Taking Flight At The Peninsula Hong Kong. Credit: The Peninsula Hong Kong
Whether you’re in Asia-Pacific and navigating a labyrinthine city like Hong Kong or exploring the vineyards of Perth, there’s one surefire way to find a new perspective: a helicopter flight. Around the region, several hotels provide special routes and bespoke excursions for oenophiles, history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Here are a few of the best chopper journeys in the area.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
There’s nothing more beautiful than Hong Kong’s skyline — except, of course, the looks from above. At this historic Five-Star hotel, you can experience Victoria Harbour in all its glory with a Fly and Relax offer.
Taking off from the property’s own rooftop helipad, the 15-minute aerial tour is followed by an afternoon of pampering. Wind down after the flight with a 60-minute De-stressor Aromatherapy Massage, a 60-minute personalized facial and uninterrupted relaxation time at the Five-Star spa.
Named one of 2018’s World’s Most Luxurious Spas by Forbes Travel Guide, this urban oasis is kitted out with a harbor-view sauna, crystal steam room and an infrared ice fountain to soothe your mind and body. The experience wraps up by the pool, where you’ll enjoy a healthy lunch or afternoon tea in the sunshine.
Soaring Over Millbrook Winery. Credit: Millbrook Winery
COMO The Treasury
If you’re heading Down Under, this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Perth retreat recently introduced a new helicopter experience that combines all the finest things in life: great wine, good food and gorgeous views. Taking off from nearby Langley Park, the adventure begins with a panoramic flight around the city’s colorful port and coastline before heading inland across wide-open fields and dense jarrah forests.
You’ll land on the edge of a glassy lake before taking a tour of Millbrook Winery, one of the region’s most respected vineyards. After a tour of the winemaking facilities, you’ll try your hand at blending your own vintage with the help of the winery’s experts. Then comes a pleasant stroll through the vineyard’s heirloom vegetable gardens with noted chef Guy Jeffreys, who will later prepare a seasonal wine-paired lunch.
Better yet, the package includes two nights at COMO The Treasury in a gorgeous Heritage Room, so you can unwind after a romantic day out.
Breathtaking Bhutan. Credit: Amankora
Amankora
In beautiful Bhutan, a country punctuated by piercing mountains and verdant valleys, there’s no better way to travel than by chopper, particularly if you’re staying at a decentralized property like this secluded hideaway. The scattered hotel concept counts five distinct lodges across the country, each immersed in its natural surroundings.
Opt for a helicopter transfer between buildings or try one of the tailored journeys to add a little adventure to your stay. The Breakfast at Twin Lakes experience, for instance, makes the most of the area’s breathtaking Himalayan scenery.
You’ll depart from the Paro Lodge, trace the lush valley and soak up views of the mountains before pausing for a peaceful picnic breakfast with champagne at Jomolhari Base Camp, near the Tibetan border. The setting is beautiful and remote, overlooking two turquoise lakes and imposing Mount Jomolhari splashed by the soft morning sun. There are also several sacred Buddhist temples and meditation caves nearby, which you’ll have an opportunity to explore before returning to the hotel.
The Peninsula Manila’s Spirit of Corregidor Experience. Credit: Francisco Guerrero
The Peninsula Manila
Sitting in the heart of the Manila’s fashionable Makati District, this Five-Star stay pays tribute to the city’s dynamic history with several private experiences, including the 6.5-hour Spirit of Corregidor: World War II Tour by Helicopter and Land.
On this exciting excursion, a Bell-407 chopper carries you across Manila Bay, landing on the fortified island of Corregidor — the site of several clashes between U.S. and Japanese forces. An expert guide will meet you on the island and lead you to notable military sites and landmarks via a 1940s tram.
Refresh with canapés and champagne before soaring around the coastline, Taal Lake and Taal volcano. You’ll wrap up your adventurous afternoon by landing for a leisurely lunch at Antonio’s, a renowned restaurant in the hillside town of Tagaytay.
The Grand Ho Tram Strip. Credit: The Grand Ho Tram Strip
The Grand Ho Tram Strip
Sitting on the southern coastline of Vietnam, east of Ho Chi Minh City, this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended beach resort recently introduced an unforgettable VIP helicopter transfer service.
The 20-minute aerial journey not only picks you up directly from Ho Chi Minh International Airport, cutting travel time dramatically, but also offers excellent views of the city, countryside and coastline along the way.
And once you arrive, the 405-acre retreat spoils with a resort-like atmosphere and plenty of space to stretch your legs. Luxuriate on the mile-long beach, dine at one of the nearly dozen restaurants or play a few rounds at The Bluffs, the property’s Greg Norman-designed golf course.
