5 Dream Holidays You Need To Book
Looking to tick off your next destination but don’t know where to start? Make your next trip one to remember and book in for one of Pelorus’ dream holidays.
In Partnership With Pelorus
Experts in their field, Pelorus has been shaking up the travel scene for the last five years, creating bespoke luxury travel and yachting experiences that help you see the world in a new way. With an exclusive network of connections and a passion for travel, they help you create lasting memories, all while exploring the most remote parts of the world.
From chasing the northern lights in the Finnish Lapland to discovering Japan’s timeless traditions and Tanzanian private island stays, these are the five dream holiday destinations to book.
Enjoy festive experiences in the Finnish Lapland
Full of dense forests with snow-tipped trees, let your white Christmas dreams come true and book in for a wonderland adventure to the Finnish Lapland. Perfect for festive celebrations, the landscape is teeming with wildlife, from elk and wolves to brown bears and snowy owls.
On this experience you can head to a traditional Sami hut. This spiritual tradition includes a cultural welcome from a Shaman, learning more about the surrounding land and a traditional feast cooked over fire.
No Finnish Lapland experience is complete without a sledding trip through the wilderness pulled by huskies. If you’re feeling up for it, hop onto a snowmobile, winding through the trees before stopping by a picturesque frozen lake for lunch and a spot of fishing. An expert guide will be on hand to teach you how to drill a hole into the ice and prepare your fishing equipment.
Accommodation is as secluded as it comes. Try the Arctic Treehouse Hotel, home to dramatic views of the Aurora Borealis, icy wilderness and a Finnish sauna experience in the room. For bigger groups, opt for a stay at the exclusive Octola. The traditional log chalet and villa is set in the arctic forest with mesmerising views of the Northern Lights, private wood-fired saunas and private catering.
Discover the ultimate wellness experiences in Greece
Island hopping just got easier thanks to Pelorus’ rejuvenating Greek wellness escape. Exploring both Mykonos and Antiparos, you can discover two of Greece’s sun-kissed islands, both of which are known for their healing properties and wellness experiences that go above and beyond.
You will begin your restorative journey discovering the quieter side of Mykonos, staying at Kalesma Mykonos, the idyllic retreat nestled in the hills above Ornos Bay. Your mornings will begin with a sunrise yoga session led by expert instructors who will guide you through poses before heading for breakfast at the al fresco restaurant. The rest of your day could be filled with everything from cruising to hidden coves, tours of the island of Delos, scuba diving lessons or indulging in luxurious spa treatments.
Following a relaxing few nights in Mykonos, you’ll head on a helicopter trip over to the petite island of Antiparos, home to the breathtaking hideaway, The Rooster. Complete with 16 suites and villas, this stone-built retreat combines contemporary luxury with authentic island living.
Expect plenty of personalised in-depth wellness treatments, including prescribed massages and rituals, yoga and pilates classes and personal training sessions. You’ll even have a personalised meal plan tailored to energise and promote well-being, focusing on traditional Greek dishes and healthy options.
Uncover Japan’s timeless traditions and modern life
From a Samurai experience to visiting ancient teahouses, Pelorus’ getaway will see you finally tick Japan off your dream holidays checklist. Blending ancient traditions with modern life, you’ll be able to explore the country’s rich culture. The experience can be tailored exclusively to your desires, but you could venture across must-visit destinations in Kyoto, Shingu, Kii Mountain Range, Koyasan and Naoshima.
More than just the prime spot for cherry blossom, a trip to Kyoto will see you discover off-the-beaten-track paths, participate in an authentic Samurai experience and visit an ancient teahouse before heading to Kumana-Bettei Nakanoshima, a private island in the Kii Peninsula, for the night.
Make a pitstop to Shingu to explore hidden temples, ancient pilgrimage sites, sacred waterfalls and shrines. Jump aboard a wooden flat-bottomed boat for a peaceful ride along the Kumano River before finishing in a historic onsen ryokan.
Begin your morning with a dip in hot springs before heading on another pilgrimage. This remote journey will see you hiking through the Kii Mountain Range. Here you’ll be joined by a yamabushi, a mountain ascetic priest of the Shugendo faith, who will teach you about his religion and training. Finishing the day at Shukubo lodging, monastery guest houses run by monks, you’ll dine on traditional Shojin Ryori Buddhist cuisine before bedding in for the night.
Heading to Kongobuji, the head temple for the Shingon faith, it’s here you’ll discover the art of sutra copying, before staying at Benesse House for the night. Your final day will be spent exploring the vibrant art scene in Naoshima, including a visit to see Kusama’s Pumpkin and Monet’s Water Lilies.
Stay on one of the world’s most exclusive private islands, Thanda Island
From white sandy beaches to out-of-this-world wellness treatments, you are guaranteed to fall in love with Thanda Island’s beauty the moment you step off your private helicopter thanks to Pelorus’ luxury getaway.
Located between the mainland of Tanzania and Mafia Island, this private island exclusively sleeps up to just 18 guests in total. As well as boasting two traditional Tanzanian Bandas, it’s home to a private villa boasting five luxury suites with the grand suite occupying an entire wing and wraparound views of the island. You’ll have exclusive access to a beach house, swimming pool, aquarium, air-conditioned gym, flood-lit tennis courts, party pavilion and helipad. Plus, there’s access to a range of boats including a 35m 1930s classic yacht available for seasonal charters and celebrations.
Rooted in sustainability and biodiversity, Thanda Island is part of various research and conversation projects, including the preservation and rehabilitation of the Shungimbili coral reef. Each guest is assigned a personal marine biologist who leads aquatic excursions from scuba diving and snorkelling to sewing coral into underwater nurseries to re-grow reefs. For adrenaline lovers, you’ll have the opportunity to even swim with whale sharks.
Private staff, from wellness specialists to boatmen, will be on hand to help make your stay extra special. You’ll even have your own personal chef serving up seafood dishes caught locally, traditional Swahili curries and even pizza nights.
Ski the Italian Dolomites
Take to the mountains and opt for a skiing experience across the Italian Dolomites. Home to cloud-like white powder, with this Pelorus trip you’ll be able to carve fresh tracks across this majestic mountain range.
A haven for outdoor adventurers, you can expect jagged peaks, striking rock formations, fertile meadows and sparkling lakes to await you. Your journey will begin with a night’s stay at a 16th-century mountain lodge, boasting iconic views across the Dolomites peaks. Home to over 1100km of pistes across the San Cassiano and Alta Badia resorts, expert instructors will be on hand to guide you through even the trickiest terrains.
Alongside your Pelorus guide, you’ll pass through the Ladin valleys of Val Gardena, Arabba and Fassa, enjoying skiing on and off the piste through this UNESCO World Heritage site. There are a few sky ‘hut-to-hut’ family-run mountain refuges and hotels to enjoy, including the picturesque White Deer Mountain Lodge which boasts views over three valleys and mountain peaks.
As well as skiing, there are other adventurous activities to get involved with including paragliding over the peaks or hurtling down the terrains on a mountain bike before a picnic by a secluded lake.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional trattorias, after a busy day, you can refuel with a culinary journey through classic Italian delicacies.
