LUXURY TRAVEL

deeper understanding of the local culture, including unique opportunities to experience the true authenticity of a location, which offers a one-two punch of benefitting the traveler as well as those who call the area home and their communities.

Here, we offer a glimpse into some of the best group luxury travel experiences on our radar.

Set in the heart of the American West in a verdant mountain valley, the Jackson Hole Four Seasons Resort and Residences showcases Mother Nature in all her glory with the bonus of spareno-expense accommodations, including private retreats ranging from two- to five-bedrooms. Indulge in a conciergeorganized evening of stargazing in the Grand Teton National Park with the resort’s in-house astronomer or get up close and personal with the area’s wildlife (bears, bison, elk and wolves) with a private group safari. Share your experiences around the table with a catered dinner from an in-residence chef.

Or maybe you prefer your animal encounters on the more exotic side. These days, safaris can offer a front row seat to incredible wildlife as well as exceptional lodging and food. Jacada travel specializes in crafting bespoke luxury African safaris with supporting local conservation initiatives as a focus. Your next group adventure could include an ultimate Kenyan safari with lodging at Giraffe Manor, a pristine sanctuary that features its namesake animal wandering the grounds of the lavish property.

At Marrakech’s recently renovated Royal Mansour, wellness treatments, unique kid-centric activities and gourmet food make for happy bedfellows at the palace-like resort, which features 53 multilevel private residences decorated with custom-made furniture, colorful rugs, and hand-carved wood ceilings. Start your day with a morning swim, followed by a stroll in the lush gardens, before heading to the spa for some well-deserved pampering. Gather the gang for one of the North African property’s signature workshops, which range from cooking and art therapy to mixology and pastry-making.

Accessible only by seaplane, Vancouver Island’s Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge features 600 acres of wild nature reserve paired with five-star cuisine and 20 luxury tents that can accommodate up to 50 guests. River kayaking, equestrian adventures, zip lining, clay shooting and mountain biking, in addition to hot springs and an on-site spa, are a few of the activities that can be included in your group’s itinerary. The sustainable, locally grown and foraged ingredients used in the resort’s dining experiences offer a literal taste of this wild-west playground.

If your group prefers a home away from home kind of setting, Mainstay, a two-acre luxury estate in the heart of Southampton, has plenty of offer. This nine-bedroom farmhouse-chic villa features a pool surrounded by manicured gardens. Inside, the elegant setting includes a screening room, a gourmetstyle kitchen and formal dining room. Private chefs are available on request.

Specializing in small ship cruises, adventure trips and custom travel planning for individuals as well as groups, AdventureSmith Explorations utilizes small ships and lodges designed to explore the world up close and in style. Their curated trips are crafted with an eye towards protecting the area’s natural surroundings, supporting the local community and providing an expert’s knowledge of the wilderness of the regions they explore. As a family-owned business, AdventureSmith Explorations taps into their own experience of traveling with family to help design the best personalized trips for others with destinations ranging from Alaska and Hawaii to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.

Immersive, luxurious and personalized trips are the area of expertise of Black Tomato, which places an emphasis on the rare, undiscovered and authentic for its global adventures. The innovative travel company predicts that travelers in 2023 will be bolder and braver, replacing the nostalgia vibe of 2022, including those traveling in groups. Past Black Tomato curated group travel trips have included the takeover of a private island in The Grenadines for a week, a 20-night trip to

Indonesia and Australia complete with heli-surfing Bali’s best waves and private temple fire dances, and a luxury camping experience in the Wahiba Sands desert of southwestern Asia’s Oman with quad biking and camel rides. DR