On the heels of revealing its 67th annual Star Awards — the honor celebrating the world’s most outstanding hotels, restaurants, spas, ocean cruises and their restaurants — Forbes Travel Guide introduces The Edge List by RIMOWA, a new accolade for extreme travel experiences.
The list recognizes travel trailblazers that provide unparalleled access to remote, untouched destinations and world-class service and comfort even in the most extreme locations, all while prioritizing conservation, minimizing impact and supporting local communities.
“Seventy percent of affluent travelers now prioritize experience over excess,” said Hermann Elger, Forbes Travel Guide CEO, at the company’s Monaco Summit gala on Thursday. “Immersion, adventure, exclusivity — these are the new luxuries. Yet, despite the rising demand for extreme, high-adrenaline experiences, the visionaries redefining adventure hospitality have gone unrecognized — until now.” Elger also said the tally will grow to 50 properties worldwide later this year.
The Edge List’s inaugural honorees take travelers on high-octane adventures by land and sea in the farthest reaches of the world:
Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot
LCC redefines polar exploration. The world’s first luxury icebreaker, this groundbreaking 245-passenger expedition vessel can bring you to the geographic North Pole and deep Antarctic regions previously off-limits to conventional cruise ships.
The experiences are as extraordinary as the destination. Immerse yourself in the unspoiled icy environment through unique activities like camping on glaciers, Greenlandic kayaking and polar snorkeling. During the voyages, you might spot polar bears and whales in their natural habitats, see icebergs that date back as much as millions of years, or watch the colorful lights of the aurora borealis sway in the sky.
Back on board, refuel with the world’s only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, which elevates fine dining to new latitudes. For relaxation, a luxurious spa, sauna and snow room provide a serene counterpoint to the dramatic landscapes. With a 1-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio, the ship delivers attentive, personalized service. Overall, LCC radiates a refined elegance, showcasing its French roots in everything from the ship’s design to the cuisine.
Beyond its luxurious offerings, LCC was designed with sustainability in mind. Its hybrid propulsion system, powered by liquefied natural gas and electric batteries, significantly reduces emissions and minimizes its environmental impact. This commitment to eco-conscious exploration sets a new standard for responsible tourism in the fragile polar regions, proving that luxury and sustainability can coexist. Furthermore, the ship serves as a floating laboratory, allowing you to engage with scientists and contribute to real-time polar research.
Hidden among 567 acres of lush jungle in the far-flung Indonesian island of Sumba, NIHI Sumba shot to Instagram fame for its signature image of wild horses freely galloping along the pristine 1.5-mile beach, often joining guests for a swim in the turquoise waters.
This harmonious coexistence between humans and animals sets the stage for an unforgettable escape. But you can also forge deeper connections. In addition to swimming with the native sandalwoods, you can undergo equine therapy or take riding lessons with the gentle creatures.
Beyond the equestrian interactions, all-inclusive NIHI Sumba offers a wealth of experiences. Embark on thrilling adventures like spearfishing, waterfall trekking, mountain biking and surfing — the boutique hotel sits in front of Occy’s Left, one of Asia’s legendary breaks. Or explore the diverse terrain, from rolling hills to rice paddies, by hiking through 90 miles of surrounding trails (with stop-offs in local villages) and topping it off with open-air clifftop spa treatments during a “spa safari.”
The resort’s 27 villas are just as wild as the rest of the property, especially the Mamole Treehouse. Composed of three thatched-roof villas with connected walkways, the sprawling treehouse makes you feel like Robinson Crusoe, but you won’t be roughing it — the accommodation comes with indulgent amenities, including two pools, a private spa treatment room, several spacious outdoor dining/lounging spots and a “guest kapten” (essentially a butler) who will look after your every need.
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in NIHI Sumba’s philosophy. The resort supports the Sumba Foundation, which provides vital services such as clean water, healthcare and education to local communities in need. And 93% of the hotel’s workforce is made up of Sumbanese. By staying at NIHI Sumba, guests contribute to these initiatives and experience a vacation that is as meaningful as it is luxurious.
