Wildcard

Scroll

Wildcard milestone trips

Some trips can’t easily be classified. Nor can certain destinations. This collection of ‘wildcard’ experiences is where we’ve gathered all those moments that’ll suit your desire for something completely unconsidered.


Alaska Mongolia Indonesia

Alaska

Scroll

The far, snowy tip of the American continent is as rugged and wild as the day is long. This particular journey shows its landscapes off at their most transcendent, making it a rare yet rewarding backdrop against which to celebrate the biggest moments in your life.

Boreal forests. Snow-capped peaks. Isolated lodges in the far reaches of eternity. A few days here and you’ll feel a revivified kinship with the natural world. Emails, smartphones? No idea what you’re talking about.

Where to stay

Alyeska Resort, Girdwood | Luxury Hotels & Lodges in Alaska, USA

Hotel Alyeska, Girdwood

This château-style hotel offers the utmost in comfort and modernity. It makes for a welcome retreat from your action-packed itinerary, with a quite mesmerizing backdrop to boot (of imperious mountains, hanging glaciers, and shimmering lakes).

Take me there

Tutka Bay Lodge | Luxury Hotels & Lodges in Alaska

Tutka Bay Lodge, Homer

At the head of a rugged seven-mile fjord, the scenery surrounding Tutka Bay Lodge takes even an Alaskan’s breath away. But it’s not just a pretty picture, as there are endless activities to try your hand at – from wildlife hikes to floatplane rides.

Take me there

The highlights

Chugach Mountains From The Glenn Highway In Alaska

A hike to the Chugach Mountains

Some 2,300ft above sea level, ‘Glacier Valley’ offers dramatic, heart-stopping views across the Alaskan wilderness. You’ll hike along the scenic ridgeline with one of our expert guides. This is pioneer country through and through.

Learn more
Bison in Wyoming

Conservation

Located at the head of Portage Valley, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center does vital work rehabilitating and conserving the region’s wildlife – bison, bears, eagles and more. You’ll get to walk around behind the scenes.

Learn more
Crab fishing boat, Alaska

To catch a crab

Setting sail on a repurposed, historic crabbing vessel, you’ll make your catch and learn to cook the region’s foremost delicacy (and all while still at sea) – straight from sea to table.

Learn more
Brown bears in Canada

A day with the elephants

Flying in by light aircraft, you’ll explore the trails and coves that many of the region’s brown bears call home. You’ll get to witness them as they dig for clams, play, court, rest and fish. All in a day’s work.

Learn more
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Into the boreal rainforest

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park rises from the ocean all the way to 18,008 ft – a mesmerizing and dramatic landscape. Here, you’ll descend into abandoned gold mines, trek through ancient rainforests, hike across mountain ridges and camp beneath the stars.

Learn more

Mongolia

Scroll

We can quite confidently say that there are few places as ‘different’ as Mongolia – a vast, rugged landmass enveloped between the snowy forests of the Russian frontier to the highlands of China.

And it makes perfect sense if you’re planning a celebratory journey that pays no deference to the world you know. This is the ancient heart of history – of nomadic empires and Buddhist dynasties. From the sans of the Gobi to the precipitous cliffs of the Yolyn Am Valley, this journey will change you.

Where to stay

Traditional yurts in Mongolia

Mandala Nomadic Camp, the Gobi Desert

You might know them as ‘gers’ (or yurts) – traditional nomadic tents that are quite synonymous with Mongolia’s nomadic communities. This particular camp balances tradition and comfort – with space to dine, star-gaze, play games and listen to vinyl. The stars above are unforgettable.

Luxury Mongolian hotel

Terelj Hotel, Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Located in a protected estate near the historic birthplace of Genghis Khan, this grand countryside hotel is both opulent and welcoming. A fitting residence for khans and traveler alike.

Take me there

The highlights

Gandan Monastery Entrance, Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

The sights and sounds of Ulaanbaatar

One of our local insiders will introduce you to life in one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Visit the Gandan Monastery as the monks are chanting; walk the food stalls of the Black Market; cross vast Sukhbaatar Square; and wander the halls of the National History Museum.

Learn more
Elsen,Tasarkhai

Chichen Itza at sunrise

This vast, arid landscape of mountains, dunes and gravel would take not a little while to cross on foot. We’ll show you around behind the wheel of a 4×4.

Learn more
Ibex on cliffs of the Yolyn Valley

The cliffs of the Yolyn Valley

This valley is home to agile argali sheep and ibex who (with an enviable nimbleness) make easy work of the sharp-as-knives cliffs and ravines. Mind-blowing.

Learn more
Nomadism in Mongolia

A historic way of life

Nomadism has been part of the Mongolian way of life for millennia. You’ll spend two fascinating days with Oidov, Gerlee and their family in Bayandelger – gaining a rare insight into their culture, practices, and beliefs.

Learn more

Indonesia

Scroll

There are some 17,508 islands in Indonesia – of which only 6,000 are inhabited. But – after many years of trekking across each and every corner – our heart always tells us to return to Raja Ampat – the ‘four kings’.

Why? Because this phenomenal archipelago – of mushroom-shaped islets that rise from the electric-blue seas – is teeming with biodiversity, ethereal landscapes, and hidden secrets. Within its bounds are thousands of tiny coves and beguiling cays, many of which – on this journey – you’ll be able to explore. We couldn’t imagine a more enticingly different destination for your milestones and celebrations.

Where to stay

Private charter yacht Indonesia

Leyla, a private yacht charter

This time, there’s only one ‘stay’ you should be thinking about – and that’s Leyla: a traditionally-built, luxuriously fitted ‘phinisi’, or sailing boat. She was laid down in 2018 on the island of Sulawesi using ancient boat building techniques.

Suitable for up to ten guests – and crewed by an expert team (including a private chef) – this is the perfect floating base from which to explore the innumerable, hidden secrets of Raja Ampat. It is well-equipped with snorkeling and dive gear, giving you easy access to the region’s best sites and waters.

It might just be out favorite party venue in the world.

The highlights

Arborek Island snorkelling with manta rays

Scuba and snorkel with manta rays

Off the secluded waters of Arborek Island, you’ll have the opportunity to join these giant mantas in an elegant underwater ballet.

Learn more
Summit of Wayag Island

Summit the peak of Wayag Island

It’s possibly the best and most beautiful peak in all of Raja Ampat – and offers a breath-taking ‘360’ view of the seas and shores that tumble into the distance.

Learn more
secluded beach dining, indonesia

Wine and dine on a secluded beach

Weighing anchor by night, your crew – and chef – will serve an unforgettable celebratory meal beneath the stars. Dinner, cocktails, and an unbeatable ambience.

Learn more
Gam island Indonesia

Hike to the paradisical ‘bird island’ of Gam

Home to the rare ‘red bird of paradise’, Gam – an island of thick jungle – makes for an exhilarating expedition. Bring your binoculars.

Learn more

Kayak through the mangroves of Mioskon Bay

The mangroves and jungles of Mioskon Bay feel like the surface of another world. Exotic, strange, and filled with the calls of thousands of unfamiliar birds. Be it kayak or paddleboard, we’ll provide the equipment.

Learn more
Raja Ampat village

Explore the local villages of Raja Ampat

You’ll spend some fascinating time with the village communities who call Raja Ampat home – from fishermen to pearl-divers. They know these islands better than any.

Learn more

A dream come true

A dream come true. Rob not only listened to all our wishes he actually made them come true. We explored the craziness of the souks, met with artisanal masters to learn metal working and perfume making. Black Tomato delivered.

Kim, Black Tomato Traveler
Luxury Holidays in Rwanda

WILDLIFE MILESTONE TRIPS

With all the wonder and beauty of the natural world at your feet, these trips are the perfect way to celebrate your life, your milestones, your achievements.

Explore the trips
Family holidays

OUR FAMILY HOLIDAYS

These tried-and-tested family-friendly holidays are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, regardless of how large – or small – your family happens to be, there’s something for everyone.

Read more
Cappadocia in Turkey

THE TRAVEL CALENDAR

With these immersive family experiences, we’re celebrating the transformative power of the books we loved when we were young, and the stories our children have come to adore themselves.

SPIN THE GLOBE

What is tailor-made travel?

Scroll