The Best List: Private Party? Top Ten Venues for Your Next Celebration

Wanderlust with Us Issue XXIV, October 15, 2020 - The Best List, Edition 3

The Best List: Top Ten Exclusive Getaways For Your Milestone Event

We had so many special celebrations planned in 2020 for many of you: birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, family get togethers, and well, that didn’t quite work out this year. Looking into next year, we’d like to invite you to ten of our favorite exclusive getaways that are worthy of a milestone event – and yes, these are exclusive use for your guests, alone.

Aqua Blu and NIHI Sumba - East Indonesia

Max 30 Guests

$280,000 may seem like stiff price tag for a week, but not if you grab 15 of your favorite couples for an all-inclusive yacht followed by all-inclusive island experience. Surf and swim in the crystal clear blue waters. Spa Safari anyone? That's one of their specialties and we think worthy of a milestone birthday celebration!

Villa Manzu - Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

Max 30 guests

There is no better way to explore Costa Rica than by staying at Villa Manzu. This is the ultimate all inclusive celebration destination with your own private five acres of isolated peninsula and everything you could want (and everything you didn't even know you wanted). With tons of activities, two swimming pools, a spa & gym, movie theater, and even your own stocked wine and cigar room, you won't even want to leave the property! But when you do, just request one of your Villa drivers to chauffer you around in a Range Rover to one of the many activities you can do close by. PS. Look up for the monkeys climbing in the trees!

Your Own Private Carriage on the Belmond Orient Express - Venice, Italy

Max 6 or 8 Guests

If you've read the infamous Murder on the Orient Express or even seen the 2017 movie adaption with an all-star cast (including Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer) then this trip might be one of your bucket list items. Book your own private carriage and take a luxurious journey back to the 1920's with your closest friends and family. Enjoy decadent cuisine and free flowing champagne all while taking in the beautiful passing scenery from the privacy of your suite.

Musha Cay Private Island - Great Exuma, Bahamas

Max 24 Guests

Only a 40 minute flight from Miami, David Copperfield's private island retreat is begging you to come visit. This is considered one of the most secluded and exclusive spots on Earth. From a private fireworks show to a beachfront movie theater, David Copperfield made sure to include every detail to keep you occupied. Don't worry if you do get bored, just jet ski off to one of the 11 other private islands or 40 pristine beaches that are all yours to explore.

Pikaia Lodge - Galapagos, Ecuador

Max 28 Guests

The best way to experience the Galapagos islands is Pikaia Lodge. Set on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater, not only do you have spectacular accommodations unlike an expedition vessel, but you also have access to their private yacht to visit the surrounding islands in style. With few people in the water, get up close and personal to the incredible indigenous wildlife like their marine iguanas and enjoy the pristine paradise without interruption.

Hebridean Sea Safari at Glenapp Castle - Ayrshire, Scotland

Max 8 guests

After enjoying Glenapp Castle and its estate, come on board the Glenapp Boat and explore the Hebridean islands in a brand new light. Travelling between islands you will spot bountiful sea and bird life, or go ashore to the site of an ancient monastery, archaeological site, hidden castle garden, or whiskey distillery. You may even decide to take Ripley the sea eagle with you who is trained to catch fish in local waters. While enjoying the seascapes, the Glenapp concierge team will have already travelled ahead to set up your luxury glamping teepee on the beach for your accommodation under the stars.

Singita Kataza House - Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Max 8 guests

Set right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Singita Kataza House puts private gorilla-trekking experiences within easy reach. This exclusive-use villa is located less than ten minutes from the Park’s headquarters, providing families or friends with nurturing spaces in which to appreciate the transformative experience of meeting ‘the gentle giants of the forest’.

Caldera House - Teton Village, Wyoming

Max 60 guests

On the 2018 season finale of their guilty pleasure show, the Kardashians visited the luxurious Caldera House for an epic family getaway to Jackson Hole. Now it's time for you to visit and live like Kim K too (without the family drama of course). When you're not out heli-skiing take a dip in the heated outdoor infinity pool or get within feet of the largest migrating Elk herd in America on a private sleigh ride. If you rather visit in the summer, ride horseback with panoramic Teton views or even test your skills catching the native trout! The crafted experiences are what keep families returning every year.

Villa Pliniana - Lake Como, Italy

Max 40 guests

George Clooney's not the only one with a private villa on Lake Como. Now, you too can invite your closest friends and relatives to live La Dolce Vita on the banks of Lake Como. Built in 1573, over the centuries the site of Villa Pliniana has been visited by many artists, scientists and monarchs such as Leonardo da Vinci and Napolean. Today, on 18 acres of parkland on the banks of Lake Como, the villa has been restored to it's original structure but with modern touches such as a private heli-pad and boat dock. Being rented as whole, this is the perfect backdrop for your wedding or family reunion.

Sweet Bocas - Bocas Del Toro, Panama

Max 18 Guests

Built on stilts in water on your own private island, Sweet Bocas encourages guests to immerse themselves into into their local culture & environment with ample outdoor space and activities. From a floating lounge to a 30 foot yacht for expeditions, you won't ever be stuck in your room. Into sustainability and fresh ingredients? Sweet Bocas has their own greenhouse and fish farm for a true farm-to-table dining experience.