solairus aviation blog

Does the thought of hopping onto your private jet for a flight to London make you yawn? Is NYC passé? When even the thought of the Galapagos Islands make you shrug your shoulders, it’s time for a far-flung getaway to a place that you thought only existed in fairy tales.

Mount Roraima

Remember the floating lands above the clouds in the movie Avatar? A cloudy day near Mount Roraima on the triple border of Guyana, Brazil and Venezuela looks just like it when clouds form near the peak. After chartering a private jet, the best way to see one of the world’s oldest geological formations is from a helicopter. The bird’s eye view will leave you breathless. The peak and tabletop of the mountain are one in the same as scientists believe that water and wind formed the plateau. Many of the species of flora and fauna found at Mount Roraima are unique to the prehistoric island in the sky and aren’t found anywhere else in the world—a mystery that still boggles scientists. 

McMurdo Dry Valleys

A series of snow-free valleys found west of the McMurdo Sound, the region of the McMurdo Dry Valleys is known as one of the most extreme deserts in the world. The lack of snow is caused by the dry conditions, the lack of ice covering the land and because the nearby mountains block seaward-flowing ice. Katabatic winds also cause the unique conditions in the valley, as the airs warm as they rapidly descend; thus evaporating any water, ice or snow. The ice-filled waters of the nearby McMurdo Sound are perfect if you love marine animals. The extreme conditions turn most tourists away, but the trip is worth the magnificent scenery of glowing blue ice shelves, icebergs, Adelie penguins, Emperor penguins, seals and killer whales. When you arrive by plane, expect to land on a floating ice airstrip by the McMurdo Station.

Zanzibar

Located in one of the most exotic locations in the world—the Spice Islands—Zanzibar is the place where tales of black magic, princesses and pirate legends were born. It doesn’t just exist in books. Located in East Africa, in the Indian Ocean, this destination is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania. Here you’ll find warm weather and crystal-clear waters on the isolated beaches of Paje, where you can go out for a gentle ride on a sailboat. Visit the Jozani Natural Park for the unique chance to see the endangered Zanzibar Red Colombus monkey, the Zanibar Servaline Genet and the almost extinct Zanzibar leopard (if you’re lucky)—animals that are all endemic to the area. While you’re here, don’t forget to go to the market to pick up fresh, exotic spices that are hard to find elsewhere in the world.   

Corfu

A Greek island in the Ionian Sea, Corfu (or Kerkyra) is also known as Poseidon’s hideaway. Bound with the history of the country and its mythology, Poseidon married the nymph Kokyra at the island and named the land after her. In other Greek legends, Odysseus anchored his boat on the shores of Paleokastritza, where he surely enjoyed the white sand, blue waters and magnificent cliffs. Whether you’re a history buff, love warm weather or can’t stand to be far from the sea for too long, Corfu has something for everyone.

The world is full of undiscovered destinations that are awaiting your arrival. Where’s your next stop?

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

There are certain things that you can’t go without during the holidays—a roaring fireplace, glittering tree dressed with garlands, bow-topped gifts, the smell of sweet spices and, of course, Christmas stockings. Today there’s no limit to the extravagance and indulgence or stocking gifts, or the number of stockings that you get to hang. So, if you’re going on a private jet holiday trip for the holidays, don’t forget about filling the stockings.  

Montblanc Bespoke Nib Service

Montblanc believes that your handwriting is a unique as your fingerprint and that your signature is a mark of your personality. With this in mind, the creator of the fine writing instruments began offering a unique bespoke service in November 2012—a personalized fountain pen nib. By analyzing your own (or the gift recipient’s) handwriting and identifying its unique characteristics, the artisans at Montblanc hand-craft a gold nib that ensures the perfect pen rotation, writing speed and pressure, swing range and inclination angle. You can further personalize the nib by having a name inscribed onto it for a truly one-of-a-kind gift. Enquire about the Bespoke Nib Service at your favorite Montblanc boutique.  (http://www.montblanc.com/en-US/Flash/Default.aspx?sc_lang=en-US)

RODIN Olio Lusso Face Oil

Ideal for either gender, RODIN Olio Lusso Face Oil is a luxury blend of 11 essential oils gathered from flowers and other botanical ingredients that’s perfect for any type of complexion. Since Linda Rodin released this product a couple years ago, the beauty world hasn’t stopped buzzing about it. Women love this potion for the way it leaves their skin supple and luminescent. Men love RODIN Olio Lusso Face Oil for its moisturizing, non-greasy benefits, especially after shaving (which beats stinging aftershaves on any day).  (http://oliolusso.com/)

Jack Row Cuff Links

Jack Row, the maker of exclusive writing instruments and accessories in the U.K., offers an exquisite pair of cufflinks from his award-winning “Architect” collection for those who love art and the ultimate in opulence. The cufflinks are available in the combination of 18-carat white or yellow gold that you like, along with Brilliant Cut diamond or blue sapphire detailing.  Row got his inspiration for the cufflink design from London’s Gherkin building, St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow and Barcelona’s cathedral, La Sagrada Familia. (http://www.jackrow.com/home.htm)

Boucheron’s ‘A Collection of Animals’

Created by Maison Boucheron in Paris, the “A Collection of Animals” line is perfect for animal lovers. The collection intricately places colorful sapphires, rubies, tsavorite garnets, diamonds of all colors, emeralds, rubies, spinels, amethysts, tiger’s eye, moonstone and various types of gold to create rings in the form of swans, chameleons, elephants, serpents,  hedgehogs, tigers, zebras, horses, cockatoos, flamingoes, owls, sea turtles, frogs, hawks,  pandas and giraffes. The amount of bling on a single ring is so great that it’s like carrying a treasure chest on your hand. Some of the rings in the “Animal” collection also have a matching necklace or pair of earrings  (http://us.boucheron.com/en_us/the-creations/jewelry/a-collection-of-animals.html)

Diamond Dog Collar

You can’t forget your best canine friend during the holidays, so why not give your pampered pooch a collar that it can proudly wear from the i Love Dogs “La Cillection de Bijoux”? Hailed at the “Bugatti of dog collars” by Forbes Senior Editor Matt Miller, the 52-carat “Amour, Amour” collar made of crocodile leather, platinum and 18-carat white gold has no less than 1,645 hand-set diamonds. The chandelier design of the collar features one 7-carat (D-IF) and two 4-carat brilliant-cut diamonds for the centerpieces. (http://www.ilovedogsdiamonds.com/#all)

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

During the holiday season, only the best will do for the special women in your life.  Acknowledge her fine taste with a gift that meets her exquisite style. The following are some of our top picks for the 2012 holiday season:

High Jewelry Egg Pendant

What woman doesn’t want a Fabergé egg? Now you can give her a one-of-a-kind, bespoke Fabergé in the form of a High Jewelry Egg Pendant from the Les Fameux de Fabergé line. Each pendant pays homage to the renowned Imperial Eggs that Peter Carl Fabergé created for the Romanov family and embraces a different traditional Russian proverb within the layers of its craftsmanship. One of the luxe pendants that she’s sure to love is the Diaghilev Egg (L’Oeuf Diaghilv), inspired by Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. Made of 18 carat white gold, this object of desire contains 24.14 carats of rubies encircled by 2,012 diamonds. The necklace also drips with sapphires and moonstones.  The diamond drawer at the center of the egg pendant is invisibly set and opens with the push of a gemstone button to reveal a matching pendent. (http://www.faberge.com/Splash.aspx)

Georg Jensen Ambassador Candle Holder

Carrying on the tradition of the famous Danish silversmith, you can only find the Georg Jensen Ambassador Collection of tableware at exclusive retailers. The Ambassador Candle Holder epitomizes the  classic voluptuous representations of nature in Jensen’s original Art Nouveau heirloom pieces to give you enduring opulence that will never diminish in beauty or value. The handcrafted sterling silver candle holder is an elegant piece on its own, or a marvelous companion to the Ambassador Grape Bowl table centerpiece and the matching Grape Cup. (http://www.harrods.com/product/ambassador-candle-holder/georg-jensen/000000000002791833?cat1=bn-the-gift-guide&cat2=bn-gift-guide-the-ultimate)

Prada Traveling Office

For the woman who is into haute couture and always on the go in her private charter jet, give her Prada accessories from the Saffiano leather collection to help her complete her traveling office. Prada pairs chalk-white with Baltic blue accents in the form of roses to create a leather-embraced 8 GB USB flash drive keychain, leather clutch, rose pen and an iPad cover. The Saffiano leather clutch comes with gold-plated hardware and makes the perfect pencil tote. The Nappa leather lining in the Saffiano leather iPad will keep her tablet luxuriously protected. The leather clutch and iPad cover are also available in black with red leather roses. (http://www.prada.com/en)

Jimmy Choo Clutch

The beloved designer of women’s shoes also makes swoon-worthy handbags to go with any occasion. Treat the gift recipient on your list with the Claire, a small metal clutch that fits perfectly in the palm of a hand. This evening clutch dazzles with the multi-colored crystals that line the outside of the bag. The red, black and dark baby-blue stones make this clutch the perfect accessory for her upcoming New Year’s Eve party. (http://us.jimmychoo.com/en/us/evening/claire-/invt/122clairemmtc/)   

Iron Orb Crystal Chandelier

You have a week or so with the family and you need to private charter jet winter vacation destination that everyone will love. From the tropics to snow bunny-cold, enjoy a land with a traditional holiday vibe or one that gets away from the hustle and bustle of it all.

Black Forest Region, Germany

A place that never ceases to possess a joyful spirit during the holidays is Germany’s picturesque Black Forest in the southwest corner of Baden-Württemberg. Take a private charter jet vacation here for authentic Schwarzwald ham smoked over pinecones, Black Forest cake and the Rothaus Brewery’s Tannen-Zäpfle Pilsner. If you’re on holiday to relax, enjoy a Baden-Baden spa experience in one of the several opulent thermal baths in the area.  Baden-Baden’s grand air and expensive boutiques serve as the backdrop of the annual Christmas markets, which you can find throughout the region. Some of the most notable are those in Strasbourg, Gengenbach, Titisee and Freiburg.  However, if you want to bring home an authentic, lavish souvenir, head to Triberg for a hand-carved kuckucksuhr (cuckoo clock). For a smaller timepiece, visit Prorzheim, Germany’s “Golden City”, as it’s known for its premium watch-making enterprises.  

Tokyo, Japan

With a never-ending kaleidoscope of lights all year round, Tokyo’s holiday lights are a reflection of the Western influence over the city, not necessarily its love for the carols of Bing Crosby or Nat King Cole. Nevertheless, when Tokyo does lights, it goes all out. Areas of the city that require the use of sunglasses at night because of their displays of holiday cheer include Caretta Shiodome with its 3D projectors, Shinjuku Terrace City, Ginza, Chuo Street, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown, Odaiba, Tokyo Dome City, Marunouchi, Yebisu Garden Place and the Akasaka Sacas complex with its outdoor skating rink. When you need to relieve some tension, the Edo-style hot springs are sure to please. But, if shopping is on your mind, head to Takeshita Street in the Harajuku area for its unique street fashions and large shopping district. Omotesando Avenue is home to affluent boutiques, like Prada. To search for traditional gifts, the Asakusa area has what you need for some well-deserved Japanese-style holiday cheer. For your like-home Christmas dinner,  make a reservation at a Western hotel, like the Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel, Hilton Tokyo Bay, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi or the New York Grill at the Park Hyatt.

Belize

About the size of Massachusetts, Belize is just south of Mexico—a short hop away in your private charter jet. The English-speaking country has a large Creole influence and a laid back demeanor that’s almost comatose.  The staggering beauty of the country is enhanced by its rainforest-cloaked mountains, unearthed Mayan pyramids, underground rivers, sacred limestone caves and the world’s second longest barrier reef (You don’t have to go Down Under to snorkel with a rainbow-colored tropical fish.). Belize’s nightlife takes a backseat to its wildlife. Give the kids a rare opportunity to see the elusive, endangered jaguars at the Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve, hundreds of species of birds at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and marine life at the famous Shark and Stingray Alley at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Stay at a Chan Chich Lodge luxury villa for a well-appointed night in the Mayan ceremonial city within La Selva Maya (The Mayan Jungle) for a truly unique experience (http://www.chanchich.com/). For your holiday meals, enjoy the cuisine at the elegant Palmilla restaurant in Ambergris Caye or The French Connection in Placencia.

Where are you off to this holiday season?

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s important to take some time out for yourself to relax. After all, winter only comes once a year. Grab your family, snow gear, and favorite sweaters; charter a private jet from Solairus and make your way to one of America’s best luxury winter haute-spots.

The Whiteface Lodge | Lake Placid, N.Y.

The Whiteface Lodge is a resort that encompasses the Great Camps feel of the Adirondack Mountains. Enjoy the comforts of the authentic Adirondack furnishings and the hand-milled timber accents in the place that Travel + Leisure named the “Northeast’s Best Mountain Resort.” The glow throughout the lodge gives it a German Black Forest feel that makes you feel like you’ve found the perfect union of modern luxury and rustic elegance. When you charter a private jet and stay at the Whiteface Lodge, book the Grand Lodge Presidential Suite, which offers two private bedrooms, a private master suite and splendid views of the Adirondacks from the enclosed balconies. To help you warm up on the most bitter-cold days, partake in the Cigar & Cognac Learn-Tos.  (http://www.thewhitefacelodge.com/)

The Lodge and Spa at Three Forks Ranch | Savery, Wyo.

As a world-class, 15-room resort and spa situated on 200,000 acres of private land, the Lodge and Spa at Three Forks Ranch offers wintertime activities that are tailored to your passions. While Three Forks Ranch has immaculately appointed master suites that feature L’Occitane amenities and Belasari Italian linens, the lodge prides itself on its menu of Exclusive Events that offer adventure without the need to travel far or deal with the annoyances of tourist hotspots. During the winter, enjoy skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, ice fishing  and snowmobiling. The Personal Guide that the lodge provides its guests helps ensure that every moment of your stay is nothing less than exquisite. (http://www.threeforksranch.com/)

Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley | Park City, Utah

As a AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star accommodation, the Stein Eriksen Lodge is one of the premier resorts in the U.S. to charter a private jet to. Enjoy world-class skiing during the winter, as well as horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snow tubing and snowmobiling as the Rocky Mountains serve as a majestic backdrop. After a day of play, relax at the five-star, 23,000-square- foot luxury spa where you’re treated to personalized treatments, including full salon services. Then head over to the Glitretind, the Forbes Four Star on-site restaurant, for an unforgettable meal and house-made chocolates. When you stay at the Stein Eriksen Lodge, book one of the Grand Suites in the Mountain Lodge. Each suite has its own distinct style, a full-sized European kitchen, stone fireplace, private deck and up to 3,000 square feet of space.  (http://www.steinlodge.com/)   

The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera | Edwards, Colo.

It’s that time of year again. So, what do you get a private charter jet setting guy who seems to have everything he could ever want? ... Something that few other people in the world will ever own.

Here’s a look at our top luxury picks for this holiday season:

2013 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse

Already hailed as the most powerful roadster of all time, the 2013 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse is like the Super Sport, but with some major oomph. Think of the Grand Sport as the Super Sport’s more powerful, vixen sister. Even though it "only" reaches speeds of 258 mph, the Grand Sport’s 1,200 hp is 20 percent more powerful than its predecessor. Combine the hp with 1,106 lb-ft torque and only your private charter jet will go faster! You’ll also find a 16-cylinder engine with quad turbochargers and intercoolers, a strengthened chassis, enhanced carbon-fiber tub, revised suspension and a reinforced seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox in the new Grand Sport. To get this baby in time for the holidays, act fast. Bugatti capped the Grand Sport production at 150 units. (http://www.bugatti.com/en/vitesse.html)

Bespoke Poker Chips

The offerings from STÅHL will make the most affluent jaws in the casinos of Las Vegas, Atlantic City and even Monte Carlo drop. Using 120 calibrated pieces cut from an ancient asteroid that landed in Lapland, Sweden about 800,000 years ago, STÅHL give the world’s most lavish high rollers the Meteorite Set. STÅHL encrusts the rim of each chip with yellow sapphires, rubies and diamonds. The chips are made with 18 karat white gold and feature Type IVA fine octahedrite meteorite inlays. The meteorite slices each have their own unique striations, so no two are alike. Also included in the set are five hand-painted, calibrated dice made of Siberian woolly mammoth. Your recipient can carry the Meteorite set to his private charter jet in the included Swedish calf skin case that comes with a reindeer suede lining and 18 karat white gold hinges.  (http://www.stahlstockholm.com/en/the-meteorite-set-5064459)

Exclusive, Limited Edition Pocketknife

When jewelry meets functionality, you have the unique pocketknives from the award-winning brand William Henry. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a boy scout with one these. The William Henry line includes Exclusive Edition knives where only 50 or less of a single knife model was made for an individual retailer. The hand-forged and hand-engraved pocketknives seamlessly integrate the world’s best alloys, precious metal inlays, inset gemstones and natural materials to give each piece an air of artistic timelessness. For something truly special, consider the gift of the B12 Prairie Ranch with citrine, Damascus blade, desert ironwood inset and a 24 karat gold frame (five knives in the edition); the B10-1113 Smoke Storm with a tungsten-coated Damascus blade, citrine insets and a fossil mammoth bone inlay (three knives in the edition) or the B30 Unicorn 2012 with a tungsten-coated blade, carbon Damascus frame, inset corundum rubies and black-lip pearl inlay (18 in the edition). (http://www.williamhenrystudio.com/exclusive-editions.cfm ) 

True Champagne Cognac

There’s top-shelf cognac, then there’s Louis XII de Rémy Martin—the “kings of cognacs.” As one of the most exalted spirits in the world, that House of Rémy Martin in France has specialized in Fine Champagne Cognac since 1724. Bottled in the fleurs-de-lis-decorated, iconic crystal carafe, the Rare Cask 43.8 was a happy surprised that Cellar Master Pierrette Trichet discovered in 2004 and later bottled for sale in 2009. With an aromatic range of gingerbread, hazelnut, fresh mint and candied fruit, this extremely limited edition only produced 786 carafes. Featuring 43.8 degrees of alcohol, the Rare Cask is the first and only to use a Baccarat-designed carafe in the Louis XII line made of black crystal with a neck embellished with palladium. (http://www.louis-xiii.com/en#/collections/rarecask/decouverte-extraordinaire)

This holiday season, give the gift of something invaluable. What do you have on your gift list (or wish list)?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the few places in the world where you can say without exaggeration that luxury truly gushes. The lavishness that you witness is what dreams are made of, and unlike other Arab states, it encourages and courts tourists who want to make a stop in their private charter jets. Offering cosmopolitan elegance mixed with the historic Bedouin heritage, taking a private jet to the UAE will never leave you feeling cheated of opulence.

Places to Stay

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

With marble imported from 13 countries, gold leaf-adorned guest rooms, a 1.3-kilometer private beach, 1,002 chandeliers and $1 million suites, the Emirates Palace makes most of the five-star hotels in the U.S. look like Motel 6. Take a private jet to the UAE and stay in one of the Emirates Palace suites and enjoy luxury limousine services, a personal butler, ATM gold dispenser, 167-berth marina and 24/7 concierge services.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi

Set in the Arabian Peninsula’s Empty Quarter, the UAE’s ruling family developed the Qasr Al Sarab in the legendary Liwa Desert. Offering guest rooms, suites and villas, you can enjoy guided desert walks where you can traverse the dunes by camel and hone in your archery skills. As one of the top luxury retreats in the UAE, the accommodations boast jewel-toned accents, traditional design, lush fabrics, chandeliers and palatial luxury.

Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Famous for its 321-meter sail-shaped architecture on top a manmade island, the Burj Al Arab is one of the most expensive hotels in the world. A stay at this hotel is more than a place to rest your head, it’s an incomparable event. When you land at a nearby hotel in your private  jet, have the hotel staff greet you at the FBO with a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce or its helicopter service.  All of the hotel suites offer opulence in every detail, right down to the full-sized Hermès amenities.

Places to Eat

QD’s, Dubai Creek Golf Course

One of the favorites among the UAE elite, QD’s (Quarterdeck’s) is where you go to be seen. It’s also the place to go if you want a taste of home, as QD’s offers barbeque, pizza, nachos and your favorite snacks. As you enjoy your meal, shisha waiters keep bubbling pipes smoky and aromatic.

Pars Palace, Abu Dhabi

Offering some of the best Persian food in the UAE, Pars Palace is tucked away near the marina, behind the Corniche Towers. This hidden gem offers some of the city’s best flat bread with sheep’s-milk cheese, spicy kebabs and the local favorite, zereshk polo-ba-morgh (saffron chicken with pomegranate seeds).

Al Dawaar, Dubai

Located in the Hyatt Regency, Al Dawaar is the only revolving restaurant in Dubai. This eatery offers international cuisine in buffet form—perfect for families or business meals when palates differ.

Where to Play

Shopping

The UAE’s souks (markets), malls and duty-free shops are among the most popular in the world for finding the finest electronic gadgets, designer clothes, cosmetics, spices, carpets, antique and gold jewelry, traditional coffee pots and antique chests. Abu Dhabi has more than 18 shopping centers, and the best souks include the Sheikh Khalifa, Al Meena, Al Nasr Street Sheikh Hamdan and Iranian markets. Dubai features low import duties and no sales tax. The best shopping centers include the Mall of the Emirates and the Dubai Mall, but you can find some of the most unique items at the shopping areas by the Bar Dubai area of the Creek and the Gold Souk bazaar on Sikkat al-Khali Street.

Thanks for All the Fish

Offering a lighthearted experience, the Dubai Dolphinarium gives you the opportunity to swim with friendly bottle-nose dolphins. Trainers show you how to communicate and understand the gentle sea mammals, and professional photographers are around during every minute of your session to capture the memories. If you prefer to stay dry, head to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, home to over 30,000 kinds of marine life.

A Day at the Beach

Because of local customs, some UAE beaches are difficult for the whole family to enjoy. Skip the fuss and head to the Hiltonia Beach Club at the Hilton Abu Dhabi, which allows entry to non-guests for a fee. Enjoy white sandy beaches under an umbrella on a private beach, pools with water slides and water sports like snorkeling and kayaking.

Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, everything slows down a bit when you’re in Costa Rica. The pura vida lifestyle and vistas straight from the pages of National Geographic are what give this small Central American country its unique charm. With tourism on the rise, you won’t have any trouble getting around any luxury hot spot as soon as you land your private charter jet…even if your Español is a bit rusty.

A Word about Getting Around

Unless you’re familiar with the country, it can be a nightmare to drive yourself around Costa Rica after you land in your private charter jet. While the conditions of the roads have greatly improved (hence all the tollbooths along the major highways), the lack of street signs still exist. Plus, Ticos (the nickname for Costa Ricans) still don’t use formal addresses with house numbers and street names. Instead, addresses are, in essence, a set of directions. The best thing to do is to hire a car service to pick you up at the private charter jet airport. Then all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Arenal, Alajuela

Costa Rica has a handful of volcanoes, but the youngest and most active is Volcán Arenal (Arenal Volcano). It’s not uncommon to see steam spewing from the mountain and the red glow of lava at night. The volcanic activity produces several hot springs that will do wonders on your muscles after a day of hiking, whitewater rafting, zip lining, waterfall rappelling or horseback riding. For a luxurious treat, take a private charter jet to Costa Rica and stay at the Nayara Hotel & Gardens. The Nayara Suite overlooks the rainforest,has an amazing view of the volcano and was voted as one of the top hotels in the world by Travel & Leisure. (http://arenalnayara.com/home.php)

Tamarindo, Guanacaste

At one of the most northwestern parts of the country, Tamarindo attracts surfers from all over the globe. Take a private charter jet to Costa Rica and go here for surfing lessons from expert wave wranglers, go whale watching, see the endangered Tortuga Negra (Black Sea Turtle) lay eggs during a nighttime excursion and tour the land on an ATV. To get away from the tourist scene, stay at the Cala Luna Resort, which is nestled on the almost-secluded beach of Playa Langosta. Accommodations include villas that include a private chef service upon request. (http://calaluna.com/)

Monteverde, Puntarenas

Named a “Top Place to Remember Before it Disappears” by Newsweek, the “jewel in the crown of cloud forest reserves” by National Geographic and one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica, modern Monteverde was founded by U.S. Quakers in the 1950s. The beauty of the area prompted the formation of the Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde (Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve) in 1972. If you love nature, Monteverde is a must for its over 2,500 plant species, 100 mammal species, 400 species of birds, 120 reptile and amphibian species and thousands of insects. It’s not uncommon to see clusters of wild orchids and large hummingbirds zipping past your head. Hire a guide for a chance to glimpse at wild cats, a brilliant quetzal a bright blue morpho butterfly and more. During your private charter jet trip to Costa Rica, book a loft suite with a view at the El Establo Mountain Hotel, one of the few luxury hotel in the area. (http://www.elestablo.com/)

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.

While the rest of America plans their Black Friday routes, you’re more worried about making an impression the day before. After all, you don’t do crowds; your family and friends are more important to have at around, even if you have to fly them down in a private charter jet to get them there! This year, skip the Michelin-rated restaurants and host Thanksgiving dinner in the comfort of your home.

Table Setting Ideas

Keep the tablecloth and runner simple so the food and small details pop. Accent a grey linen tablecloth with a muted celery-colored runner. During the cocktail hour, bring out elegant festive fall cocktail napkins like Fall Leaves or Turkey linen napkins from Sharyn Blond Linens (http://www.sharynblondlinens.com/). For the dinner hour, use large, monogrammed couture-quality dinner napkins, such as the linen options available from Grace Hayes Linens (http://www.taigan.com/shops/gracehayeslinens?gclid=CLC10ov4vbMCFQtxQgodhBsAyQ). Use the FarmStead charger designed by Bernardaud of France from Blackberry Farm to delicately frame your dinnerware with a Thanksgiving scene using the sketches of Master Gardner John Coykendall (http://www.blackberryfarm.com/shop/catalog/farm-life).

Decorative Accents

If you plan to use seating cards on the dinner table, the hand-painted chocolate turkey from Christophe Artisan Chocolates makes a perfectly clever place card (http://www.christophechocolatier.com/cart/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=96). Simply use edible ink to write the name of each guest onto the 7.5-inch confection that your guests can enjoy for dessert or as a treat to take home. For creative illumination, light the Owl Duo candles in the shape of antique bottles from Pollen Arts’ Beeswax Candle Collection (http://www.etsy.com/shop/pollenArts). The sweet honey scent is a perfect accent for your Thanksgiving fare.

Appetizers and Food for Grazing

Accent your crudités platter with a caviar bar that includes River Beluga, Imperial Russian Osetra caviar and Royal Sevruga caviar. To add a touch of autumn coloring, mix in 24-karat gold caviar. Serve the caviar on top of a sterling silver plate and a mother of pear spoon alongside mini-toasts, blinis and crème fraiche. Complement the caviar bar with steamed littleneck clams and apple-ginger mignonette over chilled oysters. Use a mix of hard, soft and semi-soft chesses to load your cheese platter. Good choices include morbier, Sainte-Maure Ash, Camembert le Châtelain and Humboldt Fog. Don’t forget to include crostinies with an array of dips such as a caramelized fennel and parmesan dip, vegetarian pate, roasted pumpkin dip and a flame-grilled eggplant dip.

The Main Course

For an alternative to the classic salt-seasoned roasted turkey, try seasoning it with rosemary and lemon, a dry brine, spice cure, herbed butter, maple glaze or a brown sugar and mustard glaze. Accompany the bird with a Swiss chard and leek tart or an onion and squash galette as part of the main course. Give your guests a good variety when it comes to side dishes. Gourmet choices can include:

• Glazed carrots with ginger and jalapeño

• Roasted beet salad with bleu cheese

• Shitake and truffle stuffing with sausage (look for the truffle selection offered by Maison de la Truffe) (http://www.maison-de-la-truffe.com/)

• Orange-scented cranberry sauce

• White wine or bourbon  gravy

• Escarole with persimmons

• Green beans with Tasso ham

• Maple-whipped sweet potatoes

•  Bourbon sweet potatoes (Glen Garioch bourbon is always a good choice)

Dessert

After a short recovery period, dessert should be as memorable as the main course, but doesn’t have to be as extravagant. In addition to the classic selection of pies, consider adding a few of the following to your menu:         

• Cinnamon custard pie

• Chocolate roulade

• Vinarterta

• Hazelnut meringues

• Pumpkin bread pudding with dulce de leche

• Pumpkin layer cake

Wines

Start your Thanksgiving celebration with a bottle of Winter Harvest from Neige. Its notes of home-baked apples and caramel are the perfect partners for your appetizers. You can never go wrong with a bottle of Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru from Leflaive to go with your meal. However, if you prefer red wine, pour a bottle of Pinot del Sebino from Ca ‘del Bosco because it’s mild taste and acidity works well with the turkey’s natural taste. For dessert, Vin Santo Pomino from Frescobaldi is a must as it succulence successfully complements sweet treats.

To make the Thanksgiving preparations simpler, hire your favorite catering service to help. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed about entertaining your guests. With staff on hand, you can enjoy the celebration without lifting a finger.

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?

It may be second nature to take a private jet wine tour to Sonoma or Napa Valley to sip on the harvested fruits of the gods. What you may not know is that there are hidden gems around the world that that produce vinos as fine as those found in Bordeaux. Get your jet ready for your global wine tasting tour!

England’s South East Vineyards

The next time that you find yourself in the “Land of Angels,” make your way over to Surrey, Kent and West Sussex to tour the local wine region. One of the best times of year to visit is during the English Wine Week at the end of May or the beginning of June—when the spring rains have begun to subside and the weather is ideal for outdoor tours. Or call during any time of the year to schedule your own private tasting! Add the Denbies Wine Estate to your list of must-visit vineyards. In addition to featuring art exhibits, award-winning vintages and gourmet restaurants, Denbies is also the country’s largest vineyard.

North Georgia, USA

The northern end of the Peach State is starting to prove itself as prime wine country. Areas like Helen have soil, terrain and elevation that mimic those of the Piedmont region in Italy. One of the most notable vineyards is Habersham Winery in Helen, right off the Appalachian Trail. It’s one of the state’s oldest and largest wineries, and has won over 150 medals in national and international competitions. For a special private jet wine tour and wine-tasting weekend, make your way to Dahlonega where there is no shortage of vineyards offering tours and the best Southern comforts.

Ukraine

As political trouble brewed, wine makers kept pressing. Winemaking began as early as the year 4 BC along the southern coast of the Crimea and monks began the tradition in the northern part of the country during the 11^th century. The Ukraine is also home to prince Lev Golitsyn, the founder of the sparkling wine Sovetskoye Shampanskoye (“Soviet Champagne”). To experience the best of the Ukraine, embark on a cruise along the Black Sea that takes guests on tours of the Massandra Winery, which is the former palace of Tsars and the oldest winery in the country.

Thailand

Add to your collection of new latitude wines a bottle from Thailand. As one of the latest trends to emerge in the Thai hospitality industry, luxe private tours of the northeast part of the country as well as Khao Yai, Samut Sakhon, Bangkok and Chiang Rai are starting to replace shopping tours. For one of the most unique experiences in the world, visit the Hua Hin Hills Vineyard for a tour and lesson in viticulture on the back of an elephant.          

Israel

Once known for its candy-sweet vintages because of the country’s warm weather, the wines now produced in the historic land are receiving prizes and accolades from international connoisseurs and industry publications. The country’s wine regions include Galilee, Samson region, Judean Hills, Shomron region and the Negev desert region. The Golan Heights of Galilee and Negev, however, are some of the most popular among those seeking an internationally renown boutique vineyard experience and a taste of Israeli Merlot.

While wines from classic regions are always a excellent choice, adding a bottle from an unlikely country or region to your wine cellar will give you and your friends something to talk about all night. What unique vintages have you enjoyed?

About Solairus Aviation:

Solairus is a full-service aviation asset management company that provides clients with expertise in acquiring and operating a wide range of private aircraft.

Solairus Aviation is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and has over twenty-five base locations across the United States and Europe. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-rated charter operator with a fleet of over 50 managed aircraft. After completion of an intense operations and safety systems audit, the ARG/US Platinum rating has only been awarded to 5% of the world’s charter operators that have demonstrated that their procedures meet or exceed industry “Best Practices” in all phases. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairusaviation.com or call 800-359-7861.