A “round the world air trip” for business might seem like an arduous experience. But jetting around the globe on the Four Seasons private jet on holiday is an infinitely more luxurious affair.
The Canadian hotel chain’s striking black 52-seat aircraft was this month on a stopover in Dubai, where its passengers, who had stumped up US$130,000 each for a ticket on the 19-day global voyage, were treated to a private reception at the top of Burj Khalifa, shopping, racing on the F1 track and skydiving. The plane flies during daylight hours, and at each of the 12 destinations they visit, guests sleep at Four Seasons hotels.
“Its not a cheap trip,” concedes Simon Casson, Four Seasons hotels president for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “But in terms of dinner party bragging rights, there are very few people who are able to say that they went around the world in a private jet with Four Seasons. Today’s world is about trying to develop those exclusive memories for the super-elite.”
The jet is on its seventh global tour since launching in early 2015. Guests on the current trip have so far been able to indulge in a private tour of the Hermitage in St Petersburg, and a Fortnum & Mason private dinner in London. From Dubai, travellers move on to the Seychelles, a lodge in the Serengeti game reserve and then to Florence for a private dinner in the city’s picturesque town hall, the Palazzo Vecchio.
“The ethos behind the jet has been to take a Four Seasons hotel and lift it in the air, but in a very bespoke and personalised way,” explains Mr Casson. “We guide passengers from destination to destination, exposing them to things that are normally inaccessible.”
Navigating through customs is a breeze, as the plane always lands at small private airports where there is no tiresome terminal to walk through, and paperwork is all taken care of in advance.
And because the experience is curated, staff know in advance your favourite magazines and food preferences. The next global trip, planned for next May, is a culinary tour of the world, curated by René Redzepi, the chef at renowned Danish restaurant Noma.
q&a comfort and pampering
Javier Loureiro, director guest experience, Four Seasons Private Jet, tells Jessica Hill more about the 19-day tour:
How do you pack for such a multi-climate adventure?
We promote comfort, so smart casual is the theme of the day. There’s no luggage allowances, so you can bring as much or as little luggage as you want.
What about in-flight entertainment?
Every guest receives an iPad that works with our on-board entertainment system. It’s sent to them as a gift, along with headphones and luggage labels. There’s also free Wi-Fi on board.
Who are your customers?
Our 52 passengers are about 75 per cent North American, but we also get travellers from Europe and Mexico. The average age is mid-50s. It tends to be primarily couples, but we also have a few individual travellers.
What about the staff?
We have eight cabin crew, a chef, chef’s assistant, doctor, journey manager, assistant journey manager and two concierges.
What perks do you get on board?
All guests receive Bulgari pamper bags that contain items like hand sanitiser, eye shades, toothbrush, hand cream and lip balm. They also all receive larger bags containing sweets, slippers and other items with their names on.
What about food?
Snacks come courtesy of Fortnum & Mason, and the two espresso machines on board are very popular. It’s full table service for meals, which are cooked by executive chef Kerry Siers.
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