Some hotel groups have expanded beyond standard rooms and suites to offer a new category of experiences—those that function as travel journeys in themselves. These stays go beyond traditional accommodation, often involving mobility, immersive programming, or unexpected settings not typically associated with hotel stays.
This selection highlights three experiences where globally recognised hotel brands have created stay concepts that depart significantly from their usual portfolio. The focus is on format, scale, and delivery rather than destination alone.
In This Resort Guide
Key Takeaways
The experiences move beyond fixed locations: Accommodation is integrated into mobile or thematic journeys across regions or countries.
Brand consistency remains: Despite the novelty, service standards align with each brand’s operational identity.
Designed for immersive travel: Each option provides pre-structured itineraries or formats that combine lodging, activity, and transport.
1. Four Seasons Private Jet Experience
Location: Multiple international routes across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas
Style: Luxury world tour aboard a branded private jet with hotel-led itineraries
Four Seasons operates a specially outfitted Airbus A321neo configured to host small groups of travellers on multi-country itineraries lasting up to three weeks. The experience includes in-flight service, private excursions, and stays at Four Seasons properties in each destination.
Why stay: Combines long-haul travel and accommodation under a single, hotel-operated structure with no transfers required between cities and hotels.
Best for: Travellers seeking a fixed-cost, full-service global trip with consistency across destinations.
2. Aman Private Yacht – Amandira
Location: Raja Ampat and the Indonesian Archipelago
Style: Luxury phinisi sailing yacht operated by Aman Resorts
Amandira is a two-masted, hand-crafted yacht operated by Aman, offering bespoke sailing itineraries through remote regions of Indonesia, including Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat. With five suites, a private chef, dive guides, and spa treatments on board, the vessel delivers Aman’s hallmark minimalism and personalised service—set entirely at sea.
Why stay: Combines Aman’s refined hospitality with access to isolated island chains and coral reefs unreachable by land.
Best for: Travellers seeking a fully staffed, all-inclusive private yacht experience with the standards of a five-star resort.
3. Accor’s Orient Express La Dolce Vita Train
Location: Pre-defined routes across Italy and neighbouring regions
Style: Heritage-style train travel with luxury cabins
Accor has revived the Orient Express brand with a rail journey focused on Italy, using redesigned 1960s and 1970s-style carriages. The train features sleeping cabins, onboard dining, and curated regional stopovers, including stays in properties from Accor’s luxury collection.
Why stay: Marries nostalgic rail travel with a modern luxury service standard, operated under a hotel group rather than a rail operator.
Best for: Travellers interested in multi-day cultural journeys with transport and accommodation combined.
Choose the Right Experience
These experiences suit different traveller profiles. The Four Seasons jet suits those seeking long-haul multi-stop trips with consistency and limited logistics. Amandira targets travellers looking for remote, sea-based exploration with refined comforts. The Orient Express appeals to those who prefer slower overland travel with fixed comfort and structure.
Travel Notes
Booking requirements: All three require advance planning—jet and rail journeys are limited to specific dates and groups; yacht itineraries are customised and subject to seasonal availability.
Access points: Flights depart from major international airports; train journeys start from selected hubs in Italy; yacht departures typically begin from Bali, Sorong, or Labuan Bajo.
Luggage and logistics: Jet and train options include luggage handling and onboard amenities. The yacht provides all onboard essentials, with diving and spa activities arranged as part of the experience.
Conclusion
These experiences redefine what a hotel stay can be by removing the fixed address. Instead of simply providing rooms, the chains act as facilitators of movement, offering branded comfort across borders, oceans, and rail tracks.
The experiences included in this guide represent a shift in how hotel groups are expanding their hospitality model—not through new buildings, but by rethinking what a “stay” means in the context of modern luxury travel.
What's Your Reaction?