Fine dining, 45,000 ft up
VistaJet says it’ll transform the dining experience on its private flights, where our senses are dulled due to the altitude and humidity. They have seasonal menus and suppliers providing the freshest ingredients to maximize the taste and aroma of the food, while top chefs, including those working at Michelin-starred restaurants, have conceived exclusive meals to be served on board. A bespoke dining team proposes menus for clients, and they get to work sourcing ingredients. A private chef creates the dishes, sensitive of allergies and intolerances. Meals are couriered and loaded 90 minutes before departure, while a British Butler Institute-trained cabin host finishes cooking the food before it is served. Find out more at vistajet.com/privatedining.
Sesquicentenary
Holland America is forging ahead with its 150th anniversary celebrations, with 48 cruises revisiting historical ports. There are special itineraries in Alaska, the Caribbean, northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia and New Zealand, Hawai‘i, South America, and México. Shipboard displays will feature moments from the line’s history, while a gala menu includes options from previous Holland America menus. The commemorative celebration is Holland America’s 150th anniversary trans-Atlantic crossing, departing New York on April 6, arriving Rotterdam on April 18, its precise birthday. Enquire with your travel agent on bookings.
Countdown
For a real difference ushering in 2023, how about a stay in Surabaya, Indonesia? Both the Westin Surabaya and Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya Pakuwon Indah are having a countdown celebration in East Java’s biggest ballroom. The Westin has a five-star luxury package, while Four Points offers something more contemporary. Both consist of a two-day, one-night package, and include a Mamma Mia! gala dinner and live musical show for two at the Westin Grand Ballroom & Convention Center. The show features Indonesian music legends, Elfa’s Singers. The rest of the evening features musical artist Lalahuta, the David All-Star Orchestra and the Last Minute Street Crew dancers. It’s at the dinner that the December 31, 2022 countdown will take place. For more information, visit either www.westinsurabaya.com or www.fourpointssurabayapakuwon.com.
By a sacred site
Staying with Indonesia, Aman has dates in the New Year at Amanjiwo, its Java property. Here they recommend you board a train at Gambir Station in Jakarta, and Amanjiwo’s resident anthropologist, Patrick Vanhoebrouek, will accompany you and tell you about the island’s culture and history en route. The meals are prepared by Amanjiwo. You can even head on the train as a private charter if there are eight to fifteen of you booking, and get your own private carriage. But if you wish to skip the seven-hour train journey, you can head straight to Amanjiwo from Yogyakarta. The property, at the foot of the Menoreh Hills, overlooks Borobudur, a sacred Buddhist temple and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Find out more at aman.com.
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