Chartering Luxury and Escaping to Europe's Most Exclusive Islands

When summer comes, the über-wealthy aren't just reserving locations they are crafting whole vacations. With private jet charters more available and easier than ever, European travelers can skip lines and go directly to private islands, Victorian forts and oceanfront resorts that whisper decadence around every turn.

We spoke to Marton Modis, VP of Business Development for KlasJet, to find out the most dreamlike destinations for people who wish to holiday off the beaten path. These aren't where you'll be staying. These are where you'll remember.

Isola Santa Cristina Offers Seclusion in the Venetian Lagoon

Concealed at the northern tip of Venice's legendary lagoon lies a hidden treasure that only a privileged few get to see. Isola Santa Cristina, once owned by the Swarovski family, is an ultra-luxury eco-resort designed for ultra-luxury travelers.

Arrival is arranged. Most of the guests fly in on a private plane to Venice Marco Polo Airport, then take a serene boat journey across water. The payoff at the end is worth it a private retreat at Villa Ammiana, an eight-suite villa that was formerly a monastery. Each of the suites offers a private patio and an Art Deco-style library, giving the guest solitude, comfort and timeless design.

It is also a working sanctuary, with orchards of apricot and fig, organic gardens and a growing vineyard. "Isola Santa Cristina is now a serene retreat for artists," Modis said. "Its isolation and natural resources give a unique combination of luxury and inspiration."

Whether playing host to oneself or simply isolated from society, this island is for anyone seeking tranquility without giving up refinement.

Tagomago Island Offers Ibiza's Atmosphere with Total Secrecy

Located just off the northeast coast of Ibiza, the Illa de Tagomago is another breathtaking European hideaway reserved for the exclusive few who are in the know. Celebrities and high-net-worth visitors rave about Tagomago's seclusion and only one villa is available but that one Finca-style villa is worth it.

With five double suites and a complete array of chefs, housekeeping and spa personnel, the estate is almost a private resort. There is a 136 square meter pool, spa and top-of-the-range gym to provide all one could possibly want. But it is the sea that is the focal-point here.

"Tagomago is ideal for any type of water sport," Modis said. "From yachting and snorkeling to wakeboarding and stand-up paddleboarding it's all included in the package." Guests also appreciate having a private jetty and two boats at their beck and call, so it is easy to island-hop or make short trips to nearby Ibiza.

It starts with a flight into Ibiza Airport, followed by a picturesque drive, and ending in a swift helicopter or yacht transfer. And yet, though it's only 900 meters from the party capital of Europe, the island is all raw exclusivity and peace.

Spitbank Fort Blends British Heritage with Beachside Luxuries

Few sites combine history and luxury as effectively as Spitbank Fort. Built initially in 1878 as England's naval defence against invasion, this Victorian sea fort has been transformed into a luxury private hotel surrounded by water.

With just nine suites, visitors can be assured of intimacy and immersion. Spitbank has three restaurants, three bars, a library, a wine cellar, a heated pool, a rooftop garden and a Laurent-Perrier champagne bar. There is even a spa and a laser battle arena a tip-of-the-hat to the fort's playful attitude toward things.

"Spitbank Fort is an entirely unique location," Modis added. "It possesses that historic significance, combined with luxury facilities, which few locations in Europe can match."

Guests arrive at Portsmouth International Airport and are greeted with a champagne reception at the Royal Clarence Departure Lounge before embarking aboard a private boat or helicopter to the fort's helipad. It is a theatrical experience rather than a luxury one.

Domes Miramare Greece Provides Royal Luxury and Ionian Charm

For those with fantasies of a Grecian escape with retro glamour, Domes Miramare in Corfu doesn't disappoint. A former private Onassis family villa, this Ionian coast hotel is a haven of mid-century glamour. It has welcomed everyone from Maria Callas to President Dwight Eisenhower.

Visitors arrive by air at Corfu International Airport and experience a scenic 30-minute coastal drive to reach this adults-only resort. The beachfront property features four stunning pools, a 600-meter private beach and access to the Miramaretta a bespoke speedboat for island hopping.

There is luxury at Domes Miramare," Modis said. "The Ionian Sea virtually belongs to the resort.".

Three upscale restaurants offer creative reinterpretations of classic Greek cuisine, and four trendy bars invite guests to order as the sun goes down. A personal concierge ensures personalized service at every turn from spa treatments to dining among the olive groves.

Necker Island Is A Caribbean Jewel With British Elegance

Although not actually within Europe, Necker Island definitely deserves a spot on this list due to its association with British luxury. Owned by Sir Richard Branson and located in the British Virgin Islands, Necker is a tropical island paradise that is reserved for the world's elite.

Reached only by charter flight to surrounding islands and followed by boat or helicopter ride, the 30-hectare oasis receives only a few visitors at a time. Guests reside in Balinese villas and enjoy all-inclusive services gourmet meals, fine wines and spirits, individually selected spa therapy and an extensive water sports program.

"Necker Island offers complete privacy and a vibrant social schedule," Modis said. Guests may be able to enjoy wildlife activities, yoga on the beach or even the Necker Cup Tennis Tournament, which happens every year.

Necker also has a high level of environmental dedication. From its reliance on renewable energy to its conservation initiatives for vulnerable species, Necker is as refined as it is responsible.

Building a Summer to Remember

This summer, luxury travel isn't so much where you're headed, but how you get there. Private plane charters make these out-of-the-way places accessible to those willing to have adventure with a touch of luxury. Whether champagne-swilling on a Victorian sea fort, reflecting on a solitary Ionian beach, or sailing the Caribbean's turquoise seas, these isolated havens have had more than a holiday to offer. They have provided tales worth living and worth telling.

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