The next time that you think about traveling by private jet, imagine yourself on a white sandy beach where bright aquamarine waters lap against the shore. As you near your beach chair, you see your favorite cool drink waiting. Take a moment to learn about some of the world’s most gorgeous islands as you seek inspiration for your next trip.
Maldives
The Maldives in the Indian Ocean is a double chain of 26 atolls near Sri Lanka and India. As the smallest country in Asia in land size and population, the Maldives is also the lowest country above sea level on earth at just 4 feet and 11 inches. Out of the 1,192 coral islands in the country, 200 are inhabited and 80 have resorts. In addition to epic SCUBA experiences where you can swim with shark and manta rays and explore sunken ships, surfing in the Maldives is choice because of the un-crowded beaches and smooth conditions. The biggest waves hit the beaches between June and August, but the surf between March and October is also good.
Galápagos Islands
Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands in the Pacific is a national park and biological marine reserve that’s famous for its variety of endemic species, animals and plants that only live in this single location. To reach the islands, you have to fly your private plane to the island of Baltra, which offers recently renovated hangers for private aircraft. Then take a cruise tour to see the variety of wildlife. Each month offers different fauna viewing opportunities. The peak season is between December and May, the “summer” months. However, the animals are the most active from June to August. If you like to dive, the best time to go is between the months of July to December, when the whale sharks are most active at the Wolf and Darwin islands. While visiting the Galápagos, check out the giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Center on Santa Cruz, see the unique penguins on the islands of Floreana or Isabela or snorkel among the sea lions and see Pacific sea turtles float around you in the waters.
Venice, Italy
Venice is a group of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked by bridges. It’s celebrated for its beautiful gothic architecture, artwork, its unique setting and for being one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Venice was one of the cultural focal points during the Renaissance as it played an important role in the history of operatic and symphonic music, as well as the trade of silks and spices. When you visit Venice, draw inspiration from the interior Rococo designs and shop at the boutiques in the Piazza San Marco and along the Rialto Bridge. While you’re there, be sure to stop into the flagship stores of Louis Vuitton and Ermenegildo Zegna. One of the best times of year to visit is during the Carnival of Venice, which starts two weeks before Ash Wednesday, and the Venice Film Festival in August or September at the Palazzo del Cinema.
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Don’t worry about brining your passport when you charter a private aircraft to St. John, a U.S. Virgin Island, in the Caribbean. The lure of St. John is its preservation and restricted development, making it less crowded than its neighbors St. Croix and St. Thomas. The island’s affluent residents and visitors also make it the “Beverly Hills of the Caribbean.” Two-thirds of St. John is a national park, giving you prime opportunities to bask on secluded beaches, explore the colorful coral reefs and hike through natural terrain. The most popular beach is at Trunk Bay, which Condé Nast Traveler consistently votes as one of the best beaches in the world.
About Solairus Aviation:
Solairus is a US-based private aviation services company whose core business is assisting aircraft owners with the safe, reliable, and efficient management and operation of their aircraft. Our services are customized to meet the client’s individual travel and financial requirements, and to support their flight operation with the highest standards of safety and personalized service, regardless of the location of the aircraft.
Solairus was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. Solairus has over twenty-five base locations across the United States, Europe and Asia, employing more than two hundred flight crew and support personnel to operate a fleet currently numbering over fifty aircraft. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-Rated and Wyvern Wingman certified charter operator. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO stage two 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.solairus.aero or call 800-359-7861.