A Michelin-Starred Journey to the Stars  for Just €170,000

Vincent Farret d’Astiès, an aeronautical engineer, is making space travel accessible with Zephalto’s innovative commercial balloon flights. And he has delivered on that promise. This autumn, his company Zephalto will launch commercial balloon flights that redefine adventure. The experience promises more than just breath-taking vistas. It even includes a Michelin-starred dinner – an indulgence that elevates the journey to extraordinary heights.

In a sleek capsule reminiscent of futuristic spacecraft design, passengers will ascend to an altitude of 25 km in just 90 minutes—offering a rare opportunity to witness the curvature of the Earth and enjoy sweeping views that can extend up to 1,400 km.

For comparison, traditional hot air balloons typically reach only a few hundred metres, with more advanced flights peaking around 3 km. However, with specialised high-altitude equipment, significantly greater heights are achievable. One notable expedition, sponsored by a private investor, reached 21 km and was even recognised by the Guinness World Records. At such altitudes, human survival without proper gear is impossible due to extremely low oxygen levels and frigid conditions, where the temperature drops approximately 6.5 degrees Celsius for every kilometre ascended.

This journey is more akin to space exploration than a traditional balloon flight.” “For those whose childhood heroes were astronauts, this is a dream come true. “It’s the perfect middle ground – a space-inspired adventure without the rigorous physical training or medical exams required for astronauts,” explains Vilma Kondratienė, head of Glotera, the travel agency offering these extraordinary flights.

With only six guests and two pilots per flight, exclusivity is guaranteed. Each guest enjoys a private 20-square-meter cabin, complete with expansive 3-meter-wide windows that offer breath-taking views of the Earth and beyond. As you ascend, prepare for a Michelin-starred gastronomic journey that elevates the experience to new heights. 

“This is more than just a meal – it’s a fusion of culinary artistry and physical adventure,” says Kondratienė. Over six unforgettable hours, you’ll savour world-class cuisine while floating above the clouds, creating memories that will last a lifetime. With a price of €170,000, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is as exclusive as it is extraordinary. Demand is soaring, and securing a spot could mean waiting several years. But for those who crave the extraordinary, the wait is a small price to pay for an adventure that redefines luxury travel.

 The organisers emphasise the eco-friendly nature of this venture. Unlike traditional airplanes, these balloons produce virtually no pollution, aligning with a vision of sustainable exploration. Zephalto envisions this as a unique opportunity for tourists to experience the vastness of the universe, reflect on their place in it, and reconnect with nature in a harmonious way.