Flying by private jet is often written about as some type of over the top indulgence. Factually speaking, nearly half of private flights are to airports that have very little or no commercial airline service. From a business perspective, private jets make those places viable to locate offices and plants, and on the leisure side, airports serving private fliers make local resorts more accessible. Travel and Tourism is an $8.3 trillion industry that supports one in 10 jobs globally. So while there are plenty of scheduled airline flights to places like Vail or Ibiza, these vacation spots that are worth visiting are best reached by private jet, particularly if you are planning a quick getaway. And yes, we figured you probably already had St. Bart’s on your list.
Anguilla
There are flights to nearby St. Maarten from both North America and Europe, however, you then need to take a ferry or hop on a small propeller plane. Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd can take large private jets, including the Boeing Business Jet, a 737 designed for VIPs that even includes private bedrooms and showers. Four Seasons Resort and Residence Anguilla reopened in March as the island recovers after the 2017 hurricanes. Zemi Beach House Resort & Spa, The Reef by Cuisinart are also open so expect some good deals over the summer with rates starting under $400.
Canouan, The Grenadines
They say the third time is the charm, but in the case of gorgeous Canouan Island in the Grenadines, we’re hoping it will be more like a cat’s nine lives. Rosewood, Raffles and the owner of Sandy Lane in Barbados have all given it a shot, and next up is Mandarin Oriental, which will hope to attract its loyal fans. Currently operating as The Pink Sands Club, you will find an 18-hole championship golf course, overwater spa bungalows and an assortment of villas. It’s a bit like being on your own private island, and the fact that it has a history of spotty commercial flights has been the main downfall for this gateway to your own "Pirates of the Caribbean" adventure. Luckily the airport, 10 minutes from the resort, has a runway long enough to handle nonstop private jet flights from as far away as Europe.
Deauville, France
France’s version of the Hamptons is a good base to explore the beaches of Normandy and the region’s rich and moving World War II history. Its Anglo-Norman architecture will make you feel like you are walking through a village of gingerbread houses and you will dine on fresh seafood in the plentiful sidewalk bistros. Flying into Deauville – Normandie Airport will save you a two-and-a-half hours train ride and the bumper-to-bumper peak season traffic as Parisian’s head north to escape the capital’s heat.
Gstaad, Switzerland
Famed as one of Europe’s most elite ski destination, during the summer it’s an outdoor playground from hiking, climbing, rafting and biking to horseback riding and even paraflying if you’re really adventurous. Getting to Gstaad from either Geneva or Zurich means at least two to three trains or several hours by car, or even longer when narrow mountain roads get backed up. Gstaad Saanen Airport can handle private jets as large as the Gulfstream G650 where you might bump into the likes of Formula One king Bernie Ecclestone or King of Diamonds Laurence Graff.
Lanai, Hawaii
A former pineapple plantation, its principal owner is now billionaire Larry Ellison who hired Four Seasons to manage its beach resort. Once you get there you’ll be like a local, and with dozens of private beaches, its own shipwreck, trails for four-wheeling and horseback riding, sporting clays and two championship golf courses plus an extensive spa, many guests say it reminds them of old Hawai’i. With no nonstop flights from the U.S. mainland, chartering a private jet means you will add two days to your vacation that would otherwise be spent connecting in Honolulu.
The Hamptons, New York
The Hamptons which stretch along the south shore of Long Island’s eastern reaches is a weekend favorite for New York City residents during the summer who join with friends to rent houses. Powerbrokers from Wall Street mix with Hollywood celebrities, junior managers and secretaries who all enjoy the white sand beaches, lobster rolls and locally caught steamers – large steamed clams from Long Island sound – and house parties. Top New York clubs open pop up clubs for the season, and there are even a half-dozen magazines that publish just for the summer. Several airports handle a steady flow of private jets and helicopters.
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs West Virginia is located on 11,000 acres with over 700 guest rooms and suites. Its underground bunker was designed to house the U.S. Congress during the Cold War in case of a nuclear war. When if first opened in the early 1900s the location was at the crossroad of multiple railroad lines, which were the lifeblood of the economy. Now it’s rail service is down to several Amtrak trains per week and the drive from Washington D.C. can take over four hours. Luckily Greenbrier Valley Airport is 12 minutes from the resort. There’s championship golf, an extensive spa, lots of outdoor activities and even a casino.
