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Published in: May 2007
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Adventures of a Lifetime

Be Spirited Away
Adventure tourists have a number of unique and exciting options open to them; if anything, they define the very idiom “the world is your oyster”. There are, however, lesser-visited areas that still do not figure highly in the imaginations of even the most hard-worn traveler. Bhutan, a neighbor of Tibet and known to some as the “real” or “last” Shangri-La, is a small nation in the amazing Himalayas where, due to a combination of underdevelopment and inaccessibility, fewer than 9,000 foreign tourists visit every year.

Most of Bhutan is made up of forest or national park land, and many a lesser-spotted species resides in the unspoiled wilderness. From the golden languor to the elusive snow leopard, Bhutan's fauna is both majestic and unique to the highland climate.
The real Shangri-La: Welcome to Bhutan
Bhutanese culture and their traditions are colorfully represented in the unique architecture, with its bright-painted motifs and distinctive peaked roofs. Serene, mountainside monasteries with monks deep in meditation, or joyful religious festivals with dancing troupes and snazzy regalia give the land a unique sense of deep tradition combined with spiritual verve.

Fiercely protective of their culture, Bhutan's authorities control tourism very tightly, but there are companies that are happy to arrange incredibly exotic sojourns for you in isolated places just like Bhutan. The Bluefish is one company that can organize full-service journeys through this incredible country, to see the utterly unique architecture, the extravagant traditional rituals, and the diverse and exotic wildlife.


Sea, Sun, and Slopes
Generally speaking, not so many people have ever been on a megayacht before. Similarly, traveling by civilian helicopter is often regarded as a luxury reserved for the wealthy. Combine the two experiences in one US$30,000 adventure package and you have yourself a supreme, unparalleled holiday experience.

Luxury Adventure Vacation B.C. have a skiing package just right for the adventurous sybarite. How does this grab you: Seven nights on a 200-foot – that's over 60 meters – luxury motor yacht from which you will be flown daily by helicopter to unlimited skiing on British Columbia's West Coast Mountains in Canada, as well as other activities. The West Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia has a good variety of slopes with quality snow, making it a world-famous heliskiing hotspot. Guided by professionals, you and up to ten of your guests will ski on a virtually unlimited choice of pistes in otherwise unlikely locales – some surrounded by glaciers – on a choice of top-class, dedicated heliskis.

Yacht-based heliskiing in British Columbia
The yacht – the world's only floating ski lodge – dubbed Absinthe, is being refitted as this article is being written. However, its newly-refurbished interior will boast an incredible range of modern luxury amenities, starting with a 5-passenger Eurocopter helicopter! Kayaks, Sea-Doo wave runners, mountain bikes, and a pair of tender boats make up the considerable toy count, while inside a lounge fitted with a high-end entertainment center, office equipment, and even a media library keep you entertained. On the pampering front, to soothe away the soreness from a day on the slopes, a large jacuzzi is provided, with even a private massage room with professional masseurs to keep you relaxed.

Sumptuous and modern, the Absinthe sets the tone for the whole experience, which promises extreme thrills and extreme luxury in equal measure. End of Article


Photography courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent, Horizon & Co., Virgin Galactic, The Bluefish, Luxury Adventure Vacation B.C.

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Text GREG WALDRON


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Keywords

  • Exotic Experiences
  • Travel