Elite Traveler November-December 2015

elite traveler NOV/DEC 2015 ISSUE 6 160

Flight of fancy

Fly to the Great Wall for breakfast

Ever since Fendi hosted a fashion show on a private section of the Great Wall of China, accessing this wonder of the world without the tourist hordes has become something to covet. If Fendi can have it for themselves, why the heck can’t you? Luxury British travel agency Black Tomato has made this a possibility by securing a helicopter landing spot for a sunrise breakfast on the Mutianyu section of the Wall. After spending a night (or four) in one of Beijing’s most exclusive hotels (we recommend the Premier Spa Suite at the new Rosewood hotel), guests are flown 45 miles out of the city to the iconic granite structure that bisects the country, for a picnic breakfast of fruit, pastries and fizz. This time of year the views are spectacular – it’s a snowy wonderland. Adventurous types may also choose to up the excitement factor by paragliding onto the Wall, just as coffee is served. From $5,400 per person (based on two traveling) for four nights, including accommodation at the Rosewood Beijing (Premier Spa Suite), helicopter flight over the Great Wall, picnic on the Mutianyu section with butler service and private tours of Beijing. blacktomato.com

Words: Emily Mathieson. Illustration: Jill Calder