This article originally appeared in our Air Partner Spring/Summer 2025 Magazine.
While sun-drenched beaches and tropical retreats will always have their allure, a growing number of discerning travelers are seeking something different – an escape that blends exclusivity, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty in cooler, quieter locales. This desire to forgo sun loungers and sweltering nights in favour of crisp air, pristine wilderness, and extraordinary, off-the-beaten-path experiences has given rise to a new trend in the luxury travel sector: Coolcations.
Venturing beyond traditional tourist hotspots often offers a richer experience, with custom adventures, high-end accommodation, and a deep connection to nature, all without the crowds. Whether you opt to explore idyllic Antarctica, sail through dramatic fjords in Norway, or witness the ethereal grandeur of Iceland, these destinations stand out as the premier Coolcation choices, and it's not hard to see why.
Antarctica
A land of untamed splendor, Antarctica is one of the last true wildernesses on Earth. Despite being the world’s fifth-largest continent, its extreme remoteness has ensured it remains a place that only the luckiest travelers will ever experience. Here, nature unfolds on a grand, cinematic scale – colossal icebergs shimmer in the sunlight, glaciers dominate the landscape, and an array of wildlife thrives in this harsh but devastatingly beautiful environment.
With no commercial airports, visitor numbers are limited, but a few select airstrips provide private jet passengers access to this frozen frontier. From there, the best way to explore is aboard an ultra-luxurious expedition or cruise vessel, allowing you to glide through sapphire-blue waters and past towering ice formations in unrivalled comfort. While onboard, leading scientists and naturalists offer a fascinating insight into the majestic scenery and lead unforgettable excursions onto the sea and ice. Whether venturing out by Zodiac to spot leopard seals, kayaking through crystal-clear waters, or paddleboarding alongside vast colonies of playful penguins, every moment here feels like stepping into a nature documentary. And, if fortune smiles, you may even see the magnificent sight of breaching orca, humpback, or blue whales.
But there’s more to the region than just wildlife spotting. Thrill-seekers can scale ice-clad mountains with elite guides, brave a polar plunge into the frigid waters, carve through untouched snowscapes on skis or skidoos, or take to the skies in a helicopter for far-reaching aerial views of the White Continent. A journey here is more than a getaway; it's an experience so rare, so immersive, and so moving that the memories you make will last a lifetime.
Norway
From its sleek, cosmopolitan capital city to the drama of its legendary mountain peaks and tranquil, inky fjords, this Scandinavian gem offers a host of hard-to-beat Coolcation spots. Thankfully, with so much to see and do, the long summer days and mild temperatures provide the perfect setting to explore its captivating landscapes.
Begin in Oslo, a city where world-class art, design, and gastronomy converge. Stay at The Thief, an elegant waterfront retreat, and dine at three Michelin-starred Maaemo. Next, travel west to the timeless charm of Bergen, Norway’s historic second city. Meander through Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, with its colourful UNESCO-listed harbor, and take a ride up Mount Floyen on the Fløibanen funicular for incredible views across the city and the surrounding fjords.
Charter a private yacht to journey through the achingly beautiful, mirror-like waters of the fjords, especially Geirangerfjord, arguably Norway’s most picturesque location. For adventure seekers, Åndalsnes, considered the hiking and mountaineering capital of Norway, lies a few hours away by road. There you’ll find Rampestreken viewpoint, a striking steel structure perched over 500 metres above sea level, delivering unparalleled panoramic vistas.
For the ultimate Arctic summer adventure, head to Tromsø, the northern city known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic,’ or opt for the Lofoten Islands archipelago, famed for its secluded white sand beaches and quaint fishing villages. Alternatively, discover the remote, wildlife-rich Svalbard. While Norway’s winter months are famous for their dazzling aurora borealis displays, the midnight sun takes center stage in summer. This mesmerizing spectacle, where the sun doesn’t set for months on end, bathes these stunning landscapes in a constant, otherworldly golden glow.
Iceland
Known as the ‘Land of Fire and Ice,’ Iceland boasts some of the world’s most spellbinding natural wonders, from monumental glaciers to volcanic craters and steaming geysers to milky blue lagoons. With temperatures hovering around 10-13°C during the summer months but occasionally climbing as high as 20°C on balmy days, the climate is perfect for nature lovers and adventurers looking to experience its wow-factor lands.
Iceland’s summer months are prime time for whale-watching, and you can head out on a yacht to spot minke, humpback, and sperm whales, as well as dolphins and seabirds – including the millions of puffins that flock to Iceland’s shores from May to mid-August. Charming Húsavík, Iceland’s whale-watching capital, is a popular place from which to set sail.
The vast and varied landscape offers countless activities, each more spectacular than the last. Take a 4x4 tour through the rugged highlands, or enjoy a helicopter charter for sweeping aerial views. Snowmobile over glaciers, discover the Golden Circle with a private guide, or experience the thrill of riding Icelandic horses across the volcanic terrain. For a challenge, pit your wits against wily wild salmon and arctic char in fast-flowing freshwater rivers, or hike and climb the ice caves.
After a day of exploration, unwind in the lap of luxury at the Retreat at Blue Lagoon, soaking in its iconic waters while basking in the radiance of the midnight sun. Or, for a more secluded Coolcation, opt for the exclusive Deplar Farm on the Troll Peninsula.
Discover Coolcations by Private Jet with Air Partner
If you’ve been inspired to look beyond traditional summer getaways and would like to find out more about these Coolcation destinations or discuss your ideal itinerary, our Private Jets team would be delighted to help.
