Antarctica is an extraordinarily inspiring destination offering unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. On your luxury travel to Antarctica, explore comfortably to the edge of untouched wilderness. Once there, marvel at the gigantic icebergs and towering glaciers curling over the tops of the seaside cliffs. Be on the lookout for extraordinary wildlife, from emperor penguins to whales and seals. And with the magnificent landscapes serving as a backdrop, you can’t experience this anywhere else on earth. Here’s a luxury guide to exploring Antarctica.
How to Travel to Antarctica in Luxury
Many years ago, traveling to Antarctica could mean roughing it up a bit. But that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, you can travel to the most remote continent in luxury and style, making it a top choice for jetsetters looking for the most exclusive experiences. Travel companies have curated luxury travel packages luring well-heeled travelers who want to travel on upscale vessels, where they sleep in fancy cabins and dine in onboard restaurants surrounded by the spectacular Antarctic scenery. Aside from luxury cruises, there are also yacht-like expeditions and private jets.
The most popular way to travel to Antarctica in luxury is to take scenic luxury cruises and tours. You’ll travel in a glamorous ship with ensuite accommodations and butler service. Some cruises have onboard dining options, including a whisky bar and a sushi restaurant. They also have a helicopter pad and hangar, taking guests to some of the most remote parts of Antarctica for an unforgettable helicopter expedition.
For the most luxurious experience, consider flying to Antarctica on a private jet. You can personalize the itineraries and activities, depending on your preferences. For instance, you can take a side trip to the South Pole, visit the emperor penguin colony, explore the surreal landscape of giant glaciers and ice tunnels, or relax and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes home to incredible wildlife.
Luxurious Areas to Stay in Antarctica
Antarctica has no hotels, so if you wish to spend a night or two on the continent, you must opt for other alternatives. While most visitors will come here on a luxury cruise and sleep in posh cabins with upscale amenities, there are luxury lodges and comfortable campsites for those who want to stay in Antarctica.
Nestled in Antarctica’s rugged, ice-clad interior, White Desert’s Whichaway Camp is a luxury lodge in Queen Maud Land, Antarctica. It comes with amenities you would expect from a luxurious hotel, including private charters to Antarctica’s interior. They can also arrange a 5-hour charter service from Cape Town directly to the lodge. While staying in this luxury lodge, you can enjoy activities like trekking to ice tunnels, ice climbing, and more!
Whichaway Camp’s biggest draw is its stunning location. It sits close to the base of a 200ft ice wall, close to a frozen lake. It has domed sleeping pods and a communal dome that serve as the lounge, reception, and dining room. Guests at the lodge will also be treated to fancy three-course meals featuring steaks and seafood paired with champagne.
How to Plan a Luxury Trip to Antarctica
A trip to Antarctica is a bucket list item for many adventurous travelers. However, planning your trip can be tricky because it’s not like your usual holiday. It requires serious commitment and lots of planning and preparation. Thankfully, companies like Craft Travel can help plan your trip, which takes the stress out of organizing your journey to one of the remotest areas on Earth while enjoying some luxuries.
Part of planning your trip to Antarctica is deciding when to go. The best time to visit is during the warmer summer months, which usually last five months, from November to April. During this time, temperatures are relatively mild, and there are long hours of sunlight, giving you plenty of time to take in the sights and discover incredible wildlife.
Once you have decided when to go, the next step is choosing a travel package that suits you. As mentioned, there are many ways to travel to Antarctica, but a luxury cruise is the most popular option. Some cruises last a week, while others can go up to 21 days and even a month! These travel packages include offshore activities where you explore the continent’s major geographic sights.
Luxurious Places to Eat in Antarctica
Antarctica may not be the first place that comes to mind when traveling for food, but surprisingly, its culinary scene is top-notch. It’s home to a tiny and most isolated five-star restaurant run by chef Luca Ficara who prepares delectable five-star cuisines for the 13-person research team of Concordia Station. From French meals to pizza and Yorkshire pudding, chef Ficara is ready to satisfy the research team’s cravings.
When dining in Antarctica, it’s worth noting that there are no physical restaurants or bars on the continent since the government supplies the food for research station residents. However, all cruises that travel to Antarctica have excellent restaurants onboard, with some having a bar serving alcohol and wine. These places offer the perfect setting to unwind and socialize with fellow passengers.
Smaller cruises generally have more limited menu options. The food options will mainly depend on the nationalities and diet preferences of the passengers onboard. Buffet breakfasts and lunches are the most popular. There are also formal sit-down evening meals offering international fares.
Luxury Tours in Antarctica
Traveling to Antarctica does not come cheap. But it’s definitely worth it. The magnificent and pristine continent is one of the most untouched areas on Earth and appeals to adventurous travelers who don’t mind splurging for some luxury experiences.
As expected, your luxury tours in Antarctica have plenty of perks. First is the ability to customize your itineraries, giving you control of your holiday. You can decide on which activities to undertake and the places to visit. If you have time, you can cross the Drake Passage and travel to Antarctica on a cruise. But those with limited time can fly straight to the continent on board a private jet. Adventurous travelers can stay in a luxury lodge or camp designed to provide comfort during extreme weather conditions.
