Looking for somewhere different to visit for a short break? What about Antarctica, just a five-hour flight on a private jet for that once-in-a-lifetime visit with White Desert adventures.

Previously, tourists eager to conquer the seventh continent would need to travel to either Chile or Argentina where they would board a vessel which would sail across the formidable Drake Passage. This all changed when the South African boutique hotel and game lodge specialists, Mantis Collection, joined forces with the owners of White Desert to offer guests access to Antarctica via a short flight from Cape Town.

Launched by the young British polar adventurer, Patrick Woodhead, White Desert in Antarctica offers the ultimate adventure for the ‘been there, done that’ crowd.  En route to Antarctica, leaving from a gate at the Cape Town airport marked ‘Unknown International Airport,’ guests take the five-and-a-half hour flight.

Adventurers fly via private jet from Cape Town, crossing the vast Southern Ocean and watching the night turn to day as they pass through the polar circle into 24 hours of sunshine. Landing on the specially-designed ice runway, guests will be among the few to visit the interior of the Antarctic continent.

Upon arrival in Antartica, guests are transferred in specially modified 4x4s to Whichaway Camp, perched on a 200ft ice cliff and overlooking the most surreal and spectacular scenery on earth. Don’t let the glacial temperatures and rigorous climate scare you. Every guest is equipped with Dunhill cashmere-blend clothing from the White Desert Shop. And, despite the untouched open surroundings, guests of White Desert will not be cheated of a single comfort. 

Whichaway Camp offers five spacious tents; each outfitted with comfortable beds, plush fur rugs, hot water bottles and heating stoves. A separate tent houses the shower. The main living space, which includes a dining room, library, kitchen and communications area, comprises two dome tents, decorated with the opulence of the old world African safari style and equipped with the latest technology. The Camp is exclusively powered by solar energy and operates by strict ecological guidelines. 

Meals at White Desert are equally indulgent. With food prepared by South African Cordon Bleu chef, Jenna Viney, guests wake up to a full English breakfast, return from their adventures to a delectable light lunch, and relax, at day’s end, with an extravagant three-course dinner, accompanied by GH Mumm ‘Cordon Rouge’ champagne and a wide assortment of wines. 

In addition to the itineraries, activities include everything from gentle treks to view the magnificent underground ice waves, a visit to the Russian science base to learn more about their work, and picnics on the summit of Mt. Shirmacher, to ice climbing, kite-skiing and abseiling. There are also scenic flights through unknown mountains, ski trips to previously unclimbed mountains or excursions to the beginning of open water to see the 200ft ice barrier. 

This year Mantis are also offering adventurers a first-of-its-kind opportunity, to embark on a shortened version of the standard eight-day experiences. “The Overnighter” adventure takes you into the very heart of Antarctica in comfort and style for two days and one night. In 2011 this unique journey is scheduled to take place from 20-22 December 2011.

And the cost? Well, if you have to ask you probably can’t afford it.

The Overnighter will set you back a cool €18 000, while the 8/9 day White Desert adventures range from €37 400 – €56 000. And, as you’d expect, it’s all inclusive.

For more information, visit www.white-desert.com.