Resorts Worth the Puddle Jumper

These are seven of the most remote luxury destinations that are only one extra flight away

Islas Secas – Gulf of Chiriqui-Panama

Puddle jumping from: Panama City to Islas Secas’ 14 private islands (90 minutes private charter)

Set to open in January 2019, Islas Secas Reserve & Lodge is an exclusive retreat raising the bar in luxury and sustainability tourism in Panama. Situated 20 miles off the coast, Islas Secas is an archipelago made up of 14 private islands, accessible by a 90-minute private charter flight from Panama City or a 45-minute boat ride from David. Guests are greeted by a guide and escorted to a private, direct, 90-minute charter flight to Islas Secas. Hosting up to 18 guests at one time, visitors have access to their own boat and captain to be able to explore the different islands at leisure. When not relaxing at their luxurious casitas, each with their own plunge pool with view, or indulging in fresh local seafood at the dramatic Terraza, guests are invited on a marine safari to explore the surrounding islands with activities including fishing, diving or snorkeling.

Find more information here: islassecas.com

Bawah Reserve – Indonesia

Puddle jumping from: Batam (75 minute flight via seaplane)

Surrounded by turquoise blue waters and enveloped by lush tropical greenery, Bawah Reserve is hailed as South East Asia’s newest and most exciting opening and lies in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles northeast of Singapore in Indonesia’s remote Anambas Archipelago. The pristine paradise is the only retreat in Asia to include all spa treatments, guest experiences and transport via its new amphibious seaplane. After a quick ferry ride from Singapore to Batam, guests load up on Bawah Reserve’s own seaplane for a 75-minute journey to the six-island private archipelago, home to the boutique property as well as 13 pristine beaches and three crystal clear lagoons. Allowing 70 guests maximum at a time, travelers have the luxury of exploring the marine conservation area, taking on an island trek or simply relaxing in an overwater bungalow or their beach suite in true style.

Find more information here: bawahisland.com

Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge – Uganda

Puddle jumping from: Kigali (40 minute flight via helicopter)

Just a 40 minute flight from the bustling city of Kigali, Volcanoes Safaris’ newly refurbished Bwindi Lodge is a true hidden gem tucked into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. All eight guest accommodations, also known as ‘bandas’, plus the main lodge and dining area, have been beautifully renovated and the brand new addition of the Forest Spa, Humula mw’ Ishamba (from the Rukiga language, which means “relax in the forest”) invites guests to enjoy locally inspired treatments on a complimentary basis. What really makes this adventure to the jungle worth it is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come face to face with Uganda’s critically endangered mountain gorilla.

Find more information here: volcanoessafaris.com/bwindi-lodge-uganda

Sheldon Chalet – Alaska

Puddle jumping from: Talkeetna (30 minute flight via helicopter)

Getting to this luxurious 10-person chalet in the heart of Alaska’s Denali National Park, is half the fun. The scenic helicopter journey from Talkeetna soars over miles of pristine, protected lands before arriving at Sheldon Chalet, the only hotel within the park. Upon arrival, travelers are greeted with an extravagant buffet complete with the freshest Alaskan seafood and champagne. After settling in, guests can take part in a host of adventures from glacier trekking to igloo building in the Alaskan wilderness, or simply stay inside in front of the fire and watch the greatest show on earth – the Aurora Borealis.

Find more information here: sheldonchalet.com

San Ignacio Resort Hotel – Belize

Puddle jumping from: Belize City (30 minute flight via plane)

Take it one step further upon your arrival into Belize City and dive deep into the Belizean jungle. The luxurious San Ignacio Resort Hotel is the only centrally located property in town and is ideally situated for adventure tours to nearby archaeological parks, caves and nature reserves. The property boasts views of rainforest and wildlife from each of its 26 rooms and is only a two-hour drive to the famous Tikal Ruins in Guatemala.

Find more information here: sanignaciobelize.com

Revealed America – Big Three Flying Safari

Puddle jumping from: One park to another!

Traveling between the “Big 3 National Parks” – Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Yosemite — can be a daunting experience. To maximize your time and to allow for day stops at other “Hidden Gem” parks on connection days, consider the “Big 3 National Parks Flying Safari” with Revealed America, the only company with the expertise, connections and relationships to design fully customized active vacations in the National Parks and National Monuments. This is the ultimate way for a private jet owner or club member to tour all 3 parks in a week, without long drives or multiple air connections. Fly into Fresno to start at Yosemite in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, where you can enjoy two days of touring and hiking with your private driver-guide amidst the waterfalls and rock formations of the park. Then fly your private jet directly to the Grand Canyon Airport for two days of hiking and biking in the off-the beaten path areas of the Grand Canyon. From there fly to Moab, Utah for a day of exploring Arches National Park’s backcountry roads and arches not open to the public with your private guide. Continue on to Bozeman, Montana for two days of activity including wildlife viewing, touring the geysers and other geothermal features, hiking, biking, fly-fishing and more.

Find more information here: revealedamerica.com

Giardino Hotels – Switzerland

Puddle jumping around Switzerland with Giardino Group

With four properties in some of Switzerland’s finest locations, it can be hard to choose where to kick-off your vacation. Enjoy it all, from the views over Lake Maggiore, the city life of Zurich and then to the mountains near St. Moritz’ for an alpine adventure. Guests can combine all on one visit with the convenient air taxi, Mountainflyers. The exclusive helicopter partner of Giardino Group, allows guests to soar high above the Alps and arrive on property quickly and conveniently.  Upon arrival, travelers are invited to enjoy the finer things in life, such as Michelin-starred dining and Ayurvedic spa treatments.

Find more information here: www.giardino.ch

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