Dream Weaving

Pack your bags and passports. Exclusive Resorts has scouted the globe to create 11 dream trips, providing Member access to remote locales, extraordinary locals, and indelible experiences. From trekking with gorillas in the mountains of Rwanda to dining with a Professor of Conflict Resolution in Jerusalem, these 2020 once in a lifetime vacation experiences take Members beneath the surface and behind the scenes in signature Exclusive Resorts style.

Antarctica | Armenia & Georgia | Australia & New Zealand

Antarctica

Follow in the footsteps of such iconic explorers as Sir Ernest Shackleton on a polar expedition to the Great White Continent.Travel aboard Lindblad’s state-of-the-art, 53-cabin ship for the 12-day Journey to ring in the new year.  

Not to Miss: Experience naturalist-led hikes on a glacier to view colonies of Gentoo or Amelie penguins.    

Suite Talk: Located on the bridge deck, the owner’s suites are the most spacious, and the large balconies mean you’ll never miss a calving glacier.    

Most Photo-Worthy Moment: Have the resident National Geographic photographer snap a photo of you kayaking against a backdrop of towering, glowing blue icebergs.     

For the Epicurious: Lindblad is known for sustainable, locally-sourced meals. Chefs stock up on supplies in Chile, so expect Chilean salmon paired with Carménère wine.    

Bragging Rights: Travel in a zodiac alongside humpback and minke whales. 

Armenia & Georgia

Russian, Persian, and Turkish influences shape the distinctive cultures of these two incredibly hospitable countries. Over the course of nine days, be wowed by the food, history, and music in capital cities, Yerevan and Tbilisi, and humbled by the natural beauty of the surrounding Caucasus mountains.  

Not to Miss: Armenia’s Khor Virap monastery is a Gothic masterpiece and overlooks stunning Mt. Ararat. 

Suite Talk: Set within a former Soviet-era printing press, the new Stamba Hotel will impress architecture and design lovers. The 850-square-foot Aviator Suite, with its exposed brickwork and glass walls, is the epitome of eclectic chic, with a fun and funky vibe.  

Most Photo-Worthy Moment: Snap shots of the ancient cave town of Uplistskhe, with structures dating from the Early Iron Age to the Late Middle Ages.  

For the Epicurious: You’ll fall in love with Georgian dishes like Khachapuri, a traditional dish of cheese–filled bread, and receive instruction in Armenian cuisine during a cooking class.  

Bragging Rights: Enjoy an exclusive tour of Tbilisi’s National Museum and Presidential Palace; the latter isn’t open to the public. 

Australia & New Zealand

Incredible natural beauty, vibrant cities, world-ranked chefs, and exceptional vineyards make these countries two of Exclusive Resorts’ most Member-requested destinations. An 11-night trip includes a wildlife tour in Australia’s Blue Mountains and private winery tours in New Zealand’s Central Otago wine region on the South Island.  

Not to Miss: A cruise around Sydney Harbour affords the best views of the city’s famed Opera House and Bridge.  

Suite Talk: The Heritage Villas at the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley take design cues from traditional homesteads yet are outfitted with luxe touches including double-sided fireplaces and private pools.  

Most Photo-Worthy Moment: A boat safari on New Zealand’s Dart River into Mount Aspiring National Park cruises past several Lord of the Rings location sights.  

For the Epicurious: Swirl, sniff, and sip award-winning Shiraz and Chardonnay during a private tasting at Oakridge Estate, one of Yarra Valley’s top vineyards.  

Brazil: Rio, Salvador, & Iguazú Falls | Botswana Family Safari | The Holy Land

Brazil: Rio, Salvador, & Iguazú Falls 

The crown jewel of South America, Brazil is home to postcard-perfect beaches, colonial cities, and some of the most ecologically diverse wilderness on the planet. Exclusive Resorts’ 10-day Journey distills the best the country has to offer, from its unique Capoeira dance to its Carnival culture.  

Not to Miss: Explore Iguazú National Park before it opens to the public. Hike down the canyon, which features an incredible 275 waterfalls. Enjoy a private boat ride, where you’ll be so close to the water you’ll be kissed by its spray.
Suite Talk: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is the only property located inside Iguazú National Park. Elegant rooms feature paintings of the local flora and fauna by Brazilian artist Ludmilla de Montes and traditional azulejos painted tiles. All Club Members will have views of the falls from their rooms.

Most Photo-Worthy Moment: Photograph the 275 cascades of Iguazú Falls during a helicopter tour of the park.

For the Epicurious: In Salvador, Brazil’s former capital, shop the local market for ingredients, then learn to make the region’s signature dish, Moqueca (seafood stew) during a private cooking class.

Bragging Rights: Exclusive Resorts takes Members on a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of Rio’s famed Carnival. Observe the construction of intricate floats and dress up in authentic costumes.

Botswana Family Safari

Diverse landscapes ranging from the Kalahari Desert to the Okavango Delta and top-notch, sustainably-minded camps make Botswana one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. Each family on this seven-night trip is assigned its own vehicle and driver for a personalized wildlife adventure.  

Not to Miss: Go walking with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert.

Suite Talk: The palatial canvas tents at Tuludi in the Khwai Private Reserve are tree-house style rooms, shaded by the boughs of leadwood trees. For Club Members, family tents are being specially built to accommodate three to six travelers.

Most Photo-Worthy Moment: Every game drive guarantees National Geographic-worthy photo opportunities of lions, giraffes, springboks, elephants, and more.

For the Epicurious: Sundowners are always a highlight, but you’ll write home about the three-course wine-paired dinners (not to mention the homemade brownies) at San Camp.

Bragging Rights: Spot hippos on a poled mokoro excursion in the Okavango Delta.

The Holy Land: A Dual Perspective

Two local guides, one Israeli and one Palestinian, will provide a dual narrative on this 11-day tour of the Holy Land. The itinerary, inspired by the region’s peace-building efforts, will take Members from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv, weaving in stories from the past and discussions about the present political situation.

Not to Miss: In Jerusalem, you’ll go to a Jewish family’s home to observe the Sabbath. The following night, enjoy a home-cooked meal with a Palestinian family.  

Suite Talk: Soak in views of the Sea of Galilee from your Kinneret Villas at the Setai hotel in Tiberius.

Most Photo-Worthy Moment: Snap a shot of Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the Middle East.

For the Epicurious: Learn to make dishes like shakshuka (eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce) during a cooking class in Jaffa.

Bragging Rights: Float on the salty waters of the Dead Sea.

India & Nepal | Mendoza, Argentina

India & Nepal

This 12-day spiritually and culturally-rich itinerary promises to captivate Members as they travel from the Himalayas to Varanasi, one of the longest continuously inhabited cities in the world.  

Not to Miss: Set sail on a sunset river cruise along the Ganges, where you’ll witness a Hindu fire ceremony along the ghats. 

Suite Talk: Luxury suites at the Taj Nadesar Palace feature views of the Palace Gardens or swimming pool. Unwind at Jiva Spa, where the Abhisheka is inspired by Indian purifying rituals.  

Most Photo-Worthy Moment: A professional photographer will accompany you during a sunrise visit and guided tour of the Taj Mahal.  

For the Epicurious: Indulge in a variety of authentic Indian dishes as you experience the country, including chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, naan, and unforgettable chai.  

Bragging Rights: You might not have stepped foot on the Summit of Mount Everest, but you will be able to say you flew along the famed peak on a private air excursion. 

Mendoza, Argentina

On this wine-inspired Journey, Members will experience an education in Malbec, eat meals prepared by leading Argentine chefs, and explore the renowned Uco Valley wine region by horseback. The Club has secured exclusive access to the Vines Resort & Spa as your home away from home for this five-day trip.  

Not to Miss: Enjoy dinner and a tasting at the Winemakers Village, a residential collective where top local winemakers live and work. 

Villa Talk: Spanning 1,002 square feet, the one-bedroom villas at the Vines Resort & Spa feature spa-inspired bathrooms, kitchenettes, and spacious outdoor decks where you can watch the sunset over the vineyards.  

Most Photo-Worthy Moment: During the traditional barbecue feast, get a shot of the lechón roasting over an open fire with the vineyards and Andes mountains in the backdrop.  

For the Epicurious: A grilling master class teaches everything from salting different cuts of meat to strategies for grilling them.  

Bragging Rights: During a one-on-one blending session, you’ll create a wine for the group, and then after it ages, a case will be shipped to your home to share with friends. 

Uganda & Rwanda | Around the World By Private Jet

Uganda & Rwanda: Tracking the Great Apes

With just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left on earth, future generations may never have the opportunity to see these great apes. The majority of the remaining population make their home in the mountain forests between Uganda and Rwanda. This 11-day Journey offers the rare opportunity to track the extraordinary creatures with a leading primatologist.  

Not to Miss: Observe a dance performance by the Batwa Pygmies in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.  

Suite Talk: The glass-fronted, thatch-roof bandas at Bwindi Lodge in Uganda reflect the local building style and have forest views, plus butler service. Most Photo-Worthy MomentSpot chimpanzees playing in trees of Western Uganda’s Kalinzu Forest.  

For the Epicurious: Lovingly known as the Harry’s of Bwindi, locally-staffed Bwindi Bar serves as a training institution for disadvantaged youth and serves tasty tapas inspired by traditional Ugandan dishes.  

Bragging Rights: Come face to face with a silver back mountain gorilla in Volcanoes National Park. 

Around the World by Private Jet

In 2018, Exclusive Resorts and National Geographic Expeditions announced a new global strategic partnership celebrating legacy travel and immersive experiences. The first, Members-only Once-in-a-Lifetime Journey Around the World by Private Jet for 2020* ensures indelible stops to such enchanting destinations as Easter Island, Peru, India, Nepal, Morocco, Tanzania, and much more.  

Not to Miss: Explore the architectural marvels of Machu Picchu, Petra, and the Taj Mahal, and experience diverse cultures from timeless villages in Bhutan.  

Jet Set: From the comfort of your luxurious private jet, visit 11 countries and 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites in 24 days.  

Most Photo-Worthy Moment: Just one moment? Impossible. Consider photo-worthy moments a daily pastime, and what’s more, a National Geographic photographer will accompany the Journey and give tips on how to return with photos of a lifetime.  

For the Epicurious: For your final evening in Jordan, enjoy a festive dinner accompanied by a Bedouin folklore performance.  

Bragging Rights: Encounter the incredible creatures of the Great Barrier Reef and the Serengeti Plain.