What Private Jet Travel to Resorts Means for Hospitality

This article focuses on the growing interdependence of luxury hospitality and private jet companies worldwide, from the U.S.A. to Madagascar.

By Gabriela, Travel Blogger and enthusiast.

For many, flying private on vacation has always seemed like a distant dream, something only the ultra-wealthy can afford. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, however, more travelers than ever have prioritized comfort, efficiency, and luxury.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen an enormous boom in private jet travel, and luxury resorts must adapt to accommodate. Let’s look at how the hospitality industry is changing to stay one step ahead of the most discerning luxury travelers.

Fly-in Resorts On The Rise

Ten years ago, the idea of flying into a luxury resort would’ve seemed an unnecessary luxury. But what if a luxury resort builds its private runway complete with an entire international airport? Well, that’s what the minds behind Ambergris Cay thought when building the largest private runway in the Caribbean.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a private plane because Ambergris Cay has its own aircraft fleet to deliver you in style. Just three and a half hours from New York, you can leave the office on a Friday lunchtime and relax in this exclusive paradise before the sun even sets.

The island caters to around 100 private jets annually, and this is expected to grow as more travelers worldwide begin to appreciate the value of ultra-luxury getaways. Ambergris Cay isn’t the only luxury resort with its runway. You can fly into Pratello Country Resort in Italy and Las Alamandas in Mexico. Whether you use a private plane hire or have your own, you can now travel to many exclusive resorts directly.

Luxury’s Biggest Names Are Partnering With Private Jet Companies

Many luxury hotel brands have long accommodated and arranged luxury jet transfers for their most esteemed clientele, but this has never been something to shout about. Yet, with more first-time private flyers looking for a way in, it’s become a lucrative partnership to protect.

The Oetker Collection, for example, recently announced a private jet partnership with Sparfell Aviation Group to cater to the growing number of guests with the deepest pockets.

Air Charter Service, one of the industry’s biggest names, has discussed partnerships with luxury groups, including Aman, Mandarin Oriental, One&Only, and Four Seasons.

Being so accessible from the U.S.A, the world’s leader in private jet flights, means that the Caribbean is a global favorite for private jet travel. For example, guests of Bequia Beach Hotel in St. Vincent and the Grenadines can take a private flight from Barbados to the island, which is included in the hotel’s popular VIP package. Blue Diamond Resorts has also recently announced its new private jet service to Mexico and the Caribbean destinations.

The “Diamond Jetsetter Experience” is available for travelers at beachfront Royalton Luxury Resorts in Antigua, Montego Bay, and Saint Lucia. The package includes transportation via the brand’s new luxury private aviation service, Blue Diamond Jets, from Toronto or New York.

Bringing Private Jets In-House 

Across the hospitality industry, various hotel types are buying and utilizing their fleets of private aircraft. In remote destinations like Africa, private jets have become essential. At Miavana Resort, a private island off the Madagascan coast, passengers fly in and out of Johannesburg’s Fireblade private terminal using their Learjet 45. Singita partnered with ROAR PRIVÉ in Rwanda, which accommodates twin-center trips between Singita Serengeti House in Tanzania and Singita Kwitonda Lodge.

One of the world’s most iconic brands, Four Seasons, has pushed the envelope regarding hoteliers and their private jets. Their fully customized Boeing 757 is the epitome of luxury. With leather seats handmade in Italy, cashmere blankets stitched in Mongolia, Bose noise-canceling headphones, and an executive chef capable of preparing 20 courses in the sky, Four Seasons has set the standard in private jet travel in the hospitality industry.

These exceptional standards haven’t deterred other hoteliers from following the trend. Aman has an 18-seat private expedition jet that can take passengers to Japanese distilleries and Himalayan tiger reserves. FIVE Palm Jumeirah hosts its own party jet, complete with a cinema room, Molton Brown bath products, and electrochromic window shades.

Looking Up to Look Ahead

While the private jet industry has its challenges ahead, it’s evident that their use is steadily increasing, and this is a trend that shows no sign of slowing any time soon. We’ll likely see more private island resorts catering to this trend by building private runways and international airports and buying their aircraft in the most remote locations. It’s also likely that the most prominent luxury hoteliers will purchase larger private jets to keep up with rivals.

These announcements will be accompanied by carbon offsetting initiatives and other environmental considerations, so private jets are here to stay in the world of hospitality.