DEPARTURES

WEST COAST SAFARI

The states and counties bordering the Pacific Ocean give us some of the world’s most spectacular scenery – from volcanic peaks, to sun-drenched beaches, to hilly landscapes that are home to sprawling vineyards. Now you can take a unique private jet excursion to explore some of the best the West Coast has to offer.

TRICIA DREVETS

L33 Challenger 350

This summer, Latitude 33 Aviation, a private aviation company based in Southern California, is offering West Coast Safari, a customizable summer jet vacation. The journey begins in California’s Orange County as you and your guests board a luxurious, private aircraft. The jet, which offers catered in-flight service, will be your primary mode of transportation as you visit San Diego, Santa Barbara, Big Sur, and Napa Valley, California, as well as Jackson Hole, Wyoming, British Colombia, Canada, and Los Cabos, Mexico with additional stops to Hawaii, planned for next year.

Wickaninnish, Photo by Chris Pouget Aerial

Each stop offers travelers the opportunity to explore that region as they choose with a combination of drives, hikes and boat rides. Some of the destination options include driving on California’s scenic coastal Highway 1, wine tasting in the Napa Valley, fly-fishing on the Snake River, and soaking in a remote hot spring. Prices start at $150,000 for four passengers on a Bombardier Challenger 350 aircraft.

Resort at Pedregal Cabo, Photo by Tendencia Magazine

Passengers may customize or expand their journey with additional or alternative stops, but here is a look at what can be in store for your itinerary:

Begin your West Coast Safari aboard your private aircraft that departs from Orange County and head to Santa Barbara, California, a charming Mediterranean-inspired seaside town. Then travel by luxury car to the Santa Ynez wine country for a private wine tasting at Sunstone winery. You’ll stay at the Belmond El Encanto, a luxurious hideaway favorited by artists and the glamorous stars of old Hollywood.

Resort at Pedregal Cabo, Photo by Tendencia Magazine

Next, you will fly via helicopter along the stunning California central coastline to San Luis Obispo. There you will enjoy a private tour of Hearst Castle, the magnificent former home of a publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst. Then you will be able to get behind the wheel of a luxury car to tackle the iconic Highway 1. You can stop for a hike in Big Sur or opt for a professional photography session and enjoy a hilltop picnic lunch featuring local cuisine.

Kukui’ula in Kaua

Your next destination will be the renowned Napa Valley where you will meet one of the Valley’s most distinguished sommeliers. You’ll be able to relax that evening at the spa before turning in for the night in your private bungalow at Meadowood Napa Valley in St. Helena. You can take a private cooking class with a Meadowood’s estate chef and then explore the beautiful countryside on a cycling tour, or from the vantage point of a hot air balloon.

You will depart the wine country for a visit to the backcountry of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You’ll stay at the new Caldera House, a suites-only boutique property nestled at the base of the mountain in Teton Village. A horseback ride from Diamond Cross Ranch will provide panoramic views of the Teton Mountains, and you can even try your hand helping the cowboys work the ranch and attend a horse whispering demonstration with local legend Grant Golliher. Another option is a private fly-fishing excursion followed by a private chef ’s dinner featuring local ingredients, craft cocktails, and fine wine served right in your suite.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Your next stop? Canada’s majestic British Colombia, where the Rocky Mountains are framed by reflective waterways and picturesque islands. You’ll visit To¡no, where many outdoor adventures await. You may be able to spot whales below your float plane as you travel to a remote hot spring, get a surfing lesson from a local Olympian surfer, or go on a bear watching tour by boat. You’ll enjoy locally-sourced, sustainable cuisine and watch the dynamic weather from your oceanfront suite at the Wickinannish Inn.

After the wilds of Wyoming, you’ll be ready to jet to Mexico for the sunny skies and friendly Latin American culture found as Cabo San Lucas. You will stay in a cliffside ocean view suite at The Resort at Pedegral. The resort is located on a spectacular 24-acre site at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. You will be able to relax at the pool, enjoy yoga sessions and have brunch on a luxury yacht. Or you can get more adventurous by swimming with whale sharks or paddle boarding with sea lions.

Big Sur, Photo By Visit California / Blaise

You will end your journey back in Southern California at the exclusive Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. You can choose to relax and rejuvenate at the spa, play a round of golf at Torrey Pines, or take a private tour of the San Diego Zoo. Or perhaps you’d like to watch the horses at Del Mar Racetrack from the Director’s Room or from the turf space usually reserved for horse owners. You’ll also be able to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the 80-year-old track, once the home of the legendary Sea Biscuit.

Beginning in 2020, Aviation 33’s West Coast Safari also will include a trip to the island of Kauai in Hawaii. You’ll stay at the exclusive Lodge at Kukui’ula on the island’s sunny South Shore, and you will be able to play the Tom Weiskopf–designed golf course and relax on the Sunset Lanai in the luxury clubhouse. You also can take a full- or half-day excursion on the Mahealani, Kukui’ula’s own 32-foot Yellowfin boat or opt for a relaxing two-hour sunset cruise.

Founded in 2006 in San Diego by two pilots, Latitude 33 Aviation is part of the top five percent of U.S. private jet charter operators to achieve the stringent ARGUS Platinum safety rating. Visit https://l33jets.com/