Unique

Once-in-a-Lifetime-Experiences

There are moments in life when even those who think they have seen everything are still amazed. Then the hairs on the back of our neck stand up, goose bumps run down our spine and our senses become so sharp that we notice even the smallest details. In a globalized, fast-paced world, they are becoming increasingly rare; after all, we can get the whole world on our cell phone display with just one click. And yet they still exist: the experiences that are guaranteed not to be easily forgotten; real once-in-a-lifetime experiences.


1 Watching mountain gorillas in the wild

Dian Fossey tirelessly drew attention to the fate of the critically endangered apes, and today their population seems to be slowly recovering. They live exclusively in the Bwindi National Park in Uganda, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in Congo and can only be visited with guides as part of a gorilla trek. Incidentally, you are actually doing something good, as gorilla tourism is considered the most important conservation measure for the remaining 6,000 or so individuals. Travel tip: The One&Only Gorilla's Nest in Rwanda is located directly in the volcano national park: www.oneandonlyresorts.com/gorillas-nest


2 Glamping in the Arctic Circle

The nature-oriented Aurora Safari Camp is the first tent lodge of its kind in Swedish Lapland. It is located in the shelter of a coniferous forest on the shore of a lake that is frozen most of the year. Dog sled and snowmobile trips, balloon rides over the icy landscape, snowshoe and fat bike tours as well as safaris into the wilderness lasting several days are all part of the camp, which only has four luxury tents. The sauna, which floats on the river in summer, is frozen in place in winter. Thanks to the complete absence of light pollution, you can observe an incredible number of twinkling stars at night and, from September to March, the spectacular Aurora Borealis in extraordinary intensity. www.aurorasafaricamp.com


3 With the helicopter to breakfast

The Aman hotel group is known for offering its guests once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This includes watching the morning sun rise over Bhutan's second-highest mountain, Mount Jomolhari, during breakfast. You don't have to lace up your hiking boots for this, as the helicopter takes you comfortably to the spectacular picnic spot between two turquoise lakes above Jomolhari Base Camp at around 3,785 meters above sea level. The view is spectacular and unforgettable. Afterwards, the program includes exploring the sights nearby, such as the Jomolhari Temple and the Tsingming Ghost Lake. www.aman.com


4 Living with giraffes

A safari is always an experience - but what if you don't even have to get out of bed? The exclusive Giraffe Manor in Nairobi is a boutique hotel surrounded by around 55 hectares of jungle. The building itself is spectacular and is one of the most remarkable buildings in Nairobi. Built in 1930, guests want for nothing here. All rooms and suites are luxuriously furnished, making Giraffe Manor a wonderful base for tailor-made safaris. With a bit of luck, however, the real attraction is peeking in through the window or joining you for breakfast on the terrace: a herd of Rothschild giraffes live on the property and are anything but shy. www.thesafaricollection.com


5 Around the world in a private jet

The new, custom-made Four Seasons Private Jet offers everything you could wish for on a comfortable trip around the world: your own chef on board, a concierge, just 48 seats with a good two meters of space for each passenger, a state-of-the-art filter system and luxurious amenities. There is even a doctor on board. However, the different routes do not only offer the best of the best in the air. The adventure also continues on the ground. The concierges take care of tailor-made experiences all over the world. Of course, the passengers sleep in the Four Season Hotels. www.fourseasons.com/privatejet/