Extreme luxury holidays

As we have stated previously in this blog, luxury I’m sure you’ll agree, is a pretty subjective matter particularly when we come to ask ourselves what is it that defines a luxury holiday? Is it something out of the ordinary? Does expense define it? Is luxury a measure dictated by the exotic or is it all about pleasure; having the best of everything?

As an alternative look at luxury in this article I’m going to concentrate on some of the more extreme experiences available in the world of ‘luxury’ travel as a way of outlining the diversity and range that the exists with the spectrum of luxury holidays.

If you subscribe to luxury as being an indulgence in an enjoyable experience or situation, then I suppose it all depends upon what you as an individual appreciate as enjoyable. Beach holidays are a fantastic way to rest and recuperate and big city breaks certainly have all the appeal of bright lights, big brands and famous landmarks. Some people however, are in search of a little more from their encounter; excitement and exhilaration, unforgettable sights and invigorating challenges.

Alaska is one of the few remaining true wildernesses on the planet and though the increasing activities of oil companies threaten its fragile nature there is still an incredible amount of beauty and tranquillity still to be found here. It is fitting then that this landscape plays host to a test of skill, endurance and courage of which there is no greater; the Iditarod is an annual race which takes place across Alaska starting in the city of Anchorage and culminating at the coastal community of Nome. Lead by a team of husky dogs the mushers from all across the world navigate the beautiful and remote Alaskan wilderness in what has been described as the last great race on earth. Today travellers are invited to get a taste of this adrenaline fuelled and humbling adventure by retracing the sled marks of the race’s famous participants. Starting off in Achorage drive through the beautiful countryside towards the vast Big Lake Alaska where you will be greeted by a champion Iditarod musher. Fly by light aircraft out to remote but well equipped lodge to start you great Iditarod experience spending two nights surviving in the wilds and even building your own snow cave to sleep in before returning back to the comforts of the lodge.

If you would rather stay a little toastier on your luxury adventure then how about exploring the deserts of the historic Jordan? This is a land of fascinating culture and spellbinding historical intrigue. Travel through the ranging landscape by jeep, foot and even camel in order to unveil the secrets of this beautiful place. Explore the palace of Herodus Antepas, search around the labyrinthine Crusader Castle and speed through the Wadi Rum valley in 4×4. Why not  enjoy an authentic night sleeping under the stars in a traditional Bedouin tent and dine like a king at the home of the renowned Lawrence of Arabia.

From the great valleys of Jordan to the world’s tallest free-standing mountain; Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is one of the world’s greatest peaks. Rising up dramatically out of the savannah to a height of almost 6000m Kilimanjaro promises a rewarding, challenging and utterly memorable experience. There is of course more to the mountain than just its height and through the several distinct zones of vegetation a range of wildlife can be observed (if you are lucky) including olive baboons, leopards, mongooses, elephants, bushbabies, black rhinoceros, giraffes and buffaloes. Journeying up through the forest, heather and moorland, highland desert and finally the desolate summit is like travelling through four disparate countries, an eclectic tour all confined to one mountain. Your camping site will be defined by the route your take up towards the peak of which there are six recognized trails, from the popular Marangu Route to the most challenging Umbwe trail.