Forget dinner reservations, birthday cakes and unwanted party guests, we’ve hand-picked some of our favourite experiences from all over the world to make your special event more than ‘just another birthday’. A taste of culture, an indulgent ritual, or barefoot seclusion just you and your partner, surprise your loved one with a date to remember.
Caviar Tasting in Abu Dhabi
Caviar tasting sounds lavish in itself, but add in a 255 metre-high helipad, a time-honoured Champagne ritual, and a caviar cognoscenti (that’s a caviar expert!) and you’ve reached a height of luxury that only the Middle East can fashion. This exclusive offering is undoubtedly St. Regis in style, as your journey begins with an elite Bentley escort to the helipad atop The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, overlooking the sparkling Corniche waterfront and cityscape. As the sun sets, witness the traditional sabering of a bottle of bubbly, before indulging in a collection of fine caviars, including Beluga, Kaluga and Almas, considered the world’s most expensive food. The opulent Al Manhal Suite will be your accommodation for the night, adorned with White Carrara marble, walnut wood floors and a Bohemian crystal chandelier, which glitters as you wake the following morning to breakfast in bed.
Sunset Canoe in Bora Bora
Unsurprisingly popular for a romantic escape, Bora Bora is a turquoise-hued island with a slow pace and relaxed lifestyle. Situated on the main island, Intercontinental Le Moana offers 50 tropical over-water bungalows characteristic of the South Pacific, including sundeck, direct lagoon access and a glass table as a window to the glistening waters below. A sunset cruise on a local outrigger canoe is just one of the romantic experiences the resort offers, perfect for an anniversary. Board one of the traditional Polynesian canoes as you coast along the lagoon and over the shallow reef, basking in the amber glow of the sunset. On your return to the pristine beachfront, you’ll enjoy a handcrafted cocktail and delicious dinner, barefoot in the sand and overlooking the humbling Mount Otemanu.
Monk Blessing in Cambodia
Floating villages of tiny bobbing riverboats, chic city haunts lined with sumptuous street food, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Temples – Siem Reap is undeniably the Cambodian centre of culture. Phum Baitang, the ‘green village’, is a luxury resort where you can find these natural wonders and enriching experiences on your doorstep, and an ideal place to celebrate a special occasion if you’re seeking more than just beautiful beaches. Their exclusive monk’s blessing is a stunning ceremony which imparts fortuity, happiness and a long life on its recipients. You’ll gain a unique insight into the authentic Buddhist culture here, and witness their rituals of chanting, prayers, incense and flower offerings first-hand.
Beach Picnic on the Great Barrier Reef
Secluded from the rest of the world, Lizard Island occupies a prime position on Australia’s natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef. An edge of the Earth experience, the island covers over 1000 hectares of national park and is reserved for a fortunate few to marvel at the phenomenon of its kaleidoscopic corals. The dedicated events team on site will work with you to ensure each element of your special event is seamlessly executed, whether it be a private dinner or intimate turndown service. We suggest you take one of the motorised dinghies out for the day, the exceptional staff will even prepare you a delicious picnic hamper, along with chilled Champagne should you wish, so you can sail off and find your own sheltered spot on one of the surrounding, deserted islets.
Horse Trekking through the Bay of Islands
Venture further west and you’ll find the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. A tropical enclave on the North Island, it’s probably best known for undeveloped beaches, boat trips and water sports, but there’s just as much to discover on land with cascading waterfalls, colonial architecture and a towering volcano. Eagles Nest overlooks this dramatic landscape, hidden within a 75-acre estate in Russell and offering just 5 extraordinary villas each adorned with traditional artworks and a private, heated Jacuzzi. Explore with one of their horse riding experiences, where you’ll be briefed and schooled before embarking on a horse ride through the rolling hills, lush forest and volcanic ridge line. End with a sprint through the crashing ocean waves, almost dream-like if experienced at sunset.
Helicopter Flight over the Grand Canyon
The infectious buzz of Las Vegas is alluring, its endless entertainment is enticing, and its modern - yet not so modest - resorts beckon everyone from young chancers to glamorous ladies. Bold and iconic, The Venetian is grand scale opulence. Inspired by Italy and operated like Vegas, it boasts an 11,000sqm casino, a 1760 seat theatre, and its very own Grand Canal for gondola rides! Out of the city, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World can be found, the deep layered bands of red rock and plummeting chasms of the Grand Canyon are truly awe-inspiring and best experienced in aerial view. The Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter tour will pick you up from your Vegas hotel by luxury coach, before sending you soaring in a jet helicopter, with forward-facing seats for spectacular views and fantastic photo opportunities. The amazement of the desert wilderness and natural, vivid colours will keep you and your partner on cloud 9, long after your feet have settled on solid ground.
