indulge in gourmet cuisine prepared by expert chefs, sip on craft cocktails from the trendy sit-up bar, or treat yourself to a rejuvenating head and shoulder massage. For the ultimate experience, you can book a sleeper booth for the overnight journey from Quy Nhon to Da Nang, arriving refreshed and ready to explore your next destination.

3. Wellness Redefined: Aman Spa Houses

Aman resorts have long been synonymous with understated luxury, and their Spa Houses take this concept to new heights. Debuting at Amanoi in Vietnam and now available at select properties worldwide, these private sanctuaries offer the ultimate in bespoke wellness experiences.

Imagine having your own personal spa, complete with treatment rooms, steam rooms, cold plunges, and either a wood-clad Russian banya or a marble-lined Turkish hammam. There are also two dedicated therapists at your beck and call—ready to customize treatments to your every need.

At Amanoi, choose between the Lake Wellness Pool Villa, drawing on the healing properties of water, or the Forest Wellness Pool Villa, harnessing the sacred wisdom of trees. Each villa boasts spacious living areas, a 15-meter swimming pool, and panoramic views of either serene lotus-filled lakes or the lush hills of Nui Chua National Park.

4. The World is Your Oyster: Aman Jet Expeditions

For those who dream of exploring the world’s most captivating destinations without sacrificing on luxury, Aman Jet Expeditions offers the ultimate solution. These curated journeys whisk just 16 guests to a selection of Aman’s most exclusive properties aboard a private jet.

One standout itinerary, “The Grandest Tour,” spans seven countries over 21 nights. Begin your adventure in the sleek urban oasis of Aman Tokyo, then jet off to experience the hot springs of Amanemu and the cultural richness of Luang Prabang. Bask on the beaches of Phuket, explore the mystical kingdom of Bhutan, and marvel at the Taj Mahal before retreating to the wilderness luxury of Amanbagh or Aman-i-Khás in India. The journey concludes with the beauty of Turkey’s Bodrum coast and the classical splendour of Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula.

With every detail meticulously planned and the world’s most luxurious accommodations at your fingertips, this is truly travel at its most rarefied.

5. Your Private Paradise: Soneva Secret

In the remote Haa Dhaalu atoll of the Maldives, a new standard of luxury emerged recently. Soneva Secret, which opened in January 2024, promises an unparalleled level of privacy and personalization.

With just 14 villas, including the Maldives’ first floating villa, Soneva Secret offers the ultimate seclusion. Each sprawling residence comes with a dedicated team – a Barefoot Guardian, Barefoot Assistant, and private chef – ensuring every moment of your stay is tailored to perfection.

Guests can dine under the stars, snorkel with manta rays, stargaze with the resident astronomer, or simply bask in the silence on their private slice of paradise.

6. Sleep with the Fishes: The Muraka at Conrad Maldives

For the ultimate in underwater luxury, one has to look no further than The Muraka at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. This two-level residence takes the concept of an overwater bungalow and quite literally submerges it, with the master bedroom nestled 16 feet below the surface of the Indian Ocean.

The upper level boasts all the luxuries you’d expect – two bedrooms, an infinity pool, and a 24-hour butler service. But it’s the lower level that truly astonishes. As you descend via a spiral staircase, you find yourself surrounded by a living aquarium. The master bedroom features a 180-degree curved acrylic dome, offering unparalleled views of marine life.

7. Your Slice of Paradise: Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island, Maldives

Imagine having an entire Maldivian island all to yourself. Sprawled across a hectare of pristine tropical beauty, the Cheval Blanc Randheli Private Island is a haven that redefines luxury island living.

The four-bedroom villa is a masterpiece of over 2,200 square metres that blends indoor and outdoor living. Whether you’re tinkling the ivories of the grand piano, lounging by the pool, or mixing cocktails at your private bar, every moment here is infused with effortless luxury.
Outdoors, you can lose yourself in the tropical gardens or the private beaches that boast mesmerizing displays of turquoise waters.

Moreover, With a dedicated team of Ambassadeurs available 24/7, your every whim is anticipated and catered to. Whether you’re savouring diverse gastronomy at one of the signature restaurants, relaxing at the Spa Island, or engaging in jungle fitness on Maakurandhoo Island, Cheval Blanc’s exquisite Art de Recevoir ensures an unforgettable escape in your own private paradise.

8. Antarctic Wellness: The WhichAway Wellness Dome by White Desert

For those seeking transformation in the world’s most pristine wilderness, White Desert’s WhichAway Camp in Antarctica offers an unparalleled experience. Recently, the camp unveiled its crowning jewel: a magnificent clear ‘Wellness Dome’ overlooking the frozen lakes of the Schirmacher Oasis.

Imagine practicing yoga or meditating while surrounded by diamond-like glaciers and iridescent blue ice. The Wellness Dome provides a warm, comfortable sanctuary where guests can fully immerse themselves in the breathtaking Antarctic environment, allowing the profound silence and awe-inspiring landscapes to work their magic on mind, body, and soul. The dome also offers its guests a sauna and an ice plunge.

After a day of adventure – perhaps visiting emperor penguins or trekking to the Geographic South Pole – you can retreat to your luxury pod. And as the day winds down, share stories with fellow travelers over fine dining that defies the remote location.

9. Explore the Underwater Waterfall — JW Marriott Mauritius

Experience one of nature’s most captivating optical illusions with JW Marriott Mauritius’ exclusive tour to the famous “underwater waterfall.” Located off the southwestern tip of Le Morne Peninsula, this natural wonder is a breathtaking sight best viewed from above.

Guests can embark on a helicopter tour arranged by the resort for a bird’s-eye view of this breathtaking illusion. You’ll find yourself in awe as you see the sand and silt deposits create the appearance of a massive waterfall plunging 4,000 meters into the ocean depths.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers a rare glimpse of nature’s artistry, where the interplay of ocean currents and coastal geography creates a spectacle that seems to defy reality.

10. The Atlantis Wonderland: Dubai’s Ultimate Luxury Experience

Immerse yourself in a world where luxury meets marine marvels at Dubai’s Atlantis resorts. Guests can begin their journey at Atlantis The Royal with the Golden Hour treatment at AWAKEN spa, where 24-karat gold-infused therapy aligns your spirit with nature’s healing forces. Meanwhile, the Aeon Clinic offers cutting-edge treatments like Stem Cell and Ozone Therapy. Guests can also indulge in all-day champagne at The Royal Club Lounge, savouring exquisite breakfasts and evening canapés.

At Atlantis The Palm, dine at the Michelin-starred Ossiano, surrounded by one of the world’s largest aquariums. For a truly immersive experience, book one of two exclusive Underwater Suites, where floor-to-ceiling views of marine life create an illusion of sleeping beneath the sea.

Cap off your aquatic adventure with underwater yoga in The Lost Chambers Aquarium, where 65,000 marine animals provide a mesmerizing backdrop for your practice.

11. Dining in Pods: Heritance Aarah Maldives

Heritance Aarah hosts exclusive pod dining evenings featuring a diverse array of Asian delicacies, fusion creations melding Sri Lankan and Maldivian influences. You can also savour vibrant street food scenes from Tokyo and Bangkok, exclusive tastings for the upcoming street food festival or sky high beats, and a cocktail night with something planned for each hour at Heritance Aarah.