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Whether you are a beach person or a mountain person, or somewhere in between, perhaps the best way to get wherever you want with ease is through private aviation. While the best STOL aircraft can help you reach remote destinations that few other modes of transportation can access, here we are looking at some of the most popular destinations for people traveling by private jet.
The Bahamas
The Bahamas are islands in the Atlantic Ocean close to Florida. They are known for their white beaches, turquoise waters and luxury resorts. Nassau, Paradise Island and Exuma are popular for private air travel.
Normans Cay is an exclusive resort only accessible by private jet or yacht. It has a dark history though, tied to everything from the Escobar drug cartel to legendary pirates, so you may find some buried treasure. There is a laid-back feeling to the Bahamas combined with a little luxury. Lynden Pindling International Airport is the gateway to the Bahamas and the fourth busiest airport in the Caribbean.
Ibiza
Ibiza is a Spanish Island in the Mediterranean Sea. It has a very vibrant nightlife and is well known for its party and DJ scene, especially during the summer. Crowds play and dance on the beaches. Playa d'en Bossa, San Antonio and Ibiza Town are popular hot spots for those who fly into the area. If you need peace and solitude, there are many beautiful and quiet villages to explore away from the coastline. From Europe, a Citation XLS could get you to the part in an instant, landing at Ibiza Airport.
The French Riviera
This coastline sits on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea in the southeast of France on the Cote d'Azur. Nice is known for its glamour and constantly attracts the rich and famous with luxury hotels like the famous Hotel Negresco.
Chic beach clubs line the shore. Cannes and St. Tropez offer beautiful scenery and exclusivity. Designer boutiques and gourmet cafes crowd the picturesque streets. This is an area that you will find a myriad of private jets and yachts. A Dassault Falcon 7X, would not look out of place at Cannes-Mandelieu or Aeroport du golfe-St Tropez. Alternatively, there is Nice International Airport.
Maldives
The Maldives are an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean, best seen from the sky. They are known for their secluded beaches, spectacular scenery and clear waters. The Maldives are made up of 26 remote atolls on which there are exclusive and very luxurious resorts. It can be your own piece of personal paradise, a place of relaxation and to restore mind and body. Transfers from Velana International Airport in Mále continue the luxe theme after your journey to your resort is made by seaplane or speedboat.
Aspen
The wealthy and famous travel to Aspen, Colorado for its ski resorts and après ski scene during the winter season. It has been a popular destination for at least the past 75 years.
In warmer months, the hiking and biking trails are popular, if winter sports are not your thing. The town, surrounded by the Colorado Rockies, has designer boutiques and pop-up bars from New York-based hot spots visiting regularly. The Aspen Art Museum offers a bit of culture to the area. The Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) would be the airport of choice for most, and no doubt during peak season there will be an array of Gulfstream G550 and Bombardier Global 5000 jets lined up, waiting to take their owners to the next destinations.
Las Vegas
People love the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas and The Strip. It attracts the wealthy to its casinos and plush resorts. It is also well known for its star-studded residency shows and Cirque du Soleil performances.
Visitors enjoy top-notch dining with the likes of Spago, Cipriani and Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen. Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the closest airport, just minutes from The Strip, but many flying private jets also use Henderson Executive Airport (HND).
Among the most popular private jet routes in the US is Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Turboprops and super midsize jets are good options and be sure to see the lights of the city from the air.
St Moritz
St Moritz in the Swiss Alps is a playground for the rich and royals and known for its exclusive ski resorts. It is a hub for those who love winter sports. The nearest airport is Samedan, just 15 minutes away. It is not open to commercial aircraft but private jets and propeller aircraft can land there. Alternatively, it is three hours away by car from Zurich.
Samedan is at an altitude of more than 5,600 feet and is the second-highest airport in Europe. Aircraft including Dassault Falcons and Gulfstreams can land there. Popular hotels include Kulm Hotel St Moritz and The Grand Hotel Kronenhof.
Dubai
Dubai is known for its modern and ever-changing skyline and is the ultimate in luxury and opulence. While marveling at the Burj al-Arab and Burj Khalifa or the frame, there is something for everyone.
Mega malls are abundant for shoppers and five-star hotels aplenty. Visit the Al Fahidi old town and take an abra across Dubai Creek. In just 50 years it's gone from a small town in the desert to a super modern city. The airports available are Dubai International Airport, which rivals Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) as the busiest airports in the world. However, Dubai World Central is where most private jets arrive and depart.
London
It's probably not surprising that London is the top city for private jet travel in Europe with an average of 90,000 departures per year. The city has an old-world charm with iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben and Tower Bridge.
There are top-class renowned restaurants such as The Ivy, The Savoy Grill and Chiltern Firehouse. A trip to the city wouldn't be complete without afternoon tea at Claridges and shopping in Harrods. London Luton Airport, Farnborough Airport and Biggin Hill Airport are most used by private jets.
New York
The Big Apple attracts millions each year, with its notable attractions such as Times Square, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. You can see shows on Broadway, shop on Fifth Avenue and stroll around Central Park.
It is a busy destination for business too, certainly in economic and business growth. Airports served are John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Teterboro Airport (TEB), which is more suited to private jets and is the busiest in the US for private business air travel.