You can finally fly around the world in 24 days on a Four Seasons private jet

January 25, 2022 No Comments

As travellers look forward to embarking on long-awaited adventures, leading luxury hospitality company Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announces the 2023 departures of African Wonders, a family-friendly Private Jet journey; Timeless Encounters, a returning favourite itinerary; and International Intrigue, a 24-day adventure, following record interest in the Four Seasons Private Jet 2022 line-up.

Travellers interested in booking the luxury adventure of a lifetime are invited to click here for a closer look at the exclusive journeys to some of the world’s most captivating destinations on offer.

With all-time high demand and unprecedented sellout pace, the expertly curated itineraries will allow Four Seasons passengers to seamlessly explore a collection of bucket-list destinations, removing the stress of multiple commercial flights, layovers and delays. More opportunities await as the full line-up of 2023 itineraries is announced in the coming months.

African Wonders, Seven Awe-Inspiring Destinations Over 13 Remarkable Days

Experience the majestic landscapes of Africa on a magnificent 13-day family-friendly adventure, ideally timed over school breaks for a holiday to remember. From exhilarating wildlife excursions in Rwanda to the ancient pyramids of Egypt, travellers of all ages will experience an enriching blend of natural wonders and stunning city adventures.

 The African Wonders itinerary is a family-friendly adventure that begins in 2023.

Two African Wonders journeys are planned for 2023. The first is scheduled to take flight December 28, 2022 – January 9, 2023 and is currently wait list only, with the second departing in August 2023.

August 1 – 13, 2023 – Athens, Greece – The Pyramids, Egypt (day trip) – Serengeti, Tanzania – Mauritius – Rwanda – Victoria Falls, Zambia (day trip) – Johannesburg, South Africa

Begin the trip of a lifetime by exploring the historic heart of Athens on a private guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon. Next, visit the ancient Pyramids of Giza in Egypt to explore curiosities that have captured the imaginations of visitors for millennia. Celebrate magical moments with a torchlit dinner in the savannah, complete with sundowners and live entertainment in Serengeti National Park under the protection of Masai warriors.

In Mauritius, explore the island’s protected lagoons by kayak, snorkel through the coral reefs, or take a cooking class with an expert Four Seasons chef. In the lush forests of Rwanda, embark on a gorilla trek with local scientists and veterinarians caring for the country’s endangered primates. Enjoy a day trip to Zambia’s Victoria Falls, known to locals as “the smoke that thunders.” Conclude with a final stop and farewell brunch in Johannesburg before heading home, or continue on to another captivating destination.

As part of the African Wonders journey, additional activities can be tailored to the interests and age of each guest in concert with Four Seasons concierge teams in each destination.

The African Wonders Itinerary includes a visit to the pyramids of Egypt.

An Enduring Favourite: Timeless Encounters, An Around-the-World Journey in 24 Days

The longest-running Four Seasons Private Jet journey is back, featuring a showcase of spectacular natural beauty, enduring cultural traditions, inspiring urban experiences and iconic wonders.

April 17 – May 10, 2023 – Oahu, USA – Bora Bora – Sydney, Australia – Bali, Indonesia – Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, Thailand – Taj Mahal, India (day trip) – Dubai, UAE – Florence, Italy – London, England

Starting off in Hawaii, embark on a spiritual journey to the westernmost tip of Oahu to hear tales from a revered storyteller followed by a traditional hula. Enjoy a guided snorkel safari in Bora Bora before jetting off to Australia to go backstage at the Sydney Opera House.

Take a batik painting class or go rafting on Bali’s longest river and enjoy visiting Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, the former capitals of the ancient Lanna kingdom in Thailand, offering transcendent temples, jungle landscapes and a culture of enduring traditions. Enjoy a day trip to the Taj Mahal without long lines and airport transfers courtesy of a private airport in Agra.

In Dubai, savour spectacular sunset views over the Arabian Gulf from the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. In Florence, sample the region’s exquisite cuisine and enjoy a private viewing of Michelangelo’s David. Finally, celebrate a journey well-travelled in London by heading backstage for a show at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

A stop in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is part of the Timeless Encounters itinerary.

Seeking Out Serenity: International Intrigue, Nine Destinations, One Remarkable Journey

March 3 to 26, 2023 – Seattle, USA – Kyoto, Japan – Hoi An, Vietnam – Maldives – Serengeti, Tanzania – Marrakech, Morocco – Budapest, Hungary – St. Petersburg, Russia – Paris, France

Experience cultural immersion on a spectacular voyage across four continents. From a glimpse inside Russia’s lavish imperial past to a samurai sword lesson in Kyoto, this is a journey designed to stimulate the senses.

The abovementioned departures follow three sold out Private Jet itineraries in 2022: World of Adventures 2022, Ancient Explorer September 2022, and Ancient Explorer October 2022. However, space remains on Uncharted Discovery 2022, an all-new expedition through the enchanting southern hemisphere exploring the rugged wonders of Antarctica, the mysteries of majestic Machu Picchu, and the vibrant rhythms and flavours of South America.

Visit fourseasons.com/privatejet for more information and book today.

Taking Off In New Directions

November 12, 2021 No Comments

The company has been steadily broadening its sky-high presence, happily willing to connect with southern Ontario residents who plan to travel near and not quite so near.

FlyGTA, which operates out of Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport, began by carrying people between Toronto and such Ontario locales as Niagara, Muskoka and Waterloo, airborne service that allows travellers to avoid the Toronto area’s often famously bad traffic.

FlyGTA CEO Chris Nowrouzi acknowledges the pandemic has created challenges for his company but also delivered some selling points.

PRIVATE BECOMING POPULAR

“Needless to say, using private jets for both essential service and leisure travel became more popular,” he states of a form of transportation that minimizes the contact passengers have with other people en route to their destination.

Planes in FlyGTA’s fleet can each carry eight passengers.

Nowrouzi notes FlyGTA – which has been offering private aircraft charters for over 6 years — decided to create a tour operator division, combining private jet service with stringent safety protocols to offer vacations he says lead to major time savings.

LOW-RISK LUXURY

The company has set its sights on offering what Nowrouzi describes as “low-risk, luxury destinations” in the Caribbean.

Among choices FlyGTA decided upon was a 007 package that has a private jet carry clients to Jamaica, staying at Goldeneye, the oceanside retreat of Ian Fleming, who wrote the James Bond novels.

Goldeneye is now a luxury retreat that enables guests to see Fleming memorabilia.

Nowrouzi reports “some of the greatest” Bond novels were written at Goldeneye.

He says going from carrying people to and from points in southern Ontario to taking clients to destinations in the Caribbean marks a major advancement for his company.

But carrying clients through Caribbean airspace is not the most distant service FlyGTA can undertake, he notes.

“We are able to fly anywhere in the world,” Nowrouzi proudly states.

Story by Ian Stalker

The sky’s the limit

July 7, 2021 No Comments

Not even a global pandemic can prevent Toronto’s FlyGTA Airlines from spreading its wings.

The aviation company, which operates out of Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport, is indeed preparing to broaden its operation at a time when many travel companies have been virtually idle. FlyGTA first made its mark carrying people to points near to Toronto, such as Muskoka, Niagara and Waterloo, enabling them to avoid the notoriously bad traffic out of the city. 

FlyGTA CEO, Chris Nowrouzi, concedes this year has created obstacles for his company but adds that it isn’t preventing FlyGTA from branching out. “Challenge has been the word of the year,” he states.  “After the initial shock and lockdown, we slowly started bouncing back, then got very busy! We moved from some plans that were in the works for the leisure travel market, toward utilizing the advantages we have while airlines went into standstill. Needless to say, using private jets for both essential service and leisure travel became more popular.

“So this put us into a position to utilize our tour operator arm, and create available packages. We’ll be opening bookings in December, working on distribution to the travel agents, and giving the new program a jumpstart.”

So just what is in store in FlyGTA’s immediate future? Well, Nowrouzi says his company will be able to cater those who are intrigued by the tales of a super-spy. “We are combining our private jet service, safe travel protocols, and major time savings with low-risk, luxury destinations in the Caribbean. For example, our 007 package will have your bubble flying down to Jamaica in our private jets and staying at the GoldenEye luxury villa, where some of the greatest James Bond stories were created! It’s celebrity status at a price that’s reasonable.”GoldenEye was the oceanside retreat of Bond creator Ian Fleming and is now an upscale resort.

FlyGTA has been offering private aircraft charters for approximately 5 years, and the new vacation program is launching in December for the holiday season. All FlyGTA aircrafts can carry 8 passengers, and the company has over 10 planes in its fleet.

 The sky’s the limit when it comes to taking clients to desired destinations. “Our optimal range is North America, and our most attractive options are to the Caribbean Islands,” concludes Nowrouzi. “But we are able to fly to anywhere in the world.” 

Story by Ian Stalker

TAKING THE HIGH ROAD

July 24, 2019 No Comments

 

What’s worse than the bumper-to- bumper summer traffic heading north from Toronto on a Friday afternoon? The car is cramped, tempers flare, kids melt down, everyone’s hungry, and we’re not even past the city limits yet. What should be a 90-minute drive turns into a mind-bending, patience- testing three-hour crawl. Well, what if I told you there’s a better way? This May long weekend — the unofficial start to summer and the official start to cottage season — instead of taking to the highway, I boarded a 40-minute flight from downtown to Muskoka. I could get used to this…

11:25 AM After a quick and friendly check-in, I take a seat in the comfortable lounge at Fly GTA Airlines at Billy Bishop Airport. With free WiFi, ample magazines, and complimentary refreshments, I take a few moments to relax before heading out on the tarmac.

11:51 AM Unlike traditional flights, as soon as all the passengers are checked-in, we can board the plane. Staff are eager to assist with luggage, if needed. A brief welcome from the pilot, seat belts buckled, and we’re ready to go!

11:56 AM Time for take-off. Nothing quite like an aerial view of Toronto’s incredible skyline. On board, I meet fellow passengers and cottagers from Lake Rosseau, Michael and Shea. It’s also their first time flying north for the weekend. “This couldn’t be easier,”exclaims Michael. “Better than traffic.” My thoughts exactly.

12:10 PM Soaring just above the clouds now. A signal is spotty at this altitude, but I did manage to get in a few business texts, with pictures, of course. Sitting back, enjoying the scenery, I feel relaxed already. What a start to the long weekend!

12:17 PM There’s no mistaking the enormous, deep blue of Lake Simcoe. I can almost taste cottage country now.

12:26 PM Zipping past the cottage- country traffic starting to build on Highway 11.
12:32 PM The scenery grows ever more familiar, as we enter deeper into cottage country. Lakes dotted with islands and windswept trees: Muskoka’s rugged landscape starts to take shape.

12:36 PM And, in no time at all, we’ve landed at Muskoka Airport. I’m impressed with the service, the ease — what a stress-free way to start the weekend. Back on the ground, I ask Michael and Shea if I might see them again on another flight this summer. “Oh yes, the value of your time and decreased stress level is worth it, it’s a no-brainer,” Michael replies. FlyGTA Airlines (flygta.com) offers flights to Muskoka Thursday through Tuesday throughout the summer months. Check back often for rates and scheduled flight times. Need a ride? FlyGTA can also arrange for airport transfers. I, for one, will be taking this route as often as possible.

Hope to see you on board!

Story by WENDY MCCLUNG

Non-Stop luxury To Asia

April 1, 2019 No Comments

Longest flights in the air by Singapore Airlines

Our planet is massive, and there’s no way around it without spending many hours in the air. But  Singapore Airlines is taking some of the sting out of the transcontinental, transoceanic travel experience. It’s called the AIRBUS A350-900 ULTRA LONG RANGE, an airplane specifically designed to bridge
the gap between North America and Asia as quickly as possible.  Of course, the best way to accomplish the briefest possible travel time is to stay in the air and avoid connecting flights. This plane is capable of flying further in commercial service than any other, and Singapore Airlines is the first airline to deploy the aircraft. Singapore Airlines will launch nonstop  services between Singapore and New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco this fall. With a flying time of up to 18 hours and 45 minutes, these will be the world’s longest commercial flights.

Passengers will be treated to an inflight experience that includes an improved air circulation system and cabin pressurization to a lower altitude, as well as higher ceilings, larger windows and 16 million LED lighting options to allow for optimal inflight rest. Passengers will also have access to videos in the inflight
entertainment system that have been created with the participation of award-winning Canyon Ranch, a leading wellness brand. These focus on ways to maintain health and wellness during the flight with described, illustrated exercises.

The inflight menu has also been advised by Canyon Ranch with those same wellness goals in mind. For instance, passengers in business class can look forward to enjoying prawn ceviche and lavosh with orange, cucumber, grapefruit, cilantro, scallions, and bell pepper, as well as braised pork with citrus and white bean cassoulet with spinach The lie-flat seats in business class are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving all passengers access to an  aisle. Don’t forget to download the myKrisWorld app before take off, allowing you to create playlists of your favorite movies and music before you board. In addition, the system bookmarks your content, so that a program cut off at the end of a flight can automatically resume at the same spot during the passenger’s    next SIA flight.

Get on board and relax! Book your next trip on Singapore Airlines at singaporeair.com.

Story by Ted Davis