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Five-star picnics

The modern foodie picnic is about much more than a spread of roast chicken, mayonnaise and potato salad. Today, hotels, accommodation services and tour companies have realised the appeal of take-no-prisoners picnics that spare nothing in either culinary quality or expense, be it blankets in public city parks or private islands.

Sarina Lewis

Post-picnic snorkelling on a secluded island in the Great Barrier Reef.
Post-picnic snorkelling on a secluded island in the Great Barrier Reef.Supplied

UNITED STATES

The Grand Canyon

THE PICNIC Forget soggy frittata and low-quality fizz, this is one picnic designed exclusively for thrill-seekers with cash to burn. Helicopter in to the Grand Canyon on a private tour that descends 970 metres inside the canyon's rim. Sheer rock walls loom on either side as you sip champagne and savour gourmet nibbles beneath a (stylish) makeshift shelter provided to enhance the experience. The trip departs from Las Vegas, and also takes in a scenic tour of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam before completing the adventure with a flight over the bright lights of Vegas post-picnic. Priced at about $530 per person.

Fly over the famous Grand Canyon.
Fly over the famous Grand Canyon.Supplied
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THE PERKS Complimentary pick-up and drop off by stretch limo from most Las Vegas hotels.

sundancehelicopters.com

AUSTRALIA

The Great Barrier Reef

A bicycle basket laden with Finnish foodstuffs.
A bicycle basket laden with Finnish foodstuffs.Supplied

THE PICNIC A private helicopter tour to a private island contained within the chain of reefs known as one of the world's natural wonders offers a unique picnic opportunity far removed from the days of ant marches and pilled woollen rugs.
From Cairns, tour provider Viator will take guests on a scenic tour from the sky before dropping down to land on Vlasoff Cay (pictured below), a remote coral island flung far from shore and habitation that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef. For two hours enjoy the solitude alongside a picnic hamper including chilled champagne, tropical fruits and sweet and savoury nibbles – armed with a beach umbrella, picnic rug and deckchairs, of course. From $350 per person.

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THE PERKS The complimentary snorkelling equipment gives good reason to get the body moving for post-picnic pleasures.

viator.com

UNITED STATES

The northern lights as seen from Alaska.
The northern lights as seen from Alaska.Supplied

Lake Bennett, Yukon

THE PICNIC Pate and champagne and bears, oh my! Who said adventure and indulgence don't mix? This unique tour of Alaska's wildly beautiful Yukon is the ideal mix of adrenaline and enjoyment: take the trip of a lifetime with a private tour on a Zodiac up Lake Bennett, the same ribbon of water used to float home atop home-made rafts during the gold rush more than 100 years before. The full-day tour costs about $810 per person. And while the picnic may not include French champagne and five-star food, the incredible views, thrill-seeking physicality and precious remoteness of the site more than make up for any absence of caviar.

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THE PERKS A chance to view bears and other local wildlife in their natural habitats.

elementsofalaska.com

FINLAND

Punkaharju, Lake Puruvesi

THE PICNIC Lakeside log cabins in Finland's south-east are yours for the taking with this picnic-themed getaway, set on the shores of the stunning Lake Puruvesi. With the fairytale green forest as your backdrop, feel free to explore alone or with guided hikes for the active. For those who prefer their holidays a little more leisurely, take advantage of the pre-packed picnic hamper. Nestle the hamper in your rowing boat for a little floating foodie pleasure or strap it to the bicycles provided to take in a slow-paced tour of your surrounds – an ideal way to build the appetite for smoked salmon, beautiful dark rye breads and speciality cheeses.

THE PERKS Your own personal sauna replete with sweetly fragrant oils, peeling salt and a luffa – a great opportunity to partake in what is an age-old Finnish tradition.

hapimag.com

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