With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, you may be wondering what to get him, or her, to celebrate the occasion. Flowers and chocolate come to mind, but who wants to be that cliché? How about something a bit more extravagant? Something so sublime you’ll both be talking about it a year from now, and if you’re lucky, twenty years from now.
Our lifestyle management team at X by Jetex has a few adventures in mind. From a candlelight dinner on a sandbar in the Maldives, to a helicopter tour of snow-capped Mt. Kenya. If you can imagine it, we can arrange it! Here are some great Valentine’s Day gift ideas to get you started:
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A Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride in St. Moritz
Frequented by the jet set for a reason, this famous Alpine town isn’t accessible by commercial plane. The runway is too short. Most visitors arrive by train or by private jet. But what better way to spend a romantic getaway than speeding down sparkling powder runs and then warming up by a crackling fire. Ride through a nearby forest in a horse-drawn sleigh or spend the afternoon in a mineral bath at Spa Samedan. During the month of February, the frozen lake becomes a track for weekly horse races.
This culinary hotspot has plenty of choices for a romantic dinner; six restaurants have Michelin stars. We can arrange for a nanny…or a private chef if dining in is more appealing. Whatever your heart desires, our elite lifestyle team can arrange.
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An Eco Bungalow in the Chocolate Islands
If you consider yourself a trendsetter who loves to discover new destinations, São Tomé and Príncipe might be a perfect choice. This African island is part of a volcano chain that features cinematic rock and coral formations, rainforests and remote, pristine beaches. In the early 20th century these islands were the center of a chocolate empire with more than 800 cocoa plantations. Only a few are in operation today, but the ruins are fun to explore.
Accompany a guide to the beaches where female turtles lay their eggs and learn about the latest conservation efforts. Hike through a rainforest to the top of Parrot Mountain where you’ll see monkeys, orchids, colorful birds and medicinal plants. Cool off in a secluded waterfall or spend the evening in a beachside bungalow at Bom Bom Resort. This island gets few tourists a year, for now.
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Yoga & Buddhist Pilgrimage in Bhutan
Couples on a spiritual journey can find no better destination than the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. This all-Buddhist country measures its prosperity by gauging the happiness levels of its citizens. For yoga enthusiasts, there are several exclusive retreats to help harmonize your mind, body, and spirit.
Make a pilgrimage to the famous ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery,’ hung on a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. According to legend, Padmasambhava, the Brahmin royal who spread Tantric Buddhism through Bhutan, flew there to meditate on the back of a flying tiger. Today it’s a two-hour trek from the valley floor, but the views are spectacular.
For most, getting there can be a hassle. Visitors from certain countries are required to stop in India for a permit, which can take up to ten days. However, if you fly in on a private jet there is no waiting time and we can secure the permit on your behalf.
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Candlelight Dinner on a Beach in the Bahamas
An island so exclusive it’s only reachable by private jet, Norman’s Cay is a swirl of white sand and electric blue water in a chain of islands called the Exumas south and east of Nassau. What was once the headquarters for the Medellín Cartel’s drug smuggling operation is now a charming resort of seaside cottages.
The Exumas are home to hundreds of cays best explored by chartered yacht. Talk to our team, who can arrange a wide selection of beautiful vessels for you to choose from. Visit Big Majors Cay, an uninhabited island famous for its swimming pigs. Feed the friendly stingrays that swim in Ship Channel Cay or dive for conch and lobster on one of the nearby reefs. For a romantic evening, we can organize an enchanting candlelit dinner on your own private beach.
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Rent a Villa on Lake Como
Winston Churchill was so enchanted with Lake Como he is said to have sat for 5 hours, brush in hand, trying to paint it. We can see why. This dreamy lake destination, surrounded by grand villas and ancient villages, has long been a retreat for aristocrats, movie stars, writers, and elite travelers who love the glamour of Old Hollywood.
Villa La Cassinella is a 19th-century mansion that shares a peninsula with one other villa and is only accessible by boat. The main house has seven bedrooms and a nearby terrace house has two more. The amenities include a floodlit tennis court, a heated Infiniti pool, seven acres of gardens, and a private motorboat on call. It’s just one option for spending a weekend, a week, or a whole month in Valentine bliss.
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Arrange Your Valentine’s Day Getaway with X by Jetex
These are just a few of the endless possibilities for your Valentine’s Day dream date. Start with an image, a destination, or a mode of transportation, and let our expert lifestyle managers take care of everything.
Contact our team today on Xperience@jetex.com or +971 4 212 4088.
