Essential luxe travel apps

LONDON — We love our apps that enable us to book a taxi or order a meal in advance. But if you’re planning to really live it up on your travels, here are some that you’ll want on your mobile phone. They’re only a click away.

PRIVATEFLY (iOS, Android): With access to about 7,000 jets spread across the globe, PrivateFly is a one-stop shop for booking flights on private jets, including empty legs offered by jet owners at heavily discounted rates. It has geolocation functions including a closest-airport finder and a “jet me home” option. It’s easy to view and manage your booked flights, too. PrivateFly’s customers have responded enthusiastically to the app: It now generates around 11 per cent of the company’s bookings.

THE BIG DOMAIN (iOS): Planning on throwing a party somewhere special? The Big Domain specialises in rentals of large properties around the world, including the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Asia and the Caribbean. The app is quick and slick: Plug in the number of guests, select a country or region and it recommends appropriate options from about 460 properties. High-end highlights include a cliff-top villa on Phuket’s Millionaire’s Mile, a castle in the Scottish Borders and an estate on Anguilla that can sleep up to 38 guests.

QUINTESSENTIALLY LIFESTYLE (iOS, Android): This is the gateway to a “personal concierge on the go”, accessed from a members-only area inside the app. Quintessentially uses a mix of human and automated bespoke recommendations to uncover and arrange hard-to-access experiences, including restaurant bookings that are not generally available. A new version due out next month will push even more personalised content.

UBERLUX (iOS, Android): The app-powered cab company also has a luxury driver service. UberLUX cars have more legroom (an S-Class Mercedes is typical), plus bottled water and magazines in the back. If it’s raining, the driver escorts you to the door under an umbrella. Setting up with Uber is easy: Link a card or PayPal account, then drop a pin into a map to choose your pick-up point. No cash changes hands — everything is handled inside the app.

GETMYBOAT (iOS, Android): Access the world’s largest boat rental and charter marketplace with this app, which lists everything from kayaks to 150-foot yachts at about 2,000 separate locations in 90 countries. Search by location, filter by craft type, check availability and confirm a reservation.

PRIVATE ISLAND NEWS (iOS): Thinking of renting a private island? This straightforward little app is the best source of travel inspiration, information on the purchase market and breaking news in the world of private islands. You can even set an alert to notify you when a new island goes on sale. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH