Luxury travel with a difference

For many people, luxury travel involves secluded, palm-fringed beaches, plush hotels with a wide range of spa facilities and haute cuisine, and an ambiance of tranquillity and peace; for others, however, it is something entirely different.

There is actually a more exciting and invigorating way to live life in the lap of luxury while on holiday. Listed below are five outstanding holidays that offer luxury with a twist; a chance to put away the Louis Vuitton handbag and Ralph Lauren sunglasses and strap on a sturdy pair of waterproof boots.

1. AFRICAN SAFARI

Grab a pair of the latest Hi Tec walking shoes, pack the sun cream and insect repellent and head south to Africa. Both Tanzania and Kenya offer outstanding ways to go on safari, but with a little added luxury thrown into the bargain. A luxury tented safari camp offers hot showers, plunge pools and their own secluded, private deck overlooking the plains. On site chefs prepare a range of sumptuous meals, often eaten under the cloudless night sky, while by day, English-speaking guides offer you a glimpse of life on the African plains via a specially adapted 4x4 vehicle.

2. ANTARTICA CRUISE

Cruising may well be considered to be a luxurious holiday, but instead of traversing the sun kissed equatorial latitudes, why not head south to one of the most unspoilt parts of the globe? A 13-day cruise around Antarctica offers the perfect chance to see nature at its most resplendent. You can even have the option of sea kayaking in the waters around the frozen continent or perhaps even spend a night camping in the most inhospitable place on Earth. It is truly a sumptuous way to see nature in all its glory.

3. WALKING IN THE HIMALAYAS

The famous Annapurna region of the Himalayas is the gateway to the ‘roof of the world' and now you can experience life at altitude in comfort thanks to the availability of luxury walking trips in the region. Staying at a group of luxury lodges along the route, the trip is more than just watching people lace up women and men's walking boots each day before tackling the snow-capped escarpments.

The emphasis is placed equally on luxury and excitement, with teams of Sherpas and porters available to assist with luggage between each of the superb lodges, all set against the magnificent backdrop of Nepal. There is also the chance to enjoy a spot of whitewater rafting down the enchanting Seti River.

4. ADVENTURE HOLIDAY IN NAMIBIA

From your base at Wolwedans Dunes Lodge, you will get to experience the magical country of Namibia like never before. Your two week adventure-filled holiday around this achingly beautiful country includes such activities as a sunrise balloon ride amongst the golden sand dunes, sky diving, quad biking and sand boarding. In addition, you get to track and view the famous black rhino, as well as get a chance to discover the haunting sights of the famous Skeleton Coast.

5. BUNGEE JUMPING OVER AN ACTIVE VOLCANO IN CHILE

There are many places you can bungee jump (the Nevis Bungee in Queenstown, New Zealand is one of the most renowned), but did you know that adrenaline seekers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience can bungee jump from a helicopter into the jaws of an active volcano? Situated in Pucon, Chile, your jump takes you within 200 metres of the molten lava below and you can feel the heat clearly as you dangle below the helicopter. Once you've jumped the thrill isn't over, as you remain dangling from the underside of the chopper until it takes you safely to the landing pad, 35 miles away.

15 December 2011