Elite Traveler November-December 2017

December

For adventurers ANTARCTIC Explore the Antarctic’s otherworldly terrain during the festive season for a one-of-a-kind Christmas vacation. High-end travel specialist Henry Cookson Adventures creates bespoke itineraries in extraordinary locations, and has only recently gone public — previously, the company operated by word of mouth. The enterprise began when Henry Cookson left Goldman Sachs to explore the world (and break a fewworld records in the process), leading to his friends asking him to organize trips for them, and so Henry Cookson Adventures was born. Henry is particularly passionate about the Antarctic: “Of all the numerous magical places on the planet one has been privileged to visit, Antarctica still remains the most alien, most awe-inspiring and just downright majestic. Given its sheer volume and range of wildlife, the Antarctic Peninsular for me is the Serengeti of the polar regions.” A luxury superyacht will be your vessel through the Antarctic and is customized depending on your needs. December is the best time to spot frolicking penguin chicks and seal pups, as well as penguin colonies numbering in the millions, breaching humpback whales, elegant leopard seals meandering among ice flows and colossal three-ton elephant seals battling for primacy — all of this occurring against a backdrop of giant carving glaciers and cathedral-esque icebergs. Get up close to the wildlife by kayaking through the Fish Islands, or scuba dive to see their underwater kingdom. If the icy waters don’t appeal, delve beneath the surface by submersible to see the semi-submerged icebergs and wildlife. If you would prefer to explore from above, a helicopter ride can be arranged, or to really get a feel for the rugged terrain, scale the ice cliffs with expert ice climbers. From $110,000 per person for a customized seven-day experience. Contact Fran Wimborne, client services, fran@henrycookson.com, +44 207 736 0452, henrycooksonadventures.com

Photos Eric Sander, Van Cleef & Arpels, Henry Cookson Adventures

New Year’s Eve in St Barts, FrenchWest Indies, 31 Dec Stay Villa Ginger, Wimco Villas, $95,000 per week during New Years. Contact Laurent Edery, director, info@wimco.com, +1 888 749 8459, wimco.com

Opening night of La Scala opera season, Milan, Italy, Dec 7 Tickets From $167, available from Oct 9, 2017, teatroallascala.org Stay Bulgari Suite, The Bulgari Hotel Milan, from $7,200 per night. Contact AttilioMarro, general manager, attilio.marro@ bulgarihotels.com, +39 028 058 051, bulgarihotels.com