Words: Jonathan Wells
In association with:
Don’t get us wrong — there are some huge metropolitan cities and bustling beachside resorts still worth visiting.
But, for every Cannes, for every New York, there are countless holiday hotspots that have been taken over by tourism, seen culture squeezed out by an influx of visitors and reduced to just another name on the airport departure board.
"For every Cannes, for every New York, there are countless holiday hotspots that have been taken over by tourism..."
At Gentleman’s Journal, we’re on board — both literally and figuratively — with the recent rise in attainable private jet chartering. Pioneering brands such as Victor are increasingly giving us the chance to bypass these tourist traps altogether, and instead explore destinations commercial flights simply can’t reach.
Be it a smaller runway, or issues of demand, these travel problems disappear when you book quickly and privately, with the option to even charter through an app. So, if you’re already a keen private flyer, or this is the first summer you’re spreading your wings, we’ve got the top exclusive destinations for you…
Isla Holbox, Mexico
A peaceful, undisturbed island off of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is already being billed as the next Tulum, and is one of the closest places to paradise you can get to on earth. It’s not a million miles from Cancun, but by comparison it’s a beach, untouched hideaway.
As such, there aren’t hundreds of passenger planes and commercial airlines flying in. So why not charter a private jet to reach those perfect beaches, lapped by the Caribbean Sea, or explore the quaint, colourful local towns or nature reserves? It’s the ideal summer getaway.
How to fly: Teterboro to Cancun, Mexico (Falcon 50EX / 8 pax / £21,929)
La Paz, Bolivia
Ever thought of Bolivia as a summer holiday destination? All that’s about to change. La Paz, the highest capital in the world, has a fast-growing, international reputation for its gastronomy and nightlife – several new haute-cuisine restaurants have opened as well as boutique hotels like Atix, complete with potentially the coolest cocktail bar in the Southern Hemisphere.
Not for everyone, this isn’t a beach city — but offers easy access, by road (less than 20 miles), to the stunning Baja coastline with its powder sand and crystal clear waters. Playas like Balandra and Tecolote are particular gems; many are lined with incredible local seafood eateries.
How to fly: Teterboro to La Paz, Bolivia (Global Express XRS / 12 pax / £219,855)
Cala El Golfet, Spain
We’re all for secret getaways and escapes. Cala El Golfet, a hidden gem along the Costa Brava’s Calella de Palafrugell is the definition of secret. Secluded and tranquil, this lovely beach is located 1.5 km out of the nearest town, and sits at the foot of the botanical gardens of Cap Roig.
There’s a rocky headland archway, and the bluest of blue sea. Of course, it can be tricky to get so far from tourists in Spain, so the perfect, easy and worry-free way to make your way to Cala El Golfet is by hopping on a private jet from Luton and touching down in nearby Girona.
How to fly: London Luton to Girona (Citation XLS+ / 6 pax / £23,120)
Nice to Ibiza
You get two for the price of one here. With private jets, one of the most notable benefits is the ability to create multi-leg Mediterranean summers. And what better an itinerary than travelling through the South of France and on to Ibiza for the ultimate mix of sun-drenched relaxation and late-night partying?
This route, offered by Victor, is one of the best examples of the innovation of private jet flying, as it is a route that can’t be replicated commercially. So, for the discerning gentleman traveller — who doesn’t mind wiling his nights away on a party beach when he lets his hair down — surely there is no better summer than flying privately to Nice, and then on to Ibiza?
How to fly: Nice to Ibiza (Piaggio Avanti / 6 pax / £14,430)
Mykonos, Greece
This truly luxurious Greek island is increasing in popularity year-on-year. But, that’s not to be said that it’s lost any of its exclusivity just yet. You can still find plenty of secluded hideaways and now is the year to go — before the tourists take over.
Enjoy chic hotels such as Kensho at Ornos Bay or Psarou Beach, stylish eating at Phoenix Mykonos and Matsuhisa Restaurant by Nobu, and VIP beaches such as Agrari. And, if you’re into culture, the island also has powerful history as the home of Panagia Paraportiani – one of the most important architectural and religious monuments of the Cyclades and the Aegean.
How to fly: London Luton to Mykonos (Citation Sovereign / 6 pax / £45,340)
Looking for more peace and respite? That’s exactly what you’ll find at this luxury Moroccan villa…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
