As the summer draws near, it’s time to start marking your luxury vacation schedule for this year. And now that charter flights are becoming increasingly popular and accessible, we hear from Marton Modis, VP of Business Development at KlasJet, discussing some of the most exclusive and sumptuous locations favoured by European trendsetters.
From billionaire-owned islands to Victorian-sea-forts-turned-luxury-hotels – there are no limits to those with enough imagination and the means to realize it.
Isola Santa Cristina, Italy
Previously a private escape of the Swarovskis, Isola Santa Cristina – one of the Venetian lagoon’s biggest islands – is now an eco-minded resort aimed at wealthy patrons. It can be reached by taking a private jet to Venice Marco Polo Airport and then covering the rest of the distance by boat.
“Getting there might not be so easy, however, as the island’s 8-room Villa Ammiana, which used to be a monastery, is only available for a limited number of bookings per year. It’s worth it, though, as each room comes with a gorgeous Art Deco library and its own panoramic terrace,” M. Modis observed.
The island boasts a rich biodiversity, and its owners are working on making it fully self-sustaining. To this end, Isola Santa Cristina features extensive fig and apricot orchards, eco-friendly fish farms, organic vegetable gardens, olive trees, and a massive vineyard.
“Isola Santa Cristina has become a quiet sanctuary for creatives – its privacy and natural richness offer a rare blend of inspiration and luxury, ideal for both intimate events and artistic retreats,” said M. Modis.
Illa de Tagomago, Spain
Located just off the northeast coast of Ibiza, Tagomago – “rock Mago”, possibly after the Carthaginian general Hannibal’s brother Mago Barca – is reputed as one of the most exclusive islands in the Mediterranean and is often visited by celebrities and politicians. There’s only one building on Tagomago – a Finca-style luxury villa with 5 double suites. As one might expect in a luxury resort, guests are provided with a private cook, kitchen staff, waiter, and housekeeping. They’re also free to hit the gym, lounge by the villa’s 136 m² pool, and enjoy a variety of wellness treatments.
“In addition to offering some of the most beautiful views of Ibiza, Tagomago is great for water sports of every kind: swimming, yachting, snorkelling, wakeboarding, sports-fishing, stand-up paddleboarding – you name it. And if you feel like raising the roof to great music – Ibiza is just 900 m away. But what attracts visitors most is, arguably, the mystique of the island being privately owned and therefore exclusive,” M. Modis explained.
Tagomago has a private jetty, two boats, and water sports equipment available to all guests.
The process of getting to the island is largely the same compared to the first two on this list. First you fly directly to Ibiza Airport, then drive to either Pou des Lleó or Santa Eulalia Harbour and take a helicopter or private yacht to your destination.
Spitbank Fort, England
Formerly a Victorian sea fort – built mostly of granite in 1878 to protect England from the invasions of Napoleon III’s ironclad warships – Spitbank is now a luxury hotel. Or, in effect, an island for hire. It has nine luxury bedroom suites, three restaurant areas, the same number of bars, a library, wine cellar, open-air terrace, heated pool, sauna, a Laurent-Perrier champagne bar, SPA facilities – even a laser battle arena!
“Spitbank Fort is a truly unique destination – part heritage site, part luxury escape. It merges historical significance with high-end amenities in a way few places in Europe can match,” noted M. Modis.
This destination can be reached from Portsmouth International Airport. Guests are first invited to a champagne reception within the Royal Clarence Departure Lounge and then either board a small craft for a short transfer or take a helicopter that lands right on top of the fort.
Domes Miramare, Greece
Jetting down to Corfu International Airport in Greece and taking a scenic 30-minute coastal drive, southwards will get you to a real jewel of a resort – the Domes Miramare. Originally built in the 1960s as a private getaway of the Onassis family, this elegant sanctuary in the Ionian Sea has hosted royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries from around the world, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the American Greek soprano Maria Callas.
“Domes Miramare truly embodies luxury, where the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea feel like they’re part of the resort itself. You can soak in this experience while lounging by one of the four stunning swimming pools or taking a peaceful walk along the pristine 600-meter private beach,” shared M. Modis.
In addition to gorgeous views, the resort is also celebrated for its outstanding service. A dedicated concierge team is always on hand, ready to give the resort’s guests a truly personalized experience, whether that means an exhilarating speedboat ride on the Miramaretta or a cozy dinner set among olive trees.
If you’re one for gourmet experiences – you’re in luck, for Domes features as many as three acclaimed restaurants centered around neo-Greek cuisine. And when it begins to grow dark, why not enjoy yourself in one (or all) of the resort’s four bars, where you can sip on expertly crafted cocktails while soaking in the sunset over the Ionian Sea.
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
Technically and geographically not in Europe, British Virgin Islands are still a British Overseas Territory. Owned by the multi-billionaire Sir Richard Branson, the 30-hectare Necker Island is quite a sight to behold – a small oasis of tranquility in the turquoise Caribbean waters fringed by coral reefs and stunning white beaches. Since the island doesn’t have its own commercial airport, it can only be reached by landing in one of the neighbouring airports on a private jet and taking a short boat or helicopter ride.
“Necker Island is frequented by celebrities and other high-profile guests and can accommodate no more than a few dozen people at a time. You can either book a room here – or rent the entire island. If you choose the former, you’ll get luxurious accommodation in a Balinese-style villa with all of your meals, drinks, water sports equipment, transfers, and a dedicated staff included,” Marton Modis said.
During their stay, guests can also enjoy personalized SPA procedures, private wildlife encounters, beach parties, the annual Necker Cup Tennis Tournament and Charity Exhibition, and lots of other activities.
In addition to offering complete privacy to its guests, Necker Island is committed to numerous environmental causes: from providing sanctuary to endangered species, participating in conservation programs, and supporting restoration initiatives to utilizing a cutting-edge composting system and renewables to meet its energy needs.
