In the world of private aviation, owners and travelers often take several breaks each year and in every season. From tropical escapes in the Caribbean to alpine retreats in the Swiss Alps, each year’s calendar is filled with destinations that are as exclusive as the jets that get them there. For charter brokers, aircraft owners, and private jet operators, knowing where the world’s jet set are heading, and when, is essential to anticipating demand, positioning aircraft, and creating tailored experiences.
Today, we offer a look at some of the prime locations at different times of the year including the vibe, who might be there, why they go and how they get there.
Winter: Caribbean Cool and Snow-Capped Chic
St. Barts (December – January)
Vibe: Billionaire beach club meets French Riviera flair
Who Might Be There: Jeff Bezos, Leonardo DiCaprio, the Kardashians and a long list of celebs.
Why They Go: St. Barts is the destination for New Year’s Eve among many in this crowd. Gustavia Harbor becomes a floating showroom of superyachts, while villas like Villa Rockstar and Eden Rock Hotel host private parties that rival anything in Ibiza or Mykonos.
How They Get There: Arrivals fly into St. Maarten or San Juan and transfer by smaller aircraft to Gustaf III Airport, infamous for its dramatic approach. Many opt for dual bookings with a long-range jet for the main route, and a light jet or turboprop for the island hop.
St. Moritz, Switzerland (Late December – February)
Vibe: Old-world elegance with modern private wealth
Who Might Be There: Formula 1 families, Luxury brand executives, Saudi royals
Why They Go: Known for polo on snow, fur-clad après-ski, and discretion, St. Moritz is where those with means go to be around others like themselves. Luxury chalets and five-star properties like Badrutt’s Palace and Kulm Hotel host high society every winter.
How They Get There: Engadin Airport in nearby Samedan is Europe’s highest altitude airport, and one of its most exclusive. Winter slots fill up quickly, and hangar space is at a premium.
Spring: Desert Art and Mediterranean Previews
Coachella & Palm Springs, California (April)
Vibe: Festival meets fashion week – VIP only access
Who Might Be There: Tech founders, supermodels, musicians
Why They Go: While Coachella draws the press, the real action happens in the gated estates of Palm Springs, where high profile clients fly in for private performances, poolside branding events, and invite only fashion parties.
How They Get There: Bermuda Dunes and Jacqueline Cochran Regional airports see heavy traffic from private jets and helicopters. Many clients request last minute services with VIP concierge add-ons like backstage access and on call stylists.
Capri & Amalfi Coast, Italy (May – June)
Vibe: Sun-drenched glamour with cinematic romance
Who Might Be There: Russian oligarchs, Hollywood couples, European royals
Why They Go: As the Mediterranean warms up, the Amalfi Coast becomes a playground of fine dining, cliffside luxury, and yachting. Private villas, hidden beach clubs, and designer boutiques make it a pre-season alternative to the summer crush in Ibiza.
How They Get There: Naples Capodichino Airport or private landings in Salerno. Helicopter transfers to Capri are common among this exclusive clientele.
Summer: Jet-Set Nirvana Across Europe
Mykonos, Greece (July – August)
Vibe: Hedonistic energy meets whitewashed luxury
Who Might Be There: Global DJs, shipping heirs, crypto whales
Why They Go: Mykonos blends mega-villa privacy with a nightlife that goes until sunrise. Nammos and Scorpios Beach Club are ground zero for champagne parties and networking among celebs and industry leaders alike.
How They Get There: Mykonos Airport handles large volumes of private jets each summer. Slot coordination is vital, and high winds can disrupt landing schedules so it’s best to have a regional backup like Athens or Santorini.
Ibiza, Spain (July – August)
Vibe: Bohemian lifestyle meets luxury minimalism
Who Might Be There: Silicon Valley execs, superyacht owners, fashion designers
Why They Go: Ibiza is no longer just for partygoers, it’s a spiritual wellness haven by day, and an underground club scene by night. Think six-bedroom estates, private chefs, and spiritual guides booked through luxury travel advisors.
How They Get There: Ibiza Airport has invested heavily in private aviation infrastructure. Many VIPs arrive via jet and depart via yacht, often using their aircraft to commute back and forth to business meetings midweek.
Fall: Safari Luxe and Secluded Retreats
Botswana & Kenya (September – October)
Vibe: Remote opulence with conservation chic
Who Might Be There: Philanthropic business leaders, discreet A-listers
Why They Go: The dry season in Africa is the perfect time for high-end safaris including $5,000 a night tented lodges, private wildlife guides, and chartered bush planes to remote conservation sites.
How They Get There: Private jets fly into Johannesburg or Nairobi, followed by custom charter bush flights into the Okavango Delta or Maasai Mara. Luggage restrictions and cross-border logistics require expert handling.
Napa Valley, California (September – October)
Vibe: Vineyard estates and culinary exclusivity
Who Might Be There: Tech founders, hedge fund magnates
Why They Go: Harvest season is peak luxury in Napa. Ultra-private tastings at Screaming Eagle or Harlan Estate are invitation only. Guests stay at estates not found on Google, where chefs and sommeliers are flown in on demand.
How They Get There: Napa County Airport and Santa Rosa see spikes in traffic during harvest season. Some jet owners’ book multi-leg U.S. wine tours to places in California, Oregon, and Washington without touching a commercial terminal.
As you can see, the world of private jet escapes is not limited by season or by destination. Those that can, seek out year-round pleasures.