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Milestones, they’re how we mark the big moments in life. We gather together to celebrate our accomplishments, including making another trip around the sun, and celebrating with our favorite people makes it all the sweeter. For a lot of us, the milestones are coming in bunches now because we couldn’t really party the way we wanted to the last two years. But we’re fast making up for lost time. Whether it’s a big, round-number birthday, graduation or just being able to do grandiose activities once again, these are some of our favorite ways to celebrate.
Charter a yacht
Depending on the size of your crew, you can keep it intimate with a two- or three-cabin vessel with The Moorings or bring the whole family and friend group along on a charter with SeaDream and its 112-guest capacity. It’s still small enough to call at the smaller and less-traveled ports in the Caribbean, making for the perfect island-hopping adventure. The crew will tend to your every need, and there are toys galore on board to take out in the water. Nothing makes turning 50 feel good like a beach barbecue with your favorite people.
Rent a private island
You like the idea of the sea views, the golden sand and the staff catering to your every whim, but you’re not so keen on the whole boat aspect. We get it. That is what private islands were made for. There’s a little more room to roam and unlimited beach time. The chefs don’t miss a trick, and your evenings end with sumptuous dinners that make you want to get up and do it all over again the next day.
Tennis week
Say you and your friends are a little more competitive with each other. You don’t want to sit around eating and lounging all day, you want to work up a sweat and experience the thrill of victory. Antigua’s Curtain Bluff hosts a number of special tennis weeks throughout the year, including Tennis Challenge Week each November, hosted by former Davis Cup player Dick Stockton. Once you’re finished vanquishing your friends, you’re still surrounded by a five-star beach resort. Maybe you can buy them a spa treatment to say no hard feelings.
Private bike or hike trip
You can keep the activity with a little less competition and a little more wine. Backroads and DuVine offer great biking and hiking tours, including several in the Napa, Sonoma and Alexander valleys of California. You can privatize them so it’s just your group, go at your own pace and revel in some of the most beautiful surroundings you’ll ever see. Do it over a long weekend or take a week and really unwind, with stops at some of the most celebrated wineries in the region.
Rent a ski chalet
OK, so your big milestone happens in the winter and you’re more of a ski bunny anyway. There are plenty of ski villas and chalets to choose from in the Rockies – or the Alps, or the Andes if you want to add some international flare. Friends and family will toast you as king or queen of the mountain, and you’ll get to lounge fireside after a lovely day out on the slopes. Many Virtuoso-preferred ski resorts also offer activities such as guided stargazing to make the most of your time in the mountains.
Spa weekend
Not everybody can get away for an entire week, crossing the country or the globe. In that case, a nice, relaxing weekend full of massages, spa treatments and wellness classes is just the thing. Virtuoso-preferred resorts such as the Lodge at Woodloch, Miraval and Canyon Ranch are easily within reach so you can head straight there and get right to relaxing. Spending quality time with the people you love most in this world, that’s the way to celebrate the big milestones in your life.