The adage ‘it’s about the journey, not the destination’ could not be more true about these modes of transport, which take you around the world in style.
FRANCE VIA BARGE
The world moves at a leisurely pace when you are aboard a barge in France. Once used to transport goods along the French canals, such vessels have since been transformed into floating accommodation. The Pivoine by Belmond is one, beginning at La Ferte-sous-Jouarre and stopping by several vineyards on the way to Chalons-en-Champagne. Vacationers love the slow ride along historic villages and dining on water. The Pivoine is decked in white linens, natural timber finishes and terracotta flooring, which complement the naturefilled journey. There is a heated pool, too.
SAILING ABOUT INDONESIA
The world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystem, Raja Ampat, is where you’ll find pristine coral reefs and world-class dive sites like Cape Kri. A sevenday tour around its four main islands – which are surrounded by 1,500 wild isles with untouched beaches – aboard the Ocean Pure private yacht is one way to experience these.
The journey starts at Sorong. Here, you can snorkel and paddleboard, while waiting for dinner to be served. Day five will see you at Waigeo, where you can jump off the yacht and swim among a bloom of stingless moon jellyfish. And, before you end your trip, you’ll sail to Batanta to find out more about its sustainable fishing and pearling villages.
Ocean Pure fits 10 guests and 12 crew members comfortably, and is a showcase of phinisi craftsmanship. (A phinisi is a traditional sailing boat.) The en suite cabins are air-conditioned and decorated with handcrafted masks, brushes and Shibori textiles.
DESIGN FOR HIGH-FLYERS
Designed by Pierrejean Design Studio, the suites on the new A380 by Singapore Airlines up the ante on glamorous air travel. Luxury, here, comes in the form of fine finishes and designer labels. Each suite fits a full flat bed with adjustable recline, swivel chairs – they are clad in Poltrona Frau leather – a 32-inch full HD monitor and a full-sized wardrobe. You will be sleeping on linen embroidered by French luxury brand Lalique, which is known for its intricate glassworks. Lalique will also be providing amenity kits filled with collectible items, as well as the crystal glassware accompanying the Wedgewood serviceware during meals. This is one flight you won’t want to get off.
SUPER-CRUISING AROUND EUROPE
Designed in a lavish 1700s Renaissance style and named after the beloved European monarch Maria Theresa, the Super Ship Maria Theresa will send you back in time while voyaging along the Danube River and towards Passau, Germany. Onboard, the damask-clad river-view rooms and suites look fit for royals, and feature 100 per cent Egyptian cotton sheets, European duvets, and Hermes as well as Asprey bath and body products. Destination experts will give guests inside knowledge of locales less travelled, as well as VIP access to places only a privileged few will ever experience – such as a private viewing of the acclaimed art collection of the Kunstkammer Vienna.
ON TRACK TO PERUVIAN PEAKS
Explore Peru – specifically Cusco, the Andean plains, Unesco World Heritage site of Arequipa – aboard South America’s first luxury sleeper train: the Belmond Andean Explorer. Choose from a choice of one- or two-night journeys, where spacious rooms with rich Peruvian textures and leather seats await you. This blue train even has built-in tanks to pump in oxygen, so guests can enjoy the visits to high altitude places comfortably. Meals, which no doubt include authentic ceviches, and entertainment are provided. You might even see a few alpacas!
text ELIZA HAMIZAH
