The Ultimate Ellermann Guide to Luxury Flower Trips Around the World
A curated Ellermann collection of the world's most spectacular floral destinations for the sophisticated traveler
Spring Spectacles
The Netherlands: Keukenhof & Tulip Fields
Best Time: Mid-March to mid-May
Experience the world's most famous flower garden in unparalleled luxury. Stay at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam or Hotel des Indes in The Hague, both offering exclusive early-access tours to Keukenhof before the crowds arrive. Private helicopter tours over the colorful tulip fields provide breathtaking aerial views of the striped landscapes.
Luxury Highlights:
Private guided tours with master horticulturists
Helicopter flights over Lisse flower fields
Exclusive dinner at Restaurant De Kas in Amsterdam's botanical greenhouse
Custom floral arrangement workshops with Dutch masters
Japan: Cherry Blossom Season
Best Time: Late March to early May
Japan's sakura season offers an ethereal experience when approached with luxury. The Aman Tokyo and The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto provide exclusive hanami experiences with private viewing areas and traditional kaiseki meals beneath blooming trees.
Luxury Highlights:
Private early morning photography sessions at Yoshino-yama's 30,000 cherry trees
Exclusive tea ceremonies in Kyoto's imperial gardens
Helicopter tours over Mount Fuji during cherry blossom peak
Private boat rides on Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji backdrop
Summer Splendor
England: Chelsea Flower Show & Cotswolds Gardens
Best Time: Late May to August
The Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show represents the pinnacle of garden artistry. Secure VIP passes for private preview days, then retreat to luxury properties like Chewton Glen or The Fish Hotel in the Cotswolds for private garden tours.
Luxury Highlights:
Royal enclosure access at Chelsea Flower Show
Private tours of Sissinghurst and Great Dixter gardens
Helicopter transfers between historic gardens
Exclusive dining at The Fat Duck with garden-to-table experiences
France: Provence Lavender Fields
Best Time: Late June to early August
The purple seas of Provence lavender create an intoxicating sensory experience. La Bastide de Gordes and Hotel Crillon le Brave offer prime locations for exploring the Valensole Plateau and Luberon valleys.
Luxury Highlights:
Private hot air balloon flights over lavender fields at sunrise
Exclusive perfume creation workshops in Grasse
Helicopter tours of the Gordes and Roussillon villages
Private harvest experiences with local lavender farmers
Autumn Adventures
India: Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
Best Time: July to September
This UNESCO World Heritage site blooms with over 600 species of alpine flowers. Access requires trekking, but luxury camping at Shakti 360° Leti provides comfort with stunning Himalayan views.
Luxury Highlights:
Private guided botanical expeditions with expert naturalists
Helicopter transfers to reduce trekking time
Luxury eco-camps with panoramic mountain views
Exclusive yoga and meditation sessions among wildflowers
Chile: Atacama Desert Bloom
Best Time: September to November (varies with rainfall)
The world's driest desert transforms into a carpet of wildflowers during rare bloom years. Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa and Tierra Atacama offer front-row seats to this natural phenomenon.
Luxury Highlights:
Private astronomer-guided night tours between flower fields
Helicopter excursions over blooming desert landscapes
Exclusive access to remote bloom sites
Wine tastings in nearby valleys with desert views
Year-Round Destinations
South Africa: Cape Floral Kingdom
Best Time: August to October (spring bloom)
The Western Cape's fynbos biome contains more plant species than the entire British Isles. La Residence in Franschhoek and Ellerman House in Cape Town provide luxury bases for exploration.
Luxury Highlights:
Private guided tours of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Helicopter flights over the Cape Peninsula wildflower displays
Exclusive wine and flower pairing experiences
Private botanical safaris in the Cederberg Mountains
Australia: Western Australia Wildflowers
Best Time: August to October
Western Australia's southwest explodes with over 12,000 wildflower species. COMO The Treasury in Perth and luxury eco-lodges provide access to this botanical wonderland.
Luxury Highlights:
Private charter flights over the Coral Coast wildflower displays
Exclusive access to research stations and conservation areas
Luxury camping experiences in Karaboinka National Park
Private indigenous cultural experiences with traditional plant uses
Exclusive Experiences
Private Island Flower Sanctuaries
Mustique, Caribbean: The private island's botanical gardens offer exclusive access to rare tropical blooms, with stays at The Cotton House providing ultimate privacy.
Isles of Scilly, England: These Atlantic islands bloom with exotic species from around the world. Hell Bay Hotel offers the only luxury accommodation with direct garden access.
Luxury Garden Hotels
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England: The Georgian manor sits within 500 acres of gardens, offering private tours and hands-on gardening experiences.
Belmond Hotel Splendido, Portofino: Terraced gardens overlook the Mediterranean, with exclusive access to rare Mediterranean flora.
Planning Your Luxury Flower Journey
Booking Considerations
Reserve accommodations 12-18 months in advance for peak bloom seasons
Weather patterns can shift bloom times; maintain flexible travel dates
Private guides with botanical expertise enhance the experience significantly
Consider shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and often better photography conditions
Packing Essentials
Professional camera equipment (many destinations offer photography workshops)
Quality hiking boots for garden walks and nature trails
Weather-appropriate clothing (spring weather can be unpredictable)
Notebook for sketching and recording favorite varieties
Transportation
Private jets and helicopters offer unparalleled aerial views
Luxury rail journeys connect many European flower destinations
Private yacht charters access island botanical sanctuaries
Chauffeur services ensure comfortable ground transportation
Seasonal Planning Calendar
Spring (March-May): Netherlands tulips, Japan cherry blossoms, English spring gardens Summer (June-August): French lavender, English roses, Himalayan alpine flowers Autumn (September-November): Chilean desert blooms, Indian Valley of Flowers Winter (December-February): Southern Hemisphere destinations, greenhouse conservatories
The world's most spectacular floral displays await those who seek them with discerning taste and appreciation for natural beauty. Each destination offers not just visual splendor, but immersive experiences that engage all the senses in the timeless romance between humans and flowers.
