If you want to get a different perspective on a destination, take your trip to new heights with an exclusive aerial adventure. From a hot-air balloon cruise over the desert to an island-hopping excursion via seaplane, these high-end hotels across the map serve up high-flying ways to make memories during your next escape.
Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
Sun, sand and surf may be what Maui is known for, but this luxe lodging makes sure your Hawaiian vacation soars with its curated helicopter tours. Whether you’re dying to see Haleakala Crater, snap some stunning shots of inaccessible waterfalls or take in a bird’s-eye view over Valley Isle, these one- to four-hour over-the-top adventures can be crafted to suit your ideal itinerary.
Go Island Hopping with Shoreline Aviation. Credit: Shoreline Aviation
The Gasparilla Inn & Club
Chartering a boat for some aquatic exploration during your South Florida getaway is nice, but for an Instagram-worthy adventure, board a seaplane for a private tour above this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Boca Grande gem. Simply call the concierge to book a private flight with Shoreline Aviation and go island hopping to nearby Sanibel, Captiva and Useppa. Or you could enjoy an aerial tour of the region’s top sights, such as the photogenic Boca Grande Lighthouse.
ARIA Resort & Casino
In a city packed with bucket list-worthy experiences, this Four-Star Las Vegas hot spot is literally raising the bar. Thanks to a partnership with luxury charter company Maverick Helicopters, the storied resort can offer a slew of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, from a 15-minute flight over the Strip’s sparkling lights with a champagne toast to a half-day excursion through the desert that culminates with a picnic atop the Grand Canyon.
Crown Towers Melbourne. Credit: Crown Resorts LTD
Crown Towers Melbourne
Live the high life in the Land Down Under when you take advantage of this Five-Star retreat’s Sky is the Limit package. Check into your sophisticated Executive Suite, where a bottle of chilled champagne will be waiting for you upon arrival.
Once you’ve settled in, head to the roof for some stylish sightseeing in the form a 30-minute aerial adventure over Melbourne via Microflite helicopter.
Seeing the Big Island in a New Way. Credit: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Explore the breathtaking terrain of the Big Island from the air. This Five-Star hideaway’s Hawaii by Four Seasons experience sends you on a private charter with Paradise Helicopters to see the island’s otherworldly landscape curated by the hotel’s Hawaiian culture kumu (“teacher”) “Uncle” Earl Kamakaonaona Regidor. You’ll fly over the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea, tucked-away beaches and more.
Moab. Credit: Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa
The spectacular beauty of Moab, Utah’s desert landscape is best appreciated from above, and this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended resort offers aerial endeavors in spades. For a stellar scene, book the property’s Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Adventure to take in the unique lighting and tranquility of the region’s famed rock formations. If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-inducing option, the hotel also does helicopter tours, zipline excursions and even skydiving.
Hawksworth Restaurant. Credit: Rosewood Hotels
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Add some thrills to your next Vancouver escape when you book this chic retreat’s Ultimate Wine Tour Offer, available through September 30. Thanks to a partnership with Sky Helicopters, the Five-Star downtown stay shows off the lush Okanagan Valley in the best way — from above.
You’ll take part in a private air transfer from the storied hotel to British Columbia’s wine country, where you’ll savor a tour of some of the region’s most acclaimed vineyards, including Painted Rock Estate Winery, Liquidity Winery and Culmina Family Estate Winery.
After your return trip, you’ll finish off the evening in fine-dining flair with dinner for two at the property’s Four-Star Hawksworth Restaurant.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
Who says the VIP flight experience must start in the air? In true L.A. fashion, this Five-Star hotel ups the luxury ante with The Private Retreat package. Upon arrival at LAX, you’ll be whisked directly from the plane to The Private Suite, the airport’s exclusive terminal home to an array of exclusive lounges where you’ll enjoy an en suite bathroom, pantry, a day bed and city views before being transferred via a plush SUV to the Waldorf Astoria.
And don’t worry about waiting around to board your flight home — you’ll enjoy the same prime perks on your return trip.
