Privacy is the Ultimate Luxury in Today’s Travel Landscape

Privacy—an all too elusive feeling in our hyper-connected world—has become the ultimate hallmark of elevated travel and a non-negotiable for clients who want to experience the best the world has to offer while remaining under the radar.

According to a recent survey conducted by Statista, more than 85% of affluent travelers place a high premium on privacy when booking travel experiences, making it one of the most sought-after elements of “luxury” in today’s complex travel landscape. So whether it comes in the form of traveling by private jet or seamlessly bypassing crowded airport terminals before retreating to your private villa nestled in paradise, your SmartFlyer travel advisor is the key to navigating the small details that make an outsized difference.

…it’s about reclaiming time, relishing undisturbed spaces, and the priceless peach that comes with being unburdened from the seemingly constant pull on one’s attention.

But why has privacy taken on this level of importance? For many, it comes down to wanting their holidays to feel as intentional, if not more so, than the high standard of comfort they’ve created at home. Whether it’s avoiding crowded tourist areas, ensuring anonymity during transit, or seeking serenity in a private villa, today’s discerning travelers are looking to savor the highlights of their trip without having to worry about safety or the logistics of how they’ll reach their destination. Luxury is no longer just about gold-plated decor or indulgent amenities; it’s about reclaiming time, relishing undisturbed spaces, and the priceless peach that comes with being unburdened from the seemingly constant pull on one’s attention.

For discerning travelers, privacy isn’t a mere option; it’s an expectation. With this shift, SmartFlyer travel advisors find themselves at the forefront of curating thoughtful travel experiences from the moment clients depart their homes until they return. What does this mean in practical terms? We’re breaking down some of the most innovative ways we’re redefining luxury through privacy-focused services, all designed to create unforgettable escapes.

Private Aviation: The Gold Standard

When it comes to private aviation, there’s little that compares to the sense of exclusivity onboard a chartered flight. Skip the lengthy check-in queues, crowded lounges, and prying eyes. Private jets are the epitome of both convenience and confidentiality. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor will work with a trusted operator to secure the right aircraft for your needs, ensuring seamless departures and arrivals, private airspace, and the ability to fly into exclusive airports that commercial airlines can’t access.

Beyond comfort, private aviation allows travel to take on a personal dimension. Whether it’s enjoying Michelin-level catering, customizing your cabin with your favorite vintage, or bringing along extended family or a trusted security detail, private jets transform transit into an integral part of a stress-free travel experience. The additional privacy afforded by private aviation can’t be overstated. Plus, for those in the public eye, the discretion used by all involved ensures conversations stay confidential, news of a client’s trip isn’t leaked, and paparazzi are kept entirely outside the picture.

The Private Suite Experience from LA to Paris

While private aviation epitomizes exclusive transportation, not every trip requires chartering a plane. For those traveling commercial, a new class of privacy innovation is available at some of the world’s busiest airports. Enter spaces like PS (formerly The Private Suite) in Los Angeles’ Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) or the streamlined VVIP Exclusive Terminal at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

PS at LAX and ATL grants guests total discretion and efficiency from arrival to departure. With a dedicated gate and zero contact with terminal crowds, clients enjoy direct shuttles to their aircraft. Add perks like personal security screenings, beautifully adorned lounges, and white-glove service in an area far away from prying cameras, and this becomes the gold standard for private airport luxury. Of course, this can all be arranged by your SmartFlyer travel advisor.

Similarly, Paris offers an ultra-exclusive greeting for travelers looking to experience runway pickup and escorted boarding, making connecting between flights a stress-free breeze. Or, if you prefer an even more white glove experience arriving to Paris, opt to fly Air France’s new La Première first class which offers one of the most private commercial flying experiences in the sky, with just four suites in the cabin and floor-to-ceiling curtains that create a cocoon of calm. From discreet boarding to personalized service, every detail is designed to feel less like an airline and more like a private sanctuary at 30,000 feet.

Villa Rentals for Elevated Privacy

Privacy naturally extends into accommodation choices, where the shift to private villa rentals—often times serviced by hotels you know and love—has marked a notable trend. Villas offer exclusivity that even the most decadent penthouse suites struggle to rival. Equipped with private pools, terraced gardens, commercial-grade kitchens, and often direct beach access, these homes away from home offer unparalleled seclusion.

Properties from our partners like Ultima Collection, Aman Villas, Domus Stay, onefinestay, or even Airbnb Luxe are all bookable with the support of your SmartFlyer travel advisor. What’s more, villa stays can be elevated with bespoke services, tailored precisely to your preferences. Want a private chef to craft meals featuring organic locally-sourced ingredients? Done. Need childcare so you can spend an uninterrupted day soaking in infinity pools? Say no more. These properties transcend the traditional lodging experience by crafting spaces designed solely for ultimate relaxation and personalization.

Yacht Charters

…no set schedules, no crowds, just a floating villa with a crew attuned to your every mood.

There’s something undeniably cinematic about exploring the world by sea—gliding into hidden coves, anchoring beside pastel port towns, and sipping Champagne on deck as the sun slips below the horizon. A private yacht charter transforms travel into something entirely more personal: no set schedules, no crowds, just a floating villa with a crew attuned to your every mood. Whether you’re island-hopping through the Greek Cyclades, tracing the Amalfi Coast, or snorkeling off the coast of St Barths, a charter offers the freedom to follow your whims while wrapped in barefoot luxury.

Today’s charter experiences go far beyond the traditional yacht crowd, appealing to both first-time charterers and seasoned travelers looking for a new way to see familiar destinations. Choose from sleek, motor-powered superyachts equipped with full gyms and toy garages, or opt for elegant catamarans ideal for families and friend groups who want to keep things more casual. And with the right crew, every detail is taken care of—sunrise smoothies, sunset playlists, and even perfectly timed aperitivo as you sail into your next port of call. It’s the kind of travel that lingers long after the salt has left your hair.

Places perfect for a yacht charter include:

• The Cyclades, Greece
• The Amalfi Coast and Capri, Italy
• St. Barths, Anguilla, and St. Martin
• Croatia’s Dalmation Coast
• The Turkish Riviera
• Sardina and Corsica
• The Aeolian Islands, Sicily
• Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Privatized Cultural Experiences

While experiencing sought-after landmarks and cultural gems remains a quintessential part of travel, discerning travelers often crave these experiences minus the crowds. With advanced planning, SmartFlyer travel advisors collaborate with our ground operators to quite literally unlock doors to some of the world’s most treasured exhibits, museums, and monuments.

Some examples include but are not limited to:

• Paris, France: See the salons where YSL once sketched through a private fashion archives tour of Musée Yves Saint Laurent
• Vienna, Austria: A private viewing of Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss at Vienna’s Belvedere Palace
• Rome, Italy: The Vatican Museum at dawn to see the Sistine Chapel before it opens to the public
• Milan, Italy: After-hours experience of The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie for up to thirty minutes completely alone—less about grandeur, more about reverence
• Florence, Italy: Soak up The Uffizi by night with entire galleries to yourself, guided by an art historian
• Beijing, China: See hidden wings of The Forbidden City not open to the public

Making the Museums Your Hotel

There are luxury stays, and then there are experiences that collapse the barrier between art and life. At the recently unveiled Dior Suite at La Galerie Dior in Paris, guests have the rare chance to not just admire fashion history but to sleep within it. Available exclusively as a full buyout of the museum, the experience begins after closing hours when the space empties of visitors and transforms into a private sanctuary. You’re granted after-hours access to the entire gallery, including Monsieur Dior’s original office, and come evening, you’ll retire to a lavish suite nestled within the museum itself. It’s a one-of-one opportunity to inhabit the world of haute couture from the inside out.

Meanwhile, at Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle, history itself plays house. As the only hotel on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, this opulent stay includes exclusive after-hours access to the Hall of Mirrors and other normally off-limits rooms. You’ll explore the palace in complete solitude, guided by a private historian, long after the last tourist coach has disappeared. By day, sip Champagne in view of the Orangerie; by night, walk the same halls once graced by Marie Antoinette. It’s not just luxury—it’s living inside a legend.

Privacy as a Byword for Bespoke Luxury

At its core, privacy is no longer just a preference for travelers; it’s an intrinsic part of what luxury means today. Whether in the air, on land, or at cultural landmarks, privacy-focused services provide not only reassurance but also freedom. It’s about providing space to fall in love with an experience without compromise. By combining discretion with personalization and exclusivity, travel advisors offer clients something money alone can’t always buy—the absolute peace of mind that comes from knowing their time and space is entirely their own.

Work with Us

If you’re ready to create travel experiences that are as private as they are unforgettable, our experienced advisors specialize in crafting moments designed exclusively for you. Contact us to begin planning your next bespoke adventure, where your privacy is our ultimate priority.