ELITE RECOMMENDS

ELITE

RECOMMENDS

wanderluxe: extreme adventure meets high luxury

Adventure travelers no longer need to endure grim accommodations. From pole to pole it is now possible to heed a sense of wanderlust as well as a preference for pampering. Seek one of our favorite extreme adventures to find the perfect combination of luxury, exclusivity and thrills.
BY SCOTT GOETZ

ELITE RECOMMENDS
COVER STORY

GREAT WHITE SHARK CAGE DIVING GANSBAAI, SOUTH AFRICA

Jumping in the water after shark, even youre protected in Jumping in the water after aashark, even if if youre protected

incage, is something so against the primalprimal instincts of a a cage, is something so against the instincts of survival survival thrill the thrill isother than terrifyingly euphoric. The that the that is nothing nothing other than terrifyingly euphoric. Thethis is in Gansbaai,is in Gansbaai, South Africa place to do place to do this South Africa (world capital of (world capital of Shark) where at Shark Alley near Dyer the Great White the Great White Shark) where at Shark Alley where Dyerare not only likely to are not only likely to Island near you Island where you sight the Great Whites sight the see them breech to catch prey. Trust that Brian but also Great Whites but also see them breech to catch prey. Trustof Great White Shark Tours Great White Shark McFarlane that Brian McFarlane of and the crew of the Tours and ,the crew of the Predator II, a 36-foot catamaran, Predator II a 36-foot catamaran, will ensure your safety (Jeff
PHOTO BY DENIS SCOTT / CORBIS

SCHOOL OF SHARKS / GREAT WHITE SHARK TOURS

CLIFF VIEW / BIRKENHEAD HOUSE

will ensure your safety (Jeff Corwin, Sting and a crew from Corwin, Sting and a crew from National Geographic have). National Geographic have). Brian, a professional skipper and diamond mine diver, has Brian, a professional skipper and diamond mine diver, navigated these waters all his life and was one of the first in has navigated these waters all his life and was one of the the area to offer shark tours. No diving experience is necesfirst in the area to offer shark tours. No diving experience sarythe bubbles scare the sharksjust a boatload of mental is necessarythe bubbles scare the sharksjust a boatcourage to jump in the water. To ensure sightings, allow two load of mental courage to jump in the water. To ensure days for shark diving and time your trip with the Southern sightings, allow two days for shark diving and time your Right Whale migration (May through August). Stay at trip with the Southern Right Whale migration (May through Birkenhead House in the fishing village of Hermanus, about Birkenhead House August). Stay at Birkenhead House in the fishing village two hours north of Cape Cape Town, where, the front balcony southeast of Town, where, from from the front of of Hermanus, about two hours south-east of Cape Town, of Room #1 ($1,000 per night) you will sit in the refined taste Room #1 ($1,000 per night) you will sit in the refined tasteof where, from the front balcony of Room #1 ($1,000 per of Liz Bidens (owner Royal Malewane) eclectic luxur andand Liz Bidens (owner of of Royal Malewane) eclectic luxury renight) you will sit in the refined taste of Liz Bidens (owner
recap stories of your Great White bravery. recap stories of cap stories of your Great White bravery. of Royal Malewane) eclectic luxury and

your Great White bravery. GETTING THERE: Cox and Kings USA are experts on arranging elite African visits and Kings Africaare experts on arGETTING THERE: Cox (Contact: USA Product Manager Jeanie Fundora, Phone: (813) 258-3323; Fax: (813) 258-3852; ranging elite African visits (Contact: Africa Product Manager Email: jfundora@coxandkingsusa.com; Fax: (813) 258-3852; Jeanie Fundora, Phone: (813) 258-3323; Website: www.coxandkingsusa.com). South African Airlines Email: jfundora@coxandkingsusa.com; offers flat-bed business class seating from New Airlines Website: www.coxandkingsusa.com). South African York to

offers flat-bed business class seating to Cape Town to be Johannesburg where easy connections from New YorkcanJohannesburg where easy connections to Cape Town made (Phone: (800) 722-9675; Website: flysaa.com). can be made (Phone: (800) 722-9675; Website: flysaa.com).
Great White Shark Tours Great White Shark Tours Contact: Owner Brian McFarlane, Phone: 27-83-300-2138; Contact: Owner Brian McFarlane, Fax: 27-28-312-2766; Email: brian@sharkcagediving.net;

COURTYARD AND POOL / BIRKENHEAD HOUSE

Phone: 27-83-300-2138; Fax: 27-28-312-2766; Website: www.sharkcagediving.net Email: brian@sharkcagediving.net; Website: www.sharkcagediving.net Birkenhead House
Contact: General Manager Garth Roux, Birkenhead House Phone: 27-28-314-8000; Fax: 27-28-314-1208; Contact: General Manager Shane Brummer, Email: info@birkenheadhouse.com; Phone: 27-28-314-8000; Fax: 27-28-314-1208; Website: www.birkenheadhouse.com Email: info@birkenheadhouse.com;

Website: www.birkenheadhouse.com

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ELITE RECOMMENDS
AMALFI TRIATHLON AMALFI COAST, ITALY
Anyone who knows the steep cliffs and hairpin turns of the knows Amalfi Coast would call biking here pretty extreme. Combine Amalfi Coast would call biking here pretty extreme. Combine with climbing Mt. Vesuvius and a long a longalong Capris that that with climbing Mt. Vesuvius and swim swim along Capris coast Blue the Blue Grotto and youve found a wincoast into the into Grotto and youve found a winning combo ning combo of sports-meets-leisure (providing you skip the of sports-meets-leisure (providing you skip the summer seasummergo May/June or September/October). son and season and go May/June or September/October). The key for biking the coast to begin by 6 6 a.m., before The key for biking the coast is is to begin bya.m., before the the tourist buses plug uproads. Starting line isline is outside tourist buses plug up the the roads. Starting outside Il San Il San Pietro (we like Room 43 for $1,180 a night), and as Pietro (we like Room 43 for $1,180 a night), and as the sun the sun peaks over the cliff tops the road is yours for you peaks over the cliff tops the road is yours for you to ride the 25 to ride the 25 miles from Positano to Salerno. From here, miles from Positano to Salerno. From here, the San Pietros the San Pietros yacht will pick you up, but if youre feeling yacht will pick you up, but if youre feeling strong enough, strong enough, youll attempt the precipitous climb up to youll attempt the precipitous climb up to Ravello for your next Ravello for your next stay at Orient Expresss new cliffstay at Orient Expresss new cliff-top Eden, Hotel Caruso, top Eden, Hotel Caruso, where the 18th century frescoes where the 18th century frescoes and mosaic floors echo the and mosaic floors echo the glamour of Pompeii. Book the glamour of Pompeii. Book the Jackie O Suite (she stayed here Jackie O Suite (she stayed here in the 1960s, and it goes in the 1960s, and it goes for $1,800 a night), and youll find for $1,450 a night), and youll find Frette bath amenities Frette bath amenities and Rivolta Carmignani linen sheets. and Rivolta Carmignani linen sheets. When youre ready to move, drive an hour to Mt. Vesuvius When youre ready to move, drive an hour to Mt. Vesuand hike to theto the top forof Naples Bay, andBay,your way vius and hike top for views views of Naples on and on
back, walk through the ruins of the ruins of the hiking, ciryour way back, walk through Pompeii. AfterPompeii. After cle hiking, circle back down and take the ferry to Capri to the back down through Naplesthrough Naples and take the stay i to the Maria Callas Suite at the Capri Palace ($1,900 a ferry theCapri to stay in the the Maria Callas Suite at the night). During ($4,250 a night). During your stay, charter Capri Palace your stay, charter the hotels 60-foot sailboat, the hotels 60-foot sailboat, the South the late the Blue the South Wind, to the Blue Grotto. Go inWind, to afternoon when the in the setting and the swimming is setting are Grotto. Gosun is late afternoon when the sunconditions and ideal. the swimming conditions are ideal.
ROOM 43 / HOTEL SAN PIETRO

AMALFI COAST / SAN PIETRO

JACKIE O SUITE / HOTEL CARUSO

GETTING THERE: For guided trips trust Italy biking specialist GETTING THERE: For guided trips trust Italy biking specialist Ciclismo Classico (see below). Their are locals who Ciclismo Classico (see below). Their guides guides are locals who really know the roads. Or, for thrill, book a Ferrari really know the roads. Or, for an extra an extra thrill, book a Ferrari with Auto(Phone: (207) 842-2000 ext. 3; Website: with Auto Europe Europe (Phone: (207) 842-2000 ext. 3; Website: www.autoeurope.com), grab a hit the road. the road. www.autoeurope.com), grab a map and map and hit

CiclismoClassico Ciclismo Classico Contact:Chief Concierge Joseph Luchison, Contact: Chief Concierge Joseph Luchison,

MARIA CALLAS SUITE BATH / CAPRI PALACE

Phone: (781) 646-3377 ext. 14; Fax: (781) 641-1512; Phone: (781) 646-3377 ext. 14; Fax: (781) 641-1512; Email: joe@ciclismoclassico.com; Email: joe@ciclismoclassico.com; Website: www.ciclismoclassico.com Website: www.ciclismoclassico.com
Il San Pietro Il San Pietro Contact: Owner Vito Cinque, Phone: 39-089-875-455; Contact:Owner Vito Cinque, Phone: 39-089-875-455;

Fax: 39-089-811-449; Email: spietro@starnet.it; 39-089-811-449; Email: info@ilsanpietro.it;

Website: www.ilsanpietro.it Website: www.ilsanpietro.it Hotel Caruso Hotel Caruso Contact: General Manager Giampaolo Ottazzi, Contact: General Manager Franc Girasoli, Phone: 39-089-85-88-807; Fax: 39-089-85- 88-888; Phone: 39-089-85-88-807; Fax: 39-089-85- 88-888; Email: gottazzi@hotelcaruso.net; Email: fgirasoli@hotelcaruso.net; Website: www.orient-express.com Website: www.hotelcaruso.com Capri Palace Hotel & Spa Capri Palace Hotel & SpaErmanno Zanini, Contact: General Manager Contact: General Manager Ermanno Zanini, Phone: 39-081-97-80-111; Fax: 39-081-83-73-191;

Phone:info@capri-palace.com; 39-081-83-73-191; Email: 39-081-97-80-111; Fax: Email: info@capri-palace.com; Website: www.capripalace.com Website: www.capripalace.com
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ELITE RECOMMENDS
COVER STORY

GORILLA TREKKING VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, RWANDA

Cutting through thick bamboo forests, climbing steep, Cutting through thick bamboo forests, climbing steep, muddy muddy hills and pushing past thickets of stinging is tough hills and pushing past thickets of stinging nettles nettles is tough but once once you a mountain gorilla pounding his work, work, but you hear hear a mountain gorilla pounding his chest and a silverback crosses your path, adrenaline chest and a silverback crosses your path, adrenaline kicks in kicks in trek seems seems effortless. Volcanoes Park in and the and the trekeffortless. Volcanoes NationalNational Park in Rwanda, a surreal King Kong landscape where Rwanda, a surreal King Kong landscape where early morning early morning light casts purple haze on smoking volcalight casts purple haze on smoking volcanoes provides an intinoes provides an intimate setting to species on of planet. mate setting to view of one of the rarestview of one thethe rar-

GORILLA AT REST / RWANDA

TREKKING GROUP / COX AND KINGS PRIMATE SAFARI

est species on the planet. Only 40 people are allowed on the government-controlled Only 56 people are allowed on the government-controlled mountains each day. Trekkers are assigned to one of five mountains each day. Trekkers are assigned to one of five hahabituated gorilla groups. Although you may not choose your bituated gorilla groups. Although you may not choose your group, guides from Cox and Kings Primate Safaris (who have group, guides from Cox and Kings Primate Safaris (who escorted Sigourney Weaver, Don Cheadle and Barry Diller) have escorted Sigourney Weaver, Don Cheadle and Barry know which group could have the best viewing that day and Diller) know which group could have the best viewing that have the pull to get you assigned to it. Try to see the Sabyino day and have the pull to get you assigned to it. Try to see the groupit has the largest silverback, Guhonda, and youngest Sabyino groupit has the largest silverback, Guhonda, and baby at the moment. youngest baby at the moment. The best time to go is July to September to avoid the rainy The best time to go is July to September to avoid the rainy seasons muddy trails ($2,825 per person for four days). Its a seasons muddy trails ($3,570 per person for four days). Its two-hour drive from Kigali to the trekking trailhead, and, until a two-hour drive from Kigali to the trekking trailhead, and,
a new from a new upscale property, Governors Camp, the apart upscale property, Governors Camp, opens (projected for late 2006), the lodging choices limited. To get yourlimited. lodging choices near the park are near the park are luxe fix, To get your luxe fix, we suggest Kenyas Little Shompole (from we suggest Kenyas Little Shompole (from $655 per night) $655 per night)the hour flight fromhour flight Kigali. Separate before making before making the Nairobi to from Nairobi to Kigali. Separate fromluxury two-suiteluxury perched high on from Shompole, this Shompole, this camp two-suite camp perched high onon the edge of the Great Riftof the Great Rift an escarpment an escarpment on the edge Valley in SouthValley in Southern Kenyathatched-roof thatched-roof villas ern Kenya has open-air has open-air villas complete with complete with enormous beds featuring glistening sheetsrun enormous beds featuring glistening sheets of water that of

VILLA BEDROOM / LITTLE SHOMPOLE

down that run down the headboards pools. water the headboards into free-forminto free-form pools. GETTING THERE: Again, turn to Cox and Kings for expert GETTING THERE: Again, turn to Cox and Kings for expert organization of your African adventure (see below). organization of your African adventure (see below).

Cox and Kings Primate Safaris Cox and Kings Primate Safaris Contact: Africa Product Manager Jeanie Fundora, Contact:(813) 258-3323; Fax: (813) 258-3852; Phone: Africa Product Manager Jeanie Fundora,
Phone: jfundora@coxandkingsusa.com; Email: (813) 258-3323; Fax: (813) 258-3852; Email: jfundora@coxandkingsusa.com; Website: www.coxandkingsusa.com Website: www.coxandkingsusa.com Governors Camp

Contact: Manager Peter Njoroge, Little Shompole Phone: 254-20-273-4000-5; Fax: 254-20-273-4023; Contact: Product Development Manager Amanda Mitchell, Website: www.governerscamp.com Phone: 25-420-270-0608; Fax: 25-420-883-3280;
Email:Shompole Little reservations@theartofventures.com; Website: www.theartofventures.com Contact: Reservations Manager Charles Njoroge,

Phone: 254-20-204-8610; Fax: 254-20-204-8621;

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Email: reservations@theartofventures.com; Website: www.shompole.com

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ELITE RECOMMENDS
COVER STORY LAWRENCE OF ARABIA REDUX: PYRAMIDS TO PETRA EGYPT/JORDAN
Its sunset on the Giza Plateau, youve climbed into the Great sunset on the Giza Plateau, youve climbed into the Great Pyramid, and nowracing on horseback to the Mena Pyramid, and now youre youre racing on horseback to the Mena Houses Churchillthe party kicking offkicking off Houses Churchill Suite for Suite for the party your twoyour twoweek-plus great ArabianForget the standard Cairo week-plus great Arabian adventure. adventure. Forget the standard Cairo and down-the-Nile cruisethis tour will and down-the-Nile cruisethis tour will find you sailing in the find you sailing in theAbercrombie and Kents Sun Boat IV Presidential Suite of Presidential Suite of Abercrombie and Kents Sun Boat IV guidedEgyptologist mostA&Ks best guided by Egypts most informed by Egypts (and informed Egyptologist Ammar, with best guide), Azza Ammar, with (and A&Ks stops to dine privately within the guide), Azza stops to dine privately within the walls of Luxor Temple walls of Luxor Temple and hot air ballooning over the Valley of and hot air ballooning over the Valley of the Kings. the Kings. Adventure mode accelerates with a 4x4 off-road romp Adventure mode accelerates with a 4x4 off-road romp on on the Sinai Peninsula, an eight-mile-plus trek up the the Sinai Peninsula, an eight-mile-plus trek up the 8,6008,600-foot-high Mt. Sinai, and deep plunge into the Red foot-high Mt. Sinai, and deep plunge into the Red Sea near Sea near Sharm el Sheikh to explore one of the top ten Sharm el Sheikh to explore one of the top ten dives of the dives of the world (the Thistlegorn wrecka WWII cargo world (the Thistlegorn wrecka WWII cargo ship that still carship that still carries Jeeps, artillery and even a train). ries Jeeps, artillery and even a train). Heading farther east to Jordan, discover the mysteriHeading farther east to Jordan, discover the mysterious ousrose-colored siq, or canyon, that leads to Petras Trearose-colored siq, or canyon, that leads to Petras Treasury. sury. Then make the four-mile climb up to the 2,000-yearThen make the four-mile climb up to the 2,000-year-old old monastery. If your wanderlust isnt satisfied yet, the monastery. If your wanderlust isnt satisfied yet, the finale of finale of camping with the Bedouin and joining a fast-paced,
camping with camel race under Lawrence of Arabias Sevteeth-rattlingthe Bedouin and joining a fast-paced, teeth-rattling camel race under Lawrence of Arabias Seven Pillars of en Pillars of Wisdom Mountain at Wadi Rum should do the Wisdom accommodations Rum should do the trick. For trick. ForMountain at Wadi in Cairo, Sharm el Sheikh and accommodations in book Sharm el Suites at all three have Amman, have A&K Cairo,the Royal Sheikh and Amman,Four A&K book the desert-worn body three Four Seasons. Your Seasons. Your Royal Suites at all will thank you. desert-worn body will thank you.

CAMELS AND PYRAMIDS / GIZA

ROYAL SUITE / FOUR SEASONS CAIRO

GETTING THERE: Contact Abercrombie and Kents

GETTING THERE: Contact Abercrombie and Egypt/Jordan Destination Expert Cindy Fernandez, Kents

Phone: (630) 954-2944, ext. 362; Fax:Fernandez, Egypt/Jordan Destination Expert Cindy (630) 954-3324;
DINING AT DUSK / MENA HOUSE

Email: cfernandez@abercrombiekent.com; Phone: (630) 954-2944, ext. 362; Fax: (630) 954-3324; Website: www.abercrombiekent.com. Email: cfernandez@abercrombiekent.com;
Website: www.abercrombiekent.com. Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence

Contact: General Manager Randy Shimabuku, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence Phone: 20-2-3568-1616; Fax: 20-2-3573-1212; Contact: General Manager Olivier Masson, Email: randy.shimabuku@fourseasons.com; Phone: 20-2-791- 7001; Fax: 20-2-791-7002; Website: www.fourseasons.com Email: olivier.masson@fourseasons.com;
Website: www.fourseasons.com Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Contact: General Manager Jean Claude Wietzel, Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt Phone: 20-69- 3603-555; Fax: 20-69-3603-550; Contact: General Manager Matthias Kiehm, Email: jeanclaude.wietzel@fourseasons.com; Phone: 20-69- 3603-555; Fax: 20-69-3603-550; Website: www.fourseasons.com Email: matthias.kiehm@fourseasons.com;
Website: www.fourseasons.com Four Seasons Hotel Amman

Contact: General Manager Gerard Stutz, Four Seasons Hotel Amman Phone: 962-6-550-55-55; Fax: 962-6-550-5556; Contact: General Manager Andrew Humphries, Email: gerard.stutz@fourseasons.com; Phone: 962-6-550-55-55; Fax: 962-6-550-5556; Website: www.fourseasons.com Email: andrew.humphries@fourseasons.com;
Website: www.fourseasons.com

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ELITE RECOMMENDS

COSTA RICAN JUNGLE TOUR COSTA RICA

Howler monkeys whoop the Costa Rican jungle canopy, and Howler monkeys whoop inin the Costa Rican jungle canopy,

and so do you as you careen onlines from tree tree to tree feet so do you as you careen on zip zip lines from to tree 200 200 feet above jungle floor like like Tarzan at Dream Forest near above the the jungle floor Tarzan at Dream Forest near the the coastal city of Queops. After a moderate hike, harnesscoastal city of Queops. After a moderate hike, harness-clad clad adventurers climb up paths, over suspension bridges adventurers climb up paths, over suspension bridges and up and ladders to precarious platforms. Naturalist guides stop to tree up tree ladders to precarious platforms. Naturalist guides stop to point out sloths, blue morpho butterflies, and point out moss-covered moss-covered sloths, blue morpho butterflies, frogs before dart frogs before a pulley system and poison dart and poison hooking you onto hooking you onto a pulley system and good shove. Awith a good shove. A is your thrilling you with a thrilling you leather-gloved hand leath-

TROPICAL SCENE / COSTA RICA

er-gloved hand is your only brake, while the length of each only brake, while the length of each cable (one is over 900 feet) cable (one is over 900 feet) and how much you reach back to and how much you reach back to pull down on the line deterpull down on the line determine how fast youll fly. mine how fast youll fly. After acclimating to the treetops with the canopy tour, After acclimating to the treetops with the canopy tour, its its time to really face your vertigo and attempt canyoning, time to really face your vertigo and attempt canyoning, where where youll rappel down waterfalls and dive off rocks into youll rappel down waterfalls and dive off rocks into deep deep crystal pools as you make your way down river. Its crystal pools as you make your way down river. Its not only the not only the high-speed thrills and astounding views that high-speed thrills and astounding views that place this trip on place this trip on our elite listat the end of the day a heour elite listat the end of the day a helicopter ferries you licopter ferries you back home to The Absinthe, a 201-foot back home to The Absinthe, a 201-foot mega-yacht ($36,000 mega-yacht ($36,000 per day for charters). per day for charters). The double mobility concept of this charter is unique The double mobility concept of this charter is unique theres a helicopter on boardand, as the ship sails down theres a helicopter on youre able to the ship sails down the the Costa Rican coast,boardand, as take helicopter flights
Costa Rican coast, youre able to take helicopter allowing as often as youd like, maximizing land time andflights as often as youd like, maximizing land time and allowing for has for varied adventures. Each of the dozen staterooms varied adventures. Each of stereo/DVD/TV, email/Internet acan en suite bathroom, the dozen staterooms has an en suite bathroom, stereo/DVD/TV, email/Internet access and other cess and other luxuries like Frette linens and LOccitane luxuries like Frette chief and LOccitane soaps. of the 20 soaps. Isobel, the linenssteward, and the restIsobel, the chief steward, and the rest of the 20 person crew caterperson crew provide exemplary five-star service,provide exemplary five-star service, catering to all your November ing to all your needs. The Absinthe sails from needs. The

COSTA RICAN CRUISE / THE ABSINTHE

through February in Costa Rica, then relocates Costa BritAbsinthe sails from November through February in up to Rica, ish Columbia from February through April and Alaska for then relocates up to British Columbia from February through summer. Alaska for summer. April and GETTING THERE: Use Abercrombie and Kent to book since GETTING THERE: Use Abercrombie and Kent to book since they have an excellent network of guides and can arrange all they have an excellent network of guides and can arrange all pre- and post-cruisetravel. Contact A&K Costa Rican pre- and post-cruise travel. Contact A&K Costa Rican Destination Expert Ruby Gano (Phone: (800) 554-7094 ext. Jane Gano Destination Expert Jane Russell (Phone: (800) 554-7094 ext. 350; Fax: (630) 954.3324; Email: jgano@abercrombiekent. 364; Fax: (630) 954.3324; 350; com; Website: www.abercrombiekent.com). jgano@abercrombiekent.com; Email: rrussell@abercrombiekent.com;
Website: www.abercrombiekent.com). The Absinthe

Contact: Director of Operations Marc Des Rosiers, The Absinthe Phone: (604) 935.3228; Des Rosiers, Contact: Director of Operations Marc DesRosiers, Email: marc@seatoskyholidays.com; Phone: (604) 935.3228; Email: marc@seatoskyholidays.com; Website: www.motoryachtabsinthe.com Website: www.seatoskyholidays.com www.motoryachtabsinthe.com

ELITE RECOMMENDS
COVER STORY ZERO GRAVITY SPACE FLIGHT: G-FORCE ONE SOUTH FLORIDA
You can train for future spaceflights by experiencing zero train for future spaceflights by experiencing zero

gravity with space flight company Space Adventures on gravity with space flight company Space Adventures on GGForce One, a modified Boeing that flies parabolic trajectoForce One, a modified Boeing 747747 that flies parabolic trajectories (the Zero-G firm runs charters). Once over the ries (the Zero-G firm runs charters). Once over the Gulf of Gulf of passengers are told to told straight ahead ahead Mexico,Mexico, passengers are look to look straight as the as the plane tilts 45 degrees and makes a 10,000-foot asplane tilts 45 degrees and makes a 10,000-foot ascent. cent. Suddenly, you are one-arm push ups, ups, jumping Suddenly, you are doingdoing one-arm push jumping with with extended time and flipping in slow motion. Fifteen extended hang hang time and flipping in slow motion. Fifteen parabolas ($3,750 per $95,000 for a 27-seat 27-seat parabolas ($3,750 per seat orseat or $95,000 for a charter) charter) are undertaken during the two-hour flight. Flights are undertaken during the two-hour flight. Flights take off take off from Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International. Exfrom Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International. Experience perience high-flying luxury, and book the 10,000-squarehigh-flying luxury, and be one of the first to book the 10,000foot Penthouse Suite at The Setai ($30,000 a night), in square-foot Penthouse Suite at The Setai ($25,000 a night), in 30 Miamis South Beach, a stellar, supernova of a hotel. The Miamis South Beach, a stellar, supernova of a hotel. The massive suite offers ultra-chic modern Asian design with massive suite offers ultra-chic modern Asian design with sweeping ocean views and a private rooftop. sweeping ocean views and a private rooftop.

WEIGHTLESS FLIGHT / SPACE ADVENTURES

PENTHOUSE SUITE / THE SETAI

Space Adventures Space Adventures Contact: VP of Sales Rick Kummerow, Contact: VP of Sales Rick Kummerow Phone: (703) 524-7172; Fax: (703) 524-7176; Phone: (703) 524-7172; Fax: (703) 524-7176; Email: rkummerow@spaceadventures.com; Email: rkummerow@spaceadventures.com; Website: www.spaceadventures.com
Website: www.spaceadventures.com

Setai Hotel Setai Hotel Contact: Manager Hans Meier, Contact:(305) 520-6205;Meier, Hans Fax: (305) Phone: Manager Florent Gateau, 520-6111;
Phone: fhmeier@ghmhotels.com; 1 Email: (305) 520-6205; Fax: (305) 520-6111; hmeier Email: fgateau@ghmhotels.com; Website: www.setai.com Website: www.setai.com

DOG SLEDDING IN THE ARCTIC CIRCLE LAPPLAND, SWEDEN

Guide Taisto Thorneus, with his seal-fur coat and Lappish Guide Taisto Thorneus, with his seal-fur coat and Lappish mystery, counts over 25 years of Arctic guiding experience mystery, counts over 25 years of Arctic guiding experience and and has won many international dogsled races. His comhas won many international dogsled races. His company, pany, Lapland Wilderness Tours, specializes in small, Lapland Wilderness Tours, specializes in small, exclusive exclusive groups (some members of British Parliament groups (some members of British Parliament became mushbecame mushers), and offers one-day experiences covers), and offers one-day experiences covering 17 miles. We ering 17 miles. We chose the programs Jukkasjarvi base chose the programs Jukkasjarvi base in order to stay at the in order to stay at the famed IceHotel. Book the Deluxe famed IceHotel. Book the Deluxe Suite, always the largest Suite, always the largest ($7,000); in years past the own($750); last year the owners recreated the album cover of ($7,000); last year the owners recreated the album cover ers recreated the album cover of Sergeant Pepper with Sergeant Pepper withwith life-size Beatles sculptures. of Sergeant Pepper life-size Beatles sculptures. life-size Beatles sculptures.
Getting There: Scandavian Airlines (Phone: (800) 221-2350; GETTING THERE: Scandavian Airlines (Phone: (800) website www.scandinavian.net) offers business class service 221-2350; website www.scandinavian.net) offers business

DOG SLEDDING / LAPPLAND

to Jukkasjarvi by way of Stockholm. of Stockholm. class service to Jukkasjarvi by way

Lapland Wilderness Tours Lapland Wilderness Tours Contact: Owner Taisto Thornius, Phone: 46-980-291-90; Contact: Owner Taisto Thornius, Phone: 46-980-291-90;
NIGHT SCENE / ICEHOTEL DELUXE SUITE / ICEHOTEL

Fax 46-980-292-61; Email: info.lwt@telia.com; 46-980-292-61; Email: info.lwt@telia.com; Website: www.laplandwildernesstours.com Website: www.laplandwildernesstours.com

Hotel Ice Hotel Contact: General Manager Kerstin Nilsson, Contact: General Manager Kerstin Nilsson, Phone 46-980-66-800; Fax: 46-980-66-890; Phone 46-980-66-800; Fax: 46-980-66-890; Email: kerstin@icehotel.com; Email: kerstin@icehotel.com; Website: www.icehotel.com Website: www.icehotel.com
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ELITE RECOMMENDS
COVER STORY
Kangaroos bounce through red dust clouds, peaks Kangaroos bounce through red dust clouds, the sun peaks

over the horizon of the Oodnadatta Track, and a stampede horizon of the Oodnadatta Track, and a stampede sounds in the distance. Time to clamber into your riding the distance. clothes, saddle up the horses, and relive thethe daysthe the clothes, saddle up the horses, and relive days of of Old Old WestAussie style. Youre on of the Outbacks most WestAussie style. Youre on one one of the Outbacks most unique events, GreatGreat Australian Cattle Drive. unique events, The The Australian Cattle Drive. Ride Ride alongside Australias greatest horsemen (veteran alongside Australias greatest horsemen (veteran drovers drovers who tell fantastic of their of their lifesaddle)saddle) who tell fantastic stories stories life in the in the as you as youhaunting plains of stone of stone and sand and pass cross cross haunting plains and sand and pass bubbling bubbling springs and salt lakessalt while keeping akeeping springs and dazzling dazzling all lakes all while herd of

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DRIVE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK

AUSSIE COWBOY / AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DRIVE

a herd of 500 cattle on the move. 500 cattle on the move. Drovers pick a trail-worthy site each night where they Drovers pick a trail-worthy site each night where they establish a village of luxury tents that includes a bar and establish a village of luxury tents that includes a bar and plenty of uniquely Australian campfire cuisine. plenty of uniquely Australian campfire cuisine. Few guests spend all five weeks on the trail, which Few guests spend all five weeks on the trail, which covers covers over 242 miles, so trail drive options allow you to over 242 miles, so trail drive options allow you to join for less join for less than a week and then be spirited off by fourthan a week and then be spirited off by four-wheel drive back wheel drive back to civilization. The Outback isnt known to civilization. The Outback isnt known for luxury, but for for luxury, but for unique pre- or post-cattle drive suite unique pre- or post-cattle drive suite accommodations pony accommodations pony up to The Desert Cave Hotel in up to The Desert Cave Hotel in Coober Pedy, where, after Coober Pedy, where, after playing a round of golf on an playing a round of golf on an all red-dirt course that has recipall red-dirt course that has reciprocal rights with St. rocal rights with St. Andrews Golf Course Andrews Golf Course in Scotland, you in Scotland, you can can spend a night
RED DIRT GOLF COURSE / THE DESERT CAVE HOTEL

spend a night like the local opal miners. Or trot out to the underground underground like the local opal miners. Or trot out to the Prairie Hotel and book the Executive Suite that Prairie Hotel and book the Executive Suite that Kate WinKate Winslet called location during during filming of Holy slet called home onhome on locationfilming of Holy Smoke Smoke and in kangaroo tail soup, soup, sirloin and and and indulgeindulge in kangaroo tail camelcamel sirloinemu emu burgers. cattle drive happens every two years (from burgers. The The cattle drive happens every two years, and spaces can be booked now $1,662 for four nights). for May/June 2007 (from $1,662 for four nights).

GETTING THERE: Contact Outback Encounter, the Australian luxury pros, to book the Cattle Drive and all pre- Australian GETTING THREE: Contact Outback Encounter, the and poststays. You can reach DestinationDrive and all pre- and at luxury pros, to book the Cattle Specialist Kylie Grace postPhone:You can reach Destination61-8-835-44-406; stays. 61-8-835-44-405; Fax: Specialist Kylie Grace at Email: kgrace@outbackencounter.com; Phone: 61-8-835-44-405; Fax: 61-8-835-44-406; Website: www.outbackencounter.com. Or call Swain Tours Email: kgrace@outbackencounter.com; CEO Ian Swain at Phone: (610) 896-9595; Fax:Swain896-9592; Website: www.outbackencounter.com. Or call (610) Tours Email: iswain@swaintours.com; CEO Ian Swain at Phone: (610) 896-9595; Fax: (610) 896-9592; Website: www.swaintours.com. Email: iswain@swaintours.com;
Website: www.swaintours.com. Desert Cave Hotel

Contact: General Manager Robert Coro, Desert Cave Hotel Phone: 61-8-8672-5688; Fax: 61-8-8672-5198; Contact: General Manager Robert Coro, Email: robert25@desertcave.com.au; Phone: 61-8-8672-5688; Website: www.desertcave.com.au Email: robert25@desertcave.com.au;
Website: www.desertcave.com.au Prairie Hotel

Contact: General Manager Margii Caldwell, Prairie Hotel Phone: 61-8-8648-4844; Contact: General Manager Margii Caldwell, Email: info@prairiehotel.com.au; Phone: 61-8-8648-4844; Email: info@prairiehotel.com.au; Website: www.prairiehotel.com.au Website: www.prairiehotel.com.au

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PENGUIN / TIERRA DEL FUEGO NATIONAL PARK

Theres no place more remote than Antarctica, and those Theres no place more remote than Antarctica, and those who

who wantultimate in extreme abandon shouldshould head to want the the ultimate in extreme abandon head to where where thefall into the sea. Startsea. Startyourself in Ushuaia, the Andes Andes fall into the by basing by basing yourself in Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. Step into a dry Step (its cold even in summer) and kayak the Beagle Channel, suit into a dry suit (its cold even in summer) and kayak the Beagle Drakes Passage, to to Drakes Passage, to hike gateway to Channel, gateway hike and explore Tierra del and explore Tierra delWith jagged glacier-covered peaks, Fuego National Park. Fuego National Park. With jagged glacier-covered peaks, clean waters and no one in sight, clean waters and no one in sight, youll feel like a Yamana youll feel like a kayakers can thenHard-core kayakers can native. Hard-core Yamana native. embark on an icebreaker then one- to three-week expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula embark on an icebreaker for a one- to three-week for a expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula with kayak experts with kayak experts Polar Cruises for a glide among the icePolar Cruises for a glide among the iceberg-filled waters. berg-filled waters. Continue your tour on Orient Lines Marco Look forward to penguin rookery landings, sailing with Polo. Book one of the two Deluxe Suites on the upper deck humpbacks and orcas, experiencing the thunderous sound ($2,995 per person) and look forward to penguin rookery landof ice calving and attending daily lectures with top-notch ings, sailing with humpbacks and orcas, experiencing the naturalists who give you a deeper understanding of the thunderous sound of ice calving and attending daily lectures complexities behind the White Continent. Connections to with top-notch naturalists who give you a deeper understandUshuaia are made through Buenos Aires where we suging of the complexities behind the White Continent. gest a stopover. Book The Royal Suite at the Alvear Palace Connections to Ushuaia are made through Buenos Aires ($4,500 a night), where the days of grand hotel travel, when where we suggest a stopover. Book The Royal Suite at the high society Europeans shipped trunkloads of treasure for Alvear Palace ($4,500 a night), where the days of grand hotel month-long stays, are still palpable. travel, when high society Europeans shipped trunkloads of
treasure for month-long stays, are still palpable. Alvear Palace

ROYAL POLO / ORIENT LINES PALACE MARCO SUITE / ALVEAR

ROYAL SUITE / ALVEAR PALACE

END OF THE WORLD ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE ARGENTINA AND ANTARCTICA

ICEBERG EXPEDITION / POLAR CRUISES

Contact: General Manager Olga Petroni, Alvear 54-11-4808-2100 ext. 7247; Phone:Palace
Contact: General Manager Fax: 54-11-4804-0034; Olga Petroni, Phone: 54-11-4808-21791; Fax: 54-11-4804-0034; Email: info@alvearpalace.com; Email: info@alvearpalace.com; Website: www.alvearpalace.com Website: www.alvearpalace.com

ROYAL SUITE / ALVEAR PALACE

Polar Cruises Contact: South American Manager Rachel Robar, Polar Cruises Phone: (813) 258-3323; Fax: (813)Dianna Upton, Contact: South American Manager 258-3852; Email: rrobar@coxandkingsusa.com; Phone: (813) 258-3323; Fax: (813) 258-3852; Website: www.coxandkingsusa.com Email: dupton@coxandkingsusa.com;
Website: www.coxandkingsusa.com Orient Lines Contact: VIP Services, Phone: (800) 333-7300; Fax: (305) 436-4120; Email: info@orientlines.com; Website: www.orientlines.com