Behind Closed Doors

We pride ourselves on getting our members to the very heart of those experiences that mean the most to them, arranging the kind of access that others can only dream of. Take this budding royal historian mother-and-daughter duo, who found themselves in the private state apartments of Kensington Palace, trying on diamond-loaded tiaras and gem-encrusted crowns that graced the heads of some of our most beloved royals, including the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana. The magic started when they were picked up by a classic Rolls-Royce VI, the very same car that featured in the televsion series The Crown. The pair were then whisked through secret rooms and silent corridors, far from public spaces and crowded exhibitions, to meet with the royal family’s heritage jeweller.

Over chilled glasses of Bollinger (reportedly the late Queen’s favourite), royal anecdotes spilled forth, alongside a visit from a royal historian to add context to the jewels – stories of who wore what, and when. To top it off, an official royal photographer popped by to record this extraordinary encounter.

A member of the Swiss Guard unlocks the door to the Sistine Chapel

Speaking of extraordinary encounters, imagine being privy to the ceremonial opening of the Vatican City doors in Rome, and watching in awe as the lights are switched on to illuminate the wonder of the Sistine Chapel, in absolute stillness and solitude. We arranged this exact experience for one SDP couple who had previously visited Michelangelo's celebrated frescoes but had been frustrated by the moving queue, which meant very little time to appreciate this magnificent work. We organised a meeting with the Vatican City’s key holder for an early morning rendezvous to accompany him on his morning duties, the finale being the unlocking of the Sistine Chapel, an honour usually reserved for dignitaries.

This rare opportunity meant not only one-on-one time with Michelangelo's masterpiece but also the chance to explore the extraordinary treasures of the Vatican Museums in total privacy and at their own pace. Our art-loving couple eventually found themselves in the serenity of the Vatican Gardens in quiet contemplation of all they’d seen, a place where the Pope himself wanders for a little time to think.

Not all our access-all-areas experiences are about peace, quiet and the absence of people. One family of Formula One aficionados came to us with a quest to get them right into the very heart of the action: revving engines, hot rubber and a cheering grandstand filled with rippling crowds.

The thrill of Formula One race day

We were able to deliver the full thrill of race day, with added access that's limited to just a few guests throughout the whole Formula One season, arranging a special backstage pass that’s usually reserved solely for drivers and team principals. This meant the family had the freedom to wander at will, weaving between team motorhomes where the drivers meet their engineers and senior strategists between sessions. A thrilling behind-the-scenes look at the Safety Car garage revealed how the tech and crew manage danger at racing speed. The family was also able to get close to the inner sanctum of the Formula One Pit Lane, spotting racing icons and even joining in the legendary team celebrations that happen off-camera.

We all know that having a private guide to help bring a place to life is always a good thing, but for one group's trip to Egypt, their guide’s access became the portal to a wholly immersive experience.

Imagine the wonder of seeing the inscrutable Sphinx bathed in the light of daybreak, without another soul in sight. One lucky bunch did, alongside private access to the newly-discovered tomb of Wahtye, where an archaeologist was on-hand to illuminate its 4,400-year-old history. Our SDP members also had a special after-hours private view of the finally-reopened Grand Egyptian Museum; a highlight was being alone in the extraordinary Tutankhamun galleries. Finally, they celebrated a special milestone birthday on a private cruise as the temple-studded banks of the Nile drifted by.

We’d love to bring your greatest daydream to epic life, so get in touch and we’ll get to work on what we do best.