As the height of summer travel continues, thousands of delayed and canceled flights, employee-strikes and lost bags have stalled vacationers. For those able to splurge this year (and those traveling in large groups, flying private has become an increasingly popular alternative to commercial travel. We’ve rounded up the top resort destinations with airports to fly private in their backyard for headache-free travel--and as a bonus, one company that can connect travelers to any destination in the world.
FLYJETS | Anywhere in the US
The innovative company connects people to planes, making aviation access easier than ever. The first application that uses operator-provided data to allow travelers to book charter seats OR planes within one platform, FlyJets is an aviation marketplace to book a getaway anywhere in the world. Not only do they partner with private jet companies to make direct bookings seamless, they also allow travelers to split the cost through group bookings and payments. Additionally, FlyJets makes private travel more sustainable, by maximizing charter flights (aka empty legs in which private planes return to their home base between flights) as well as being the first carbon offset election program (FLYGreen)that translates to FLYRewards for future bookings.
Shore Lodge | McCall, Idaho
Located just a five-minute drive from Shore Lodge & Whitetail Club, the McCall Municipal Airport, known as “The Gateway to Backcountry,” is a full-service airport offering one runway and servicing over 40,000 flights each year. Aircrafts ranging from small general aviation (GA) aircraft to larger turbine-powered aircraft and business jets regularly operate from McCall. Private flyers have the luxury of leasing their own hangar, should they need one (size permitting). Shore Lodge is an award-winning lakefront resort located in McCall, Idaho – the heart of the region’s prized Salmon River Mountains and one of the best hidden ski towns to visit in 2016 as designated by National Geographic. The remote destination located just 2.5 hours outside of Boise provides off-the-beaten path understated, small town luxury and only-here backcountry adventures.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa | Sonora, TX
JL Bar Ranch, Resort, and Spa—a 32-room boutique resort in Texas Hill Country with standalone accommodations on the sprawling 13,000-acre property—makes small-scale travel even more exclusive and easy with its private Fixed Base Operator (FBO) airport hangar. JL Bar’s airport contains an abundance of amenities that are rare for a private airstrip, including a 5300’ x 80’ asphalt top runway, space for multiple jets, crew and passenger lounges, single point or over the wing fuel, in-flight dining from the resort’s private chef and so much more. While some guests may choose the few-hour drive to Sonora, TX, cross-country travelers looking to refuel and recharge for the night, aviation enthusiasts, and luxury travelers looking for a point-to-point getaway experience can arrive via private jet or personal airplane. In addition to the private FBO, The JL Bar Ranch offers the following accommodations
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection | Santorini, Greece
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection is the perfect cliffside getaway to escape with family or friends, surrounded by Mediterranean elegance, exceptional dining, and new experiences that showcase the region. With Santorini International Airport/Fira Airport only 5 minutes away by car - the destination is perfect for private flyers looking for an escape with ease. The resort’s individually designed rooms, each with oceanfront views and a personal plunge pool, provide a comfortable space for your group, whatever the size. Complimented by exceptional service and an eye for the best in hospitality - guests can indulge in dishes from one of the most extraordinary restaurants in Greece - with the debut of Varoulko Santorini, helmed by Michelin star chef, Lefteris Lazarou. In addition, newly opened 363 Lounge from Baba Au Rum - which has earned international acclaim on the World’s Best 50 Bars - is serving up the island’s best cocktails this summer. With a brand new experiences guide, highlights include honey tasting, Greek sandal making, and scuba diving the volcanic reefs, there is no shortage of immersive experiences this summer.
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection | Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica (pictured)
Private flights arrive directly into the Hacienda AltaGracia’s Pista, allowing guests to immediately immerse themselves in wellness, culinary and adventure experiences. Private flights with fewer than six passengers arrive directly to AltaGracia’s airstrip, whereas private flights with more than six passengers arrive at the Pérez Zeledón Airport. Uncover total well-being and unbridled adventure at Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, an escape in the mountains of Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica. Drawing on time-proven traditions and cutting-edge science, the extensive offerings at THE WELL at Hacienda AltaGracia, the New York-based brand’s first international outpost, include transformative signature treatments, expert-led health coaching, a calendar of seasonal retreats - the next of which is Dr. John Amaral’s February 2022 retreat - and daily mindful movement sessions. Indulge in Maderoterapia, a signature holistic massage technique using wooden tools to balance energy and renew the lymphatic system. Immersive wellness experiences include an herbal River Bath alongside the Calientillo RIver and forest-bathing followed by an integrative crystal healing session. No shortage of opportunities await adventurers, whether an experienced thrill-seeker or simply looking to explore. Guests looking to test their mental and physical strength are challenged to go ficus tree climbing or to discover a high canopy tree hammock that offers incredible views of the adjacent rainforest. Travelers may also enjoy a hike through the neighboring valley to Mina Escondida Waterfall for a picnic lunch or take part in a quetzal bird-watching expedition. Or discover Costa Rica's natural diversity through curated day excursions reaching all corners of the country - from the Osa Peninsula or the beaches at Isla del Caño National Park, to a wildlife adventure at Tortuguero National Park. End the day at one of the resort’s beautiful dining destinations inspired by the rich diversity of ingredients and local purveyors of the region.
East West Hospitality | Snowmass, CO
With cooling afternoons and crisp, starry nights, fall is the perfect time to enjoy Snowmass and take in the colorful mountain landscape. Spend the day on a guided nature walk, fly fishing, or playing the 36-hole challenging disc golf course up and down the mountain. Soak in the sunshine at The Snowmass Club, or explore the mountains by going on an exciting hike or mountain biking . The Snowmass area is also home to several golf courses, as challenging as they are picturesque. The luxury condominiums at One Snowmass are the perfect entry point to the new Base Village and reimagined Snowmass. Just 10 miles away, Aspen Pitkin County Airport is a commercial facility with one fixed-base operator (FBOs) for private jet passengers. Northwest of downtown Aspen, the airfield has heated hangar space, 24-hour security, an FBO terminal, rental car, and ground transportation services. Once on the ground, East West Hospitality’s concierge team is available to make guest’s vacation experience an easy lift. From stocking the pantry to booking activities and even renting skis for the whole family, the concierge team can do it all.
La Quinta Resort & Club | Palm Springs, CA
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the rugged Santa Rosa Mountains, the legendary La Quinta Resort & Club is the longest-running resort in the Palm Springs desert area. Spanning 45 vibrant acres, its verdant grounds are accentuated by beds of colorful flowers; fragrant orange, lemon, tangerine, tangelo and grapefruit trees; cypress trees and cacti; sparkling pools and picturesque courtyards, all framed by towering palms .Take your summer to new heights – travel in luxury by private jet with La Quinta Resort & Clubs Preferred Partner, Sun Air Jets and enjoy:
Ojai Valley Inn | Ojai, CA
Tucked away among the Topatopa Mountains in the mystical Ojai Valley north of Los Angeles, Ojai Valley Inn sprawls across 220 bucolic acres with wide open spaces, ancient oak and olive trees, painterly blooms, and wild sage and lavender. The resort’s private Tuscan-inspired villa is ideal for family, friend and small group buyouts – Casa Elar meanders across 10,000+ square feet with 5 bedroom suites, 12 fireplaces, beautiful indoor/outdoor living areas, an exquisite kitchen & outdoor BBQ terrace, pool and more. It comes fully serviced & staffed. To celebrate Casa Elar’s renovation, Ojai Valley Inn has teamed up with Southern California-based private charter company, Sun Air Jets, to debut an ultra-luxe escape package inclusive of round-trip chartered private flights and ground transportation; a three-night stay at Casa Elar; a Petrossian Caviar Masterclass and Champagne tasting; unlimited golf at Ojai Valley Inn’s award-winning championship course; one spa treatment per guest at Spa Ojai; in-flight amenities; and more. The exclusive package starts at $60,000 and accommodates up to ten guests.
