Dash Across the Pacific in Style, With Exclusivity

A NetJets share may be nice, but it's not the only way to avoid the airlines. Upscale travel service Abercrombie & Kent has upped the ante with a series of new, unusual destinations offered through its private jet service.

In "Southward from the Peak," the latest excursion, guests will soar into the New Year with culinary expert David Rosengarten, reflecting the regional cuisines from Hong Kong to Bora Bora. On a 757-200ER, only 52 guests will be able to experience this uber-luxe trip from December 27 to January 19.

It's a great way to shed the stress of the holidays.

A carefully planned culinary component may be among the enticements of the "Southward from the Peak" trip, but excessive planning can turn into "scripting" quickly, leaving vacationers will little room to explore for themselves. Abercrombie & Kent has considered this pitfall and designed a solution into this private jet experience. In addition to a private New Year's Eve celebration in China -- and Victoria Harbour cruise from which to enjoy the multimedia spectacle, "A Symphony of Lights" -- the firm has built plenty of free time into the itinerary, offering relationship-enhanced alternatives rather than pre-determined stops.

Through its unique Design Your Day^SM program, guests can choose to go sightseeing or shopping -- or opt for more adventurous activities. Instead of loading each day's agenda, Abercrombie & Kent uses its deep local relationships to make sure you have access to the spas, markets and spa treatments that interest you. For those interested in adding to their culinary repertoires, Rosengarten will accompany travelers through the Mongkok markets of Hong Kong and help them understand the many exciting ingredients that are available.

Ultimately, "Southward from the Peak" travels through China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and Tahiti. In each of these countries, Abercrombie & Kent's guests will be exposed to distinct tastes, sounds and sights, with plenty of opportunity to experience them all. In addition to securing rare access to the ruins of the Khmer Empire and the "Bay of the Descending Dragon," participants will stay at premier properties. In Hong Kong, you will enjoy views of Victoria Harbour from the Hotel InterContinental. In Hanoi, the Sofitel Metropole will be home. Other stops include the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor, the Sea Temple Resort & Spa (on the Great Barrier Reef) and the St. Regis Resort Bora Bora.

If the Asia Pacific region is not to your liking, there are a handful of other private jet excursions planned for 2009. The "Nine Wonders of the World" stops at the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu and the pyramids in Egypt, among others. A trip through Africa, "Desert Kingdoms and Natural Splendors," includes Victoria Falls, Timbuktu and Serengeti.

Regardless of the destination, Abercrombie & Kent private jet vacations are nothing short of regal. One guest compares it to "being the President of the United States. We were driven to the door of the plane, whisked through Customs and Immigration and were off the ground in ten minutes."

Even if you have access to a private jet, you may want to consider this service for certain destinations. Many guests do have their own aircraft, but are not suited to reaching the destinations offered with through Abercrombie & Kent. Others choose this service because of space considerations; larger groups tend to require more space. However you are accustomed to traveling, though, the private jet program from Abercrombie & Kent is worth a look. It could change your outlook on stretching across the International Date Line.

Abercrombie & Kent: Private Jet Travel

Tom Johansmeyer

9/29/08

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