For today’s global traveller, luxury is often less about geography and more about how different destinations work for different needs. While some seasons are defined by pace and performance - such as skiing in the winter months - others are defined by relaxation, discovery and privacy, and all suited to the individual traveller. For those who are looking for both wellness and adventure, there are many types of holiday that can tick all the right boxes - from skiing followed by spa treatments, and remote private islands with water sports and world-class treatments.
For the adventurers & thrill seekers:
For those drawn to the slopes, skiing and snowboarding will always be a part of the yearly travel calendar. For our clients, secluded chalets with ski-in ski-out access across the Alps remain a firm favourite, whether in resorts such as Val d’Isère and Verbier, or heli-skiing programmes that extend the paths far beyond conventional terrain.
For adventurers, locations closer to the Arctic Circle are fast becoming increasingly accessible. One of our explorer yachts, La Datcha, has been purpose-built for extreme and remote Arctic exploration. Fully capable of navigating extreme temperatures, the yacht accommodates up to 12 guests and carries two helicopters, a submersible and snow scooters, allowing for high-end polar discovery that delivers on speed, scale and navigating expansive landscapes with incredible sights.
Nearby in North Iceland, Höfði Lodge is a luxurious hideaway with 40 rooms, set to open in autumn this year. With views across the Eyjafjörður fjord, this dramatic location offers year-round adventure, with ski-in ski-out access, heli-skiing, horse riding and hiking, alongside spa and wellness activities for post-adventure rejuvenation.
For those seeking wellness experiences:
Equally important are trips designed around relaxation at the very highest level. In alpine chalets, in-residence spa facilities, sleep-optimised suites and dedicated treatment rooms increasingly sit alongside ski programmes, allowing long days on the slopes to be balanced with structured recovery. Private yoga instructors, meditation classes and in-chalet massages are now the new normal - allowing guests to explore the best of both worlds.
Private yachts also provide opportunities for the most exclusive spa and relaxation treatments without having to leave the ship, while top-class spa experiences in coastal cities make relaxation a priority alongside world-class dining and exploration. On the water’s edge, islands in the Caribbean such as Antigua and the British Virgin Islands provide a year-round option for a sunshine getaway, and a different form of momentum. Days may revolve around guided wellness sessions, marine-based activity, or simply uninterrupted space.
On land, properties such as the cliffside ÀNI Sri Lanka and the temple-like ÀNI Thailand offer private Ayurvedic spa experiences, massages and infinity pools, while private islands ensure everything is firmly in one place. In the Maldives, the private island of Velaa offers a paradise setting with complete privacy for larger groups, offering wellness activities from golf to spa, alongside fine dining restaurants and a kids’ club.
In recent years, the distinction is not necessarily between adventure and wellness, but how the two can be blended together across the calendar. Guests can enjoy high-altitude skiing followed by therapeutic immersion, or competitive sailing paired with private island decompression. With our clients, travel is not reactive but structured, with recommendations for both adventure and wellness throughout.
To speak to the team about your next adventure or wellness trip, email hello@alsprivate.com
